Survival Foods to Stock Up On: Essential Guide

When building an emergency food stockpile, most people would agree that balancing nutrition, shelf life, and versatility is crucial for survival preparedness.

This comprehensive guide reveals the top 57 survival foods to stock up on for nutritional resilience, over 1 year of shelf life, and adaptability to any disaster situation.

You'll discover the essential items to create a balanced stockpile covering all macro and micronutrients, while maximizing longevity through proper storage. Plus, how to adapt your supply for flexible meal preparation when ingredients are limited.

Introduction to Survival Foods

Stocking your pantry with non-perishable survival foods is an essential part of emergency preparedness. Having a good supply of shelf-stable foods that provide nutritional balance can sustain you and your family in a crisis situation. This article will cover what you need to know to create your own survival food stockpile.

Understanding the Importance of Nutritional Balance

It's important not to neglect nutrition even during an emergency. A balanced diet provides energy and supports health. Canned and dried foods can still provide important nutrients.

Aim for variety, including:

Canned fruits and vegetables
Canned beans and legumes
Whole grains like rice, quinoa, pasta
Canned meats and seafood
Nuts and nut butters

Choose low-sodium options when possible and drink enough water every day.

The Best Survival Foods to Stock Up On

Some of the best survival foods are non-perishable, don't require refrigeration, and have long shelf lives. Here are top recommendations:

Canned goods: Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, vegetables, beans, soups
Dried goods: Rice, beans, lentils, oats, pasta
Fats/oils: Vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil
Flour: Properly stored white/whole wheat flour
Honey: Extremely long shelf life
Salt: Essential for flavor and preservation

Check expiration dates and store foods properly to keep them fresh and safe.

Creating Your Printable Emergency Food List

Make your own custom printable list of survival foods so you know exactly what to stock up on. Consider:

Household size
Dietary needs and restrictions
Favorites and familiar foods
Foods already in your pantry
Budget

Having a checklist prepared ahead of time makes shopping and restocking efficient.

Stockpile These Items Before Panic Buying

History shows certain staple foods often sell out quickly during emergencies. Ensure you already have these on hand:

Water
Rice
Pasta
Canned vegetables and fruits
Canned meats
Beans
Peanut butter
Nuts and trail mixes

Stock up gradually over time for the most affordable approach.

What are the top 10 survival foods?

Stocking your pantry with nutritious, long-lasting foods is crucial for emergency preparedness. Here are 10 of the best survival foods to have on hand:

Whole grains like oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat flour. These provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, and nutrients. They have a long shelf life when properly stored.
Canned goods such as beans, vegetables, fruits packed in juice, salmon, tuna, and chicken. Canned goods are shelf-stable and convenient. Prioritize lower sodium options.
Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds. They are calorically dense and packed with protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.
Lentils and beans are excellent sources of plant-based protein and fiber. Dried varieties have very long shelf lives.
Canned, jarred and dehydrated fruits and vegetables which provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Powdered milk and shelf-stable dairy products provide protein, calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients from dairy.
Whole grain pasta, rice, quinoa and oats provide complex carbohydrates.
Canned fish like salmon and tuna give you protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Vegetable oils, shortening and nut butters for cooking fat and extra calories if needed.
Jerky, canned meats and freeze-dried meats provide protein and are shelf-stable.

Focus on nutrient density, versatility, and shelf life when stocking up on survival foods. Properly store items and check expiration dates routinely.

What foods should you stockpile for an emergency?

When building your emergency food supply, focus on shelf-stable items that provide nutritional balance, have a long shelf life, and offer versatility for different situations. Here are some of the best survival foods to stock up on:

Canned Goods

Canned meats, fruits, vegetables, soups, and beans are essentials for your stockpile. Canned goods are ready-to-eat, don't require refrigeration, and have a shelf life of 2-5 years. Prioritize canned varieties that provide nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Low-sodium options help limit daily salt intake.

Staples

Stock up on non-perishable staples like sugar, salt, pepper, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, and trail mix. These high-energy foods are tasty, convenient, and full of carbs for energy. Buy some comfort foods like coffee, tea, honey, pasta, rice, spices, etc. to boost morale in stressful situations.

