Canned Food Types The Essential Checklist for Your Emergency Kit

Canned Fruits

Emergency kits must have canned fruit! It's a great source of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Yet, not all canned fruit is equal. So, let's look at the most important ones to have:

• …

Applesauce

Applesauce: made from fresh or cooked apples. Usually spiced with cinnamon. Tart flavor, popular side dish. Can be sweetened or unsweetened. A pantry staple; long shelf life. No need for refrigeration or special cooking equipment. Perfect for emergency kits. Can be used to make purees, sauces, muffins, cakes, served as a side dish, or added to soups and stews. A great camping snack!

Fruit cocktail

Fruit cocktail is a canned product with a mixture of fruits like peaches, pears, cherries, and pineapple. This type of canned fruit is an easy way to add more variety to meals. It can be used for various recipes like pies, cobblers, and more.

Fruit cocktail has the benefit of being a mix of different fruits. Canned fruits also make storage easier since they last longer than fresh. Plus, they're typically cheaper than buying multiple cans of individual fruits.

Fruit cocktail can be consumed alone or with other ingredients for salads, baked goods, or layered desserts. When choosing fruit cocktail for recipes or eating, pick one without additives like high fructose corn syrup to maintain flavor and nutrition. Pay attention to expiration dates when stocking up on canned food items, since long-term storage could reduce the quality or shelf-life.

Peaches

Peaches are a summer favorite! Canned peaches keep their sweet flavor and nutrients all year round. Use them in cobblers, crisps, parfaits, puddings, and more! They're a great source of vitamin C, iron, fiber, and natural sugars for smoothies, ice creams, jams, jellies, and muffins.

Here are some tips when buying canned peaches:

• Check the expiration date
• Look for cans without rust or dents
• Read labels to see if any artificial flavors have been added
• Buy unsweetened or light syrup varieties
• Buy organic, if available.

Pineapple

Pineapple is a must-have for emergency kits! It's a tropical fruit with a unique sweet and tart flavor that can take you right to paradise. You can get canned pineapple in pieces or slices, either in juice or syrup. Add it to smoothies or cocktails for an extra layer of sweetness. Plus, pineapples are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, which are great for boosting your immune system.

Eating fresh pineapple can be tough, so stocking up on the canned versions makes sense. The best part? Canned pineapples last several years if stored correctly – way longer than their fresh counterparts. So, don't forget to add cans of pineapple to your emergency kit!

Canned Vegetables

Canned veggies are a must-have in any emergency kit! Loaded with nutrients, they're shelf-stable for ages. They can be a great addition to your garden-grown veggies or a fast meal in an emergency. Here, we'll go over all the best canned veggie options you can stockpile!

• Canned tomatoes
• Canned corn
• Canned green beans
• Canned peas
• Canned mushrooms
• Canned carrots
• Canned potatoes
• Canned spinach
• Canned beets
• Canned peppers

Corn

Canned corn is a must-have for emergency food kits. It has a shelf life of up to 5 years. This makes it great for storage and cooking. Its texture and sweet flavor make it delicious in soups, stews, and casseroles. Canned corn is also economical, as it needs no prep other than draining and heating.

This canned food is full of vitamins and minerals. It contains fiber, Vitamins A and C, thiamin (B1), magnesium, phosphorus, and copper. These nutrients help reduce the risk of heart diseases and pregnancy issues.

Canned corn products come in various forms.

• Whole-kernel or creamed
• Cut-off-the-cob
• Mixtures with other veggies like succotash or chili beans with corn for extra flavor

Keep canned corn in your emergency kit!

Green beans

Green beans are an incredibly varied and flexible veggie. Raw or cooked, they are a popular choice in many classic dishes. With twenty pound cans, baby/small petite, to large/jumbo sizes, green beans come with or without salt. For added flavour, select green beans come with garlic or diced onions.

Canned green beans are easy to prepare, and are advantageous nutritionally. Vitamin A & C, iron, and fiber make them perfect for healthy diets of all ages. Moreover, canned green beans maintain their color and nutrition better than fresh ones.

With this in mind, canned veggies are becoming popular for those seeking an on-the-go healthy lifestyle option. When canned, veggies are water-blanched—cooked briefly in hot, moving water. This preps them for canning in metal containers and metal cans, vacuum-sealed for a longer shelf life than fresh veggies.

Peas

Peas are a great addition to your canned food supply! They come in various sizes, so you can pick the one that fits your needs. For everyday eating, 15 ounce cans of small green peas are perfect. But if you want to store them for an emergency, larger cans of freeze-dried peas – 40 ounces and up – are better. Both types can be used in soup and casserole dishes.

