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Best Canned Food for Emergency – Your Own Crisis Rations

September 20, 2023 By Johnny



Free Corn Canned Corn photo and picture

During times of crisis, it is crucial and essential to have a variety of non-perishable food items readily available. Whether facing a natural calamity, economic downturn, or a situation specific to your area, having an inventory of long-lasting food supplies becomes extremely significant. This helps guarantee that you and your family will have sufficient sustenance to endure the initial chaotic months that may follow in society.

In the event of society collapsing, it is crucial for every responsible family, particularly in the present time, to prepare for the possibility of food scarcity as it is one of the first resources to become limited.

Non-perishable foods are foods that, when stored correctly, have a long shelf life and do not need refrigeration. Examples of well-known non-perishable foods are canned goods, dried beans and grains, pasta, and jerky. These foods can remain edible for months or even years, making them a dependable source of sustenance in challenging circumstances.

By the way, were you aware that a secret non-perishable military superfood was developed by the U.S government during the cold war? It was specifically intended for long-term bunker emergencies.

Stocking up on a variety of non-perishable foods has multiple benefits. Apart from being a practical response to emergencies, it can also bring you peace of mind in your daily life. Having a dependable food supply available can relieve stress and anxiety, especially in times of uncertainty. It is always preferable to be prepared rather than caught unprepared.

When selecting non-perishable foods to store, it is not only important to consider the lifespan of the products, but also significantly more crucial to consider their nutritional value.

You may not consider this frequently, as you have access to a wide variety of food at home and in stores. However, it becomes significantly more significant when you have to depend solely on the supplies you have gathered at home in case of an unforeseen emergency.

Food In Times of Crisis and Economy Collapse

In the history of our world and the United States, there have been numerous instances where natural disasters, economic collapse, and other crises have occurred, resulting in limited or no access to basic food items and essential supplies for you and many others. It is crucial to realize that these situations can happen unexpectedly.

Regardless of whether the emergency is a local disaster or a nationwide crisis, it is crucial to have a well-prepared stockpile of nutritious non-perishable food for you and your family.

During a crisis, it is highly probable that grocery stores will quickly run out of supplies within the initial days following the occurrence of the disaster. Access to food will significantly decrease, leading to the closure of numerous stores and supermarkets or their limited availability. Subsequently, there will be a rapid increase in food prices.

By having a supply of non-perishable food, you can prevent the initial panic and disorder that commonly occur during emergencies. Additionally, you’ll have the reassurance of knowing in advance that you and your family have enough stored food to survive. Initiating your preparations early is a wise decision – it requires minimal effort and will save you both time and money if done correctly.

Prioritizing the nutritional value of the food you store is crucial, as mentioned earlier. During a crisis, it is common to rely on readily available, inexpensive, unhealthy food options. However, these choices only offer temporary sustenance and can potentially harm your health if you depend solely on them.

You can ensure the health and energy of yourself and your family during a crisis by selecting nutrient-dense foods, which are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Not only can natural disasters and economic collapse, but also local emergencies like floods, extreme droughts, prolonged power outages, or water contamination may result in limited access to food. Being equipped with a supply of nutritious, high-quality, non-perishable food that can be stored for extended periods ensures that you are ready for any circumstance and can ensure the well-being and health of you and your family.

During times of crisis, it is highly probable that your money will rapidly lose its value. Therefore, one of the most intelligent actions you can take is to invest your money in acquiring knowledge on how to be prepared for difficult situations that could arise.

Best Food To Stockpile – What You Should Know

To effectively stockpile non-perishable foods, it is crucial to select nutrient-dense items that are easy to store and have a long shelf life. Here are a few top choices to consider:

  • Canned goods: Canned fruits, vegetables, and meats can be a good options to stock up on, however their nutritional value and final longevity might vary from product to product. Contrary to popular belief, canned food is not 100% non-perishable, and canned goods might become unusable after stored for a certain amount of time.
  • Dried beans and legumes: These are a great source of protein and can be stored for a very long time. They are also versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.
  • Rice and pasta: These are easy to store and can easily last for years when stored in air-tight containers in a dry place. They are also versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.
  • Nuts and seeds: These are a great source of healthy fats and protein and can be stored for up to a year or more. They are also a pretty good option for snacking.

When there is a sudden food shortage, having these types of food products readily available in a store is generally a good option. However, it is important to note that homemade non-perishable foods are often more nutritious, have a longer shelf life, and are more dependable in the long run compared to their store-bought counterparts. These are the emergency foods that you can easily make yourself!

