Knowing which food items to stockpile is essential, especially if you want to avoid getting stuck in near-empty stores with people who didn’t think it was necessary to plan for a disaster.
To ensure that you have everything you need to keep your family well-fed during a survival scenario, check your inventory for the items in this detailed preparedness food storage list. Start building your stockpile gradually, so you don’t go over budget when buying groceries. In time, you should have enough food for each family member.
This section of the disaster food storage list includes inexpensive and versatile staples to pair with other foods. You can use rice or pasta as the base for different delicious, filling, and nutritious meals for the whole family.
1. Beans and legumes
Beans are cheap, and they triple their weight when you soak and cook them, making beans an essential food item in your stockpile. Stock up on various dried and canned beans to create something new with them to keep meals exciting while you’re waiting out an extended power outage.
Beans can provide at least 1,250 calories per pound. You can also sprout beans in as little as five days if you want them fresh.
To prepare dry beans, use a slow cooker and some water. The time it takes to soak them will depend on the beans you’re cooking.
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You can serve beans in the following ways:
Added to scrambled eggs with some salsa
Burritos
Mashed and cooked into refried beans
Pureed in olive oil and spices to make bean dip or hummus
Soups
Tacos
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2. Pasta
You can buy dried pasta or gather the ingredients to make fresh pasta at home. Dried pasta does have one advantage: It has a long shelf life if stored properly.
Pasta can be served in several ways: butter, cheeses, cooked meats, garlic, herbs, mushrooms, sauces, and vegetables.
Skip the instant ramen with its high MSG content and stock up on healthier types of pasta, such as:
Egg noodles
Gnocchi (made with potatoes)
Rice noodles
Soba (made with buckwheat)
Udon (made with wheat flour)
Oatmeal is a fiber-rich food staple that’s low in saturated fat. Serve oatmeal with some honey or fresh (or dried) fruits. You can also use oatmeal to make cookies and other baked goods.
Alternatively, you can make savory oatmeal by adding herbs, spices, and eggs.
In terms of caloric intake, rice is one of the most important grains in the world. Rice alone makes up one-fifth of the calories consumed by people worldwide.
Rice is an affordable and versatile food, and it can be used to make both savory and sweet dishes. Ideally, it is cooked in a rice cooker.
But in an outdoor survival scenario, rice can be cooked by boiling it in a pot. Learn how to do this by practicing at home, so you don’t end up burning rice and wasting your resources.
Rice can be added to soups, stews, or casseroles. Pair rice with protein and vegetables for a complete meal.
Baking ingredients
This group of staples is optional, especially if you’re not sure you have all the tools you need to bake.
If you think you can bake at home, you need baking powder, baking soda, shortening, and yeast. Take note that baking powder and yeast have a limited shelf life.
Learn how to make your own cake and pancake mixes using essential baking ingredients and white flour. You can also make fresh pasta with white flour, eggs, and other components at home.
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Combining baking soda with an acidic ingredient triggers the release of carbon dioxide, which makes the batter expand. You can make your own bread, cakes, and other baked or fried foods with baking soda. Baking soda will last for at least two years in your stockpile.
7. Baking powder
Baking powder contains baking soda and an acidifying agent (e.g., cream of tartar), and a drying agent (e.g., cornstarch).
Buy aluminum-free baking powder and store it properly to significantly extend its shelf life. Baking powder can last for at least a year and a half.
8. Dry yeast
Dry yeast has a short shelf life, but it is an essential ingredient in baking.
Protein and meats
This section covers protein-rich foods that are best paired with staples like rice and pasta.
Eggs are a great alternative to meats for a protein source.
There are various ways to prepare eggs, and you can serve them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Use herbs and spices to make nutritious egg-based dishes.
Fresh eggs don’t need to be refrigerated, but stock up on dehydrated eggs instead if you want to maximize storage space.
When storing canned meats like ham, rotate your supply to avoid spoilage. Buy high-quality products with a long shelf-life so you don’t have to worry about how long they’ll last in your stockpile.
Serve chopped ham with beans or fry it with some scrambled eggs.
