Preparing for emergencies starts with stockpiling the right foods to meet nutritional needs.
This guide details the most nutritious and long-lasting foods to include in your stockpile so you can feel confident you'll stay nourished in an emergency.
You'll discover the top recommended items, storage best practices, planning for special diets, budget tips, must-have non-food essentials, and answers to common questions about building an emergency food supply.
Introduction to Stockpiling Survival Foods
Stockpiling emergency food supplies is an essential part of preparing for unexpected events or disasters. Having nutritious, long-lasting foods on hand provides sustenance when access to fresh food is disrupted. Assembling the right stockpile involves understanding key criteria like nutritional balance, shelf life, and ease of preparation.
Understanding the Basics of Survival Food Stockpiling
Survival foods refer to non-perishable items that can be stored for extended periods without refrigeration. The best options are nutrient-dense, pack a long shelf life, require minimal preparation, and taste decent enough to enjoy over repeated meals if needed. Some foods that meet these criteria include:
- Canned proteins like tuna, salmon, chicken, beans
- Whole grains like brown rice, oats, quinoa
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Shelf-stable milk like powdered or canned
- Comfort foods like pasta, peanut butter, honey
When building your stockpile, focus on variety to cover nutritional needs. Pay attention to expiration dates, store items properly, and cycle through older inventory.
The Importance of a Nutritional Balance in Your Stockpile
Though survival is the priority, eating healthy foods with essential nutrients makes a difference in energy, mood, and wellness during stressful situations. Seek balance across the food groups:
- Proteins for muscle health and satiety
- Fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals
- Grains for sustained energy
- Dairy for calcium and protein
- Fats and sweets for quick energy
Choose lower-sodium options when possible and drink enough water daily.
Planning Your 3 Day Emergency Food Supply List
Experts recommend keeping at least a 3-day supply on hand. This provides buffer time if stores are closed or if you need to evacuate quickly. Aim to have ~2,000 calories per person per day with items like:
- Canned tuna, chicken, beans, veggies
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Cereal, granola bars, nuts
- Powdered milk and shelf-stable juices
- Comfort snacks like crackers, cookies
Rotate stock every 6-12 months, donating unused items to food banks as needed.
Printable Emergency Food List: A Practical Tool
Maintaining an organized, printable emergency food list helps ensure you have well-rounded supplies on hand. It also aids preparedness if stores are closed or power is lost. Track key details like:
- Food items
- Quantities
- Purchase and expiration dates
- Storage locations
- Special prep needs
Update as you use and replace items. Print copies to take when supply shopping.
Keeping an adequate food stockpile takes planning but provides comfort knowing your family will be cared for during emergencies. Follow expert guidance on nutritional balance, shelf life, and ease of prep when building your supply.
What are the top 10 survival foods?
When building an emergency food supply, it's important to have a variety of nutrient-dense foods that will last a long time without refrigeration. Here are 10 of the best survival foods to stockpile:
Peanut Butter
An excellent source of protein, fats, and calories. Choose natural peanut butter without hydrogenated oils. Stays fresh for up to 3 years unopened.
Whole-Wheat Crackers
Provides carbohydrates and fiber. Look for low/no-sodium varieties. Stays fresh for up to 3 years in a cool, dry place. Check expiration dates.
Nuts and Trail Mixes
Great sources of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Buy raw varieties in airtight containers and they can last 2+ years.
Cereal
Choose whole grain cereals and make sure to store in airtight containers to preserve freshness. Can last on the shelf for 6-12 months.
Granola and Protein Bars
Convenient, nutrient-dense snacks. Store unopened boxes and bars for 1+ years.
Dried Fruits
Raisins, apricots, apples - excellent sources of vitamins and antioxidants with a long shelf life of 1-2 years. Purchase unsulfured varieties.
Canned Meats
Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, and turkey can last 2-5 years when stored properly. Choose low-sodium options packed in water.
Canned Vegetables
Canned green beans, carrots, and peas maintain nutrients for 1-2 years when stored in a cool, dry place. Buy low-sodium or no salt added.
Drink Mixes
Powdered drink mixes provide essential electrolytes, vitamins, and flavor. Can be stored for years and mixed with emergency water supply.