Water

Having an emergency water supply is critical. Store commercially bottled water or use food-grade containers to create your own supply. Plan for at least one gallon per person per day. Properly stored water can last 5+ years. Rotate supplies every 6-12 months.

Be sure to check expiration dates, store foods properly, and create an inventory list of your stockpile. Proper organization helps ensure you have a balanced stockpile and that nothing gets overlooked or wasted.

What is the longest lasting food for survival?

When building your emergency food supply, it's important to focus on shelf-stable items with a long shelf life. Some of the longest lasting survival foods to stock up on are grains like oats, rye, quinoa, buckwheat, corn, flax, millet, and wheat.

Soft grains like oats, rye, and quinoa can last around 8 years on average if stored properly, but this shelf life can be extended to 20 years or more in ideal storage conditions. Harder grains like buckwheat, corn, flax, millet, and wheat tend to have even longer shelf lives ranging from 12 years to 30 years or longer.

The key is keeping these survival food staples in a cool, dark place with low humidity to prevent spoilage. When stocking up on grains for your emergency pantry, be sure to check expiration dates, store items properly by sealing containers, and rotate your stock to use older items first.

Having a diverse stockpile of non-perishable grains provides nutritional balance, long shelf life, and versatility for stretching food supplies in an emergency. They are essential items for any doomsday prepper's stockpile.

What foods to stock up on for a food shortage?

When preparing for a potential food shortage, it's important to stock up on non-perishable foods that provide nutritional balance, have a good shelf life, and offer versatility for different recipes and emergency situations.

Here are some of the best survival foods to keep in your pantry:

Peanut butter - High in protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Choose natural peanut butter which requires no refrigeration after opening.
Whole-wheat crackers - Pair with peanut butter for a balanced snack. Look for low/no sodium options and check expiration dates.
Nuts and trail mixes - Great sources of protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Go for unsalted nuts in airtight containers.
Cereal/granola - Choose whole grain cereals and make sure to store in airtight bags or containers once opened.
Canned vegetables - Go for low-sodium varieties packed in water. Canned veggies like carrots, green beans and peas provide key nutrients and often last 2+ years unopened.
Canned beans - Excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber and nutrients. Buy dry beans to soak and cook as well.

When stockpiling these survival foods, focus on nutritional balance, sufficient calories, and versatility to create simple meals with what you have on hand. Check expiration dates and store items properly to maximize freshness and shelf life. Rotate stock as you use items up.

The Ultimate 57 Foods to Stockpile

Explore a comprehensive list of 57 foods to stockpile that ensure you have a well-rounded supply of essentials. Stocking up on non-perishable foods with a long shelf life is essential for emergency preparedness. When building your stockpile, focus on items that provide nutritional balance, have a long shelf life, and offer versatility for cooking in emergency situations.

Grains and Legumes: The Foundation of Your Stockpile

Grains like rice, quinoa, pasta, and oats are staple pantry items that should be at the core of your stockpile. Opt for whole grain varieties when possible for maximum nutrition. Properly stored in airtight containers, grains can keep for 10 years or more. Canned and dried beans and lentils are other essentials, providing protein, fiber, and nutrients. Look for low-sodium or no-salt-added canned varieties.

When stocking grains and legumes:

Prioritize nutritional density and shelf life
Store in airtight containers in cool, dry area
Check expiration dates and rotate stock

Protein-Packed Canned Meats and Fish

Canned varieties of meat and fish like tuna, salmon, chicken, and beef can provide you with essential proteins and nutrients in an emergency situation. Seek out low-sodium options packed in water when possible. While fresh meat requires refrigeration, properly stored canned meats can last 2-5 years.

When stocking canned meats:

Select low-sodium options in water
Store in cool, dry area
Inspect for dents, damage, swelling

Fruits and Vegetables: Canned and Dried Options

Canned and dried fruits and vegetables add key nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your survival stockpile. Favor low-sodium and no-salt-added vegetable varieties packed in water or juice over saltier options. Prioritize versatile ingredients like tomatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and squash. Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, and apricots retain nutrients and offer lightweight, non-perishable options.

