Ever wondered what you'd eat if disaster struck and grocery stores were stripped bare? It's a scary thought that's all too real for many of us. The key to weathering any storm is being prepared, which means having a well-stocked pantry of the best foods for prepping.
It wasn't so long ago that many people were doing just that. Coronavirus lockdowns led to food supply issues and food shortages too. Many people worldwide wondered how to find fresh foods, including fresh fruit, meat, and dairy products.
And I've been there, too, staring at empty grocery store shelves and wondering how I'd feed my family. As a long-time resident of a remote region of the Canadian subarctic for many years, I know that food shortages are nothing new. Almost all local supermarkets depend on food trucked in or flown in from British Columbia or Alberta. And sometimes bad weather and other issues mean supplies run low.
That's why I've spent years organizing, meal planning, creating recipes and testing the top survival foods. One thing I know for sure is that the best foods for prepping are ones that last long and that your family will eat.
Best Non-Perishable Foods to Stockpile for Emergencies
When preparing for emergencies, you want to stock your pantry with non-perishable foods for easy meal prepping. After all, you never know when a natural disaster or another emergency might strike, leaving you without access to fresh food for a long time.
In addition, your emergency go bags should include enough food and water for all household members to last at least 72 hours — about a three-day supply.
That way, you'll be ready if you need to evacuate due to natural disasters or an emergency. Choose high-protein, lightweight food, including healthy snacks such as freeze-dried foods and survival foods like hardtack, to add to your emergency kit.
Dried meat, such as chicken jerky or beef jerky, is a good option for emergency foods because it lasts forever, is lightweight, and is a good protein source. If you're up for it, learn how to smoke fish, can fish, or even make pemmican to add to your emergency food kits.
Peanut Butter, Canned Meats, and Beans
Some of the best survival foods include high-protein canned or jarred foods. For example, peanut butter is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats to keep you full and energized during an emergency. The best canned foods offer a long shelf life and minimal additives. However, when buying commercially prepared canned foods, check the ingredients. Many have high sodium (lots of salt.)
I preferred to DIY our foods for prepping. So, I made a plan to learn about canning, preserving and dehydrating food. This is the best option for building up your stock of staple foods to make healthy meals in the event of food shortages.
Whether you make them yourself or buy them, canned meats like tuna, chicken, and beef are also excellent sources of protein that can last for several years in your emergency food stockpile. You can use canned beans for so many recipes; they're one of the best foods for prepping. They offer a nutritious option for your meal emergency preparedness kit or prepper pantry. Canned beans include fiber, protein, and essential nutrients to help keep you going during tough times. Just remember to pack a can opener as well.
That said, I prefer to stock dry beans and legumes. Our pantry stores include dried navy beans, pinto beans, chili beans, regular red beans, black beans, split peas and various lentils. Dried beans are cheaper than canned and are all great options for creating filling, healthy meals, like mason jar soup mixes.
Granola Bars and Hard Candy
Stocking some granola bars and hard candy is also a good idea. While they may not be the healthiest options, they help give you energy and satisfy your sweet tooth during stressful emergencies.
When stocking up on non-perishable foods, consider each item's shelf life. Will they last a long time at room temperature?
Some foods, like canned goods, dehydrated food and hard candy, can last for years. However, others, like granola bars, may only have a shelf life of a few months. So remember to rotate your stock regularly and check expiration dates to ensure your food supply stays fresh and safe to eat.
Essential Items to Include in Your Emergency Food Supply
In addition to non-perishable foods, remember to include other essential items in your emergency food supply. We add emergency candles, waterproof matches with fire starters, headlamps, a solar charger, and rechargeable batteries. Adding these emergency supplies to your short-term preparedness kit makes a time of crisis a little more comfortable.
Water
Water is the most important item to include in your emergency supply, even more so than non-perishable food items. Aim to store at least one gallon of water per person per day, and don't forget to include extra for cooking and sanitation purposes. Even better, include a portable water filter system,
Add some variety to your diet with trail mix. It includes a wide variety of ingredients, but it typically contains nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
When it comes to bottled water, look for brands with a long shelf life and consider storing them separately from your food supply. If a crisis hits and contaminates your grub, having this backup plan ensures you won't go thirsty for safe drinking water.
Special Diet Food
If you or a loved one has special dietary needs, plan food supplies to include appropriate foods in your emergency stockpile to meet those nutritional needs. This may include gluten-free, nut-free, or low-sodium options, depending on your specific special needs.
Food Safety
It's also important to consider food safety when storing your emergency supply. Keep food in airtight containers and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and pests to avoid spoilage and potential food poisoning.
Tips for Storing and Managing Your Emergency Food Supply
Whether you're talking about long-term food prepping or just storing your grab-and-go survival food kits, store foods in a cool, dark, dry location. Proper storage and management of your emergency food supply will help it stay fresh and safe to eat when you need it most.
At our off grid home in the Northwest Territories, moisture isn't much of an issue as it's very dry. So, our prepper pantry storage works just fine.