Water
The most essential survival item. Store at least one gallon per person for 3 days. Replace every 6 months.
What foods should you stockpile for emergency?
When building your emergency food supply, focus on shelf-stable items that provide nutritional balance, long shelf life, and ease of preparation. Here are some of the best survival foods to stockpile:
Canned and Preserved Foods
Canned meats, fruits, vegetables, soups, and juices are essentials for your stockpile. Opt for low-sodium varieties whenever possible and choose items with longer expiration dates. Properly stored canned goods can last 2-5 years.
Staples
Stock up on non-perishables like sugar, salt, pepper, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, and trail mix. These high-calorie foods are compact and convenient.
Drink Mixes
Having drink mixes on hand like powdered milk, coffee, tea, electrolyte powders, and drink mixes will help you stay hydrated. Be sure to stock extra water as well.
Whole Grains
Whole grains like rice, quinoa, pasta, and oats have long shelf lives. Consider adding wheat berries or flour to bake your own bread. Properly stored, these items can last 10 years or more.
When building your stockpile, focus on nutritional balance and caloric density. Favor items with longer shelf lives that don't require refrigeration. Check expiration dates and create a rotation system to keep foods fresh and safe. With the right survival foods on hand, you'll be prepared for any emergency.
What 5 foods can you survive on?
A balanced diet of survival food will ensure that your body is getting all the protein, carbs, minerals, and vitamins it requires to remain healthy. If you could only select five foods to survive on, these would be excellent choices:
Potatoes
- Packed with potassium, vitamin C, and fiber
- Versatile - can be baked, mashed, fried, etc.
- Long shelf life if stored properly in a cool, dark place
Kale
- Extremely nutritious green leafy vegetable
- Excellent source of vitamins A, C, K, antioxidants
- Lasts 2-3 weeks when refrigerated
Trail Mix
- Mix of nuts, seeds, dried fruits - great source of protein, healthy fats, carbs
- Convenient, lightweight, and non-perishable
- Variety of textures and flavors
Grains
- Whole grains like oats, quinoa, brown rice provide fiber, protein
- Last 1-2 years when stored properly in airtight containers
- Quick to prepare by just adding hot water
Beans
- Canned beans are versatile, convenient survival food
- Excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber
- Last at least 1-2 years on the shelf
By stocking up on non-perishables like these and eating a balanced mix, you can get all the nutrition your body needs to stay healthy, even with limited ingredients. Checking expiration dates and proper storage are key.
What food to stockpile for 2023?
As global events continue to impact food supplies, it's wise to stock up on non-perishable items that may be in short supply in 2023. Here are some key foods to focus on adding to your emergency stockpile:
Canned and Shelf-Stable Items
- Canned fruits, vegetables, beans, soups, and meats - These are nutritious and last 2-5 years when properly stored. Prioritize fruits packed in juice rather than syrup for more nutrients.
- Peanut butter and nut butters - High in protein and healthy fats with a 1-2 year shelf life.
- Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, and spam - Excellent sources of protein to complement other non-perishable foods. Aim for low-sodium options.
- Whole grains like rice, pasta, oats, barley, quinoa - Provide essential carbs and fiber. White rice lasts the longest at 4-5 years.
- Dried beans and lentils - Soak and cook as needed for plant-based protein. Store in airtight containers and check for bugs.
- Vegetable and seed oils - Choose olive, avocado, coconut, and vegetable oil in opaque bottles. Refrigerate after opening.
Other Essentials
- Honey - Lasts forever unopened and is antibacterial.
- Salt, spices, vinegars, soy sauce - Flavor essentials to liven up meals.
- Powdered milk and shelf-stable plant-based milks - Reconstitute with water as needed.
- High-calorie staples like peanut butter, nuts, dried fruits, granola bars
Focus on nutrient diversity and not just calories. Include canned low-sodium veggies and fruits along with proteins for balanced nutrition in an emergency. Check expiration dates and store items properly to maximize freshness and shelf life. Be prepared by stocking up on essentials today.
List of Survival Foods to Stockpile
Delve into the specifics of what foods to include in your emergency pantry, focusing on longevity and ease of use.
