No matter where you live, there is always a chance for some sort of an emergency. It is important to have an emergency kit whether you have a family or, it is just yourself. Part of that emergency kit should be food. Here are 15 foods that you should have in your emergency kit.
1) Dried Fruit
Dried fruits have a longer shelf life than fresh fruits so they make a perfect addition to your emergency kit. They provide a decent amount of calories and many important nutrients.
2) Canned Fruits and Vegetables
Canned fruits and vegetables are important because they can be eaten directly out of the can. They also provide nutrients that are essential for our bodies.
3) Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is high in protein and full of healthy fats. Be sure that the peanut butter you choose for your emergency kit doesn’t require refrigeration.
4) Granola Bars
Since granola bars are individually wrapped, they make a great addition to your emergency kit. The provide carbohydrates, a small amount of protein. Many granola bars even provide a decent amount of fiber as well.
5) Trail Mix
Trail Mix will furnish the body with healthy fats and lots of protein. Individual packages are your best bet for this as it will keep the trail mix fresher longer.
6) Canned or Packaged Meat
Meat can provide an essential amount of protein but, they don’t keep well without refrigeration. Canned or packaged meat is a great substitute during an emergency and its shelf life is pretty long, with most lasting around two years. If you choose to pack the canned meats be sure to put a can opener in your emergency kit too.
7) Cereal
Any type of cereal will be helpful during an emergency but, choosing a whole grain cereal will give you more nutrients and be a bit more filling. If at all possible, get individual servings of cereal so that it lasts longer.
8) Crackers
Crackers are typically seen as more of a snack type food but, in the event of an emergency, they can easily be used to replace bread. This means you can not only snack on them but, you can make peanut butter or tuna sandwiches as well. Choosing whole grain crackers will give the body more nutrition. When picking your preferred crackers make sure that they are not salty as that will add to your thirst.
9) Jerky
Beef or turkey jerky is an awesome way to get the benefits of meat without having to worry about storing and preparing fresh meat.
10) Chocolate Bars
Chocolate bars are probably the last thing on your mind when it comes to an emergency kit. Having some chocolate bars can provide an energy boost when needed and, it’s always nice to have a sweet treat.
11) MREs
MREs ( Meal Ready to Eat) are a great way to have nutritious food without having to worry about keeping food fresh. They typically have a very long shelf life which is why they are great for an emergency kit. Many of them do need to be warmed up but, if you pack some MRE heaters you will be just fine. You can buy them online or, at some surplus stores.
12) Rice
Rice is an inexpensive food option for your emergency kit. Not only is it filling but, it has a very long shelf life if stored in an airtight container. The trick with rice is, it can take a while to cook. With limited resources that isn’t your best option so try to opt for a whole grain minute rice. Minute rices cook much faster and are just as tasty as normal rice.
13) Instant Oatmeal
Instant oatmeal isn’t high in protein or even fats but, it is pretty filling and is very simple to make.
14) Meal Replacement Powder
Any meal replacement powder that can be added to your water will help to tide you over when you get hungry. They are typically high in protein which will help to keep you feeling full.
15) Honey
Honey is great for many reasons. It can give you a natural energy boost, fill the spot when you are looking for something sweet and, it has added natural health benefits. It is shelf stable for what seems like forever so it makes a great addition to your emergency kit.
Other Items
Multi-Vitamins
During an emergency, it is very likely that you will not be able to eat all of your essential vitamins and minerals like you normally would. That is where these come in. Having at least a week’s worth of multi-vitamins for everyone in your home, will help you ensure that everyone is getting everything they need.
Sports Drinks
Sports drinks are packed with electrolytes but, they also have some sugars in them. Those two things together will help to up your energy level during the emergency.
Baby Items
If you have an infant or toddler in your home, it is important that you put their formula and feed in your emergency kit as well. If your baby is on formula, make sure that you pack a jug of water just for this purpose.
Coffee
While coffee may not seem like a necessity, it may be for some. If you have relied on it daily, having instant coffee on hand will be very helpful. Not only will it give your mood a boost but, it will also help you to avoid the caffeine headache that will come with not having it.
Water and Filter
Having jugs of water will be helpful to start with but, you run the risk of needing more than you anticipated. A water filtering system can help your family to get the necessary clean water when your supply runs out.
When making your emergency kit keep things like medical needs in mind as well as what you and your family are most likely to eat. To maintain your emergency kit make sure that you are checking expiration dates and cycling out anything that needs to be replaced. Remember to be aware of sodium content in the foods are you packing as well as that could make you go through water much faster. Being prepared is important no matter where you live since an emergency can strike anywhere at anytime.