Preppers Food List for Beginners

Prepping newcomers would agree that building an emergency food supply can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know where to start.

This comprehensive guide reveals the ideal foods and exactly how much to stockpile for emergency preparedness success.

You'll discover the 10 must-have survival foods, storage solutions for maximum shelf life, and tips to create a balanced, nutritious stockpile tailored to your family's needs.

Introduction to Prepping: Building Your Emergency Food List

Understanding the Preppers Food List for Survival

Prepping refers to making preparations and gathering supplies in advance to be self-reliant during emergencies or disasters. This includes stockpiling food, water, and other essentials like first aid kits, flashlights, and radios. Having these critical items on hand ensures you can provide for yourself and your family when normal supply chains are disrupted.

As a prepper, creating an emergency food list is one of the most vital parts of your preparations. Having adequate food reserves eliminates reliance on grocery stores in a crisis situation. Whether due to natural disasters, grid failures, economic collapse or other major events, store shelves can quickly become empty. With your own stockpile, you'll have nourishing food to eat no matter what happens.

Benefits of an Emergency Food List

Maintaining a well-planned emergency food supply brings many advantages:

Provides for your basic nutritional needs during emergencies when stores may be closed
Removes dependence on just-in-time grocery deliveries
Allows you to shelter in place rather than facing hazards outside
Gives peace of mind knowing you have reserves to rely on
Saves money compared to purchasing full-priced supplies after a crisis hits
Enables you to support family, friends and community members in need
Helps you safely wait for utilities and infrastructure to be restored

Starting Your Prepper Food Storage

When you first get into prepping, start by building a basic 2 week supply before expanding your reserves. Focus initially on versatile, nutritious shelf-stable items that your household regularly eats. Great starter foods include:

Canned goods like beans, vegetables, fruits packed in juice or water
Whole grains like rice, quinoa, oats
Pasta, dried potatoes, baking mixes
Nut butters, nuts, trail mixes
Dried herbs and spices to flavor foods
Honey, maple syrup, salt, cooking oil
Powdered milk, plant-based milk boxes
High-protein snacks like protein bars or jerky

Build up a diverse stash focusing on nutrients and calories. Track inventory levels and watch expiration dates. Gradually increase your supply until you have a deep pantry that will sustain you for months.

What are the best foods to stockpile?

When building your emergency food supply, focusing on shelf-stable foods that provide protein, nutrients, and calories is key. Here are some of the best options to include:

Canned and Dried Meats

Canned varieties of meat like chicken, tuna, salmon, and beef stew are essentials on a preppers food list. They are ready to eat, providing protein and nutrients. Choose low-sodium options when possible. Dried meats like beef jerky also store well.

Canned Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and veggies packed in water or juice, rather than syrup, offer more nutrients. Go for a variety - mixed veggies, green beans, corn, peas, carrots, mushrooms, etc.

Whole Grains

Whole grains like oats, barley, quinoa, and brown rice have longer shelf lives than refined options. They also provide important fiber. Look for quick-cooking varieties.

Canned and Powdered Milk

Powdered milk lasts much longer than fluid varieties. Canned evaporated and condensed milk also store well. These dairy products provide protein, calcium, Vitamin D.

Comfort Foods

Include some favorite snacks and comfort foods like peanut butter, jelly, honey, nuts, trail mix, crackers, cereal, and popcorn. These boost morale in stressful situations.

Rotate and replace items as you use them to ensure freshness and a well-stocked pantry. With some planning, you can build a top 10 survival foods supply that covers your household's needs.

What foods should a prepper have?

When building your emergency food supply, it's important to stock up on versatile ingredients that provide nutrition and calories. Here are some of the top foods preppers recommend keeping on hand:

Non-Perishable Proteins

Canned and pouched meats like tuna, chicken, salmon, and spam can provide protein in a survival situation. Beef and turkey jerky, canned beans, chickpeas, nuts, and nut butters are also good options.

Canned meats and fish (tuna, chicken, spam)
Canned beans and chickpeas
Beef or turkey jerky
Nuts and nut butters

Dried or Canned Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and veggies stored properly can last for years, providing fiber, vitamins and minerals. Prioritize nutrient-dense options like beans, tomatoes, carrots, peas, dried fruit, and 100% fruit juices.

