Power out? Stocking up on nonperishable food will keep you and your pantry prepared for any occasion.
9 Nonperishable Foods to Keep in Case of Emergencies
Updated Apr. 24, 2024
Disasters can strike without warning, but that doesn’t mean you have to be unprepared—especially when it comes to what’s in your kitchen. Load up on nonperishable food now to be ready for any emergency later.
Keep in mind that you’ll likely need more energy during an emergency situation, so have enough nonperishable food stocked up to feed every member of your family for several days.
Nonperishable Food List
Keep your pantry disaster-ready with nonperishable food options that are always good to have on hand. They don’t require a fridge and will keep you full. Just make sure to choose foods that you like.
- Beef jerky
- Canned tuna
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Canned beans
- Canned soups
- Nuts
- Peanut butter
- Dried fruit
- Protein bars
Foods to Buy Before an Emergency
Have some advance warning? When you know a storm is on its way, stock up on foods that will keep you satisfied and nourished. Plan ahead to get creative with your meals and stop by the store for the ingredients in recipes to make when you’ve lost power.
- Bread or bagels
- Produce that can stay on the counter for a few days, like apples, onions and peppers
- Oatmeal
- Chips and crackers
- Granola
- Fruit juice
- Canned or powdered milk
- Bottled water
- Comfort food, like packaged cookies
Emergency Food Safety
When the worst-case scenario strikes, it can mean power outages and a lack of access to power. Make sure your kitchen is prepared for a power outage. Following the proper food safety tips (even nonperishable food can go bad) will keep you healthy until the storm has passed.
In advance, browse your cabinets and note what you have as well as the expiration dates on all items. Replenish any supplies that have run low or are past their prime. If your canned goods are close to expiring, use them up in these simple recipes made with canned goods.
During a power outage, keep your refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible—if the fridge is unopened, it will keep food cold for up to four hours. And toss any perishable food that’s been at room temperature for more than two hours.
Tools to Have on Hand
Learn more about how to build a complete home emergency kit.
Originally Published: October 11, 2021