The Top 57 Foods to Stockpile for Long-Term Survival
When building your emergency food supply, focus on non-perishable foods that have a long shelf life without refrigeration. Some top foods to include are:
- Canned goods like beans, vegetables, fruits, meats, soups and stews. Opt for low-sodium varieties when possible.
- Whole grains like rice, quinoa, oats, wheat berries and pasta
- Dried beans, lentils and peas
- Nuts and nut butters
- Dried fruits
- Powdered milk and plant-based milk powders
- Canned or powdered eggs
- Condiments like soy sauce, vinegar, oil and spices
- Comfort foods like coffee, tea, granola bars and chocolate
- Water and water flavorings
When stockpiling these items, be sure to:
- Check expiration dates and plan your supply rotation
- Store items properly to maximize shelf life
- Include a variety to meet nutritional needs
Having around a 3 month supply is recommended for most households. Those at high risk may want to stockpile enough to last 6 months.
Canned Varieties: A Staple for Non-Perishable Food Supply
Canned goods are essential for emergency food stockpiles because they:
- Don't require refrigeration
- Are already fully cooked and quick to prepare
- Come in pop-top cans that don't need a can opener
- Offer a long shelf life of 2-5 years
Focus on canned meats, seafood, vegetables, fruits and prepared meals. Opt for low-sodium versions when possible. Canned beans, soups and tomatoes are especially versatile items.
Be sure to integrate inspection and rotation of canned goods into your stockpile system. Properly stored cans can safely last for years.
Properly Stored Flour and Other Bulk Essentials
Storing bulk ingredients like grains, flours, sugars and meals requires a few special considerations to maximize freshness and prevent spoilage during a power outage:
- Store in food grade plastic buckets or Mylar bags
- Add oxygen absorbers to remove oxygen
- Seal containers completely shut
- Store in cool, dark place like basement or cellar
With proper storage methods, whole wheat flour and white flour can last 10-15 years. Other grains and meals can last similarly long as well.
Be sure to integrate the sealed containers into your regular pantry rotation to ensure freshness. Mark purchase dates clearly on containers.
Preserving Nutritional Balance with Shelf-Stable Foods
While stockpiling non-perishable emergency foods, don't forget the importance of nutritional balance. Be sure your stockpile includes foods that offer:
- Protein from canned meats, beans, nuts
- Healthy fats from oils, nut butters, seeds
- Vitamins and minerals from canned fruits and vegetables
- Fiber from beans, lentils, oats and nut mixes
- Carbohydrates from grains and bars
- Dairy from powdered milk and milk alternatives
A diversity of shelf-stable foods will help supply the essential nutrients needed to stay healthy, especially during high-stress emergency scenarios.
Best Survival Foods to Stockpile
When building an emergency food supply, it's important to focus on nutritious and long-lasting options that will sustain you and your family during a crisis. Here are some of the best survival foods to stockpile.
High-Calorie Foods That Last a Long Time
Foods that are calorie-dense and have a long shelf life are essentials for your stockpile. Some good choices include:
- Canned meats like tuna, salmon, chicken, and spam
- Canned beans and lentils
- Nuts and nut butters
- Dried fruits
- Whole grains like rice, quinoa, oats, and pasta
- Vegetable oils like olive and coconut oil
These foods provide lots of calories and nutrients to keep you fueled. Properly stored in a cool, dark place, most will last for years.
Selecting Foods with Ease of Preparation in Mind
When stockpiling survival foods, consider how easily they can be prepared, especially if utilities like power and gas are limited. Some good options include:
- Canned ready-to-eat soups and meals
- High-protein meal replacement shakes
- Freeze-dried camping meals
- Granola, cereal, and snack bars
These foods require minimal preparation - just open and eat. This allows you to conserve fuel and water during an emergency.
Investing in Low-Sodium and Special Diet Varieties
It's also important to consider any special dietary needs when building your stockpile. Be sure to include:
- Low-sodium canned goods
- Gluten-free and allergen-free foods
- Nutritional shakes for diabetics or others with health conditions
Having these items on hand ensures your food supply meets the unique needs of your family.