When stocking fruits and vegetables:

Seek low-sodium canned varieties
Store dried varieties in airtight containers
Inspect cans for damage before opening

The Role of Fats and Oils in Your Emergency Food Supply

While not a staple for everyday diets, fats and oils play an important role in an emergency food supply. Shelf-stable cooking oils like vegetable, olive, coconut, and avocado oil can make stored ingredients more palatable. Nuts, nut butters, and seeds offer healthy fats and proteins. Rotate stock to avoid rancidity.

When stocking fats and oils:

Prioritize heart-healthy varieties like olive and avocado oils
Check best-by dates and inspect for rancidity
Store oils in cool area and nuts/seeds in airtight containers

Building a well-rounded stockpile takes research and planning. Focus on nutrient density, shelf life, and versatility when selecting survival foods to stock up on. Properly stored, these pantry essentials will see you through emergencies when fresh options are unavailable.

Ensuring Nutritional Balance in Your Survival Stockpile

A survival pantry should meet nutritional needs. Include options that offer macros, vitamins, and minerals.

Balancing Macronutrients for Energy and Health

When stocking up on survival foods, it's important to maintain a balance of macronutrients - carbohydrates, proteins, and fats - to support health and energy levels.

Carbohydrates provide fuel for physical activity and brain function. Go for complex carbs like whole grains and legumes which offer sustained energy release.
Lean proteins help build and repair tissues. Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, and other meats are great options.
Healthy fats support vitamin absorption and cell health. Nuts, seeds, olive oil, and coconut oil make good additions.

Aim for 45-65% carbs, 10-35% protein, and 20-35% fat in your daily survival food intake. Track macros with a food journal to ensure balance.

Vitamins and Minerals: The Micronutrients of Survival

In addition to macronutrients, vitamins and minerals are vital for health, especially when access to fresh produce is limited.

Vitamin C - Found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, and potatoes. Essential for immunity.
Vitamin D - Fatty fish and some mushrooms contain vitamin D, which regulates calcium absorption and supports bone/muscle health.
Iron - Important for oxygen circulation. Stock up on iron-rich beans, lentils, spinach and fortified cereals.
Zinc and selenium - Support thyroid function and immunity. Look for wheat germ, cashews, and brazil nuts.

Choose survival foods wisely to cover your vitamin/mineral needs. Supplements can fill any nutritional gaps.

Adding Multivitamins to Your Emergency Preparedness Kit

Multivitamins are a smart addition to your stockpile as they provide nutritional insurance if fresh foods run low. Look for a high-quality once-daily multivitamin with 100% DV for most vitamins/minerals. Store in a cool, dark place and check expiration dates.

Pair your multivitamin with survival food staples like rice, beans, canned meat/fish, and freeze-dried produce to cover all your nutritional bases, even in times of crisis.

Hydration Essentials: Ensuring You Drink Enough Water Every Day

Water is essential for survival, so stockpile potable water as well as water purification tools like filters and chemical treatments. Store water in thoroughly washed plastic, glass, or enamel containers. Replace every 6 months and consider underground tanks for larger reserves.

Aim to drink 0.5-1 gallon of water per day depending on size, activity level and climate. Include rehydration salts in your stockpile as well. Proper hydration is key to health during emergencies when medical care may be limited.

Maximizing Shelf Life of Stockpiled Foods

The longer your survival food lasts, the better. Use these tips to maximize freshness over time.

Properly Stored Flour and Grains: Long-Term Storage Tips

When stockpiling flour, grains, and other baking staples, be sure to store them properly for maximum freshness. Here are some tips:

Keep foods in airtight, food-grade plastic or glass containers. This prevents pests, light exposure, and oxygen from causing the food to spoil.
Store in a cool, dark place like a basement or pantry. Temperatures between 50-70°F are ideal.
For long-term storage past 1 year, consider oxygen absorber packets. These help remove oxygen from containers, extending shelf life.
Date all containers with the purchase or repack date using a permanent marker. Use a "first-in, first-out" system to rotate stock.
Inspect periodically for signs of spoilage like color changes, clumping, insects, or rancid odors. Discard if any are found.