Canned fish like mackerel, salmon, sardines, and tuna are nutritious sources of omega-3 fatty acids. They’re also an excellent alternative to other canned meats if you prefer lean protein.
12. Canned chicken
Get some canned chicken to add variety to your meat and protein sources. It might take some getting used to, but canned chicken is best served with rice-based dishes.
13. Peanut butter
Peanut butter is also full of healthy fats and proteins.
Don’t buy peanut butter with added sugars or hydrogenated oils. Healthy peanut butter is made with only peanuts, oil, and salt.
When SHTF, you still need to follow a healthy diet to maintain your overall well-being. These vegetables provide the vitamins and minerals needed to stay strong during a long-term disaster scenario.
14. Corn (dried grains)
As a grain, corn flour can bake different kinds of food. Stock up on corn grains like cornmeal, corn starch, grits, and popcorn.
15. Corn (as a vegetable)
You can use corn to make salads or soups or add it to other dishes. Be sure to buy GMO-free corn for your stockpile.
16. Peas and lentils
Whole lentils have a longer shelf life than split lentils. Lentils are another fiber-rich food, and you can serve them on your own or add them to other dishes.
17. Pumpkin and winter squash
Pumpkins and winter squash are nutritious. They can also be used in various recipes during months when you don’t have access to fresh produce. Store pumpkins and winter squash on open shelves or baskets in your basement or any fantastic darkroom.
18. Carrots
If you harvest carrots from your garden, note that they will start decaying after you dig them up. During summer and autumn, gather only what you’ll eat in several days. Preserve the rest, so nothing goes to waste.
19. Celery and parsley
Celery and parsley are varieties of the same plant. These vegetables are excellent sources of vitamins B and C, iron, and dietary fiber, essential when other vegetables aren’t available to you.
20. Tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes can be added to salads, or you can use them to make salsa. Another option is to preserve them so you can enjoy tomato sauce-based pasta.
21. Sweet potatoes
Canned sweet potatoes are very filling and rich in vitamin A.
22. Seaweed
Seaweed is an acquired taste, but it is a nutritious food that can flavor bland staples, like rice or pasta. Since seaweed is naturally salty, it goes well with soups or salads. Seaweed is also very compact when dried.
Fruits
Fruits will sweeten your day during a survival scenario, and they’re also a great source of essential nutrients.
23. Raisins
Raisins contain iron, fiber, protein, and vitamin C. You can use raisins to enhance the flavor of rice pudding and oatmeal.
24. Canned peaches
Juicy, canned peaches packed in light syrup are a great source of calories.
25. Dried fruits
Dried fruits can be purchased by the bucket. You can serve dried fruits as snacks or add them to oatmeal or baked goods.
26. Fruit leathers
Fruit leathers are a great space-saving alternative to whole fruits. When buying fruit leathers, avoid those with high-fructose corn syrup.
Choose fruit leathers that are fiber-rich and are made with natural ingredients.
27. Applesauce
Kids will love applesauce – but you can also serve it to adults as a dessert or with cereals.
28. Jams and jellies
You have two options for these types of foods: You can preserve your own jams and jellies, or you can stock up on store-bought spreads.
Stock up on jams and jellies such as:
Apple butter
Apricot jam
Blackberry jam
Grape jellies
Raspberry jam
Strawberry jam
Even plain bread and pancakes can be turned into delicious treats with jams and jellies.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts are a nutritious energy source, but they can go rancid quickly. Always rotate your stock to prevent spoilage if you’re stocking up on nuts.
Healthy nuts and seeds are often sold in bags instead of oil-filled cans and jars.
29. Raw almonds, cashews, and walnuts
Snack on a handful of nuts for a filling treat or add them to baked goods or oatmeal for a crunchy texture.
30. Canned chestnuts
You can purchase canned chestnuts in the Asian section of supermarkets. Sayings are full of fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C.
Condiments
Condiments are must-have emergency food items because they add flavor to an otherwise bland meal.