Keeping an Eye on Expiration: How to Check Dates Effectively
To keep your stockpile fresh and safe to eat, routinely check expiration dates and follow the "first in, first out" system. Also store items properly by:
- Keeping food in a cool, dark place
- Sealing containers tightly
- Monitoring cans for bulges, rust, or dents
Proper storage and date checking helps your survival foods remain edible and nutritious over the long haul.
By focusing on calorie-and nutrient-dense foods with long shelf lives, ease of preparation, and dietary considerations, you can build an well-rounded, safe stockpile to rely on.
sbb-itb-b932644
Food Storage Best Practices
Properly storing your emergency food supply is crucial to maximizing its shelf life. By following best practices, you can keep foods fresh and safe for consumption long term.
Maximizing Shelf Life Through Optimal Storage Conditions
When stockpiling food, aim to store items in a cool, dark, and dry location if possible. Temperatures between 40-70°F are ideal for most shelf-stable foods. You'll also want to avoid humidity and direct sunlight exposure which can cause early spoilage.
Container Choices: Mylar Bags, Cans, and Buckets
Mylar bags, cans, and food-grade buckets all have advantages for storage. Mylar bags provide an airtight barrier to oxygen and moisture. Cans make items easy to transport and stack. Buckets keep bulk ingredients contained and can hold smaller packaged items. Ensure containers are clean, dry, and undamaged before use.
Techniques to Keep Foods Fresh and Safe During a Power Outage
During a power outage, consume refrigerated and frozen items first. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to retain cold air. Consider block ice, ice packs, or dry ice to keep perishable foods at safe temperatures if the outage lasts over 4 hours. Avoid opening refrigeration units unnecessarily.
Rotating Your Stockpile: First In, First Out
Use the FIFO (first in, first out) method to rotate your stock. Keep a detailed inventory with purchase/storage dates. Add new supply to the back while older supply gets used first from the front. Stick to expiration dates and aim to use non-perishables within 6-12 months. Rotating ensures no waste and that your emergency food remains safe to eat when needed.
Creating and Storing an Emergency Water Supply
Water is essential for survival, so having an emergency supply is critical. When preparing your food stockpile, be sure to also plan for water needs.
Calculating Daily Water Needs: Ensuring You Drink Enough Water Every Day
When creating your emergency water supply, consider how much water your household uses daily. Experts recommend storing at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene. Be sure to account for pets too.
To determine your household's water needs:
- Estimate typical daily water usage for drinking, cooking, bathing, etc.
- Factor in extra water for hot climates, pregnant women, and illnesses
- Have at least a 3-day supply available, 2 weeks is better
Storing enough water ensures your family stays hydrated in an emergency.
Safe Water Storage Solutions
Properly storing water keeps it safe from contaminants. Consider these storage solutions:
- Commercially bottled water
- Food-grade plastic jugs or barrels
- Disinfected water containers with tight lids
Store containers in cool, dark areas. Limit exposure to light to avoid algae growth. Rotate stock to use oldest first.
Water Purification Techniques
If run out of stored water, these methods remove contaminants:
- Boiling - brings water to a rolling boil for 1 minute
- Chlorine bleach - add 1/8 tsp per gallon, stir, let stand 30 mins
- Water filters - pump-style and straw filters work without electricity
Only use water from safe sources. Streams may be contaminated and require disinfecting.
The Role of Hydration in Survival Situations
Dehydration compromises the body’s functioning. Prevent this by:
- Drinking when thirsty
- Consuming foods with high water content
- Seeking shade to avoid perspiration
- Reducing activity to lower sweat levels
Maintaining proper hydration keeps critical body systems working, boosting your odds of survival.
Adequate water storage and planning meets a fundamental need if disasters strike. Follow emergency preparedness experts' advice on calculating needs, rotating stock, and utilizing purification methods. Ensuring your household is hydrated will provide stability in turbulent times.
Special Considerations for Dietary Restrictions
When building your survival food stockpile, it's important to consider any dietary restrictions you or your family members may have. Accommodating special diets ensures everyone has nutritious options during an emergency.
Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Stockpile Options
Those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or food allergies should focus on shelf-stable alternatives like:
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Rice, quinoa, buckwheat, cornmeal
- Nut butters
- Canned beans, lentils, chickpeas
- Canned tuna, salmon
- Dried fruit and coconut
Carefully check labels for allergens and gluten sources like wheat, barley, rye.
Vegetarian and Vegan Survival Food Choices
Vegetarians and vegans can stock up on proteins like:
- Canned beans, lentils, chickpeas
- Peanut or almond butter
- Tofu pouches
- Textured vegetable protein (TVP)
- Nuts and seeds
- Nutritional yeast
Also prioritize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant-based milks, and meat substitutes.
Cultural and Religious Dietary Compliance
To accommodate kosher, halal and other religious diets:
- Choose acceptable meat and dairy options
- Verify food labels for compliance
- Stock culturally appropriate items
Check requirements for storage, preparation, handling.
Managing Special Diets During Emergencies
- Take inventory of restrictions for your household
- Meal plan based on shelf-stable items you have stockpiled
- Portion ingredients to meet individual needs
- Supplement with vitamins/supplements as needed
- Research backup food options that meet dietary needs
Planning ahead helps maintain nutrition for special diets when access is limited.
Strategies for Budget-Conscious Stockpiling
Developing a Cost-Effective Stockpiling Plan
When creating a stockpiling plan on a budget, it's important to be strategic. Set realistic goals for how much food you want to have on hand and build your supply gradually over time. Make a list of survival foods to prioritize based on nutritional value, shelf life, and cost. Opt for nutritious, non-perishable items that provide enough calories and nutrients to sustain you in an emergency.
Focus on building up a reserve of staples like rice, beans, pasta, oats, peanut butter, and canned proteins like tuna at first. You can supplement with canned fruits and vegetables as your budget allows. Buying ingredients in bulk is one of the most budget-friendly ways to stockpile. Purchasing large bags of rice, beans, and other shelf-stable items from big box stores can save significantly over time.
Utilizing Sales and Bulk Purchases
Keep an eye out for sales on survival food items and stock up when prices drop. Many grocery stores run weekly sales on canned goods and grains that allow you to get items for 30-50% off. Big box stores also regularly discount bulk dry goods. Building up a supply over time by adding a few extra cans or bags during each shopping trip is an affordable way to stockpile.
You can also save by purchasing bulk ingredients from restaurant supply stores, warehouses, and online retailers. Opt for large bags, buckets, or #10 cans of shelf-stable items like grains, beans, baking ingredients, and freeze-dried produce. The per ounce or per serving cost is usually much lower when buying bulk.
DIY Food Preservation to Save Money
Preserving fresh foods yourself with canning, dehydrating, or vacuum sealing can save substantially over buying commercially packaged survival food. Wait for seasonal sales on produce and meat, then preserve big batches of chili, soups, vegetables, or meat to build your stockpile. Mason jars, dehydrators, vacuum sealers, and other necessary equipment pay for themselves over time.
You can also make your own healthy survival food bars by dehydrating and binding together nutrient-dense ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, coconut, dried fruit, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. Homemade bars avoid artificial ingredients and cost a fraction of commercial options.
Avoiding Waste with Smart Stock Rotation
To avoid wasting money on expired food, establish a first-in-first-out rotation system. Designate a shelf or area in your pantry for emergency food items and always move older products to the front while putting newer ones in the back. Refer to expiration dates regularly and plan meals around using up whatever is closest to expiring.
Making an inventory list with purchase dates and expiration dates for each item can help you effectively rotate your stock. Storing food properly by keeping it cool, dry, and dark will help maximize shelf life as well. Following these best practices prevents waste and ensures you get the most value out of every dollar spent on survival stockpiling.
Essential Non-Food Items for Emergency Preparedness
Survival Cooking Gear and Fuel
Having the proper cooking equipment and fuel sources is critical for being able to prepare meals without electricity or gas. Consider stockpiling a camp stove and fuel such as propane or white gas, as well as a grill that can be used outside. Sterno cans are an option for short-term indoor cooking. You'll also need pots, pans, utensils, plates, cups, and a manual can opener.
