Prepper Meals for Beginners

Those new to prepping meals likely agree it can be overwhelming figuring out where to start when building an emergency food supply.

By understanding the basics of prepper meals, what foods have the longest shelf lives, and easy recipes to make at home, even beginners can start putting together a stockpile for their family.

In this guide, you'll get step-by-step advice on meal planning, storage solutions, budget-friendly ingredients to prioritize, and must-have prepper recipes to master, setting you up with the knowledge to create a robust and nutritious emergency pantry.

Introduction to Prepping Meals

Prepping meals is an essential part of emergency preparedness. By stockpiling non-perishable foods with a long shelf life, you can ensure your family has nutritious meals available if a disaster strikes.

Understanding the Basics of Prepper Meals

Prepper meals are designed to be stored for extended periods of time without refrigeration. Typical prepper foods include canned goods, beans, rice, pasta, oats, freeze dried food, MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), and food specifically made for emergency storage like augason farms products. The key is choosing shelf-stable items that retain nutritional value.

The Benefits of Prepping Meals for Long-Term Storage

Stockpiling prepper meals has many practical benefits beyond just emergency preparedness:

Saves money by buying food in bulk when on sale
Hedges against food inflation with a stocked pantry
Provides nutrition for sudden emergencies like job loss or illness
Allows you to support your family without relying on external help
Peace of mind knowing you have contingency plans in place

Essential Prepper Meals to Stockpile

When starting out, focus on nutritious basics like rice, beans, oats, canned vegetables, fruits, meats, and prepper meals recipes like chili, soups, and stews. Easy-to-store staples are best for those new to prepping. Consider an emergency food supply for family of 4 to start.

Budget-Friendly Prepper Meal Planning

You don't need fancy freeze dried food or large stockpiles to start prepping meals. Buy basics like rice, beans, pasta, canned tuna, and peanut butter in bulk when they go on sale. Create easy meal plans around these ingredients, which provide good nutrition at a low cost for your family.

Setting Up Your First Prepper Pantry

Start prepping meals with a small pantry of basics like rice (20 lbs), beans (10 lbs), oats (10 lbs), pasta (10 lbs), canned goods (20 cans), peanut butter (5 jars) and prepper gear and supplies like a can opener, bottles water, and backup power. Shop sales and gradually build up a diverse stockpile over time.

What is the best food for preppers?

When it comes to stocking up on food for emergency preparedness, there are some key items that every prepper's pantry should contain. These foods are shelf-stable, nutrient-dense, and easy to store for long periods of time.

Some of the best foods to have on hand include:

Peanut butter - A good source of protein, fats, and calories. Opt for natural peanut butter without hydrogenated oils.
Whole wheat crackers - Provides carbohydrates and fiber. Choose low-sodium varieties.
Nuts and trail mixes - Great for snacks that pack protein, healthy fats, and nutrients. Prioritize unsalted nuts.
Cereal and granola - Look for whole grain cereals low in sugar. Pair with shelf-stable milk.
Granola and protein bars - Useful for quick bites that offer protein and nutrients.
Dried fruits - Offer concentrated calories from fruit along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Focus on unsweetened varieties.
Canned proteins - Choose water-packed tuna, salmon, chicken, and other meats for protein.
Canned vegetables - Go for low-sodium versions of veggies like green beans, carrots, and peas.

When stockpiling food, be sure to calculate approximately 2,000 calories per person for each day. Store foods in a cool, dark place and routinely cycle out items before they expire. With the right selection of non-perishable foods, preppers can build a reliable stockpile to feed their family in an emergency.

What food should be stockpiled?

When starting your prepper food stockpile, focus on versatile ingredients that provide nutrition and calories. Some essentials to have on hand include:

Canned and Dried Goods

Stock up on canned meats like chicken, tuna, salmon, and spam. Canned beans, vegetables, and fruits are nutritious and have a long shelf-life. Include canned soups and chili as well. Prioritize high-calorie dried goods like pasta, rice, oats, wheat berries, and dried beans.

