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 air-tight 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 air-tight container so they last as long as possible.
Check out the video below to see the full list:
For awesome survival gear you can’t make at home, check out the Survival Life Store!
Want more ideas for survival foods? Check out the posts below!
The Ultimate Protein-Rich Survival Food
DIY Survival Food You’ll Actually Want To Eat
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 [email protected],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