First Aid and Medical Supplies
A well-stocked first aid kit is a must, including bandages, gauze, tape, antiseptic, pain medication, latex gloves, scissors, tweezers, a thermometer, and first aid instruction manual. Have at least a 2 week supply of any prescription medications and over-the-counter meds you regularly take. Extra toilet paper, feminine products, diapers if needed, and soap/hand sanitizer should be stockpiled.
Hygiene and Sanitation Essentials
Personal hygiene is important to prevent illness. Stock up on toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, deodorant, shampoo, soap, feminine products, toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, bleach for disinfecting, and hand sanitizer. Baby wipes can be used for cleaning when water access is limited. Have a supply of buckets with lids for waste and transporting water.
Lighting and Power Alternatives
Good lighting sources include LED flashlights and headlamps, candles, and lanterns. Solar powered lighting can be used to charge devices during the day. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio will allow you to get news and emergency updates if the power goes out. Extra batteries for all devices should be stockpiled as well. A generator, solar panels, or power station can provide electricity for some appliances if an extended outage occurs.
Answering Your Survival Food Stockpile Questions
As you prepare your survival food stockpile, some common questions arise. Having the right information can help you create an adequate emergency food supply for your family's needs.
Determining the Right Amount of Food to Stockpile
When calculating how much food to stockpile, consider your family size and individual needs. Experts often recommend having a 3-day supply to start, with a goal of building up to a 2-week supply over time. This allows for approximately:
- 2,000 calories per day per person
- 3 gallons of water per person for the stockpile duration
Adjust up or down based on age, health conditions, and activity levels. Be sure to include pet food as well! Rotate and replace items as you use them to keep the stockpile fresh.
Choosing the Best Storage Locations
Store foods in cool, dry places in your home:
- Pantry: Canned goods, oils, whole grains
- Closets: Bottled water, dried goods
- Basement: Rotate freezer items here first in a power outage
Use airtight containers, oxygen absorbers, and desiccants to prolong shelf life. Store foods away from heat, moisture, sunlight, and pests.
Handling Food Safety Concerns
When stockpiling:
- Check expiration and best-by dates
- Look for damage, rust, bulging cans
- Use oldest items first
- Store opened items properly
Practice good hygiene, keep storage areas clean, and throw away anything that looks or smells spoiled.
The Longevity of Different Food Types
With proper storage, expect approximately this shelf life:
- Canned goods: 2-5 years
- Dried grains/beans: 1-2 years
- Boxed items: 6-12 months
- Bottled oils: 1-2 years
Rotate, use, and replace food before it expires. Dried, canned, and shelf-stable items last the longest when stored properly.
By understanding storage methods, shelf life, and food safety, you can effectively build and maintain your emergency food supply. Start small and build up over time to ensure you have reliable access to balanced nutrition if disasters or emergencies arise.
Conclusion: Essential Takeaways for Your Survival Food Stockpile
Having a well-stocked supply of survival foods is critical to being prepared for emergencies. By focusing on shelf-stable items that provide nutritional balance, you can create a food stockpile to sustain yourself and your family when disaster strikes.
Recap of Best Practices for Food and Water Storage
When building your emergency food supply, be sure to:
- Choose foods with long shelf lives that don't require refrigeration
- Check expiration dates and properly store foods to keep them fresh and safe
- Include canned goods as well as items like rice, beans, pasta, and oats
- Stock up on essential nutrients like protein, fruits and vegetables
- Store at least a 3-day supply of water (1 gallon per person per day)
Final Thoughts on Maintaining Nutritional Balance
It’s important to have foods from all the major food groups to maintain health. Focus on nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and calories needed to keep energy levels up. With some planning, you can put together a balanced stockpile of survival foods.
Checklist for a Comprehensive Emergency Food Supply
- Canned goods (veggies, fruits, soups, meats)
- Dried goods (rice, beans, pasta, oats)
- Comfort foods (coffee, tea, sweets)
- Paper plates, cups and utensils
- Manual can opener
- Bottled water
- Water purification method
Following this survival food checklist will help ensure you have what’s needed to feed your family in an emergency situation. Stay safe and prepared!