Properly stored, white flour can last 1-2 years. Whole grains like rice, beans, and oats can last even longer at 5-10 years when stored with oxygen absorbers.

Repackaging Bulk Items for Extended Shelf Life

Repackaging bulk items into smaller containers can help extend shelf life for survival stockpiles. Here are some best practices when repackaging:

Use food-grade plastic containers or Mylar bags. Ensure they have an airtight seal to prevent oxygen exposure.
Insert an oxygen absorber packet before sealing to help remove oxygen and extend shelf life.
Label the container with the contents and date for easy first-in, first-out rotation.
Store repackaged items in a cool, dark place like the pantry or basement.

With proper repackaging and storage methods, bulk products like beans, rice, pasta, and oats can gain 2-5 years of extra shelf life versus their original packaging. This allows you to buy in bulk for cost savings without sacrificing freshness overtime.

Regularly Check Expiration Dates to Maintain Freshness

When building a stockpile of survival foods, it's essential to check expiration dates regularly and follow a first-in, first-out system. This ensures you rotate and use the oldest food first before it passes its prime.

Tips for maintaining freshness:

When shopping, only purchase items with at least 6 months before reaching the expiration date.
Upon returning from the store, immediately sort items by expiration date and write the purchase date with marker.
Store items with the earliest dates in front of later dates. Always use from the front first.
Check dates 1-2 times per month to ensure oldest is being used first.
Create an inventory list noting expiration dates to simplify the process.

Following this system religiously prevents food waste from spoilage before items can be used in an emergency. It also ensures your survival stockpile provides maximum nutrition when it's needed most.

The Importance of a Cool, Dry Storage Area

The storage location you choose for stockpiled survival foods can greatly impact shelf life. The ideal conditions are cool, dry, and dark. Here's how to optimize your storage area:

Choose an interior room like a basement or pantry versus a hot garage or attic.
Ensure temperatures stay consistently between 50-70°F year-round.
Use a dehumidifier to maintain 40-60% relative humidity and prevent mold growth.
Keep food in opaque plastic or glass containers to block light exposure.
Avoid storing near heat, water pipes, appliances, exterior walls, etc. that can cause temperature fluctuations.

A properly prepared storage area like this can double or triple the shelf life of dried goods, canned foods, and other essentials versus a poor environment. Investing in good storage conditions pays dividends when planning for long-term emergencies.

Versatility in Emergency Situations

In a crisis, versatility is key. Pick survival foods that can meet a variety of needs.

Multi-Use Foods for Flexible Meal Planning

When stocking your pantry for an emergency, choose ingredients that offer versatility for a range of recipes and uses. Some examples of versatile staples to have on hand include:

Canned beans (kidney, black, pinto, etc.) - High in fiber and protein. Can be used to make chili, bean salad, tacos, etc.
Canned tuna or chicken - Adds protein to pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches, casseroles.
Rice - Works for stir fries, rice bowls, casseroles, soups. Brown rice provides more nutrients.
Pasta - Combine with canned or dried vegetables and proteins into endless meal options.
Oats - Use for oatmeal, baked goods, granola bars, etc. Steel cut oats have more fiber.
Broth - Vegetable, chicken, and beef broth can be used for cooking grains, making soup, braising meat.
Olive oil and vinegar - Essential for vinaigrettes, marinades, sautéing. Store properly to maintain freshness.

Get creative and think about different ways you can use each item. This flexibility is key for unpredictable situations when certain ingredients may not be available.

Adapting Meals When Key Ingredients Are Unavailable

During an emergency, you may not have access to all your usual ingredients. Get creative with the items you do have by:

Omitting certain ingredients from a recipe if you don't have them.
Substituting similar ingredients - broths, oils, acid (lemon/vinegar), spices.
Trying alternative cooking methods - sauté vs bake vs slow cook.
Exploring different flavor profiles - Italian, Mexican, Asian.
Changing the texture - puréeing veggies into soup, shredding chicken.
Adjusting cook times if substituting canned for fresh veggies.