When it comes to resorting to store-bought “non-perishable” foods, it is important to remember that last things should be prioritized, such as regularly rotating your stockpile and checking expiration dates. This should be done to ensure the safety of the food, as it applies to all types of long-term stored food.

Make and Prepare Your Own Crisis Rations – Better Safe Than Sorry!

If you want to make sure that your crisis rations endure for a long time, suit your preferences effectively, and, most importantly, provide actual nutrition, the ideal approach is to prepare them on your own. The process is much simpler than it may appear.

  • Choose the right foods: When choosing foods to include in your crisis rations, it’s important to choose foods that are non-perishable and have a long shelf life. Some good options include canned goods, dried fruits and vegetables, and grains like rice and quinoa. There are however much more tasty mouth-watering alternatives to the most popular and common non-perishable food rations that are mentioned on most online blogs. 
  • Store your food properly: Once you’ve got your non-perishable foods, it’s important to store them properly to ensure that they last as long as possible. Keep your food in a cool, dry place, and make sure that it’s sealed tightly to prevent moisture and pests from getting in. Remember that some types of long lasting food may require more sophisticated storage methods. Once again, all of this is covered in the book.
  • Create a meal plan: To make sure that you have enough food to last through a crisis, it’s important to create a meal plan. This will help you to determine how much food you need to stockpile, how you plan to use it over time, and it will also help you to make sure that you have a variety of foods to choose from for different meals and snacks.
  • Learn how to cook with your crisis rations: Finally, it’s important to learn how to cook with the foods you’ve collected in your crisis rations. This will help you to make the most of the food you have, and it will also help you to avoid getting stuck with eating the same kinds of food over and over again. Crisis rations don’t have to be boring!

Which canned food is optimal for survival? The most suitable canned food for both immediate and prolonged emergencies is nutritious, simple to cook, and has a lengthy expiration date. Numerous canned food options meet these requirements and should be included in your emergency food stock.

When discussing the nourishing qualities of canned goods, we seek a diverse range of nutrients to sustain our long-term health. Therefore, your list of nonperishable foods should consist of the following items:

  • Enough calories for you and your family members to prevent unintentional weight loss
  • Adequate protein
  • Fat
  • Carbohydrates (even low carb foods have some)
  • All of the essential vitamins in adequate amounts
  • All of the essential minerals in adequate amounts
  • Fiber
  • A supply of water

The ease of preparation is also a crucial factor when considering emergency canned food. In the event of an emergency where there is no access to electricity for cooking, having readily edible food becomes advantageous. Moreover, it is essential to ensure that the items in your food stockpile do not require water if it is unavailable.

Canned foods are ideal for regions susceptible to flooding as they are not susceptible to immediate damage from water like boxed foods. The extended shelf life of canned foods enables one to sustain themselves for a longer period during a pandemic (or any unexpected event). Additionally, canned food may be beneficial for your earthquake kit or when preparing for winter storms.

Best Canned Food for Emergencies

What canned goods are recommended to be stored for emergencies? Below is a list of emergency food options.

  1. Canned vegetables
  2. Canned fruits
  3. Dried fruits
  4. Juice
  5. Canned meat
  6. Canned fish
  7. Chicken
  8. Bread
  9. Cereal and Granola
  10. Pancake mix
  11. Eggs
  12. Canned milk
  13. Peanut butter
  14. Tomato sauce
  15. Oil for cooking
  16. Soup, stew, chili
  17. Canned beans
  18. Comfort foods
  19. Nuts and seeds
  20. Dehydrated meals
  21. Pasta, oats, rice (i.e., some not canned foods)
  22. Spices and seasonings
  23. Baby formula (ready to feed)
  24. Pet food
  25. Medical food

Specialty non perishable foods are commonly included in lists of the best canned foods for preppers. These can include large cans of Mountain House freeze dried meals, such as the rice and chicken meal mentioned. Nevertheless, regular grocery store canned food can also be utilized for emergency storage.

Here is additional information about the top canned foods for prepping, including details on their expiration dates which are sourced from the FoodKeeper App.

Canned Vegetables

Low-acid canned foods, such as various canned vegetables, can remain viable for a period of 2-5 years if they remain unopened and stored in a cool and dry pantry. However, it is worth noting that numerous canned products can still be consumed after their designated “use by” or “best by” date. It is imperative to ascertain that the can exhibits no signs of swelling, dents, or rust prior to consumption.