• Canned peas packed in heavier syrup will hold their shape better and have more calories and carbs.
• If you are watching your sodium intake, no-salt-added veggies are best.
• Before use, rinse them with cold water to remove any salt or sauce and improve the flavor.

Spinach

Spinach is a tasty leafy green veggie that's super popular! It can be eaten raw or cooked. It has vitamins A, B6, C and K, plus manganese and iron. Spinach also has lutein and zeaxanthin, which help your eyes stay healthy.

Canned spinach is a great way to get its nutrition. Soups, salads, pastas and sandwiches can all include it. Plus, you don't have to wash or peel it – it's already ready to use! You can get it in cans with liquid, or vacuum-packed. This makes it perfect for busy cooks who need a fast meal solution.

Look for cans labelled “no added preservatives“. This means no artificial preservatives. Go for organic canned spinach if you can – it's been made without chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Store non-perishable items like canned veggies in an emergency kit with other essentials like grains, pastas and legumes. That way you'll have nutritionally balanced meals when you need them!

Canned Meats

Emergency kits must have canned meats! They are packed with protein and no need for refrigeration, so they will last a long time. There are plenty of canned meat options available, to give you the nourishment you need in an emergency. Let's look at some popular types and why you should get them:

• Canned beef – for its high protein content and long shelf life.
• Canned chicken – for its versatility and ease of use.
• Canned salmon – for its high omega-3 fatty acid content and nutrient-richness.
• Canned tuna – for its low-fat content and convenience.

Chicken

Canned chicken is a great pantry item to have on hand. It is versatile and can be used in many meals. Sandwiches, shakes, salads and casseroles can all be made with canned chicken. It is also a great source of nutrition in emergency kits. Canned chicken can be a good source of vitamins B6, B12, selenium and phosphorus.

When shopping for canned chicken, there are several types to choose from:

• White meat consists mostly of breast and thigh filets.
• Dark meat is usually leg muscle portions like drumsticks and thighs.
• Whole chicken with bones can be used to make broth or stew.
• Low sodium and no salt added chicken options are healthier.

Ham

Ham is packed with protein and is a great addition to your canned food stash! There are two types of canned ham products: cooked and uncooked. Cooked canned ham is pre-cooked and comes in a chunk form. Uncooked canned ham slices come from uncooked pork hams and have been preserved with a brine solution.

• Cooked Canned Ham: These are pre-cooked. Ingredients may include pork, water, sugar, dextrose, sodium phosphate, salt and smoke flavoring. Heat for around ten minutes or eat cold.
• Uncooked Canned Ham Slices: These are from uncooked pork cuts and contain pork, water, potassium lactate, salt, sugar and sodium phosphate. We suggest heating them before eating to kill any bacteria.

Tuna

Canned tuna is a food type kept on shelves. It's made from fish preserved in brine, oil, or its own juices. It has a salty taste and soft feel – making it popular for sandwiches, salads, and chowders. It's also used in sushi and fish cakes.

Canned tuna has a longer shelf life than fresh varieties. There are albacore (white) and chunk light types. There are even brands that are labeled ‘low sodium' for dietary needs or preferences.

Turkey

Turkey is a great food for your family meals. Use it canned in tacos, salads, sandwiches and casseroles. It's lean protein and low in saturated fat and calories. Plus it contains essential vitamins and minerals.

At the store, check labels for natural lean cuts. Look for no added artificial ingredients or preservatives. Canned turkey is diced or shredded. It adds flavor to savory soups, chili's, pastas, stuffing’s and crock pot meals. It also provides B vitamins, niacin, B6, zinc, selenium and potassium. Try it in homemade pizzas, omelets, stuffed peppers or enchiladas.

Canned Soups

Canned soups are a must for emergency kits! Shelf-stable, transportable, and versatile. Plus, plenty of flavors to choose from. High-calorie meals can be prepared quickly. For those with dietary restrictions, there are even gluten-free and vegan options.

Stock up today: chicken noodle soup, black bean chili–the choice is yours! Canned soup is the perfect addition to any emergency kit.

Chicken noodle

Chicken noodle soup – a pantry must-have! It's made of a blend of chicken broth, cooked chicken and noodles. Veggies like carrots, celery and onions add flavor. On cold days it's a cozy, comforting meal.

Brands offer different ingredients and nutrition levels. Read labels for reduced-sodium, low-fat, gluten-free options. For emergencies, there are ready-to-eat cups. Just microwave from frozen – no time to waste!

Cream of mushroom

Cream of mushroom soup is a popular canned soup made from mushrooms, cream, and other ingredients. It's usually creamy and hot. It's easy to prepare at home or buy it ready-to-eat in cans.

It's also used as an ingredient or base in other dishes. Recipes vary, but usually include mushrooms and creams like milk or cream cheese. Onion, garlic, thyme, white pepper, sherry or wine vinegar, celery seed, nutmeg, potatoes, and/or rice can also be added. There are also other varieties, such as cream of potato mushroom and cream of wild mushroom soup.