Canned tomatoes, carrots, green beans
Dried fruit like raisins, cranberries
Canned beans and chickpeas
100% fruit juices

Grains, Cereals, and Pastas

Rice, oats, pasta, and quinoa have a long shelf life and are versatile additions to meals. Opt for whole grains when possible.

Rice (white, brown, wild)
Rolled oats
Dried pasta
Quinoa

When starting your emergency food supply, focus on staples you already eat regularly. Stock up on a 2-4 week supply and rotate items into your daily meals. This ensures freshness and helps you build versatile, nutritious stockpiles tailored to your taste.

What is the best food to survive on?

Canned goods like tuna, chicken, and beef are some of the best survival foods to stock up on. Canned meats are packed with protein to help maintain energy levels during an emergency. The canning process also allows meat and vegetables like carrots, green beans, and peas to last up to 5 years without refrigeration. This makes canned foods ideal for long-term food storage as part of your prepper stockpile.

Other great canned items to include are:

Soups and stews - Convenient, nutritious meals in a can. Go for lower sodium options.
Fruits packed in juice - Avoid sugary syrups and opt for fruit canned in water or juice.
Canned beans - High in fiber and protein. Beans also provide essential nutrients like iron, magnesium and potassium.
Canned tomatoes/sauce - Tomatoes are versatile for cooking meals. Opt for no salt added or low sodium.

When building your prepper food supply, focus on nutrient-dense non-perishables with a long shelf life. Canned goods check both those boxes. Stock up on canned meats, veggies, fruits and beans so you have reliable, nutritious food to survive on if SHTF.

What food is best for long term storage?

When it comes to long term food storage, there are certain items that have an exceptionally long shelf life. Focusing your prepper's pantry on these foods can ensure you have nutritious options available even years into an emergency situation.

Here are some of the best options for long term food storage and their approximate shelf lives when properly stored:

Cocoa - 2 years
Salt - Indefinite
Noncarbonated soft drinks - 9-12 months
White rice - 30 years
Bouillon products - 1-2 years
Dry pasta - 30 years
Vitamin C - 3-5 years
Powdered milk (in nitrogen-packed cans) - 10 years

As you can see, items like white rice, dry pasta, salt and powdered milk can last for decades when properly packaged and stored in a cool, dark place. Canned goods also have long shelf lives of at least 12 months as long as the cans remain intact and undented.

When building your preppers food list, focus on nutrient-dense non-perishables like grains, legumes, canned vegetables and proteins like tuna or salmon. Dried herbs and spices also stay fresh for 1-2 years.

Rotate and replace items as you use them to ensure nothing expires or goes bad. With the right storage methods, these essentials will see you through tough times when fresh foods are unavailable.

Top 10 Survival Foods to Prioritize in Your Pantry

This section provides a list of versatile, nutritious foods to stockpile for emergency preparedness. Focus on shelf-stable items that give you flexibility in cooking while meeting nutritional needs.

Best Food Storage Items: Pantry Staples

Having basic ingredients on hand lets you prepare simple meals from your stockpile. Prioritize:

All-purpose flour and whole wheat flour - Useful for baking breads, pizza dough, tortillas, pancakes, etc.
Granulated sugar and brown sugar - Sweeten baked goods and breakfast cereals or oatmeal.
Active dry yeast - Leavens homemade breads and pizza dough. Keeps almost forever in the freezer.
Baking soda and baking powder - Help baked goods rise properly.
Vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil - Necessary for cooking many dishes. Oils last 2-3 years unopened.
Salt and black pepper - Essential seasoning for flavoring foods.
Bouillon cubes or powder - Add flavor to rice, pasta, vegetables, soups.

Stock up on these while they're inexpensive and readily available.

Canned Protein: A Prepper's Essential

Canned meats provide protein to maintain strength and health:

Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, turkey - Mix with pasta, rice, salads or eat plain.
Canned beef stew, chili - Quick, hearty hot meals; just heat and serve.
Canned baked beans - Protein-rich, inexpensive; makes a fast meal with rice or cornbread.
Canned luncheon meat (Spam) - Versatile meat for sandwiches, breakfasts, or fried rice.

Aim for a variety for balanced nutrition.

Canned Fruits and Vegetables for Nutritional Balance

Fruits and veggies pack vitamins, minerals and fiber:

Canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, pasta sauce - Base for soups, chili, pasta dishes.
Canned peas, carrots, green beans, corn, mixed veggies - Side dishes or add to soups and casseroles.
Canned beets, sauerkraut, spinach, mushrooms - Nutrient-dense options.
Canned pineapple, peaches, pears, fruit cocktail - For desserts or snacking.