  • Canned Corn
  • Peas
  • Carrots
  • Canned Green Beans
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Canned Pumpkin

Canned Fruits

If the can of canned fruit is undamaged and does not bulge, it is safe to consume even after the expiration dates. This applies as long as the canned fruit is stored unopened in a cool, dry pantry, as canned fruit is a shelf-stable high acid food that generally maintains its best quality for 12-18 months.

  • Canned Peaches
  • Canned Pears
  • Applesauce
  • Canned Olives (Yes, canned olives are fruit and rich in healthy fat!)
  • Canned Apricots

Dried Fruits

Freeze-dried fruit and regular dried fruit stored in cans are ideal food items to store in bulk. They are considerably lighter compared to common canned fruits, making them an excellent choice for camping or hiking. Regular dried fruit remains in good quality for a minimum of 6 months or even longer when kept in the pantry.

  • Canned Banana Chips
  • Canned Dried Strawberries
  • Raisins
  • Canned Freeze Dried Blueberries
  • Canned Freeze Dried Raspberries

Juice

Juice is one of the cheapest foods to stockpile, and it can help ensure picky eaters get enough calories. Some juices have vitamin C added, a nutrient that’s typically lacking in canned foods due to heat processing. Another disadvantage of most juices vs fresh whole fruit is that the fiber has been stripped out.

  • Vegetable Juice
  • Apple Juice
  • Orange Juice
  • Prune Juice

Canned Meat

When considering the most suitable foods to have for long-term survival, ensure that high-quality sources of protein are included. Canned beef, pork, seafood, and poultry can be easily found at most major supermarkets in the US. These meats are classified as low acid canned foods and can be stored in the pantry for 2-5 years.

  • Canned Ground Beef
  • Canned Freeze Dried Pulled Pork
  • SPAM
  • Canned Deviled Ham

Canned Fish

In my opinion, canned fish is one of the top foods to store as it is inexpensive, requires no preparation, and fatty fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that aid in brain health. Having a healthy brain is essential for effectively handling emergency situations, and this fact does not require a background in nutrition to understand.

  • Canned salmon
  • Canned tuna
  • Sardines

Canned Chicken

Many people choose not to consume beef and pork, but there is no need to worry. You can still obtain an ample amount of protein from poultry, fish, and dairy products. Canned poultry, like meats, is classified as low-acid and can retain its quality in the pantry for a duration of 2-5 years.

  • Canned chicken chunks
  • Canned whole chicken
  • Turkey in a can

Bread

In the event of a crisis, you may not have the ability to use your oven for baking. However, there is a fortunate solution as you can still obtain canned bread and crackers that are ready-to-eat. Alternatively, if you do possess a means of cooking, you can opt for bread mixes that have a long shelf life.

  • Canned brown bread
  • Bread crackers
  • Bread, scone, and roll mix

Cereal and Granola

It is wise to have a stock of grains available for emergency situations as they provide an affordable source of energy. Numerous cereals in the US contain a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals, which can aid in preventing long-term deficiencies.

  • Canned Honey Nut O’s cereal
  • Canned Cocoa Rice Crispies cereal
  • Mountain House granola

Pancake Mix

White flour-based foods such as pancakes usually contain added iron and specific B vitamins for extra nutrients. Moreover, these mixes can be stored for long periods, up to 10 years, without spoiling. Making these foods only requires water, a pan, and a heat source.

  • Buttermilk pancake mix
  • Readywise canned pancake mix
  • Auguson Farms biscuit mix

Eggs

Eggs can be a valuable addition to your emergency food supply as they provide high-quality protein, making them suitable for vegetarians. Consider purchasing egg powder for baking or opt for scrambled eggs that only require water and heat. When searching for ready-to-eat canned eggs, visit stores that specialize in East Asian foods.

  • Freeze dried scrambled eggs
  • Canned egg white powder
  • Canned quail eggs

Canned Milk

It is beneficial to include canned milk and other dairy products in your survival foods list as they are a good source of calcium. However, it should be noted that coconut milk, soy milk, and almond milk may not contain the same amount of protein and calcium as dairy products. If you follow a vegan diet, it is important to check food labels to ensure that you have calcium-rich alternatives available.

