35 Emergency Foods You Must Stockpile In Case Of A Disaster

1. Whole Grains

Having the right food and medical supplies during a disaster is crucial for survival. In an apocalyptic scenario as well as other emergencies such as hurricanes, flooding, blizzards, and earthquakes.

Stockpiling a few simple food items during a disaster could make the situation a bit easier to cope with.

Whole grains like wheat berries, spelt, rye and others are a great option for providing energy and the fiber needed for digestive health. Whole wheat flour doesn’t store well because the oils have been released from the wheat berries and it can go rancid quickly.

2. Canned Oily Fish

White flour offers little nutritional value. If you have a flour mill, you can even make your own tasty and healthy bread from scratch.

Oily fish like salmon and tuna are high in omega 3 fatty acids which are known to reduce inflammation in the body and lower your chances for stroke and heart disease.

3. Dried Beans, Lentils, etc

These are a great option to have around during any natural disaster.

Beans, chickpeas, lentils, split peas and others are high in protein, vitamins, minerals and full of healthy fiber.

4. Bulk Nuts

They are very easy to store and can last for years.

Nuts are high in healthy fats and contain protein.

5. Jerky

They have the advantage of being sold in bulk at various warehouse clubs and discount stores and are thus an affordable item to have in any stockpile.

Jerky from beef and poultry will provide you with a tasty protein option.

6. Coffee

Make sure you buy them from a store that produces them naturally and sells them in bulk.

While coffee is not an essential item, it can provide the occasional treat during emergencies.

7. Dried Fruits

Coffee can keep you from feeling too rundown by the events going on around you.

8. Canned Soups

Apricots, raisins, cranberries and other dried fruits will provide you with much needed vitamins and minerals in the absence of fresh fruits.

Soups make a great addition to many dishes providing both flavor and texture.

9. Breakfast Cereal

Go for low sodium options made with actual vegetables and real ingredients.

Cereal will provide additional alternatives to breakfast and keep a kid's temper tantrums at bay.

10. Powdered Milk

Choose low sugar and sodium options with as little preservatives as possible.

11. Cured Meats

Powdered milk is great for that emergency cup of tea or coffee, for addition to stews and in the provision of calcium necessary for strong bones and teeth.


Cured meats have been dried, smoked or treated with brine to make them last longer.

12. Cheese

They are valuable sources of protein and can be eaten on their own or added to soups and stews to add dimension to your meal.

13. Nut and Fruit Trail Mixes

Cheese is another great high protein and calcium option that will serve you for a long time without going bad.

Vacuum packed trail mix makes a great snack that does not spoil easily due to proper packaging methods.

14. Spices and Herbs

Trail mix comes in many varieties so you are sure to find one that fits your taste.

Spices and herbs are great for livening up a bland meal during a natural disaster. Spices like turmeric and ginger containing numerous health benefits as well.

15. Dry Bullion Powder

Make sure you have a selection of spices available.

Bullion powder is great for adding taste to flat meals and is ideal for soups, stews and casseroles. You can use this powder as a base for your meal.

16. Sugar

A great item to keep on hand.

Sugar receives a bad rap for causing weight gain, but it is useful for canning purposes and in the making of jellies.

17. Coconut, Canola and Olive Oil

As long as it is consumed in moderation, you are unlikely to experience the harmful effects of it.

18. Sea Salt

These healthy oils will come in handy in cooking, the preparation of salads and even in the treatment of minor infections in both humans and animals.

19. Distilled and Seltzer Water

In addition to seasoning food and preserving meats, sea salt contains the iodine necessary to prevent diseases like goitre.

Purified water is crucial to your survival especially if water sources become contaminated during an emergency.

20. Pasta

Seltzer water is great if you want a break from still water and also helps to calm upset stomachs and improve digestion.

Different types of pasta will provide you with versatile options to whip up several meals.

21. Jam and Jellies

Due to its low moisture content, pasta has a very long shelf life and is an inexpensive food to stockpile.

A variety of fruit jellies and jams to spread on your homemade whole-wheat bread is a great addition to your emergency stockpile.

22. Canned Vegetables

They add a little something sweet to your bread.

Canned vegetables will provide you with all the nourishment you need in the absence of fresh vegetables.

23. Honey

You should concentrate on high nutrient options like sweet potatoes, tomatoes and olives.

Not only is honey great for flavoring beverages, it is also widely used in baking and in sweetening breakfast cereals.

24. Condiments

Honey is a great antibiotic and topical treatment for minor cuts, burns and bruises.

Mustards, relishes and sauces are great for spicing up foods during emergency times.

25. Chocolate

There are so many options when it comes to condiments, everyone is sure to find something they like.

Chocolate makes a tasty addition to your stockpile!

26. Apple Cider Vinegar

It has additional health benefits such as fighting UTI’s, lifting your mood and boosting your heart health.

27. Leavening Agents

Apple cider vinegar is a key ingredient in homemade salad dressings and has numerous health benefits too.

28. Protein Powders

No stockpile is complete without the addition of baking powders which are necessary for making bread and other baked goods.

Whey and other protein powders are a great addition to smoothies.

29. Dried Corn

They also boost your protein intake when other options are limited.

30. Ready To Eat Dried Meals

Corn is a wonderful staple that can be ground into cornmeal for making tortillas, popped to make popcorn and even used as a seed to plant fresh corn to eat.

Dried pre-cooked meals offer a healthy alternative when you lack the ingredients or energy to make meals from scratch during a disaster.

31. Rice

Many of these meals can be kept for years in case of an emergency.

32. Canned Fruits

Like pasta, rice is an inexpensive and long lasting food that makes a great accompaniment to stews, casseroles and vegetable dishes.

33. Supplements

In the absence of fresh fruit, canned options will suffice nicely, and provide you with hydration in the form of sweet and tangy liquids.

34. Spaghetti Sauce

Vitamins, minerals, soft-gels and other supplements will provide you with concentrated nutrition when you do not have access to food sources of nutrition.

Canned spaghetti sauce provides a great alternative when the fresh ingredients required to make it from scratch are unavailable.  A family favorite in the midst of a disaster is sure to comfort everyone.