Test these adaptation methods ahead of time so you know what works. Being flexible and working with what you have is crucial.

Non-Electric Cooking Methods for Power Outages

If the power goes out, you'll need alternative cooking methods that don't require electricity:

Camp stove - Portable stoves that run on propane or butane are essential for cooking anything.
Grill - You can cook directly on the grates or use pots/pans. Charcoal or gas grills work.
Fire pit - Construct a makeshift grill from wire or rods to cook over an outdoor fire.
Dutch oven - Use charcoal underneath and lid on top to bake, braise, etc.
Solar oven - Harness the sun's energy to cook food in an insulated, reflective container.

Practice these methods ahead of time so you know how to regulate temperature, cook times, etc.

Keeping Foods Fresh and Safe Without Refrigeration

Without consistent refrigeration, be vigilant about food safety:

Store perishables in the coolest area possible - a basement or cold cellar is ideal if you have one.
Use a cooler with ice packs if possible. Limit opening the lid.
Freeze any perishables you won't use quickly. This preserves them longer.
Can, pickle, dry, or smoke fresh meat and produce to preserve it.
Cooked food should NOT sit out for more than 2 hours. Discard anything out longer.
Check food for signs of spoilage before eating - mold, rancid smells, etc. When in doubt, throw it out.

Follow strict food safety guidelines, and preserve fresh food through canning, pickling, drying, smoking, and freezing to make it last longer without refrigeration.

Creating and Storing an Emergency Water Supply

Water is critical for survival, so it's essential to plan ahead and have an emergency supply. Here is some guidance on calculating your water needs, purification methods, storage, and accessing alternative sources.

Calculating Your Water Needs for Emergency Preparedness

Plan for at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. More may be needed depending on climate, health issues, etc.
Store at least a 2-week supply, though longer is better. A family of 4 would need at least 56 gallons.
Mark the storage date on containers so you can rotate as needed. Replace every 6 months.

Purification Methods for Safe Drinking Water

Boiling: Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute to kill bacteria and parasites. Let cool before drinking.
Chlorination: Use household bleach. Add 1/8 tsp per gallon, stir, let stand 30 mins.
Filtration: Use a filter certified to remove bacteria, viruses and parasites. Change filter as directed.

Storing Water: Containers and Preservation

Use food grade plastic jugs, barrels or buckets. Avoid used milk or juice containers.
Rinse containers thoroughly first. Sanitize with bleach.
Store in a cool, dark place to prevent algae growth.
Consider adding water preserver packets to keep water fresh for 5+ years.

Emergency Water Sources and How to Access Them

Rainwater: Set clean buckets outside to collect rain. Move inside and treat after.
Lakes, rivers: Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute before use.
Water heaters: Turn off power to heater first. Open drain valve at bottom to access drinkable water.

Having an emergency supply of water along with methods to access and purify alternative sources is vital for survival preparedness. Maintain and refresh your supply every 6 months.

Refrigerator and Food Safety in Emergencies

Maintaining proper food safety is critical during emergency situations when normal services may be disrupted. Keeping foods at safe temperatures in your refrigerator and freezer can help prevent illness. Here is some key guidance around refrigerator safety, freezing, and preventing contamination when cooking and handling foods in less-than-ideal conditions.

Safe Refrigerator Temperature: Keeping Food Cold

When power outages occur during emergencies, it is important to maintain safe refrigerator temperatures to prevent bacterial growth in perishable foods. The FDA recommends keeping refrigerator temps at or below 40°F. To help keep food cold for as long as possible:

Keep the fridge full during an outage. The mass of cold food items will help maintain cooler temps.
Limit opening of the fridge door to preserve cold air inside.
Quickly consume perishable items like meat, dairy, eggs, and leftovers.
Have coolers on hand to transfer fridge items if the interior warms above 40°F. Use ice or cold packs to try keeping items as close to 40°F as possible.

Monitoring temps with a refrigerator thermometer allows you to respond quickly when the interior warms.