Seek single ingredients rather than heavily seasoned or sugared options.

Canned Beans and Grains for Sustained Energy

Beans, lentils and whole grains offer calories, protein and fiber:

Canned beans like black, pinto, garbanzo, red kidney - High in plant-based protein; makes chili, tacos, etc.
Dried lentils - Cook with rice for complete protein; excellent source of iron.
White rice, brown rice, wild rice - Versatile base for many dishes.
Pasta - Elbow macaroni, spaghetti noodles, egg noodles for pasta bakes, tuna casserole, etc.
Instant mashed potatoes - Comfort food, easy side dish.
Quinoa - High protein; cook like rice for salad, pilaf or breakfast bowl.
Rolled oats - For oatmeal, granola bars, baked goods.

Canned Soups and Broths: Quick and Comforting Meals

Soups make tasty, filling meals with minimal effort:

Condensed and ready-to-serve soups - Add canned or leftover meat and veggies for substance.
Chicken, beef and vegetable broths - Bases for homemade soups and stews.
Canned chili - Hearty one-pot meal; serve over rice, baked potato or cornbread.

Having a supply of canned goods gives you options for throwing together quick, nourishing meals in difficult times without access to fresh ingredients. Stock up on nutritious staples suitable for your household's needs.

Prepping Food for Long Term Storage

To expand your food reserves for long-term preparedness, consider freeze-dried meals, MREs, and staples like wheat, rice, beans, and honey.

Best Preppers Food List: Freeze-Dried and Dehydrated Foods

Freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, meats, and full entrees are lightweight and have 20-30 year shelf lives. Key benefits include:

Long shelf life without refrigeration
Lightweight and portable for bug out bags
Retain 97% of nutrients
Just add hot water for a quick, tasty meal

Popular picks are freeze-dried chicken, ground beef, mac and cheese, lasagna, eggs, fruit, and veggies.

MREs (Meals Ready to Eat): Convenient Nutrition

MREs are self-contained, durably packaged meals used by militaries and survivalists alike. Pros of MREs:

Shelf lives of 5+ years
Compact, portable, and calorie-dense
Heatable pouches with full entrees plus sides
Vitamins and nutrients added

Look for MRE cases with a variety of meals for long-term food fatigue prevention.

Hard Grains and Legumes for Decades of Storage

Wheat berries, rice, dried corn, beans, lentils, etc. can be stored for decades and provide basic nutrition. Benefits include:

Inexpensive per calorie
Last 30+ years in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers
Nutrient and protein rich
Versatile ingredients for many recipes

Start with 50 lb bags of rice, beans, wheat berries, and smaller amounts of lentils, split peas, rolled oats, etc.

The Sweet Longevity of Honey

Honey never spoils and is a versatile source of calories and nutrients for long emergencies. Highlights:

Never spoils if stored properly
Antibacterial and antioxidant properties
Natural sweetener for foods and teas
Energy boost from natural sugars

Stock up on 1 lb jars of raw, unfiltered honey from local sources if possible.

Prepper Food Buckets and Packaging Essentials

Choosing the Right Prepper Food Buckets

When building your emergency food supply, pre-made food buckets offer a convenient way to store a variety of non-perishable foods with a long shelf life. Opt for buckets packed with nutritious staples like rice, beans, pasta, oats, and freeze-dried fruits and vegetables. Make sure to calculate your calorie needs, and have at least a 30-day supply. Store buckets in a cool, dark place and routinely check for pests or spoilage.

Supplementing with Multivitamins

While stockpiling nutrient-dense foods, a daily multivitamin provides an insurance policy for any potential nutritional gaps. Choose a high-quality brand with sufficient levels of vitamins C, D, zinc, and selenium. Consult your doctor before taking supplements long-term.

Comfort Food Items for Stressful Times

Don't underestimate the morale value of comfort foods during an emergency. Consider setting aside treats like chocolate, hard candy, instant coffee, tea bags, and powdered creamer or whitener. These affordable extras can lift spirits when times get tough.

Food Preparation and Storage Supplies

Round out your food preps with manual can openers, mess kits, cutlery, paper plates, aluminum foil, and ziplock bags. Durable supplies make meal prep easier if utilities are compromised. Reusable containers allow leftovers to be safely stored without power.

