What Food Should I Buy Before a Storm? A Complete Emergency Guide

December 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every household should have at least a three-day supply of food and water for each person in case of an emergency. Knowing what food should I buy before a storm is crucial for ensuring your family's safety and well-being when a disaster strikes.

Quick Summary

An emergency food supply requires non-perishable, ready-to-eat items that don't need refrigeration or cooking, along with adequate water. The ideal kit includes canned goods, dried foods, energy bars, and shelf-stable beverages to sustain you through power outages and infrastructure disruptions, as well as considering special dietary needs.

Key Points

Prioritize Water: Stock at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation, considering a 3- to 14-day supply.
Focus on No-Cook Items: Choose ready-to-eat foods like canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and pre-packaged snacks that require no cooking or refrigeration.
Build a Rotating Stock: Regularly use and replace your emergency food items to ensure freshness and prevent waste, using a first-in, first-out system.
Include High-Energy Snacks: Add items like nuts, granola bars, and dried fruit to your kit for sustained energy during an emergency.
Remember Special Needs: Don't forget to account for infants, pets, and family members with special dietary requirements.
Gather Essential Tools: Ensure you have a manual can opener, disposable utensils, and other non-food items for serving and sanitation.

Building Your Emergency Food Kit

When a storm is approaching, panic buying is common, but a well-thought-out plan saves time and stress. A robust emergency kit should focus on a few key principles: no-cook items, high-energy options, variety, and hydration. A power outage is a likely scenario, so foods that require no cooking or refrigeration are a top priority.

The Essentials: No-Cook and Shelf-Stable Foods

Start with the items that require zero preparation and will keep for a long time. These are your foundational survival foods.

Canned Goods: Look for ready-to-eat items like canned tuna, chicken, salmon, and chili. These are excellent protein sources that can be eaten cold. Also stock up on canned vegetables such as corn and green beans, and fruits like peaches and pears packed in their own juice or light syrup.
Dried and Dehydrated Foods: These are lightweight and have a long shelf life. Jerky is a good source of protein, while dried fruits like apricots and raisins provide quick energy.
Nut Butters: Peanut butter, almond butter, or other nut butters are high in protein and fat, offering a great energy boost. They pair well with crackers or bread.
Nuts, Seeds, and Trail Mix: A handful of nuts or seeds can provide a significant amount of energy and healthy fats. Trail mix is a great, all-in-one snack option.
Cereals and Granola Bars: A box of ready-to-eat cereal or granola bars are quick breakfast options that require no cooking. They are also useful for snacks.

Hydration is Critical

Water is arguably the most critical component of your emergency kit. You need at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.

Bottled Water: Stock up on commercially bottled water. Unopened, it is the safest and most reliable source.
Large Water Tanks: For longer-term preparedness, consider an emergency water tank made from FDA-approved plastic for potable water storage.
Water Treatment Options: If you run out of your stored water, having water purification tablets or a portable water filter is vital.

Expanding Your Supply: Variety and Comfort

While essentials are important, a varied diet can boost morale during a stressful event. Including some comfort foods can make a difficult time more bearable.

Shelf-Stable Beverages: In addition to water, consider shelf-stable boxed milk (regular, soy, or almond), canned juices, or electrolyte drinks to stay hydrated and get nutrients.
Ready-to-Eat Soups and Stews: If you have a portable camping stove or a grill, these can be heated for a warm, comforting meal. Many canned soups are ready to eat cold if necessary.
Comfort Foods: Hard candy, cookies, and other treats can be a welcome distraction.
Infant and Pet Needs: If you have a baby, stock up on formula and jarred food. For pets, have a supply of their regular food.

A Quick-Reference Emergency Food Comparison


Food Category	Pros	Cons	Best For	Storage Tips
Canned Goods	Long shelf life, variety of items (meat, veg, fruit), ready-to-eat.	Heavy, requires manual can opener, can be high in sodium.	Filling meals without power.	Keep in a cool, dark place. Use within shelf life.
Dried/Dehydrated Foods	Lightweight, very long shelf life, high energy density.	Some (like beans) require cooking, limited variety.	Snacking and quick energy.	Store in airtight containers to prevent moisture.
Energy/Granola Bars	Portable, individually wrapped, require no prep.	Can be expensive, some are high in sugar.	Quick, on-the-go fuel.	Check expiration dates periodically.
Nut Butters	High protein and fat, very filling, long shelf life.	Some people have allergies.	Spreading on crackers or eating by the spoonful.	Store in a cool, dry pantry.
Shelf-Stable Milk/Juice	Provides hydration and nutrients, no refrigeration needed.	Can be bulky.	Drinks for everyone, including infants.	Look for extended expiration dates.

Smart Stockpiling Strategy

To manage your emergency supply effectively, create a simple system. Rotate your stock by using and replacing older items with newer ones. A simple rule is to use items with the earliest expiration dates first. The U.S. Coast Guard suggests an annual rotation of hurricane food kit items. Make sure you have a manual can opener, disposable plates, and utensils ready as part of your kit. Consider any special dietary needs, allergies, or medications for your family members and pets.

Conclusion

Knowing what food to buy before a storm is the first step toward true preparedness. By focusing on non-perishable, ready-to-eat options and ensuring a sufficient supply of water, you can provide for your family's basic needs during a power outage or infrastructure failure. Planning ahead with a rotating pantry of essentials, supplemented by comfort foods, will not only keep you fed but also provide a sense of calm and control in a stressful situation. Remember, readiness is a continuous process, so check and update your supplies regularly to stay protected. For more authoritative information on water safety during emergencies, check the CDC's guidance on creating an emergency water supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

The standard recommendation is a minimum of a three-day supply of food and one gallon of water per person per day. It is safer to aim for a longer duration, such as a week or more, especially for those in areas prone to longer outages.

Excellent choices include canned tuna, chicken, and salmon for protein, along with canned vegetables like corn and green beans, and fruits like peaches and pears. Ready-to-eat canned soups and stews are also good options.

You can keep some fresh fruits and vegetables that don't need refrigeration, like apples, bananas, and tomatoes, but plan to consume these first before they spoil. Rely primarily on non-perishable items for your long-term supply.

It is critical to include ready-to-feed formula, baby food, and an ample supply of your pet's regular food. Also, remember any special feeding tools or bowls your pets may need.

Yes, but only use generators, propane gas grills, or charcoal grills outdoors in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Have alternative non-cook meal options for safety.

Organize your supplies so that items with the earliest expiration dates are at the front. Implement a 'first-in, first-out' system and set a reminder to check and rotate your stock at least every six months.

Yes, freeze-dried meals are an excellent option for long-term storage, as they are lightweight and have a very long shelf life, often 3-10 years. Just ensure you have enough water on hand for rehydration.