20 Non-Perishable Foods Non-Preppers Should Stockpile For Emergencies
Prepping isn’t just something doomsday weirdos do. I sincerely hope the events of the last few year’s have made that point very clear to the average person.
If you don’t consider yourself a “prepper” and maybe feel a little overwhelmed by the idea of emergency planning, this list is for you. You might not be stocking a bunker. You may only have an apartment or small home. But having a few key non-perishable foods on hand is a simple, practical way to prepare for anything. These items are easy to store, some can last for many years, and don’t require you to overhaul your life.
You don’t need to stash them away and forget about them either. These foods should be rotated even if they’re shelf stable for many years, but they can also can be integrated into your regular grocery shopping and meal planning, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. By slowly building up your stock, you’ll find that emergency prepping isn’t as daunting as it might seem—just a smart way to make sure you’re covered when the unexpected happens.
Canned Beans
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Canned beans are a reliable staple that can be stored for a long time and used in a variety of meals. You can eat them cold in a pinch or heat them up when cooking is possible. They add substance to dishes like soups, stews, or salads, and come in different varieties to keep things from getting boring.
- 1-Week Supply: 7 cans
- 2-Week Supply: 14 cans
- 1-Month Supply: 30 cans
White Rice
Rice is simple to store and cook, and it pairs with just about anything. It lasts for years in a dry, cool spot and can quickly turn into a satisfying meal when combined with canned vegetables or meat. A little bit of rice goes a long way in stretching out your food supply.
Brown rice does not store well for long periods of time, even if stored properly due to the oils in the bran turning rancid after a period of time.
- 1-Week Supply: 3 pounds
- 2-Week Supply: 5 pounds
- 1-Month Supply: 10 pounds
Canned Vegetables
Canned vegetables are convenient, long-lasting, and ready to eat right out of the can. While fresh produce may not always be available, canned vegetables can provide variety and flavor to meals. They’re perfect for tossing into soups, stews, or as a side dish.
- 1-Week Supply: 7 cans
- 2-Week Supply: 14 cans
- 1-Month Supply: 30 cans
Peanut Butter & Nut Butters
Nut butters are shelf-stable and packed with calories, making them a great option during times when food is scarce. Peanut butter can be eaten as is, spread on crackers, or used in cooking. It’s filling and doesn’t require any preparation.
- 1-Week Supply: 1 large jar (16-18 oz)
- 2-Week Supply: 2 large jars
- 1-Month Supply: 3-4 large jars
Canned Meat
Canned meats like tuna, chicken, or ham provide a ready-to-eat source of protein. They’re easy to store, require no refrigeration, and can be used in a variety of ways—from adding to salads to making sandwiches, or just eating straight from the can when necessary.
- 1-Week Supply: 7 cans
- 2-Week Supply: 14 cans
- 1-Month Supply: 30 cans
Canned Soups & Stews
Canned soups and stews are a quick, convenient meal option. You don’t need much more than a heat source to enjoy them, but in an emergency, they can also be eaten cold. Many of them are hearty and include a balance of ingredients like vegetables, meat, and broth, so they’re great for filling up fast.
- 1-Week Supply: 7 cans
- 2-Week Supply: 14 cans
- 1-Month Supply: 30 cans
Oats
Oats are easy to store and prepare, making them a good addition to any emergency food supply. You can cook them quickly or even soak them in water overnight if needed. Whether eaten as oatmeal or added to other dishes, they’re versatile and can keep you full for longer stretches.
- 1-Week Supply: 2 pounds
- 2-Week Supply: 4 pounds
- 1-Month Supply: 8 pounds
Dried Fruits
Dried fruits offer a longer shelf life than fresh ones and give you a bit of sweetness to break up the monotony of canned goods and grains. You can snack on them as-is or mix them with oats or nuts for a makeshift trail mix. They’re easy to pack and store, too.
- 1-Week Supply: 2 pounds
- 2-Week Supply: 4 pounds
- 1-Month Supply: 6-8 pounds
Powdered Milk
Powdered milk is a convenient alternative to fresh milk, especially when refrigeration isn’t an option. It’s easy to mix with water and can be used in baking, cooking, or just as a drink. It’s a good way to ensure you have milk available without worrying about it spoiling.
- 1-Week Supply: 1 box (10-12 quarts)
- 2-Week Supply: 2 boxes
- 1-Month Supply: 3-4 boxes
Honey
Honey lasts indefinitely and can be used as a sweetener or even in cooking. Whether you’re adding it to tea or drizzling it over oats, honey is a versatile ingredient that can also boost the flavor of simpler meals. Since it never goes bad, it’s a solid addition to any pantry.
