Best Survival Food

Preparing for an emergency can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the right survival food.

This is because with so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start or what truly matters for building a dependable emergency food supply.

In our Best Survival Food overview, we’ll break down the best options for long-lasting, energy-packed survival food — evaluating factors like shelf life, nutritional value, and ease of preparation.

Do I Even Need Survival Food?

Before we get started, you might be wondering whether you actually “need” survival food.

Well, the short answer is: yes.

In the context of emergency preparedness, having survival food is like getting car insurance — you hope you’ll never need it, but if the unexpected happens, you’ll be relieved that it’s there.

I mean, just think about how quickly things can change: a hurricane can disrupt local supply chains for weeks, a winter storm can leave grocery shelves empty, and an extended power outage can spoil your fresh food in a matter of hours.

In moments like these, having a well-stocked supply of survival food will ensure that you and your loved ones have the nourishment needed to get through any crisis, no matter how unpredictable.

But you may wonder — what sets survival food apart? After all, isn’t all food technically “survival” food?

What Makes “Good” Survival Food?

Generally speaking, “good” survival food will be any food that will offer a long shelf life, provide high-calorie density, be easy to transport, and require minimal effort to prepare.

This is because survival food should be:

• Able to last for extended periods of time in order to ensure you are prepared for emergencies of any duration, making non-perishable items like canned goods, freeze-dried meals, and vacuum-sealed foods excellent choices.
• Rich in protein, healthy fats, and nutrients (i.e., vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, potassium etc.) to help keep your energy levels steady, your mind focused, and your body strong during emergencies (the most common options being nuts, seeds, energy bars, powdered milk, and canned fish).
• Lightweight, easy to transport, and simple to store efficiently, with options like single-serving pouches of dehydrated meals, compact tins of sardines, trail mix, and individually wrapped granola bars being great choices.
• Require little to no cooking and be easy to prepare, as electricity or water may become limited during an emergency, with options like ready-to-eat meals (MREs), canned stews, and freeze-dried meals being the most practical and reliable choices.

Note: Keep in mind that you should always store your survival food in a cool, dry place with minimal exposure to air, moisture, and light in order to ensure it maintains its shelf life, freshness, and longevity.

Best Survival Food for Emergencies

After understanding why you need survival food and what makes it effective, you will be ready to start building a supply that works for you and your family.

You should generally aim to stock at least two weeks’ worth of food — ensuring around 2,500 calories per day for adults and 1,200 to 1,500 calories for children — and choosing from any of the following categories:

• MREs (Meals Ready to Eat)
• Canned meals (e.g., soups, stews, tuna, salmon, beef)
• Grains (e.g., rice, pasta, oats)
• Beans and legumes (canned or dried)
• Powdered milk and drink mixes
• Energy bars and granola
• Trail mix and jerky
• Freeze-dried meals
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Dried fruits and nuts
• Shelf-stable juices and broths

Remember to tailor your supply to your individual circumstances, because true emergency preparedness isn’t just about what you store — it’s about ensuring your stockpile aligns perfectly with the specific needs of your household.

For example, if you have a baby, you will need to include powdered infant formula and shelf-stable baby food, whereas if you have a pet, you would stock an adequate supply of dry or canned pet food instead.

Remember that while the primary goal of emergency food is nutrition and sustenance, planning ahead gives you the opportunity to include items you actually enjoy. This way, your emergency supply won’t just meet your physical needs but also provide comfort during stressful times.

Note: You should always make sure that every member of your household is adequately cared for during an emergency by tailoring your stockpile to their specific needs. This could mean including allergy-friendly foods, plant-based proteins for vegetarians, or other specific items that fit your family’s preferences and health requirements.

Best Survival Food FAQs

Can I use normal household items as survival food?

Yes, any food that has a long shelf life, provides adequate nutrition, and requires minimal preparation can be used as survival food.

For example, canned vegetables, dried rice, packaged pasta, and shelled nuts can be found in most households and are considered excellent choices for an emergency food supply.

How should I store my survival food?

You should store your survival food in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, air, and moisture using airtight containers.

This will help maintain the food’s shelf life, ensuring it stays fresh and safe to consume during an emergency.

How much does survival food cost?

This really depends.

The cost of survival food can vary widely based on the types of food you prefer and the size of your household.

That said, in most cases, the cost will typically fall anywhere between $150 and $450 per adult for a two-week supply.

What foods last the longest for survival?

In general, freeze-dried and dehydrated foods are your best bet for long-term storage.

When properly sealed in airtight containers, these meals can last over 20 years, making them perfect for long-term preparedness.

Canned foods are also a solid choice, with a shelf life of two to five years.

How much survival food do I need?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer for this, but you are generally recommended to have at least two weeks’ worth of food per person, calculated as 2,500 calories a day per adult and 1,200 to 1,500 calories a day per child.

That said, the exact amount you stock should be tailored to your family’s unique dietary needs, preferences, and circumstances.