Water Storage Solutions

In addition to food, water is critical for survival. Have water storage barrels with water purification tablets or a gravity water filter. Calculate a minimum of 1 gallon per person daily. Include water containers that are easily transportable in case evacuation becomes necessary.

The Ultimate 57 Foods to Stockpile for Emergencies

A well-rounded emergency food supply is critical for every prepper. This list of 57 essential food items covers all the bases, providing carbohydrates, protein, fruits and vegetables, dairy, and sweeteners to meet nutritional needs in a crisis.

Grains and Cereals: The Foundation of Your Food Stockpile

Rice, pasta, oats, flour, and other grains are calorie-dense, non-perishable carbohydrate sources perfect for stockpiling. White rice can be stored for up to 30 years if kept dry and cool. Opt for whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat pasta when possible for added nutrition.

Canned and boxed cereals are also great for storage. Be sure to stock up on a variety - granola, cereal mixes, grits, etc.

Proteins: Canned, Dried, and Freeze-Dried Options

Protein is vital for preserving muscle mass and providing lasting energy.

Canned meats like tuna, chicken, salmon, and beef are convenient protein sources with multi-year shelf lives. Canned baked beans, chili, and soups also supply protein.

Nuts, seeds, dried beans, lentils, and peas offer plant-based protein and can be stored for up to 10 years.

Freeze-dried meats retain their nutritional value almost indefinitely, though they require water for reconstitution.

Don't forget comfort foods like peanut butter, jerky, and canned meats for morale.

Fruits and Vegetables: Freeze-Dried, Canned, and Preserved

Fruits and veggies provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. With so many preservation methods available, there's no reason not to stock up.

Canned produce like carrots, potatoes, spinach, beets, and fruit are nutritious and last 2-5 years stored properly. Go for low-sodium when possible.

Freeze-dried fruits and veggies retain 97% of nutrients for decades. They're lightweight and require only cold water for reconstitution.

Other excellent options include dehydrated produce, shelf-stable juices, and home-canned goods using proper technique.

Dairy and Dairy Alternatives: Powdered, Canned, and Shelf-Stable

Powdered milk and eggs are convenient substitutes for perishables, lasting 10+ years when stored properly. Shelf-stable UHT milk and milk alternatives like soy and almond milk keep for 6-12 months sealed.

Stock powdered cheeses, canned evaporated/condensed milk, and puddings for added dairy nutrition and comfort.

Sugars and Sweeteners: For Energy and Morale

Sugar, honey, maple syrup, and molasses are concentrated sources of carbohydrates and calories. Their sweetness boosts morale, and they last indefinitely sealed.

Keep plenty on hand to sweeten foods, bake, and make comforting sweets. Hard candies store well too.

With this well-rounded stockpile, preppers can meet all nutritional needs in an extended emergency. Tailor quantities to your household and regularly cycle items for maximum freshness.

Final Tips: Building the Best Preppers Food List

In closing, focus on nutrient-dense foods with flexibility and longevity for your beginning prepper's pantry. Continue expanding reserves and knowledge over time.

Inventory Management and Goal Setting

It's important to take stock of what you already have on hand so you can identify any gaps in your food reserves. Make a comprehensive list of all your existing emergency food items, taking note of expiration dates. This will help you plan out what else you need to add.

Set specific, measurable weekly goals for gradually expanding your food stockpile, like adding 2-3 new items per week. This helps ensure steady progress over time towards having a well-supplied pantry.

Food Storage Techniques for Maximum Shelf Life

Properly storing your food reserves is key to preservation. Research techniques like vacuum sealing, dehydrating, canning, and using desiccants to extend shelf life. Store items in a cool, dark place and routinely check for spoilage.

Rotate stock using "first in, first out" methods. Date containers and use older items first before tapping into newer reserves. This prevents waste from expiration.

Creating a Balanced and Diverse Prepper Pantry

Build depth and variety across all the food groups - grains, proteins, fruits and vegetables, etc. This provides flexibility to create nutritious meals from supplies on hand.

Include comfort foods in moderation alongside staples like rice, beans, pasta. Having foods you enjoy eating boosts morale in challenging times.

Redundancy across food types protects against disruption of any one item. If access to one shelf-stable protein like tuna is lost, have backup options like peanut butter or canned chicken.