Canned Tomatoes & Tomato Paste
Canned tomatoes are a kitchen staple with endless uses. You can use them to make sauces, soups, stews, or casseroles. They add depth to meals and are easy to store, lasting a long time on the shelf. Having a few cans on hand ensures you’ll have a flavorful base for many dishes.
- 1-Week Supply: 5 cans
- 2-Week Supply: 10 cans
- 1-Month Supply: 20 cans
Salt
Salt is a necessity for seasoning your food and preserving other foods if needed. It’s easy to store, takes up little space, and can make even the simplest emergency meal taste better. Having plenty of salt on hand is always a good idea.
Cooking Oil
Whether it’s avocado oil, olive oil, neutral coconut oil or any other type you prefer, having cooking oil in your pantry ensures you can cook or fry foods even in an emergency. It’s also helpful in adding flavor and calories to dishes, making simple ingredients go further.
Instant Noodles
Instant noodles are an easy-to-make, no-fuss meal when you’re in a hurry or lacking resources. They require little water and heat to prepare and can provide a quick meal option when you need something fast and filling.
- 1-Week Supply: 10-14 packets
- 2-Week Supply: 20-30 packets
- 1-Month Supply: 50-60 packets
Pasta
Pasta is an excellent pantry staple because it’s easy to store and lasts a long time. Whether you’re making a simple meal with canned tomatoes or adding it to a soup, pasta is versatile and filling. It cooks quickly, and a little goes a long way, making it a great option to bulk up meals when resources are limited. Plus, it pairs well with almost anything, from canned vegetables to sauces.
- 1-Week Supply: 3 pounds
- 2-Week Supply: 5 pounds
- 1-Month Supply: 10 pounds
Canned Fruit
Canned fruit is a good way to keep a bit of sweetness in your pantry. It’s convenient, easy to store, and can be eaten straight from the can. The long shelf life means you can keep it on hand for any situation, whether it’s for a dessert or a quick snack.
- 1-Week Supply: 7 cans
- 2-Week Supply: 14 cans
- 1-Month Supply: 30 cans
Shelf-Stable Milk Alternatives
Plant-based milks like almond or soy milk in shelf-stable cartons are a practical addition to your pantry. They don’t need refrigeration until opened and can be used just like regular milk in cooking or as a drink. Keeping a few cartons on hand means you’ll have a dairy alternative ready when needed.
- 1-Week Supply: 4 cartons
- 2-Week Supply: 8 cartons
- 1-Month Supply: 16 cartons
Instant Coffee & Tea
Have some instant coffee stored away even if you don’t really enjoy it, it will last for years unopened and a hot cup can feel like pure comfort when no other alternatives exist. The same goes for properly stored tea bags and loose leaf teas.
For a better experience, you might also consider a stovetop espresso maker and manual grinder. These don’t rely on electricity and can be used with almost any heat source. This makes a delicious cup of coffee that you might just make a part of your regular daily routine.
Chocolate & Hot Cocoa Mix
Chocolate and hot cocoa mix aren’t about survival—they’re for comfort and morale. When things are stressful, having something sweet can provide a slight sense of normalcy. Hot cocoa is easy to prepare with just water, and chocolate can be stored for long periods, making them both practical and enjoyable staples for your pantry.
A Stove to Use In Case of Power Outages
Many of these foods can be eaten directly out of their cans and jars, with no heat required. But that’s hardly the best way to eat them, and some foods, like rice, need to be cooked. You’ll also want a way to boil water regardless, especially if water safety isn’t guaranteed.
Consider getting even a small, portable stove that won’t require the grid to operate. A simple camping stove can suffice, and you have endless options to explore.
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you can also look into how to cook safely and effectively inside or on top of one.
In the event of a power outage, a propane stove is one of the best tools to have on hand for cooking essentials like rice. These stoves are widely used for camping and emergencies because they offer a steady and adjustable flame, which is important for foods like rice that require simmering. Another great option is a butane stove. These are compact and lightweight, making them easy to store and use during emergencies. Butane stoves heat up quickly and can handle simple cooking tasks like boiling water or simmering rice. While butane canisters are slightly more sensitive to cold temperatures than propane, they’re still a reliable backup.
Alcohol stoves are another option worth considering. These stoves use alcohol-based fuels like ethanol or methanol, which are easy to store and safe to use indoors if ventilation is good. They’re small and lightweight, making them ideal for emergency situations. While they may not produce as much heat as propane or butane stoves, they’re sufficient for cooking rice or heating up food in a power outage.
Multi-fuel stoves provide the most versatility, as they can burn a variety of fuels, including white gas, kerosene, or even unleaded gasoline. These stoves are useful for longer-term emergencies when fuel availability might be unpredictable. While a bit more complex to use, they ensure you can cook meals regardless of the fuel source available.
With these options, you’ll be well-equipped to prepare meals even when traditional cooking methods aren’t available.
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