Lou McLeod: 10 Survival Foods That Are Great During Short-Term Disasters

Tuesday, 11 October 2016

10 Survival Foods That Are Great During Short-Term Disasters

10 Survival Foods That Are Great During Short-Term Disasters was originally published to http://ift.tt/1Qfw8v0

In the aftermath of a disaster, it’s important that you’re completely prepared. Check out this list of survival foods that could save you during a short-term disaster.

10 Survival Foods That Are Great During Short-Term Disasters

A true prepper knows that foods with long shelf-lives are essential to disaster preparedness. If you ever find yourself in the aftermath of a disaster where food isn’t readily available, your supply of survival foods could be a lifesaver. We recommend avoiding fresh ingredients and keeping all items in an air-tight container to ensure they last as long as possible. Check out the list below to see which survival foods made the cut.

1. Canned Tuna

Pros: Rich in protein and healthy fats like omega 3s. (Check out this survival hack for how to open a can without a can opener.)
Shelf life: 2-5 years.
Options: Tuna, pink salmon, sardines.

2. Canned Meats

Pros: Excellent source of protein, plus there are tons of options available.
Shelf life: 2-5 years.
Options: Spam, chicken breast, ground beef, pork, turkey.

3. Canned Vegetables and Fruits

Pros: Convenient and full of essential vitamins – plus it actually tastes good.
Shelf life: 1-2 years beyond the date stamped on the can.
Options: Fruit cocktail, sliced pineapple, peaches, yellow corn, green beans.

4. Peanut Butter

Pros: Tasty and a great source of protein.
Shelf life: 2-5 years.
Options: Creamy, chunky peanut butter. (Tip: steer clear of the all-natural varieties, since those have a shorter shelf life.)

5. Coffee

Pros: Easy to make, many health benefits, and it gives an instant energy boost.
Shelf life: 2-5 years.
Options: Available in light, medium and dark roasts. (Tip: Store coffee in a cool, dark place, and vacuum-seal the packaging to extend shelf-life.)

6. Tea

Pros: Many medical benefits – strengthens immune system, improves hydration, and helps the digestive process. Can also be used as a first aid tool to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Shelf life: 2-5 years.
Options: Green tea, black tea, herbal teas. (Tip: Store tea bags in a vacuum-sealed bag to extend their shelf-life.)

7. Ramen Noodles

Pros: Packaged ramen noodles are super affordable and have an extremely long shelf life – just add hot water to make an instant meal.
Shelf life: 10+ years.
Options: Chicken or beef instant lunch, chicken teriyaki chow mein.

8. Hard Candy

Pros: Good for instant energy and makes a great-tasting carbohydrate – also has an extremely long shelf life.
Shelf life: 13+ years.
Options: Tons of flavor options – spearmint, cinnamon, fruits of all kinds. We recommend opting for ones that are individually wrapped, as they will last even longer.

9. Powdered Milk

Pros: Great source of calcium, proteins, vitamins and minerals – just add water.
Shelf life: 10-15 years.
Options: Instant milk (add water to instantly create milk) and non-instant powdered milk (takes about eight hours to reconstitute, also contains many more nutrients).

10. Dried Herbs and Spices

Pros: Great for improving the taste of food, and they have a super long shelf-life.
Shelf life: 4 years (whole spices), 3-4 year (ground spices), 1-3 years (dried herbs).
Options: Tons of herb and spice options – the possibilities are practically endless. Make sure you store them in an air-tight container so they last as long as possible.