However, our country homestead property in northern Ontario has an entirely different climate. Depending on the season, there's a lot more moisture, so it can get humid or damp.
We have a handbuilt log cabin with very thick logs. Still, luckily we also have an amazing old-fashioned dugout root cellar for storage. It hasn't been used for many years. So, building new shelves and getting them ready for our emergency foods supply is a priority.
Proper Storage Techniques
Now, I know this may not seem like the most exciting topic. However, proper storage techniques will help you keep your emergency food supply fresh and safe. First, use airtight containers to protect against moisture and pests,
Next, invest in some mylar bags and long-term food storage bins.
Store items in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. And don't forget to label each container with the contents and expiration date to help you keep track of your inventory.
Rotate Your Stock
Remember to rotate your prepper food stock to manage your emergency food supply. Use the "first in, first out" method to use up older items before expiration and replace them with fresh items as needed. This may help to reduce waste, so you always have a fresh supply.
Check Expiration Dates
If you purchase foods for prepping, regularly check expiration dates to keep a safe and effective emergency food supply. Make a habit of checking dates every 6-12 months. Then, discard any expired items or foods showing signs of spoilage.
Cooking Without Power
Remember, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to cook without power. If so, a supply of canned soups, canned vegetables, and other items that don't require cooking can be a lifesaver.
Nutritious and Filling Foods to Keep You Energized During Emergencies
When stocking your emergency food supply, remember to choose items that are not only non-perishable but also nutritious and filling. These foods will help keep your energy up and your mind focused during stressful emergencies.
Protein-rich Foods
Protein-rich foods like canned meats, beans, and nuts are essential for maintaining muscle mass and feeling full and satisfied. Include some carbohydrate-dense options like brown rice, pasta, and crackers for a quick boost of energy when you need it most.
Nutrient-Packed Fruits and Vegetables
Don't forget to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your emergency food supply as well. Cans of peas or peaches save dinner time more often than we admit – those shelf-stable foods really come through when you scramble to pull together a meal your family will eat.
Regarding healthy snacks, I highly recommend learning how to dehydrate fruit and vegetables. Dried bananas, apples and berries make great snacks as-is. Add a little hot water to rehydrate them, and add them to porridge for a hearty breakfast or your favorite quick bread recipe.
Carbohydrate-Dense Options
Basically, when choosing the best foods for prepping, look for items that are a good source of multiple nutrients and can help you feel fuller for longer periods. Also, consider food preferences.
Remember, you want protein powerhouses mixed with hearty carbs alongside fresh greens and fruit slices. In some cases, it may make sense to buy pre-packaged freeze-dried meals.
Preparing for Extended Periods Without Access to Fresh Food
In some emergencies, you may find yourself without access to fresh food for an extended period. That's why it's wise to create a plan for managing your food supply and staying nourished during these challenging times.
Long-Term Food Storage Solutions
Long-term food storage solutions like freeze-dried meals and dehydrated foods can be a great option for emergency situations that may last for several weeks or even months. These items have a longer shelf life than traditional canned goods.
They're easily reconstituted with water when needed. If you have a chance, read up on food preservation techniques. Ancient methods like smoking wild game meat or fermenting foods are the best way to build a supply of the best foods for prepping.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you find yourself without power for an extended period, having alternative cooking methods like a camping stove or solar oven can be a game-changer. These tools allow you to heat up food and boil water without relying on electricity, which can be a lifesaver in the event of power outages.
Water Purification Techniques
Finally, it's essential to have a plan for purifying water in case your regular water supply becomes contaminated. Water purification tablets, a good water filter system like a Big Berkey, and other techniques can help ensure access to safe drinking water no matter what challenges you face.
By being prepared with long-term food storage solutions, alternative cooking methods, and water purification techniques, you can help ensure you and your loved ones stay nourished and hydrated during even the most challenging situations.
Get Started Food Prepping Today
By now, you've got a solid grasp on the best foods for prepping. From protein-packed canned meats to nutrient-dense fruits and veggies, these staples keep you nourished and energized when fresh food is scarce.
But stocking up is just the first step. Proper storage and rotation are crucial to making your supply last. So take the time to organize your pantry, check those expiration dates, and have a plan for cooking without power.
Remember, prepping isn't about fear - it's about empowerment. With the right foods and know-how, you can confidently face any crisis. So breathe easy knowing you've got this covered.
Best Foods for Prepping FAQs
Do you have questions about the best foods for prepping? Or maybe you have a few suggestions to add. Leave your questions and comments below and I will do my best to answer them.
What are the best foods to stockpile?
Dried beans, rice, canned veggies, freeze-dried fruit and powdered milk. They're shelf-stable and packed with nutrients. Look for Auguson Farms items online to get started.
What are the top 10 food items for preppers?
A bag of rice, beans, canned meats, honey, oats, pasta, sugar, salt packs, nuts and dried fruits.
What is the best food to prep with?
Peanut butter stands out. It's energy-dense and lasts ages without needing a fridge.
What food lasts the longest prepping?
Honey wins here. Properly stored honey can last indefinitely, thanks to its antimicrobial properties.
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