Canned soups can be eaten as-is, or heated up with butter or margarine and seasonings. They can also be used to make creamy sauces for casseroles, gravies, fish dishes, and pastas. Just add desired spices and herbs to the heated soup until a sauce consistency is achieved.

Tomato

Tomato soup is a classic canned food. It nourishes and warms you up in emergency situations. Vitamin A, potassium and other nutrients are present. Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a beloved combo.

Canned tomato soup comes in various forms. Mushrooms, noodles and cheese are some ingredients. Vegetarian versions may have beans or lentils for protein. Make it in advance and store for up to a year.

When buying canned soups, look at expiration dates and dents. Low sodium is best, as high sodium makes you thirsty. Canned soups don't need any water added, saving time.

Vegetable

Canned vegetable soups are perfect for an emergency food kit. They have a mix of veggies, water, seasonings, and sometimes proteins like meat or legumes. They are mild and nutritious.

When selecting canned veggie soups for your kit, check labels for ingredients like “romaine lettuce and tomato” or “mixed veg with lentils”. Also, pay attention to expiration dates. Canned veggie soups have shorter shelf lives than other types.

For healthier options, pick lower sodium soups with no MSG or preservatives. Classic soups like vegetable broth with rice and barley are good. You can also try newer options like baked potato chowder or Asian-inspired miso-barley. A variety of veggie-based canned soups is the best way to get healthy meals that everyone will enjoy in an emergency.

Canned Dairy Products

Emergency food supply kits must include canned dairy products. They provide three major food groups – dairy, proteins, and carbs. Plus, they contain important vitamins and minerals.

This section looks at the types of canned dairy products needed in an emergency kit:

Evaporated milk

Evaporated milk is produced when water is taken away from milk. This creates a rich flavor and thickens the fat particles, making it thicker than regular milk. It's similar to cream and can generally be used in recipes without extra effort. There's no need for refrigeration until opened, and it's great for baking, sauces, gravies and hot drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. It usually contains added salt, but still less than fresh milk!

Evaporated milk is a time-saver – you get all the taste and nutrients without the hassle.

Sweetened condensed milk

Sweetened condensed milk is a canned dairy product. It's made by removing most of the water from cow's milk and adding sugar or syrup. It's sometimes confused with evaporated milk, but can be used similarly. Sweetened condensed milk won't whip, but can be added to coffee and tea for a sweet flavor. It adds moisture, flavor and sweetness when baking cakes and cookies.

It's an inexpensive pantry staple with a long shelf life – usually 6 months if stored at room temperature. If opened and not finished, it must be sealed in an airtight container and refrigerated. Its contents are thick like syrup, with an extreme sweetness. It contains some fat – usually no more than 3%. Its main ingredients are protein, carbohydrates (sugar), vitamins A & D, saturated fat and sodium citrate.

Powdered milk

Powdered milk is a fabulous emergency food. It has a longer shelf life than liquid milk and is much simpler to transport. So, it's a great option for long-term storage! You can use it in various recipes. Plus, you can reconstitute it for hot chocolate or breakfast cereals.

Canned dairy products include:

• Evaporated milk
• Whole milk powder
• Low-fat dry milk powder
• Nonfat dry milk powder
• Condensed skimmed or whole milks

Instructions for each type of canned dairy product differ. Read the label to find out the nutritive value before using it.

Yogurt

Canned yogurt is an ideal choice for your emergency kit. It's shelf-stable and doesn't need to be refrigerated. Plus, it comes in many flavors, from plain to Greek-style.

Enjoy it in smoothies or on its own. Yogurt provides protein, calcium, and probiotics for digestive and immune health. Some brands even offer fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

When shopping for canned yogurt, read the label carefully. Check for an expiration date, storage instructions, and calorie content. Avoid dents or rusting cans. Consider if sweetened varieties have added sugar. Also, look at the container size. Smaller 1 or 2 serving sizes are easier to store.

Keep some canned yogurt around for its many benefits, even during an emergency!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the essential canned food types to have in an emergency kit?

A1: The essential canned foods to have in an emergency kit include canned meats such as tuna, chicken, and salmon; canned fruits and vegetables such as diced tomatoes, peaches, and corn; canned soups and stews; canned beans and legumes; and canned juices.

Q2: What other items should I include in my emergency kit?

A2: In addition to the canned food items, other essential items to include in an emergency kit are bottled water, non-perishable snacks, a manual can opener, batteries, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit.

Q3: How long can canned food be stored for?

A3: Canned food can typically be stored for two to five years, depending on the type of food, as long as the can remains in good condition and is not damaged or swollen.