Best Survival Foods to Have on Hand for Emergencies

ByAnita Brown
Emergency survival food set on dark wooden kitchen table

Emergency preparedness is vital, and having a stash of survival foods is crucial. These nutritious, long-lasting, and easy-to-make foods are essential for unexpected situations like natural disasters and power outages. Stock up on these top 20 survival foods to ensure your well-being and survival.

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Canned Foods

Opened preserve cans with Saury, mackerel, sprats, sardines, pilchard, squid, tuna over vintage homemade wood table close up side view.

Canned foods are a great option for survival foods because they have a long shelf life and are easy to prepare. Some of the best-canned foods to stockpile include:

  • Canned meats (tuna, chicken, salmon)
  • Canned fruits (peaches, pears, pineapple)
  • Canned vegetables (green beans, corn, carrots)
  • Canned soups

These foods can be eaten as is or used in recipes to create more complex meals.

Freeze-Dried Foods

Dried fruits in the store - freeze-dried cherries and mangoes in plastic containers.

Freeze-dried foods are another great option for survival foods.

They have a long shelf life and retain their nutritional value even after being stored for long periods of time.

Some of the best freeze-dried foods to stockpile include:

  • Meat (beef, chicken, pork)
  • Fruits (strawberries, blueberries, apples)
  • Vegetables (peas, corn, carrots)
  • Eggs

Freeze-dried foods are also lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for emergency situations where you may need to evacuate quickly.

Dehydrated Foods

An assortment of organic dried fruits and vegetables prepared for cooking.

Dehydrated foods are similar to freeze-dried foods in that they have a long shelf life and are lightweight and easy to transport.

Some of the best-dehydrated foods to stockpile include:

  • Beef jerky
  • Dried fruit (raisins, apricots, mango)
  • Nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts)
  • Trail mix

Dehydrated foods are also a great option for hikers and campers who need lightweight, easy-to-carry foods that provide essential nutrients.

MREs

MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) are another popular option for survival foods. They are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and have a long shelf life.

Each MRE contains a complete meal, including a main dish, side dish, dessert, and beverage.

Some of the best MREs to stockpile include:

  • Beef stew
  • Spaghetti with meat sauce
  • Chicken fajita
  • Tuna noodle casserole

Protein and Energy Bars

CLIF BAR - Energy Bars - Variety Pack - Made with Organic Oats - Non-GMO - Plant Based - Amazon Exclusive - 2.4 oz. (16 Count)

Protein and energy bars are a great option for survival foods because they are lightweight, easy to transport, and provide essential nutrients.

Some of the best protein and energy bars to stockpile include:

  • Clif Bars
  • Luna Bars
  • Kind Bars
  • Quest Bars

Peanut Butter

Jif Creamy Peanut Butter, 16 Ounces (Pack of 3)

Peanut butter is a great survival food because it is high in protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. It also has a long shelf life and is easy to store.

You can eat peanut butter as a spread on crackers or bread, or use it in recipes to create more complex meals.

Rice and Beans

Rice and black beans in a bowl

Rice and beans are a classic survival food combination because they provide essential nutrients, are easy to prepare, and have a long shelf life.

You can eat rice and beans as a side dish or use them in recipes to create more complex meals.

Canned Meat and Jerky

Sliced of Homemade Beef Jerky in crockery plate with napkin and timer on table

Canned meat and jerky are another great option for survival foods because they are high in protein and have a long shelf life.

Some of the best-canned meats and jerky to stockpile include:

  • Beef stew
  • Chili
  • Vienna sausages
  • Spam

Nuts and Seeds

Healthy nuts in the bottle isolated on white

Nuts and seeds are great survival foods because they are high in protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.

They also have a long shelf life and are easy to store. Some of the best nuts and seeds to stockpile include:

  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Peanuts
  • Sunflower seeds

Powdered Milk

Glass container full of powdered milk along with a red cup. Natural light.

Powdered milk is another great option for survival foods because it has a long shelf life, is easy to prepare, and provides essential nutrients.

You can use powdered milk to create milk for drinking or cooking or as an ingredient in recipes that call for milk.

Canned Fruits and Vegetables

Open tin cans with different preserved products on wooden board, flat lay

Canned fruits and vegetables are a great option for survival foods because they have a long shelf life and provide essential nutrients.

Some of the best-canned fruits and vegetables to stockpile include:

  • Peaches
  • Pears
  • Pineapple
  • Green beans
  • Corn
  • Carrots

Honey, Salt, Sugar, Flour, Cooking Oil

Having a supply of basic cooking ingredients on hand is important for survival situations, as they can be used to create a variety of meals and recipes.

Honey, salt, sugar, flour, and cooking oil all have long shelf lives and can be used in a variety of recipes to provide essential nutrients and flavor.

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