When it comes to prepping and being prepared, having the right supplies and food on hand is absolutely essential. Whether it’s disaster preparedness or short-term power outages, being able to satisfy your basic needs provides peace of mind. Here you’ll find the best prepper supplies food to have on hand and some tips on how to make sure you’re stocked for whatever comes your way.
What is Prepper Food?
Prepper food is natively packaged and/or dehydrated ingredients found in stores and online specifically for emergency food storage. This type of food is great for keeping in a survival pantry, bug-out-bag, or emergency food supply. When purchasing prepper food, look for long lasting items such as canned goods, energy bars, and cereal that can last for a long time and require no additional cooking.
Prepper food items are great for those looking for some extra security in a crisis. The food is typically easy to transport with long shelf lives, making it an excellent option for those who are on the move or want to be prepared in case of an unexpected emergency.
When shopping for prepper foods, look for designs that offer 5-10 years of shelf-life, meaning that it will be safe to eat even if stored for a long time. These items will have a thick, metallic-like packaging to keep it sealed. Buyers should also take into consideration their dietary restrictions and climate when looking for prepper food items.
List of Best Prepper Foods
Whether you're prepping for an emergency or just trying to make sure you're ready for everyday life, it's important to know what supplies and foods you should have on hand. Here's a list of some of the best prepper foods to stock up on.
- Grains: Grains like wheat, oats, and rice are perfect for stocking up. They have a long shelf life and a variety of uses, such as cooking and baking.
- Dried Beans: Dried beans are a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Plus, they don't need to be refrigerated and have a very long shelf life.
- Canned Goods: Canned items like fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups are essential for stocking up, as they offer a variety of nutrients with a long shelf life. Be sure to check the expiration dates periodically and rotate them as needed.
- Powdered Milk: Powdered milk is a good source of calcium, protein, and fats. It's also long-lasting and easy to store.
- Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds are powerhouses of energy, protein, and essential fatty acids, and they have a long shelf life.
- Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is full of protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. Accordingly, it's a better option than most processed foods.
- Honey: This superfood has many healing and protective qualities and is a long-lasting source of energy and nutrition.
- Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are essential for flavoring as well as preserving food. They last forever, and a little goes a long way.
- Vinegar: Vinegar is a great preservative and has many other uses, such as cleaning, disinfecting, and pickling.
These are just a few of the items you should have in your prepper stockpile. Make sure you have a variety of foods and supplies on hand so that you can be prepared for any kind of emergency.
a. Canned goods
Canned goods are one of the best prepper supplies for food. Canned items like beans, fruits, vegetables, and soups can provide flavor and nutrition when other food sources are scarce or insecure. They also last longer than fresh food, making it perfect for stocking up and storing. Canned goods are readily available and can even be kept in the pantry for long-term storage.
When purchasing canned goods, it’s important to check the expiration date. Canned goods should have at least a one-year shelf life. Additionally, it’s recommended that you change up the contents of your prepper food storage in order to rotate and avoid spoilage. Consider purchasing items such as canned meats and fish, dehydrated or freeze-dried fruits, nuts, and vegetables, baby formula, condiments, and spices.
b. Grains and Breads
Grains and breads are a great source of carbohydrates and provide essential nutrition. Store items such as oatmeal, rice, pasta and wheat flour for quick and easy meals. These items will give you the energy you need to face the toughest of days. Dried breads are ideal for storing long-term as long as they are kept away from humidity. Additionally, store-bought crackers, pretzels and protein bars can help to add some variety to your diet.
c. Protein Sources
There are several different options when it comes to protein sources. It is important to have a variety of sources available in case of emergency. Canned and dehydrated meats, nuts, and beans are all good sources of protein. Canned fish such as tuna, salmon, or sardines are a great way to get some quality protein in an emergency. Canned beans are a great source of both protein and fiber, and come in a variety of different flavors. Dried beans can be cooked quickly, and provide an abundant supply of nutrition. Peanut butter, nuts, and nut butters are also great sources of protein. Additionally, you can consider stocking up on protein powder that could be used to make a quick meal or shake.
d. Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are important to keep on hand as adding a nutritious and natural part to your prepper supplies food. For long-term storage, your best options are dried and canned goods, such as dried fruit, applesauce, and canned fruits and vegetables. Another great option is to buy in-season produce at reduced prices and then store by canning, freezing, or dehydrating them.
