We all need to be prepared with whatever may come our way. Though we all know that we should be ready for these types of situations, we don’t often think about the logistics until we really need to. Now that we’re stuck at home due to coronavirus, urban prepping becomes more relevant than ever.
Stockpiling enough food for emergencies is one of the most important ways to prepare. You and your household need to survive, and when it comes to thinking and planning ahead, food must be on the top of the list. You don’t want to do that after most people have rushed to the groceries to stock up on goods and non-perishable items – it’s always better to be more prepared than everybody else.
Here are some of the most important survival foods you must always keep on hand:
1. Canned fruits and vegetables
Let’s start with healthy options. Canned fruits and veggies can be eaten straight out of the can, and they provide essential nutrients you will normally get from the fresh ones. Though they may be processed, at least your body is receiving vitamins and nutrients that you won’t find from other kinds of foods.
2. Water
Water is the most important item to keep in your emergency kit. Each person needs one gallon of drinking water a day, and you must always try to have at least a three-day supply of water.
3. Whole-grain cereal
Just like crackers, whole grain cereals have enough fiber to be filling, but also a great snack to munch on. Opt for cereals that have individually packaged servings so it won’t go stale after opening.
3. Beans
Beans are affordable, yet easily filling. It also has a long shelf life, high in nutrients, and super easy to store. However, it may take a long time to cook so that canned beans may work better for you.
4. Canned tuna in oil
Tuna is a portion of healthy survival food. It’s a great source of protein plus essential fatty acids. If you need meat, tuna has a long shelf life when unopened, making it a great meat choice during a disaster situation.
5. Canned meat and fish
Usually, canned meats and fish can last for more than two years, making them the perfect food staple for emergency kits. These canned goods can provide protein for your body when fresh meat is not available or if cooking them is not a viable option.
6. Canned soups and chilis
There’s no meal more convenient than canned soup and canned chili. Most people heat it up first, but you don’t really have to do that. You can eat it straight from the can for a quick and easy meal – you’ll be filled in an instant. Just make sure that you buy the kind of soup or chili that your household actually likes. These foods are relatively healthy, as long as you pick the low-sodium options.
7. Pasta
You don’t need to deprive yourself when you’re stuck at home during a disaster. You can celebrate because pasta is one of the most popular survival foods. Use pasta to make spaghetti, mac, and cheese, fettuccine, carbonara, alfredo, or any pasta meal you want. Pasta is full of carbs, making it a filling food when you’re getting hungry and craving for something tasty.
8. Dried fruit
When real fruit is not an option, dried fruits are a great replacement. They’re a sweet snack (and dessert as well) that provides the necessary fiber and potassium, plus a good amount of calories and other nutrients.
9. Crackers
While crackers are usually a great snack, it’s also suitable for survival kits. It can replace bread for sandwiches, especially if you’re looking for something crunchy yet filling. Aim to get whole-wheat or whole-grain crackers as they contain more fiber than plain crackers. Also, consider vacuum sealing your crackers to prolong shelf life.
10. Rice
Rice is a daily staple for most people in the world, and you can learn from them too. It’s easy to store, and it’s the cheapest kind of food you can buy. It can even last for decades if you store it properly.
11. Nuts and trail mix
Nuts and trail mix are great sources of energy that are both convenient and healthy. Nuts are filling snacks, plus they are filled with healthy fats that’s good for the body. You must opt for nuts that are packed in individual servings or look for vacuum-sealed packs that help keep the nuts fresh for longer.
12. Granola bars
Granola bars and energy bars are snacks that stay fresh for a long time. It’s a great source of carbs and protein, so it’s a filling snack. This snack is also kid-friendly.
13. Peanut butter
Peanut butter is not just a filling for bread – it’s a necessity for a survival kit. It provides a great source of energy, it’s filling for the stomach, it’s high in protein, it has a lot of healthy fats, and it also has a long shelf life even after opening. Preppers can stock up on bulk amounts of peanut butter without going broke because it’s so affordable. Also, you can keep it unrefrigerated without worrying that it will go wrong, making it a great emergency snack and meal.
14. Baby food and formula
If you have a baby at home, it’s essential to keep your formula and baby food on hand. You don’t want to be out of stock with it. As much as possible, stock up on ready-to-feed formula. If it’s not possible, it’s best to use bottled water to prepare powdered or concentrated formula. But if there’s no bottled water available, use boiled water.
15. Coffee
Surviving a disaster can take a lot of energy, which means you must learn how to make coffee when the power is out. Coffee has a long shelf-life, and it’s affordable to buy in bulk to supply for emergencies.
16. Pasteurized or powdered milk
Non-perishable pasteurized and powdered milk are great sources of calcium and vitamin D when you don’t have access to fresh milk. These kinds of milk doesn’t need to be refrigerated, making it an essential component for a food survival kit.
17. Ramen noodles
If college students can survive on ramen noodles for years, so can you. It’s not very nutritious, but it’s incredibly cheap, tasty, and filling. It adds variety to your food kit, plus they can last for years. They’re also great because they cook quickly – some may only require you to add hot water.
18. Coconut oil
Oil is an essential component for cooking several foods. Unfortunately, a lot of oils don’t have a long enough shelf life. Meanwhile, coconut oil can last up to two years before it starts to spoil. If you’re planning to fry food during a disaster, coconut oil is your best choice. The added benefit is it’s one of the healthiest oils in the market, plus it has many other uses besides frying.
19. Salt
Many centuries ago, salt was one of the most valuable things a person can own. Though it’s so cheap right now, it’s an irreplaceable food item to have in your pantry, even if you’re not under an emergency. Salt is pretty versatile. Besides making improving food to make it tastier, it can be used to preserve meat, soothe sore throats, clean clothes, melt ice, kill weeds, and many other things.
20. Pepper
Pepper greatly improves the flavor of your food, giving you a sense of comfort during uncomfortable times. It also has a long shelf life, and it can be added to a lot of dishes.
21. Sugar
Sugar shoudn’t be a huge part of your diet, but it’s a crucial ingredient for almost any dessert you can imagine. When you’re in a disaster situation, and you’re at home, you want to be comforted, right? Making dessert can boost morale inside the home, and having sugar will enable you to do so.