Understanding Your Survival Food Needs
Before diving into specific food ideas, it’s essential to understand what your needs are. In an emergency or survival situation, you’ll need food that is non-perishable, easy to prepare, and provides a balance of nutrients to keep your energy levels up. Here are some general categories to keep in mind:
- Calories – During emergencies, you’ll need enough calories to keep your body functioning properly. Look for high-calorie foods that are compact and shelf-stable.
- Nutrients – A well-balanced diet is important even in a survival situation. Aim for foods that provide protein, carbohydrates, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Ease of Preparation – In an emergency, you may not have access to cooking appliances or fresh water. Look for foods that can be prepared with minimal equipment, or that are ready-to-eat.
- Storage – A great survival food must have a long shelf life and be easy to store.
Now that you have a sense of what to look for, let’s go through some budget-friendly options for stocking your survival food pantry.
1. Canned Goods: The Basics of Affordable, Long-Lasting Food
Canned foods are a go-to for anyone building a survival food stockpile. They are affordable, easy to store, and have long shelf lives, often lasting for several years if stored properly. While not the most exciting option, canned foods are incredibly versatile and can provide much-needed protein and nutrition during a crisis.
- Canned Beans: Beans are a great source of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. They can be used in soups, stews, salads, or on their own. Some top options on Amazon include:
- Bush’s Best Baked Beans (Available on Amazon): A pantry staple for many, these beans are packed in a sweet, savory sauce, offering both protein and calories.
- Goya Canned Black Beans: Goya is known for its high-quality, versatile canned beans that work in a variety of recipes, and they have a long shelf life.
- Canned Vegetables and Fruits: While fresh produce might spoil quickly, canned fruits and vegetables can last for years. They provide essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Look for options that don’t have added sugar or salt.
- Del Monte Canned Green Beans: These beans provide fiber and nutrients and can be stored for up to 5 years.
- Libby’s Canned Peaches: A sweet, high-energy food, canned peaches make for a delicious and nutrient-dense option in a survival pantry.
- Canned Meats: If you’re looking to add more protein to your diet, canned meats can be a great choice. You can find canned chicken, tuna, turkey, and even spam. These meats are often sold in large bulk quantities, making them a cost-effective choice for survival food.
- Chicken of the Sea Canned Tuna: A long-standing favorite, tuna offers a great source of protein and healthy fats. You can use it for sandwiches, salads, or casseroles.
- Spam Classic: Though controversial, Spam is widely available, long-lasting, and packed with protein. It’s perfect for a quick meal or can be added to stews and soups.
2. Freeze-Dried and Dehydrated Foods: Lightweight, Nutrient-Rich, and Long-Lasting
Freeze-dried and dehydrated foods are the ultimate survival foods. These foods are lightweight, compact, and store for decades, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking to build a long-term food supply. While freeze-dried meals can be more expensive than canned goods, they are worth the investment for those who need to minimize storage space and maximize shelf life.
- Mountain House Freeze-Dried Meals: Mountain House is one of the most popular brands for freeze-dried foods. Known for their high quality and long shelf life, Mountain House offers a range of meals, including breakfast options, dinners, and snacks. Most of their meals can be prepared by simply adding hot water.
- Mountain House Classic Assorted Meals Kit (Available on Amazon): This 14-pack of freeze-dried meals includes a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The meals are designed for long-term storage, have a 30-year shelf life, and are highly rated by users.
- Wise Company Freeze-Dried Foods: Another great option is Wise Company, which offers freeze-dried meals that are easy to prepare and last for 25 years or more. They have various meal kits, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
- Wise Company Emergency Food Supply (Available on Amazon): This kit includes a variety of freeze-dried meals designed to provide 120 servings of food, including soups, entrees, and drinks. It’s highly rated for its taste and convenience.
- Dehydrated Fruits and Vegetables: Dehydrated fruits and vegetables are also great additions to your survival pantry. You can rehydrate them when needed or eat them as-is for a quick snack. Dehydrated peas, carrots, and apple slices are popular choices.
- Augason Farms Dehydrated Apple Slices: These apples can be eaten as a snack or rehydrated for use in cooking. They are budget-friendly, and with a 30-year shelf life, they are perfect for long-term storage.
