What Food Is Good For Emergency Kits: The Ultimate Survival Guide

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Ready.gov, you should have at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water per person in your home, highlighting the importance of knowing what food is good for emergency kits. Selecting the right provisions is a critical step in any emergency preparedness plan, ensuring your family has the nutrition and energy needed to weather a crisis.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive list of non-perishable foods suitable for emergency kits, focusing on those with a long shelf life, high caloric and nutritional value, and ease of preparation. It covers essentials like canned goods, dried foods, and comfort items, including special considerations for dietary needs.

Key Points

Long Shelf Life: Prioritize non-perishable foods that can last for months or years without spoiling, like canned goods and dried foods.
Nutritional Value: Choose items high in protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to provide sustained energy during a crisis.
Convenience: Include foods that are easy to prepare and eat, with many options that require no cooking or special equipment.
Water Supply: In addition to food, stock a minimum three-day supply of bottled water (one gallon per person per day) for drinking and sanitation.
Dietary Needs: Remember to include special foods for infants, pets, and family members with allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Kit Rotation: Regularly check and rotate your emergency food supply every 6-12 months to ensure freshness and potency.

Preparing for the unexpected is a crucial aspect of household safety. When a disaster strikes, access to a reliable food supply can make all the difference. Knowing what food is good for emergency kits involves more than just tossing in a few cans; it requires a strategic approach focused on longevity, nutritional content, and convenience.

The Three-Day Rule: Building Your Foundation

Emergency preparedness experts, including organizations like the American Red Cross and Ready.gov, recommend having at least a three-day supply of food and water for each person in your household. However, many people opt to extend this to seven days or more for added security. The ideal food items for this period are non-perishable and do not require cooking or refrigeration, as power outages are common during emergencies. Your plan should also include a manual can opener and basic utensils.

Key Categories of Emergency Food

Canned Foods

Canned goods are a cornerstone of any emergency food supply due to their long shelf life and variety. They are typically heat-processed and sealed, making them safe for years.

Canned Meats: Tuna, salmon, chicken, and other canned meats provide essential protein. Vacuum-sealed pouches can also be a lightweight, convenient option.
Canned Fruits and Vegetables: Packed in their own juices or water, canned fruits and vegetables offer necessary vitamins and minerals when fresh produce is unavailable. Opt for smaller cans to minimize leftovers.
Canned Beans, Soups, and Chili: These are excellent sources of fiber and protein. Many soups and chilis can be eaten straight from the can, requiring no heat.

Dried and Dehydrated Foods

These lightweight and compact options are perfect for a grab-and-go kit.

Dried Fruits and Nuts: Nutrient-dense snacks like raisins, apricots, and almonds provide quick energy and last a long time.
Jerky: A great source of protein, beef or turkey jerky is a convenient, shelf-stable snack.
Dried Pasta and Rice: While they require boiling water to prepare, dried pasta and rice have an exceptionally long shelf life when stored correctly in airtight containers.
Powdered Milk: This can be reconstituted with water to provide a source of calcium and vitamin D.

Shelf-Stable Staples

These items are essential for adding flavor and nutrition to your emergency meals.

Peanut Butter: A high-protein and energy-dense food that lasts for months, even after opening.
Honey: Pure honey has an indefinite shelf life and provides a natural source of energy.
Crackers: Whole-grain crackers are a good substitute for bread and can be vacuum-sealed to extend their freshness.
Sugar and Salt: Crucial for flavoring food and, in the case of salt, for rehydration solutions.

Essential Considerations for Your Emergency Food Kit

When packing your kit, it's vital to think beyond just the basic food items. Preparation and special needs are equally important.

Water is Paramount: Ensure you have at least one gallon of bottled water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. A family of four needs 12 gallons for a three-day supply.
Special Needs: Remember to pack for infants, pets, and family members with specific dietary restrictions or allergies. Ready-to-feed formula for babies and specialized medical foods are critical.
Comfort Foods: A few familiar treats, like chocolate, hard candy, or gum, can provide a significant morale boost during a stressful time.
Rotation is Key: Many non-perishable foods have a “best by” date, not a hard expiration. Set a reminder to check and rotate your supplies every 6-12 months to ensure everything remains fresh and safe to eat.

Comparison Table: Non-Perishable Food Options


Food Category	Pros	Cons	Requires Cooking?	Best For
Canned Goods	Very long shelf life, wide variety, ready-to-eat	Heavy and bulky, requires can opener	No (usually)	Short-term home emergencies
Dried/Dehydrated	Lightweight, compact, high nutrition	May require water for rehydration	Yes (often)	Backpacking, portable kits
Energy Bars/MREs	Pre-packaged, high calories, no prep	Can be expensive, some have shorter shelf life	No	Quick grab-and-go kits
Shelf-Stable Basics	Versatile, flavor enhancer, long-lasting	May require other ingredients to be a full meal	No	Supplementing other foods

Conclusion

Building a robust emergency food kit is an investment in your family's safety and peace of mind. The process goes beyond simply collecting supplies; it involves thoughtful consideration of nutritional needs, shelf life, and the likely conditions of an emergency. By stocking up on a diverse range of canned, dried, and shelf-stable foods, you can ensure that you are well-equipped to handle an unexpected crisis. Remember to periodically check and rotate your supplies, and don't forget the manual can opener! A well-prepared pantry offers a crucial sense of security when the future is uncertain. For further guidance on comprehensive disaster planning, consult the extensive resources available on the FEMA website.

Authoritative Outbound Link

For more detailed guidance on what to include in your kit, visit Ready.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most important consideration is selecting non-perishable foods with a long shelf life that are easy to prepare. High caloric and nutritional value is also key to sustaining energy during an emergency.

You should store at least a three-day supply of food per person. Many experts recommend extending this to seven days or more for added security during more prolonged crises.

Yes, a manual can opener is an essential tool, as many canned goods may not have a pull-tab. You should also pack basic utensils like spoons and forks.

You should check and rotate your supplies every 6-12 months. This ensures that foods with "best by" dates are still fresh and that items like water are rotated regularly.

Always include specific items for family members with special needs. Pack ready-to-feed infant formula, medical foods, and allergen-free options, as these can be difficult to find during a disaster.

Small treats like chocolate, hard candy, or cookies can provide a morale boost. Familiar, ready-to-eat snacks can also offer a sense of normalcy during a stressful time.

Pre-packaged emergency food kits are a convenient option. They are often lightweight, have a very long shelf life, and require minimal preparation, but they can be more expensive than building your own.