Fats and Oils

Fats are calorie-dense and provide essential fatty acids. Stock up on oils like olive oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil, shortening, lard, and nut butters.

Dairy and Eggs

Powdered milk, evaporated milk, and shelf-stable UHT milk are convenient for stockpiling. Hard cheeses also have a long shelf-life. Consider stocking powdered eggs as an alternative to fresh eggs.

Water

The most essential prepper item is water.Aim to stockpile at least one gallon of water per person per day for your household. Store in food-grade plastic containers and rotate it out every six months. You can also stockpile water purification tablets, filters, or treatment drops.

Focus your stockpile on versatile, nutritious ingredients with a long shelf-life. Continue expanding your reserves and rotating stock to build a well-supplied prepper pantry.

What is the longest lasting food for survival?

When it comes to stockpiling food for emergency preparedness, having items with a long shelf life is crucial. Some of the longest lasting foods for survival situations include:

Grains

Soft grains like oats, rye, and quinoa can typically last around 8 years in proper storage conditions. With ideal temperature and moisture levels, their shelf life can reach 20 years. Harder grains fare even better - buckwheat, corn, wheat, and others keep for 12-30+ years. Augason Farms offers high-quality grains sealed in #10 cans, extending shelf life for decades.

Freeze Dried and Dehydrated Foods

Both freeze drying and dehydration remove the moisture that allows bacteria and mold to grow. When stored properly in sealed mylar bags with oxygen absorbers, these foods last 25-30 years. Popular picks are freeze dried fruits, vegetables, and meats as well as dehydrated beans, rice, pasta, and potatoes.

MREs

Meals Ready-to-Eat are designed for military use, made to last 5+ years when stored at 80°F. With ideal conditions, they can even reach 10-15 years before nutrients and taste decline. MREs provide full, balanced meals requiring only water.

The key is proper storage - cool, dark spaces with low humidity to prevent spoilage. By stocking up on long-lasting items like grains, freeze dried produce, and MREs, preppers can build food reserves to feed their family when SHTF.

What foods should I prep for long term eating?

When prepping meals for long term storage, focus on nutritious and non-perishable foods that will last a long time without refrigeration. Some good options to consider stocking up on include:

Rice and beans - These are nutrient-dense, inexpensive, and have a very long shelf life. Make sure to store them in airtight containers.
Ready-to-eat cereals - Opt for whole grain cereals and granola that come in single-serving pouches or boxes. These stay fresh for 1-2 years.
Pasta and pasta mixes - Dried pasta can last up to 30 years if stored properly. Pasta mix pouches that only require water are convenient.
Dried fruits and vegetables - Raisins, apples, carrots, etc. retain nutrients and last for many years in storage.
Canned foods - Canned tuna, vegetables, fruits packed in juice, etc. can safely be stored for 2-5 years.
Comfort foods - Stock up on things like honey, peanut butter, jam, nuts, trail mixes, crackers, etc. These provide variety and comfort.

When building your long term food supply, focus on nutritional balance across food groups, ease of preparation with minimal cooking time, and ensuring adequate calories and nutrients for your family. Integrating some pre-made food pouches into your stockpile also enables quick, hot meals with only the addition of water. Test and rotate foods in your stockpile to maximize freshness and shelf life. With some planning, you can build a robust, healthy, and varied long term food supply.

Selecting the Best Survival Food Kits

When building your emergency food supply, it's important to select high-quality survival food kits that meet your needs. Here are some key criteria to consider:

Optimizing Your Doomsday Prepper Food List

Focus your long-term food storage on nutritious and affordable shelf-stable items like:

Canned fruits and vegetables - Stock up on canned corn, peas, mixed vegetables, pears, peaches, etc. Opt for low-sodium when possible.
Canned soups and meats - Choose soups with meat and beans for extra protein. Canned chicken, tuna, salmon are excellent additions.
Whole grains - Rice, oats, quinoa and pasta last 30+ years when properly stored.
Dried beans and lentils - An economical source of plant-based protein.

