The Top Canned Food Types for Emergency Preparedness Dont Miss Out
Introduction
Emergency or disaster situations need to be prepared for. A great way to do this is by storing away canned and non-perishable food items. These can last long and provide nutrition if needed.
Fruits, vegetables and more are types of canned food that should be in your emergency kit. This guide will tell you why canned goods are key, provide examples and give tips on the best way to store them.
Benefits of Canned Foods
Stash away some canned food for emergency preparedness. It's an easy way to save lives! Canned food is simple to store and carry, plus it cooks up in minutes. Best of all, it has a long shelf life and can provide essential nutrition during disasters.
Now let's explore the top canned food options and the advantages they offer:
Long Shelf Life
Canned foods are great for emergency preparedness. They last from one to five years, depending on type and brand. Each can is stamped with a “use by” date, so you need to pick the right one.
No prep is needed before eating them, and they are often pre-portioned. This is a bonus in short-term emergencies, when electricity or fuel is limited.
Canned food is fortified with vitamins and minerals, which may not be available in fresh foods after an emergency. This helps maintain balance in your diet.
They are also versatile; you can make numerous meals with the items in cans. This helps meal planning in the long-term, and keeps morale up during extended circumstances.
Easy to Transport
Canned foods are a great resource for emergency preparedness. They are lightweight and easy to transport. Cans are less breakable than glass jars. They can survive extreme temperatures, like very high heat or freezing cold. Plus, some cans last up to 20 years!
Canned foods can provide nutrition, vitamins, minerals, and your daily recommended servings of fruits and veggies. These nutrient-dense types include beans, peas, corn, and other vegetables. They are a source of protein and fiber-rich carbs. Eating canned foods will fill you up and provide energy and regular bowel movements during crises.
Lastly, canned foods are easy to find. They are in most grocery store shelves and online retailers. Making them convenient to purchase and store at home.
Nutritional Value
Canned food is great for stocking up for emergency preparedness. They are shelf-stable and retain the same nutrition as fresh or frozen foods. Fruits and veggies offer fiber, minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients. Canned proteins usually have little fat and no preservatives or artificial ingredients. They have a longer shelf life than fresh proteins, and won't spoil easily. Vitamins B-12 and A, found in animal sources like fish, don't need water to be cooked and are preserved when canned. Tomatoes used for sauces have more lycopene, an antioxidant, after being cooked than uncooked tomatoes.
Despite marketing campaigns that suggest otherwise, canned food items are actually very nutritious. Canned foods are a great addition to the pantry during emergencies or any other situation that requires long-term storage solutions.
Canned Food Types
Canned food is the ultimate emergency prepper's friend! It lasts a while, is easy to keep and transport and provides necessary nutrients in disasters. Let's take a closer look at what canned food can offer. Get your emergency kit stocked up with these delicious goodies!
- Canned fruits
- Canned vegetables
- Canned meats
- Canned fish
- Canned soups
- Canned beans
- Canned stews
- Canned pasta
- Canned sauces
Canned Fruits and Vegetables
Canned fruits and veggies are perfect for stocking an emergency food supply. They have extended shelf lives and don't need refrigeration until opened. You can get them in single servings or larger cans, to suit your needs.
When buying, check for sodium-free or low-sodium labels. These will have less sodium than “standard” or “regular”. Also look for cans without added sugar – they should just list “fruit” on the ingredients list. Finally, pick higher fiber foods like beans, peas, winter squash, and corn. This is great for calorie absorption and digestion.
Canned Meats
Canned meats are great for emergency preparedness. They're nutrient-dense and easy to transport. Types include beef, chicken, tuna, beef & pork mixture, salmon, and more. This food is usually cooked before canning. So, it's safe for long-term storage if the shelf life is maintained.
Canned meat is ready-to-eat, so you don't have to process or cook it. It is an excellent addition to your emergency pantry. Provides quick nutrition and energy during hard times. Plus, it's versatile! Make soups, stews or casseroles with other pantry items.
Stock enough canned meats to last several weeks in case of emergency:
- Beef
- Chicken
- Tuna
- Beef & Pork Mixture
- Salmon
Canned Fish
Canned fish is great for emergency food storage plans. It's long-lasting and nutritious. As a protein source, it has essential fatty acids and lots of vitamins and minerals. Fish helps maintain healthy skin, eyes, and joints.