Frequently Asked Questions: Freezing and Food Safety

Freezing is one of the best ways to preserve foods for extended emergencies. Here are answers to some common questions around freezing food safely:

How long do foods stay safe in the freezer during a power outage?

A full upright or chest freezer will hold a safe temp for about 48 hours if the door remains closed. A half-full freezer about 24 hours.

Is it safe to refreeze thawed meat and other items after a power loss?

Yes, as long as they still have ice crystals and feel as cold as if refrigerated. Cook refrozen meats immediately rather than trying to refreeze again.

What if my food partially thawed then froze again in my freezer?

Food that went above 40°F for over 2 hours may be unsafe due to bacterial growth. When in doubt, remember the saying: "When thawed, throw it out!"

Preventing Cross-Contamination in Emergency Cooking

Proper sanitation prevents illness when cooking emergency food. Follow these contamination prevention tips:

Use separate cutting boards and utensils for produce and raw meats
Wash hands thoroughly with soap before/after handling different foods
Cook meats thoroughly to safe internal temperatures
Keep perishables refrigerated promptly; don't leave sitting out

Sanitation Supplies for Clean Food Handling

Having proper sanitation supplies enables safe emergency food prep when water access is limited. Helpful items include:

Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
Waterless soap alternatives
Paper plates, towels, cups to minimize dishwashing
Heavy-duty garbage bags for safely containing contaminated waste

With the right preparation, you can maintain proper food safety for your family even in difficult emergency situations. Stay vigilant with temperature control, contamination prevention, and sanitation when handling and cooking foods.

Prepping Supplies: Small Overlooked Must-Have Items

In addition to food, there are small but critical items you should include in your emergency preparedness kit. Having these supplies on hand can make a significant difference in an emergency situation.

Manual Tools for Food Preparation

When the power goes out, you'll need non-electric tools to open, prepare, and cook food from your stockpile. Be sure to have these items ready:

Manual can opener
Knives
Cutting board
Box grater
Mixing bowls
Cooking pots
Eating utensils

A manual wheat/corn grinder allows you to process grains into flour when the grocery stores are closed.

Sanitation and Hygiene Items for Health and Comfort

It's easy to overlook hygiene when prepping, but these supplies are vital:

Toilet paper
Baby wipes
Feminine hygiene products
Soap
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Hand sanitizer
Garbage bags

Maintaining cleanliness prevents illness and boosts morale in stressful situations.

Backup Lighting and Power Sources

When the lights go out, visibility and device charging become serious issues. Stock up on:

Flashlights
Lanterns
Extra batteries
Candles
Matches/lighters
Solar-powered battery packs and chargers

These items allow you to maintain some normalcy despite loss of power.

First Aid Kit: A Critical Component of Emergency Preparedness

A well-stocked first aid kit enables you to handle medical issues when healthcare facilities are inaccessible. Essentials include:

Bandages
Gauze
Medical tape
Antibiotic ointment
Anti-diarrheal medication
Pain/fever reducers
Cleaning wipes
Nitrile gloves
CPR mask

Refresh and restock medical supplies regularly. Being prepared to address injuries, even minor ones, is vital for health and survival.

Conclusion: Essential Points for a Prepared Pantry

Stocking up on survival foods requires some forethought to ensure you have what you need to weather an emergency. Here are some key tips:

Focus on nutritional balance - Choose foods that provide protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Canned beans, vegetables, fruits, nuts and protein sources like canned tuna are good options.
Prioritize longer shelf lives - Opt for non-perishable foods that are shelf-stable for 6 months to 1 year or longer. Check expiration dates and rotate stock.
Seek versatility - Pick ingredients like beans, rice, pasta and oats that can be used to make a variety of dishes.
Store properly - Keep foods in a cool, dry place and ensure you have needed cooking fuel. Create an emergency water supply.
Consider special needs - Tailor your stockpile to your household's dietary restrictions, tastes and ages. Have comfort foods on hand.

Building an emergency food pantry takes effort but ensures you have reliable access to nutrition if disasters or emergencies cut off regular food supplies. Use these tips as a starting point to stock up on versatile, shelf-stable essentials suitable for your household.