31. Himalayan salt
Salt is a simple yet handy condiment. It enhances the flavor of meats and makes for good home remedies. Pink Himalayan salt has essential trace minerals like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
32. Canning and pickling salt
You also need canning and pickling salts, a pure granulated salt that doesn’t contain preservatives.
33. Sugar
Sugar is a common ingredient used in various recipes, and you need a lot of it in your survival stockpile.
34. Honey
You can stock up on honey instead to cut down on your sugar intake. Honey is a nutritious natural sweetener, but you need to make sure that no one in the family is allergic to possible honey contaminants such as bee pollen or pollen from plants.
Honey contains amino acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that are good for your health.
Tip: In time, honey may crystallize. To recrystallize honey, place a sealed jar in a pot of warm (not boiling) water. Leave the honey in the water until the crystals dissolve.
35. Mustard
Keep a variety of mustards in your stockpile to add flavor to meats and savory dishes.
36. Ketchup
Adults and kids may want ketchup – just make sure to avoid brands that contain high-fructose corn syrup. Keep ketchup in a brown paper bag, then store it in a cool, dark place to extend its shelf life.
37. Tabasco sauce
Hot sauce will add flavor and spice to bland foods and meats.
38. Soy sauce
Non-GMO soy sauce will go well with rice-based dishes, soups, and stews.
Herbs and spices
Herbs and spices should be in your emergency food cache to keep meals interesting for the whole family. Many will provide added health benefits too. Plan your meals and figure out which spices would go well with the staples and other items in your stockpile.
39. Black pepper
You can grind peppercorns to make black pepper. Pair it with salt to enhance the flavor of meats or stews and soups.
40. Chili powder
Instead of Tabasco sauce, you can stock up on chili powder. It is made of dried and pulverized chili peppers, and it goes well with staples like beans and rice.
41. Cinnamon
Cinnamon balances blood sugar, so it’s beneficial for individuals with diabetes. You can use this spice when making oatmeal or toast, which is often called for in baking recipes.
42. Dill weed and dill
Dill weed is an herb, while dill is a spice you need in your stockpile. Use dill when making egg-based dishes, potato salad, or tuna salad.
43. Garlic
Garlic is a must for your kitchen and your survival stockpile. This well-known herb is full of antioxidants with health benefits, and it goes well in a wide variety of dishes.
To save storage space, stock up on garlic powder or freeze-dried garlic.
44. Onion
You can stock up on dehydrated or freeze-dried onions. They are also available in other convenient forms such as flakes, granules, and powders.
45. Ginger
Ginger root is a valuable spice. Aside from its culinary uses, it can be used to make home remedies for common health complaints like nausea and stomachaches.
46. Thyme
Thyme is rich in iron. This fragrant herb adds a delicate and savory flavor to poultry and vegetable dishes.
Beverages and drink mixes
You need to stay hydrated during emergencies. However, drinking plain water can get old after a while.
The beverages in this part of the list can cheer up your kids and brighten the mood of the adults in your group, primarily if they are used to having a cup of tea or coffee every morning.
47. Pineapple and vegetable juice
You can drink nutritious pineapple and vegetable juice to stay hydrated in a post-SHTF world.
48. Coffee
Stock up on instant and ground or whole-bean coffee for a great pick-me-up every morning. Coffee doesn’t just boost your mental alertness – it can also improve your morale on a terrible day.
49. Tea
Tea can help you stay warm on a cold day. Caffeinated teas can energize you, while herbal teas can help you relax after a long and tiring day.
Different kinds of tea have medicinal properties, and some even have anti-cancer properties, such as green tea. Teas like elderberry, echinacea, and peppermint can prevent respiratory ailments such as the common cold. Chamomile is good for digestion and helps you relax to sleep, which could be handy in an SHTF scenario.
50. Hot chocolate mix
Hot chocolate is a nice treat on a cold winter’s day. A cup of hot cocoa can also boost your energy.
The hot chocolate mix has a long shelf life in a cool dark place with no moisture when stored properly.
Dairy
Cheese, milk, and other dairy products can prevent food fatigue and provide essential vitamins and minerals.