  • Canned milk powder
  • Goat milk
  • Coconut milk
  • Canned evaporated milk
  • Nutristore mozzarella cheese
  • Canned cheese powder

Peanut Butter

Consider adding peanut butter to your list of emergency foods due to its extended shelf life and high caloric content in a compact serving. There is an option of acquiring canned peanut butter powder, which remains usable for up to 5 years. On the other hand, if your family consumes a substantial amount of nut butter, acquiring a peanut butter bucket that stays fresh for 6-24 months would be a suitable alternative.

Tomato Sauce

Tomatoes are often categorized with vegetables, although they are actually fruits from a botanical perspective. When added to dishes, both tomatoes and tomato sauce contribute a significant amount of flavor. Additionally, they contain lycopene, a phytochemical that is not essential but can potentially provide benefits. Tomatoes are perfect for bringing together ingredients such as pasta, rice, and beef in order to create a complete and satisfying meal.

  • Canned tomato sauce
  • Tomato powder
  • Canned tomatoes

Oil for Cooking

If you want to be adequately prepared for a prolonged crisis, it is important to have fats and oils available for cooking. Although butter typically spoils quickly, you can obtain preserved and freeze dried butter that can be stored for several years.

  • Nutrient Survival vitamin butter
  • Canned butter
  • Olive oil
  • Coconut oil

Soup, Stew, Chili

When making lists for earthquake and hurricane preparedness, canned soups, stews, and chilis are always included. It is advisable to select low sodium options because many canned items contain a significant amount of added salt.

  • Canned vegetable stew
  • Canned beef stew
  • Low carb canned soup
  • La Choy Chow Mein in a can
  • Canned chili

Canned Beans

Beans and other legumes are an excellent source of fiber and a vital source of plant-based protein in vegan and vegetarian diets. If you follow a low sodium diet, it is advisable to buy beans without any additional salt. In cases of emergency, canned beans can be preferable to dried beans as they are readily consumable.

  • Canned black beans
  • Canned chickpeas
  • Lentils
  • Ready Harvest pinto beans
  • Gluten-free black bean burger mix

Comfort Foods

In addition to survival, our diets also contribute to our enjoyment. In order to be prepared for a prolonged crisis, it is advisable to stock up on your preferred comfort foods. This will likely enhance your meal experience, enabling you to prioritize self-care amidst an otherwise tense situation.

  • Canned gravy
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Sweetened condensed oat milk
  • Canned apple pie filling

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are considered the best non perishable food for emergencies because they are high in calories and require minimal storage space. Additionally, they contain a good amount of healthy fats and also offer some protein.

  • Canned mixed nuts
  • Boiled peanuts
  • Cashews, almonds, and pecans

Dehydrated Meals

Survival food lists often include dehydrated and freeze-dried meals, which are highly sought-after. At Walmart, you can find lightweight meal packets suitable for hiking, or canned meals that offer multiple servings.

  • Canned spaghetti with meat sauce
  • Canned beef stroganoff with noodles
  • Chicken fettuccine alfredo kit

Pasta, Oats, Rice

To ensure a well-rounded selection of foods and prevent nutrient deficiencies, it is necessary to include non-canned items in the best emergency stockpile. I prefer utilizing food-safe buckets with a capacity of five gallons to store dried foods, which effectively keep bugs and dust away.

  • Best high calorie bars for gaining weight
  • Dried pasta
  • Rice
  • Oatmeal

Spices and Seasonings

If you have dried spices and seasonings at home, you can utilize them to enhance emergency foods. Below, I have listed my top five options that can be paired with a diverse range of canned and dried goods.

  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Curry powder

Learn How To Prepare Your Healthy Food Rations Now!

In times of crisis, it is wise to have a stash of non-perishable foods. This can assist you and your loved ones in navigating emergencies, disasters, and even a potential economic collapse. Before unforeseen events occur, accumulating an ample supply of food is crucial. However, solely purchasing store-bought items labeled as “non-perishable” is insufficient.

By creating and getting ready your own emergency provisions, you can guarantee yourself a supply of wholesome, nourishing, and palatable food that will endure for months or even years.

When getting ready your crisis rations, make sure to mark everything with the date of purchase and expiration date. Keep your food in a place that is cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Contemplate acquiring airtight containers and vacuum sealers to aid in prolonging the shelf life of your food.

To summarize, it is a smart choice for individuals seeking to be prepared for emergencies and disasters to acquire a supply of non-perishable foods. By adhering to the suggestions provided in this article, you can have peace of mind and avoid concerns regarding food scarcity during difficult circumstances.

Start preparing your crisis rations now to avoid waiting until it’s too late, as it’s better to be safe than sorry.


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