You can buy canned fish in 2-, 7-, or 12-ounce cans. Tuna, salmon, sardines, and mackerel are popular types. Check the label and expiration date to make sure you get the best quality.
Canned fish is simple to prepare. Use it in casseroles, sandwiches, or with rice or potatoes. Keep cans of different types for your emergency food supply. The cans are lightweight, and provide important nutrition.
Best Canned Food Brands
Emergency preparedness? Canned food is key! It stores easily and provides a range of nutritious, yummy meals. For the best of the best, check out our overview of the top canned food brands for emergency readiness:
Bumble Bee
Emergency prep? Don't forget canned food! It's a great source of nutrition. Bumble Bee brand has been around since 1899. They offer popular canned food items like salmon, tuna, crab, and clams. All their seafood is from sustainable fisheries, with no preservatives or additives. Plus, the cans are made from durable steel and have easy open lids.
They also offer other favorites like chicken, beef stew, and mac & cheese. Prices are reasonable – definitely worth considering for your emergency plan!
Libby's
Libby's is a top-notch canned food brand. It's great for emergency preparations. Libby's offers an array of canned fruits, veggies, dishes, and more. Plus, they come in pop-top cans, so they're easy to store and open. For those who want to build an emergency food supply, or just need convenience, Libby's is a great pick.
From light green beans to dark red kidney beans, and bright yellow corn, Libby’s has crunchy veggies of all shapes and sizes. Not just for lunch/dinner, they have breakfast options too. Such as mushy hominy, syrupy baked beans, and savory beef sirloin tips for chili. Plus, there are over two dozen canned fruit varieties. From light peaches to dark berries like black cherries. These provide calories during an emergency. Also, you can use them as ingredients for other dishes if you’re limited in options or creativity.
Libby’s offers some ready meals too.
- Mac and cheese
- Chicken fettuccine alfredo meal kit
- Soups
- Spoonable meats
- Processed pork value packs for stews
These meals provide essential nutrients, so your family can stay nourished no matter the situation.
StarKist
StarKist is a renowned canned fish and seafood brand in the US. For over 100 years, it has been providing quality sustainable seafood products. These products are ideal for emergency preparations as they are lightweight, space-efficient and easy to store. Plus, they offer a good source of protein – something that can be difficult to come by in an emergency.
StarKist has a wide range of tuna and salmon products in pouches, tins and single serve cups. Its Tuna Creations® have flavors like Lemon Pepper and Hickory Smoked, and its Shell Sweeties® Shrimp Salad is made with premium shrimp. Both don’t need draining or prepping.
Vegan-friendly alternatives such as veggie skipjack tuna (Garlic & Herbs flavor) and Red Curry Chickpea Spread (pinto beans and herbs & spices) are also available from StarKist. These products are ready-to-eat, no preparation needed!
When needing quick nutrition for emergencies or everyday meals, StarKist is a great option. It is also one of the most affordable choices you will see in the grocery store. Get your supply of StarKist products now, so you can keep them in case of food shortages in the future.
Conclusion
In areas with high safety risks, it is important to have the right type of food supply. Canned goods are great for emergency storage, as they have a long shelf life and offer essential nutrients. We have identified top canned food items for emergency preparedness:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Grains
- Beans
- Legumes
- Soups
- Stews
- Fish
- Meat
When selecting and storing canned food, read the ingredients for allergens and check the expiration date. Keep canned goods in a cool, dry place away from sunlight for optimal freshness. Have water supplies and a stocked pantry to be prepared for any emergency. Knowing the right types of canned goods will help ensure safety and nutrition in an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What types of canned food should be included in an emergency preparedness kit?
A1: The top canned food types for emergency preparedness include canned vegetables, fruits, meats, fish, beans, and soups. Nutrient-dense options such as canned vegetables and fruits are particularly important.
Q2: How long can canned food last when stored properly?
A2: Canned food can last for several years when stored in a cool, dry place. However, it is recommended to rotate your canned food items every 6-12 months for optimal taste and nutritional value.
Q3: What should I look for when purchasing canned food for emergency preparedness?
A3: When purchasing canned food for emergency preparedness, look for items with long shelf lives and nutrient-rich ingredients. Additionally, check the expiration date to ensure that the food is still fresh and safe to consume.