If you have a cold storage area, you can also keep fresh fruit and vegetables on hand, depending on the availability and climate. Apples, potatoes, onions, garlic, and other root vegetables are all great options to keep in cold storage.
e. Nuts and Seeds
When it comes to prepper supplies food, nuts and seeds should not be overlooked. They are a great source of protein and fat and can be used in many recipes. They store well and take up very little space so it is easy to have them on hand for a wide variety of recipes. Nuts and seeds can also provide essential vitamins and minerals that may not be readily available in all survival food. Some of the best nuts for prepping include almonds, walnuts, and peanuts. Seeds such as chia, flax, and sunflower are also beneficial.
Adding a handful of nuts or seeds to meals can quickly add texture and flavor, as well as another layer of nutrients. They can be enjoyed raw or roasted, as a snack or part of a meal. They can also be stored and ground into nut butters or sprinkled on top of dishes as a topping. Nuts and seeds are also great for adding crunch and texture to a wide variety of dishes.
4. Benefits of Prepper Foods
When it comes to the best prepper supplies food, the list of benefits is endless. For starters, prepper foods offer a lasting shelf life, meaning they remain viable and edible for much longer than regular food options. This is great because it eliminates food waste over time and it also eliminates any extra trips to the store. Additionally, prepper foods typically come in either dehydrated or canned varieties, meaning they take up significantly less space than other food options, making them great for small pantries.
Beyond their convenience, prepper foods are also high in important nutrients and minerals, making them a great way to ensure your family is eating healthy and getting the nutrition they need. Because most prepper foods are canned or dehydrated, crops are chosen for their health benefits instead of their ability to look aesthetically appealing on the shelf.
Prepper foods are also great for outdoor excursions, camping trips or situations when fresh food isn’t available. They can be cooked fast, consumed easily and can provide the necessary energy you’ll need for any type of situation.
5. Storing Prepper Foods
Having the right prepper food supplies is important, but knowing how to store it correctly is just as important. Prepper foods will require proper storage to ensure their freshness and quality. Here are some tips on properly storing your prepper food supply.
Ensure Your Storage Containers Are Clean and Dry
It is important to make sure that any containers you use to store prepper food supplies are clean and dry. This is to ensure that your supplies are not contaminated and the quality of your prepper foods is maintained.
Store Food Supplies in Proper Temperature, Humidity, and Light Conditions
Properly storing your food supplies also includes monitoring the temperature, humidity, and light levels of the room in which your supplies are kept. Excessive exposure to heat, light, and moisture can cause your prepper food supplies to spoil quickly and can also attract unwanted pests into the area.
Rotate Your Supplies
It is important to remember to rotate your prepper food supplies. This means that you should check your supplies regularly to make sure that nothing has gone bad. Replace any spoiled supplies as soon as possible, and be sure to use the oldest supplies first.
Store Supplies Away From Heat Sources
When storing your prepper food supplies, it is best to keep them away from sources that generate heat, such as ovens, furnaces, and fireplaces. Excessive heat can cause your prepper supplies to spoil quickly, so keep them in a cool, dry place.
Keep Supplies Away From Pets and Insects
Be sure to keep your prepper food supply away from pets and insects as these can be major sources of contamination. Keep all supplies sealed in airtight containers and away from any potential sources of contamination.
Following these simple tips on how to store your prepper food supply will help keep your supplies fresh and ready to use when needed.
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, having prepper supplies food on hand is a great way to ensure that you and your family have enough food in the event of an emergency. Having a variety of foods that are nutritious, long-lasting, and easy to store is key. Some key items to have on hand are freeze-dried meals, canned goods, oatmeal, peanut butter, and nutritional bars. Having a few of these items on hand can help you feel more secure when facing an unforeseen emergency.
