Before a storm hits, you want to stock up on shelf-stable items, just in case you lose power. To help you, we have this list of Non-Perishable Foods To Buy For Storm Prep.
For more storm prep, check out all of our hurricane posts.
When a storm is coming, everyone panics. People run to the store for bottled water, bread, and milk.
But, why?
If you lose power, you’re gonna end up chugging that container of milk before it goes bad. And I don’t think man can live on milk alone.
Or that bread either.
So, what you really need to do is head to the store and stock up on shelf-stable, non-perishables items to stock your pantry as soon as you hear the storm is coming. They have a long shelf life, so they’ll last for a while, so even if the storm turns away from you, you’ll have them for next time.
But, what should you get?
You don’t wanna just throw everything in your cart. You want to shop smart.
We put together this great list of shelf-stable items, which will definitely help you shop.
Quick note: We don’t include anything for pets or babies on this list. If you have those in your household, don’t forget to get any pet and baby food and essentials that you may need for them.
This list is filled with ingredients, but you need some ideas of what to make when you lose power too, right? Don’t worry. We got you. We have a whole list of meals to make when you lose power.
Non-Perishable Foods To Buy For Storm Prep
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We broke this list into categories because I felt like it would be easier for you to put together a shopping list that way.
Proteins:
- Beef jerky
- Canned beans (Garbanzo beans can be eaten cold and turned into hummus)
- Canned/pouched fish (tuna, anchovies, salmon, etc.)
- Canned/pouched meat (chicken, etc.)
If you have a manual can opener, you can buy canned products. But, if you only have an electric can opener, you won’t be able to open the cans if you lose power. So, in that case, buy pouches.
Fruits/Vegetables:
- Applesauce
- Canned fruit
- Dried fruit/berries (cranberries, raisins, etc.)
- Fruit (ones like apples, bananas, and oranges will last longer)
Snacks:
- Chips (potato chips, popcorn, pretzels, etc.)
- Cookies
- Granola bars (Protein or energy bars would be good too)
- Rice cakes
- Nuts (peanuts, mixed nuts, etc.)
- Trail mix
Dairy:
Breads:
These foods are perishable, but do not need refrigeration or to be cooked, which is why they made the list.
Drinks:
- Bottled water (You want one gallon per person per day of the storm, in case the storm causes contamination to the water supply.)
- Coffee (You can make cold brew, which doesn’t require any heating, or instant coffee with cold water)
- Electrolyte powder (These are handy to have in your emergency kit to help with hydration)
- Juices/juice boxes
- Shelf-stable milk (My parents always buy shelf-stable almond milk at Costco
Miscellaneous:
- Boxed macaroni and cheese (You can use evaporated milk to make it, if you have power)
- Cereal
- Crackers (whole wheat, saltines, cheese-filled, peanut butter-filled, etc.)
- Hazelnut spread
- Honey
- Oats (We use this to make energy balls)
- Peanut butter
- Pudding (pre-packaged)
Essential Tools To Pair With Food:
If you lose power, you’re not going to be able to cook, which is why the majority of the items on this list are things that don’t need to be heated. It’s why there’s no pasta or jars of sauce and no soup, even though those things are shelf stable.
To open some of these items, though, you might need a manual can opener, so be sure to have one of those handy.
You may want to make sure you have some disposable plates and utensils. You can’t run your dishwasher during power outages and the last thing you want to do is wash plates by hand when you have so many other things to worry about.
If you have a propane stove or gas grill that you can cook on (as long as it’s safe to go outside to do so), you’ll want to make sure your propane tank is filled. Or, if you have a charcoal grill, make sure you have charcoal and a way to light it.
More Hurricane Season Storm Prep:
This post just focuses on foods to get in case of an emergency. But, if you really are in a storm’s path, our How To Prepare For A Hurricane Guide is for you.
That has tips for things like what essential items to pack if there’s an evacuation, how to prepare your home for a storm, and more.
What other comfort foods or food staples would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments so we can include them.