The Role of Dried Beans and Legumes in Your Emergency Food Supply

Beans and legumes like chickpeas, kidney beans and lentils are:

High in fiber and protein
Extremely affordable
Have shelf lives of 30+ years
Are versatile - can be made into chili, hummus, bean salads, etc.

Stock up on a variety of dried beans and legumes for your prepper pantry.

Incorporating Whole Grains into Your 25-Year Emergency Food Supply

Whole grains like rice, oats and quinoa are perfect for long emergency storage because they:

Are affordable to stockpile
Last 30+ years when properly stored
Are nutritious - providing complex carbs, fiber, protein
Offer variety to your food supply

Focus your grains on rice, oats and pasta for your 25-year food supply.

Advantages of Freeze-Dried Food in Prepper Meals

Though more expensive upfront, freeze-dried "just add water" meals are:

Shelf-stable for 25+ years
Extremely lightweight and portable
Require no cooking fuel
Come in a huge variety of dishes

They make an excellent compact addition to your food supply.

MRE Survival Food: A Compact Solution

MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) are:

Designed for military field use
Shelf-stable for 5+ years
Pre-cooked and portable
Packaged in lightweight, compact pouches

They provide an easy grab-and-go addition to your prepper food supply.

Prepping Food for Long-Term Storage

Properly storing prepper foods is crucial for maintaining freshness and extending shelf life. By utilizing proven storage methods, you can keep your emergency food supply intact for years to come.

Utilizing Food Grade Buckets for Bulk Storage

Food grade plastic buckets with tight-fitting lids provide an effective way to store large quantities of grains, beans, rice, and more. Make sure to thoroughly clean buckets before use. Fill each bucket to the top to minimize air exposure. Consider using mylar bags or oxygen absorbers inside buckets for added protection. Label each bucket with contents and date. Store in cool, dark place.

Extending Shelf Life with Mylar Bags and Oxygen Absorbers

Mylar bags create an impermeable barrier to block moisture and oxygen from stored food. Pair them with oxygen absorbers to absorb any remaining oxygen and eliminate the opportunity for aerobic bacteria to grow. Mylar bags can extend shelf life of grains, beans, and more for 5-10 years if properly sealed.

Home Canning: Preserving Your Prepper Meals

Home canning allows you to preserve fruits, vegetables, soups, and more in glass jars for 1+ years. Follow proper canning methods using a pressure canner or water bath canning process. Acidify low-acid foods like meats and veggies to prevent botulism. Store canned foods in cool, dark place and monitor for spoilage.

The Traditional Role of Root Cellars in Food Preservation

Root cellars provide natural cold storage by utilizing the insulating properties of soil. Excavate space or build structure partially underground. Ventilate properly while blocking light. Ideal for storing fresh produce like potatoes, carrots, onions, apples over winter months.

Inventory Management: Rotation and Monitoring of Your Emergency Food Supply

Catalog all your stored prepper meals supplies and track expiration or best by dates. Set reminders to routinely cycle older food to top of stack and integrate into diet. Inspect stores for signs of spoilage, rodents, or moisture damage. Taking inventory and rotating helps maximize shelf life.

Prepper Meals Recipes for Every Situation

Prepper meals emphasize nutrition, portability, and long shelf life. Having go-to recipes that incorporate common prepper ingredients can ensure you have filling, nutritious options no matter the situation.

Rice & Bean Bowls: A Staple Prepper Meal

Rice and beans create a complete protein when paired together. Stock up on rice, dried beans/lentils, bouillon cubes, and seasonings.

Make one-pot meals by cooking rice and beans in broth. Top with veggies, cheese, hot sauce.
Bake seasoned rice and bean patties for quick protein.
Prepare rice bowls with canned chicken, veggies, and beans for balanced nutrition.

Versatile Canned Soup Blends

Get creative with canned vegetables, beans, broths, and seasonings for easy soup meals.