3. Grains and Pasta: Carbs Are Your Friend
Grains like rice, oats, and pasta are some of the most affordable survival foods, offering a lot of calories for a low cost. These items can be bought in bulk, stored for long periods, and can form the base of many meals. They are perfect for stretching your budget and filling up your stomach.
- Rice: Rice is a staple in many cultures and provides plenty of calories. It’s easy to cook and can be used as a side dish or base for soups, stews, or stir-fries.
- Lundberg Family Farms Organic Brown Rice: A highly rated organic rice option that is non-GMO and comes in a variety of sizes. Brown rice is also a healthier option compared to white rice because it retains more nutrients.
- Oats: Oats are incredibly versatile and can be used for breakfast, snacks, or even as a base for savory dishes. They also store well and are relatively inexpensive.
- Quaker Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: A classic choice for many, Quaker’s oats are affordable and nutritious. They come in bulk sizes, which helps you save money over time.
- Pasta: Pasta is easy to store, cheap, and can be a quick meal option when paired with canned sauces, canned meats, or dried vegetables.
- Barilla Pasta Variety Pack: Barilla pasta offers a variety of shapes and types of pasta. It’s affordable and can be stored for months without spoiling.
4. Powdered Milk and Protein Powders: Dairy and Protein on the Go
While fresh milk doesn’t last long, powdered milk can be stored for months or even years. Additionally, protein powders are a great way to supplement your survival diet with extra protein.
- Nido Instant Whole Milk Powder: Nido is a highly-rated powdered milk option available on Amazon. It’s rich in protein and calcium and can be rehydrated with water for a creamy milk alternative.
- Nido Fortificada Powdered Milk (Available on Amazon): This powdered milk has a long shelf life and provides important nutrients. It’s a great source of calcium, vitamins, and protein.
- Orgain Organic Protein Powder: If you’re looking to pack in some extra protein, protein powder can be an affordable and convenient way to supplement your diet.
- Orgain Organic Protein Powder (Available on Amazon): This organic protein powder comes in a variety of flavors and provides 21 grams of protein per serving, making it an excellent addition to your emergency food stash.
5. Snacks and High-Energy Foods
In a survival situation, you may need quick, high-calorie snacks that can keep your energy up. Granola bars, trail mixes, and jerky are some of the best options for this.
- Trail Mix: Trail mix is full of healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates, making it the perfect survival snack. You can buy pre-made trail mixes or create your own using dried fruit, nuts, and seeds.
- Kirkland Signature Trail Mix: This highly-rated trail mix is a great blend of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. It’s packed with energy and stores well for months.
- Beef Jerky: Jerky is another great snack that is high in protein and shelf-stable. It’s easy to carry around and doesn’t require cooking.
- Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky (Available on Amazon): Jack Link’s is a popular choice for jerky, offering a high-protein, low-fat snack that can be stored for months.
6. Essential Survival Food Staples
There are other essentials that will round out your survival food stash and help you create
a variety of meals. These include cooking oils, spices, and condiments.
- Cooking Oil: Vegetable oil, olive oil, and coconut oil are all great options that can be used for cooking and preserving foods.
- Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening (Available on Amazon): A versatile cooking oil that can be used for frying, baking, and even preserving foods.
- Spices and Seasonings: In a survival situation, having a variety of spices can make a big difference in the taste of your meals. Buying in bulk or in pre-packaged spice sets can save money.
- McCormick Spice Rack Variety Pack (Available on Amazon): A convenient option for storing a variety of spices to season your meals, making your survival food options more flavorful.
Conclusion
Building a budget-friendly survival food pantry is all about making smart choices and planning ahead. By focusing on affordable, long-lasting staples like canned goods, grains, freeze-dried meals, and snacks, you can create a well-rounded supply of food without spending a fortune. With the right products, you’ll be able to prepare for emergencies, natural disasters, or just stock up for future peace of mind. When choosing your survival food, always keep in mind the importance of nutrient-dense, high-calorie, and shelf-stable items, and consider buying in bulk to save money in the long run.
With these budget-friendly survival food ideas, you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way—without breaking the bank.