Best Foods to Stockpile

Life is unpredictable, and we cannot tell when a natural catastrophe will hit: a wildfire, a tsunami, tornado, or a flood. But what we can predict for sure is that these natural challenges lead to days of hunger and thirst due to food and water shortages.

Thus, it is an excellent practice to stockpile foods. We have shortlisted the best foods and drinks for you to have during an emergency. We have also added informative tips at the end of the article to assist you further. So, don’t miss out.

Foods You Must Have in Your Pantry

These are the foods that you must have at all times. An added pro of the foods below is that you can store them for a more extended period, so you don’t have to worry about them getting spoiled. Here is a list of the best foods to stockpile.

Nuts and Trail Mixes

Nuts are rich in elementary nutrients such as proteins and fats, making them a valuable energy source during emergencies. You can consume the nuts for a very long time. But the nuts may lose their freshness if they are oxidized.

So, it is better that you store them in a vacuum-packed container.

Peanut Butter

It does not matter if you are a health freak, a bodybuilder, or a local citizen. Peanut butter is healthy and tasty, which makes it a common choice amongst everyone. It is rich in healthy fats and protein, and you don’t even need to put it in a refrigerator to keep it fresh.

Unless the container suggests otherwise, in which case you should put it in a refrigerator after opening the lid. Peanut butter can be eaten or set on bread or in different dessert recipes for added taste.

Furthermore, it is cheap, and you can get it for 12 cents per ounce.

Canned Tuna/Salmon/Chicken

Are you looking for something high in protein? You have found your pick; canned salmon, tuna, or chicken are a valuable source of adequate protein. They can last for over two years in your pantry, which makes them a reliable source of food.

Likewise, the vacuum-packed poach has a relatively shorter lifespan of six months, but these can come in handy if you don’t have the can opener.

Dry Pasta

Dry pasta is rich in proteins and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide the energy for the day-to-day working of the body. It is also rich in gluten and is filling, but you can find gluten-free or pasta made from chickpeas. Pasta will also last your pantry months with ease.

Powdered Milk

Who does not like powdered milk? It can be used to make coffee, tea, almost every dessert, or drink it raw. Milk is also rich in calcium and vitamin D. You can use powdered milk as a substitute for fresh milk when the latter is not available.

Bottled Water

The human body is seventy-percent water, and you cannot live without water for more than three days. Try to stock water for at least a week. An average person needs half a gallon of water per day, and you use the remaining half-gallon for cooking and washing.

So, it is safe to say that you will need a gallon of water per day. That amounts to seven gallons per person. Similarly, water options come with pre-added electrolytes, which is an even better option.

Bottled water is fine, but having a water filter where you can clean dirty water is even better. We’ve written at length about how to survive through a water crisis in a previous article, so be sure to check that out if you haven’t already.

Canned Vegetables

Vegetables are an essential source of minerals and vitamins. Vegetables such as carrots, green beans, and peas are readily available in preserved cans, and you can use them for months.

However, peas are not high in calories, so consider hoarding foods such as sweet potatoes, canned root vegetables, and beetroot. You should stack asparagus and olives for added taste, and you can use them in various dishes. The presence of variety in veggies makes it one of the best hoard foods.

Cereals

There are many kinds of cereal out there—stockpile, whichever your family eats: oats, rice, wheat-based, shredded meat, or corn. Shredded beef is the most nutritious cereal in our humble opinion because it contains all the essential ingredients of wheat-based grains in an easy-to-digest form.

Another great option is wheat germ, which boosts the immune system and is rich in zinc, magnesium, manganese, Vitamin E, etc. The only downside to wheat-germ is that you will need to refrigerate it.

Sugar, Salt, and Pepper

The ultimate essentials. No food, no matter how well cooked, tastes good if these ingredients are missing in them. Moreover, salt contains sodium, potassium while sugar is rich in energy, and pepper adds a distinct taste. These nutrients help with the daily functioning of the body.

You should get brown sugar, white sugar, or cane sugar according to your preference in bulk but make sure you wrap them in plastic to prevent the ants from attacking it.

Canned Soup

You need something on the get-go. Canned soup will be there for you in emergencies. Just open it and Bon Appetit! It is, however, suggested that you go for low-sodium varieties.

Cooking Oil and Condiments

Cooking oils are imperative to stockpile. They provide nutrients and taste to your food, and you can’t cook much without oils. The downside is that the cooking oils won’t last long, but you can still use them as fuel even if they go putrid.

Pro-tip: look for the word ‘virgin’ on the oils; this means that they have the most nutritious value and have an acid value of less than three percent.

Coffee and Tea

I am sure that I am not the only one who starts their day with a cup of tea or coffee. Especially in coffee, if you are a regular consumer, your body develops a need for caffeine in coffee; this is why you must stockpile coffee and tea; also, because you can store coffee and tea for about a year.

Items You Must Have in Store During A Catastrophe

The fridge and freezer facility might not be available in extremely adverse situations, but it sure is handy if you have an electricity supply during a catastrophe.

Freezer

Frozen Fruits: Some fruits freeze better than others, but the availability of frozen fruits means that you can use them whenever you want for shakes, smoothies, or desserts.

Chocolates: Your children will thank you for this one. Kids adore chocolate bars and candies because they are appetizing. Also, they are high in sugars, and sugars provide energy.

Frozen Bread: You should store the loaves of bread in the fridge, but frozen slices of bread of sourdough with added fruits and nuts are a nutritious addition to your stockpile.

Fridge

Eggs: They say, “Eggs is the best protein out there.” Eggs are rich in protein. Two average raw eggs contain about fifteen grams of protein. You can use eggs in various dishes, from your breakfast meal to bakery items such as cakes. When boiled, you can have them as a snack.

Yogurt and Cheese: These are the powerhouses in terms of nutrients. Yogurt and cheese, if stored well, can last up to a month and, in the case of cheese, up to several months. Furthermore, yogurt and cheese are contributing ingredients in dishes such as sauces and pancakes.

At home

Medicines: I cannot stress this enough. Ensure that you have a good two to three weeks supply of any medication or supplements you take regularly. Be careful about storing these medicines because some medicines should be stored in the fridge while others at room temperature.

Secondly, if you have a toddler, ensure that you have a sufficient supply of diapers and other baby care essentials.

Also, restock a generic supply of seasonal flu/cold medicine if you or someone from your family gets sick. Likewise, hoard protein bars and glucose supply so that a quick dose of nutrients is available if someone needs it.

More Tips Regarding Foods in Emergency

Here are a few tips that will make hoarding foods more painless than ever before we say our goodbyes.

1. Make a plan and get started: enlist every item you consider essential for hoarding and mention the exact quantity you want to buy.
2. Water is your priority: you will die if you don’t have water for up to three days, so stock a lot of water and stock it safe.
3. Buy food in bulk: purchase food in bulk is not only needed but is cheaper. It will also save you several trips to the supermarket.
4. Check your foods’ shelf life: hoard foods have longer expiry dates, but they also expire, so stay safe and check expiry dates.
5. Buy seeds: there is nothing cheaper and reliable than the food you grow in your garden. Potatoes and fruits can be quickly produced and will provide an endless supply in a short time.

Final Thoughts

Being stuck at home is not easy, but usually, life surprises don’t give us any alternatives. It is highly relatable today because of COVID-19. However, being stuck at home, you must have realized that you are not as active as you should be.

Make sure you stretch, dance, walk around your home, learn a new hobby or do a light exercise each day to keep you going. Beware of stress and boredom eating because hoard food is indeed limited.

Now you know the best foods to stockpile, you better get going so that you are prepared.