Imagine a true emergency: a power outage, natural disaster, or just being home-bound for an extended period. The canned goods in your pantry may be the difference between comfort and misery. However, there are cans that have sat in the pantry for years without ever being opened, and then there are those that are true lifesavers. Let’s have a look at 15 canned foods you’ll actually want to stockpile for an emergency.
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Canned mackerel
I feel like most people don’t realize how much protein and good fat is in a little can of mackerel. It’s less dry than tuna, more sturdy in pasta or salads (or on a cracker), and often has less of a “fishy” smell when you heat it. It’s also full of Omega-3s that are great for your brain.
Canned pumpkin (purée, not pie mix)
This is another item most people only buy for baking. But plain canned pumpkin is packed with fiber and Vitamin A. It’s easy to stir into soup or oatmeal. It thickens everything you put it in, giving your dishes a creamy texture. One can is all you need to add nutrition to any blah dish.
Canned coconut milk
If you haven’t cooked with coconut milk before, it’s a good time to try it. With canned coconut milk, you can cook rice that is creamier, and curries and stews that are more flavorful. It’s also shelf-stable for a long time, can be used for savory dishes or easy desserts, and provides a huge calorie boost if fresh food is hard to come by.
Canned artichoke hearts
Ok, I know this is kind of a “gourmet” item, but believe me, it is practical in a pinch. Throw them in pasta, or just eat them straight out of the can for a change of pace. High in fiber, long shelf life, and they help to spice up a monotonous diet a bit.
Canned sardines in tomato sauce
Sardines are one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, but if you can find them canned in tomato sauce, you get even more bang for your buck. Protein, calcium, and a flavorful sauce. Heat them up and serve them over rice, or eat them cold as a snack with crackers.
Canned potatoes
These are precooked, and you just need to heat them up or eat them cold if you’re desperate. Slice up for a quick hash, mash with butter for potatoes, or add to stews. No peeling, no boiling, and no waste.
Canned green chiles
These tiny cans pack a flavor punch and make bland foods taste delicious real fast. Just a spoonful in eggs, rice, beans, and so forth will give a smokey zing. Add some zip to your meals when you are running low on spices and sauces.
Canned spaghetti rings or ravioli
OK, not the most exciting food ever, but after a couple of weeks of a long power outage or supply shortage, it will taste like a treat. Kids will eat it without whining, and you don’t have to cook it. One can is one meal and has carbs, protein, and sauce.
Canned jackfruit
If you have not tried this yet, do it. When cooked, canned jackfruit has a texture similar to pulled pork or shredded chicken. It’s great to have a good plant based protein if you can’t get meat or it’s super expensive.
Canned mixed vegetables (no salt added)
It’s not just peas and carrots, some mixed veggie cans also contain corn, green beans and lima beans. They add variety to your diet and help complete your meals. With no salt added, you control the flavor of your meals and the sodium content you take in. You can easily stir them into rice, pasta or soup.
Canned clams
Clams have an almost indefinite shelf life and provide protein with minimal preparation. Toss them into pasta, chowder, or mix with breadcrumbs and stuff into baked vegetables. They smell less fishy than other seafood and are a great source of iron and zinc as well.
Canned beets
Beets have a long shelf life and offer a unique flavor that most other vegetables lack. Toss them into salads or just eat them straight with vinegar and salt. They’re also good for circulation and energy. Not many people think of keeping them on hand, but they are a good addition.
Canned evaporated milk
This stuff is a lot more useful than you might think. It works for coffee, oatmeal, mac and cheese, and baking. This milk can be watered down or used undiluted for a thicker and richer consistency. It’s good to have evaporated milk cans with you when you can’t refrigerate anything.
Canned corned beef
Dense, salty, and filling. You don’t need a huge portion of this to feel full. Slice it up cold or fry it with potatoes if you have access to a heat source. It’s shelf-stable, and the fat and protein content will help keep your energy levels up.
Canned bamboo shoots
Canned bamboo shoots give your meals a texture and a crunch that you don’t often get in canned goods. Throw them in stir-fries or noodle soups; they’re low calorie and will bulk out a meal. You usually don’t see bamboo shoots in emergency prep lists, but they are more useful than you might think.
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