Tomato soup base with mixed veggies and beans or lentils.
Cream of mushroom with potato, celery, carrot.
Minestrone style with cabbage, spinach, pasta.

Rotate through varieties for meal diversity.

Creating Homemade MREs for On-the-Go Nutrition

Make your own DIY MREs with compact, nutrient-dense foods.

Dehydrated meals in retort pouches to reconstitute with hot water.
Vacuum seal individual servings like trail mix, jerky, nut butter packets.
Prepare foods that require minimal cooking like couscous, oatmeal.

Customize kits to meet dietary needs.

Prepper Breakfast Cereal for a Quick Start

Having simple go-to breakfasts ensures you begin the day properly fueled.

Make hearty homemade granola or muesli. Store in airtight containers.
Cook steel cut oats in batches. Portion and freeze servings.
Stock pancake mix and shelf-stable milk for quick meals.

Easy breakfasts set the tone for productive days.

Emergency Baking Mix: A Multipurpose Kitchen Staple

A versatile baking mix only requires water to make a variety of baked goods.

Mix flour, baking powder, salt. Adjust recipe for individual dietary needs.
Add water to form dough or batter for biscuits, breads, pancakes, etc.
Swap in shelf-stable milk and eggs for added nutrition.

Customize for restrictions like gluten-free. Having an on-hand baking mix prepares you for spur of the moment needs with minimal ingredients required.

Prepper Gear and Supplies Beyond Meals

Having reliable food supplies is crucial for emergency preparedness, but there are many other essential gear and supplies preppers need. This guide covers key non-food items to stock up on.

Securing Water: Storage and Purification Essentials

Clean water access is critical in a crisis. Consider storing water in food-grade barrels and rotating supplies. Essential purification options include:

Water purification tablets (portable, longer shelf life)
Water filters (remove bacteria/viruses)
Bleach (cheap disinfectant if boiled first)

Alternative Cooking & Heating Solutions

Prepare backup cooking plans for utility outages:

Rocket stoves (efficient, portable)
Propane camping stoves
Solar ovens (free energy)
Charcoal grills (dual fuel if needed)

Illumination and Power in Emergencies

Stock up on non-electric lighting sources like candles, lanterns, flashlights and spare batteries. Also consider solar panels, generators and power banks.

Comprehensive Medical Supplies for Preppers

Medical items to stockpile:

First aid kits
Common OTC medications
Sanitation supplies
Sutures, gauze, tourniquets
Medical reference guides

Reliable Communication Devices for Survival Scenarios

Essential devices for communication when infrastructure fails:

Two-way radios
Emergency whistles
Signal mirrors
Weather radio receivers

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Prepper Meals

Getting started with meal prepping for emergencies can seem daunting, but breaking it down into small, manageable steps makes it approachable for beginners. As you gain experience, you can expand your pantry and supplies to feed your family for longer periods.

Begin with Small, Manageable Steps

When first venturing into prepping meals, begin with a 72-hour supply kit of shelf-stable foods before expanding into larger quantities. Start with staples like rice, beans, canned goods, and water. Slowly build up your reserves over time as budget allows.

Prioritize Nutrition in Your Emergency Food Supply for Family of 4

Focus on nutrient-dense foods like whole grains, legumes, canned fruits and vegetables to get enough vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. Track calories as well to ensure you have sufficient energy stored. Consider supplements to fill nutritional gaps.

Regularly Rotate & Refresh Your Prepper Pantry

Check expiration dates quarterly and replace aging stock. Set reminders to use and replenish items, preventing waste from spoilage. First in, first out.

Mindful Storage for Augason Farms and Other Prepper Brands

Follow manufacturer guidance on ideal storage temperatures, light exposure, and moisture levels. Use airtight containers, oxygen absorbers, desiccants, Mylar bags, and cool basement spaces to maximize shelf life.

Stay Updated with Prepper Communities and Resources

Continue learning best practices for emergency meal planning from trusted prepper websites, books, and online groups. Exchange recipes, product reviews, and survival tips with like-minded community members.