51. Hard cheeses
Waxed hard cheeses like Gouda, parmesan, and Swiss cheese go well with pasta dishes. They’re also an essential survival food because the wax casing prevents bacteria and mold from growing.
Powdered parmesan cheese only lasts for about four months, but parmesan cheese in wax can last for at least 25 years.
52. Milk
Milk is a portion of crucial survival food, especially if you don’t have access to livestock like cows and goats. Other types of milk that you can store include condensed and evaporated milk.
Powdered milk is an excellent alternative to store milk without giving up a lot of storage space. This type of milk product is easy to use when cooking, and it’s rich in calcium, protein, and other nutrients. It is a good idea to store different kinds of milk, if possible.
Tip: Use canned coconut milk instead of water to cook rice faster.
Cooking oils
You will need various oils to cook and prepare meals after SHTF.
53. Butter
You can buy either frozen or canned butter for your stockpile. Add a dab of butter to toast or corn on the cob.
54. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is heat-stable, and it won’t go rancid as quickly as other oils. Coconut oil is a healthier alternative to shortening, which contains harmful trans fats.
55. Olive oil
Olive oil is calorie-dense, and it can provide you with energy. Cooking with olive oil also produces flavorful dishes.
Fats like those in olive oil are essential in a survival stockpile because they support the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients.
Vitamins and Minerals
Survival scenarios can be stressful. Maintaining your physical health will boost your mental condition to manage your stress accordingly.
Vitamins and minerals also help your body use food properly. They are required for various bodily functions and processes. It is essential to stockpile quality supplements because you are less likely to have access to fresh food in a survival scenario.
56. Vitamin D-fortified calcium supplement
Calcium and vitamin D are necessary for your body to be strong enough to fight infections.
57. Magnesium
Magnesium is an important “stress supplement,” It can prevent damage from excess adrenaline.
Comfort foods/treats
This can vary depending on your personal preferences, but it’s always a good idea to stock up on comfort foods for the whole family. Treats will help your kids feel “normal” if they’re feeling scared, and the adults can relax with some chocolates or a bag of chips.
Just make sure you don’t consume your supply of treats in one go since you may need to make them last for a long time, depending on the situation.
58. Cookies and crackers
Serve cookies as a treat with a cup of soothing tea.
Crackers don’t have a lot of nutritive value, but they go well with salads and soups.
59. Chocolates
Store chocolates in your stockpile for an antioxidant-rich sweet treat that boosts heart health. Chocolate chips have a shelf life of about one year.
Dark chocolate is healthier than milk chocolate. Avoid chocolates that contain hydrogenated oils, which are bad for your cardiovascular health.
60. Hard candies
When SHTF, handing out butterscotch drops, lemon drops or peppermints can quickly put a smile on someone’s face.
61. Vodka
Stock up on vodka for the adults. This alcoholic drink can also be used for cooking or bartering.
Vodka also has several medicinal uses, such as:
Anesthetic for blisters
Drying out cold sores
Relieving poison ivy
Mouthwash
Numbing agent if you have a toothache
Skin repellent for mosquitoes and other insects
Miscellaneous food items
This section includes specific optional items like pet food and things that have many survival uses.
Don’t forget to save some pet food for your furry friends. Give them treats to help them calm down if they’re stressed or scared.
63. Apple cider vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar is nothing short of miraculous. High-quality ACV can be used to make a simple salad dressing by combining it with olive oil, pepper, and salt.
ACV also has many survival uses, including:
You can use it as a natural bleach alternative.
It can be used to deodorize and unclog your kitchen sink.
It’s a practical and non-toxic wash for fruit and vegetables.
You can use it as a meat tenderizer or as a marinade.
It can enhance the nutrients in bone broths and soups.
You can use it to pickle foods like eggs, olives, and vegetables.
It can relieve acid reflux.
It can give you an energy boost.
It can be used as a natural acne and bite/sting remedy.
It can be used as a genuine facial toner, dandruff treatment, and mouthwash.
64. Cake and pancake mixes
This optional item is convenient, especially if you want to save time for other chores around your house when SHTF.
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