In the aftermath of a disaster, it's important that you're completely prepared. Check out this list of survival foods that could save you during a short-term disaster.
10 Survival Foods That Are Great During Short-Term Disasters
A true prepper knows that foods with long shelf-lives are essential to disaster preparedness. If you ever find yourself in the aftermath of a disaster where food isn't readily available, your supply of survival foods could be a lifesaver. We recommend avoiding fresh ingredients and keeping all items in an airtight container to ensure they last as long as possible. Check out the list below to see which survival foods made the cut.
1. Canned Tuna
Pros: Rich in protein and healthy fats like omega 3s. (Check out this survival hack for how to open a can without a can opener.)
Shelf life: 2–5 years.
Options: Tuna, pink salmon, sardines.
2. Canned Meats
Pros: Excellent source of protein, plus there are tons of options available.
Shelf life: 2–5 years.
Options: Spam, chicken breast, ground beef, pork, turkey.
3. Canned Vegetables and Fruits
Pros: Convenient and full of essential vitamins – plus it actually tastes good.
Shelf life: 1–2 years beyond the date stamped on the can.
Options: Fruit cocktail, sliced pineapple, peaches, yellow corn, green beans.
4. Peanut Butter
Pros: Tasty and a great source of protein.
Shelf life: 2-5 years.
Options: Creamy, chunky peanut butter. (Tip: steer clear of the all-natural varieties, since those have a shorter shelf life.)
5. Coffee
Pros: Easy to make, many health benefits, and it gives an instant energy boost.
Shelf life: 2-5 years.
Options: Available in light, medium and dark roasts. (Tip: Store coffee in a cool, dark place, and vacuum-seal the packaging to extend shelf-life.)
6. Tea
Pros: Many medical benefits – strengthens immune system, improves hydration, and helps the digestive process. Can also be used as a first aid tool to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Shelf life: 2-5 years.
Options: Green tea, black tea, herbal teas. (Tip: Store tea bags in a vacuum-sealed bag to extend their shelf-life.)
7. Ramen Noodles
Pros: Packaged ramen noodles are super affordable and have an extremely long shelf life – just add hot water to make an instant meal.
Shelf life: 10+ years.
Options: Chicken or beef instant lunch, chicken teriyaki chow mein.
8. Hard Candy
Pros: Good for instant energy and makes a great-tasting carbohydrate – also has an extremely long shelf life.
Shelf life: 13+ years.
Options: Tons of flavor options – spearmint, cinnamon, fruits of all kinds. We recommend opting for ones that are individually wrapped, as they will last even longer.
9. Powdered Milk
Pros: Great source of calcium, proteins, vitamins and minerals – just add water.
Shelf life: 10-15 years.
Options: Instant milk (add water to instantly create milk) and non-instant powdered milk (takes about eight hours to reconstitute, also contains many more nutrients).
10. Dried Herbs and Spices
Pros: Great for improving the taste of food, and they have a super long shelf-life.
Shelf life: 4 years (whole spices), 3-4 year (ground spices), 1–3 years (dried herbs).
Options: Tons of herb and spice options – the possibilities are practically endless. Make sure you store them in an airtight container so they last as long as possible.
Check out the video below to see the full list:
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Want more ideas for survival foods? Check out the posts below!
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on Oct 11, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
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Hi Joe…Monte here…owner..Guardian K9 Training Center…teach lots of survival classes….suggestion how to carry fresh eggs on a wilderness trip….break the eggs in a bowl then pour the eggs in a jar with about a tablespoon of salted water in it and seal the jar…it will take a rough travel without breaking the yokes as it just moves around in the jar….when ready to use just pour out the amount of eggs you want and reseal…………Just use a jar just large enough to hold the amount of eggs you are taking….I have been on horseback and had them in the saddle bags on a rough trip and were the same when I retrieved them as they were when I put them in the bags……good luck to you Joe….Guardian K9 Training Center…Dentonville rd..Okmulgee Oklahoma.74447…………Guardian 44mag@hughes,net
Hi Monte, nice tip. Can you please tell me roughly how long you consider the eggs would stay fresh for in say,normal /average early summer temperature in a well stuffed back pack. Weak member of tribe loves eggs but afraid of getting more sick. Thanks.
I have a garden and can every thing I can. Comes in handy and saves money.
Joe,
Large airtight jars full of instant oatmeal, grits, cream of wheat… Will last indefinitely and also allow you to start your day with a hot meal ( needing only boiled water) !!
Again… If children are part of the equation ( even if not… ) then maintaining a little sense of normality is extremely important.
Charles from Blairsville, GA