Canned Foods to Have on Hand
While no one likes to think about emergencies, they can happen. And when they do, it’s important to have food on hand that will be nourishing and sustaining. Canned foods are a great option for an emergency food supply because they have a long shelf life and can be easily stored. But not all canned foods are created equal. In this article, we’ll discuss the best-canned foods to have on hand in case of an emergency.
Non-perishable items
Canned goods are an essential part of any food storage plan, whether you’re dealing with short-term emergencies or long-term SHTF scenarios. Canned foods have a long shelf life, are easy to prepare, and can provide you with the nutrients you need in a pinch. Here are some of the best-canned foods to stock up on for your next emergency.
-Canned meats: Tuna, chicken, beef, and pork are all great options for canned meat. These meats can be used in a variety of recipes or eaten on their own.
-Canned fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are an important part of any diet, and canned options can be just as nutritious as fresh produce. Stock up on canned tomatoes, peas, corn, and other veggies, as well as canned fruits like pineapple and peaches.
-Canned soups and stews: Soups and stews can make a quick and easy meal when you’re short on time. Choose from a variety of canned soup options, including chicken noodle soup, chili, and beef stew.
-Canned beans: Beans are a great source of protein and fiber, making them an essential part of any emergency food stockpile. Black beans, kidney beans, lentils, and chickpeas are all good choices.
-Canned pasta: Pasta is another quick and easy option for meals in a hurry. Canned spaghetti sauce can also be used to make quick pizzas or pasta dishes.
Canned fruits and vegetables
Canned fruits and vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh— sometimes even more so. While canning preserves foods for a long time, it also locks in nutrients, making them just as good for you as if you had eaten them fresh.
Canned fruits and vegetables are especially good to have on hand in the winter when it can be difficult to find fresh produce that is not only nutritious but also affordable. Canned fruits and vegetables are also convenient because they do not require any prep work— you can simply open the can and eat them.
Some of the best-canned fruits and vegetables to have on hand include:
-Canned peaches
-Canned corn
-Canned green beans
-Canned potatoes
-Canned tomatoes
Canned meat and fish
Canned meats and fish are a great way to have protein on hand without having to worry about it going bad. Canned chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, and sardines are all great options. Just make sure to check the labels for sodium content and choose options that are lower in sodium where possible.
Shelf Life of Canned Foods
Canned foods are a great way to be prepared for emergencies. They have a long shelf life and can be stored in a cool, dry place. Canned foods are also easy to transport and can be eaten without cooking.
Proper storage
Canned foods are a great way to have a variety of foods on hand without taking up a lot of space. They’re perfect for quick meals or when you need an extra ingredient for a recipe. But how long do canned foods last?
Canned foods will last for years if they are stored properly. Store canned food in a cool, dry place and keep them away from direct sunlight or any heat source. Heat can cause the cans to corrode and the food to spoil.
Once you open a can of food, it will last for a few days in the refrigerator. Be sure to transfer the food to an airtight container before storing it in the fridge. If you don’t have time to eat all the food in one sitting, you can also freeze canned food.
Here is a list of common canned foods and their shelf life:
-Canned fruits: 2-4 years
-Canned vegetables: 2-4 years
-Soups and stews: 2-3 years
-Meat and fish: 3-5 years
-Tomatoes: 1-2 years
Expiration dates
Expiration dates on canned goods are not federally required except for infant formula and some baby food. The law does require, however, that any expiry date placed on a product by the manufacturer must be truthful and not deceptive.
Canned goods are safe to consume past their “best if used by” or “expires on” date. However, they will gradually lose both flavor and nutrition the longer they sit on the shelf. At some point, canned goods will no longer be safe to eat even if they have not reached their expiration date.
If you can’t remember when you purchased the can, it’s probably best to just throw it away. If there is no rust or dents on the can, and the food smells and looks normal, it should be safe to eat. Expiration dates are intended to indicate how long a product will retain its peak flavor and nutrition, not how long it will be safe to eat.
How to Use Canned Foods in an Emergency?
When a storm hits or some other type of emergency arises, the power might go out. If this happens, you’ll want to have canned food on hand that you can eat without cooking. Here are some of the best-canned foods to stock up on for emergencies.
Planning ahead
When a storm is on the way, it’s important to have a plan in place for how you’ll shelter in place and what you’ll do if you lose power. Part of that planning should include stocking up on non-perishable food that can last for several days or even weeks without refrigeration.
Canned foods are a great option for emergency situations because they have a long shelf life and don’t require any special preparation. However, it’s important to choose the right types of canned foods so that you have a well-rounded diet and can avoid getting bored with your food options.
Here are some tips for choosing the best-canned foods for your emergency stash:
- Choose canned fruits and vegetables that are packed in water or juice rather than syrup. These will be lower in sugar and calories.
- Select canned protein sources such as beans, tuna, chicken, or salmon. Look for options that are packed in water rather than oil.
- Choose whole grain options when available, such as brown rice or whole wheat pasta.
- If you’re including canned soups or stews, look for ones that are lower in sodium. Check the nutrition label to compare brands.
- Select canned foods that you know your family will actually eat! There’s no point in stocking up on food that will just go to waste. Make sure to rotate your cans regularly so that they don’t expire before you have a chance to use them.
By following these tips, you can be sure that you’re prepared with the best possible options if you find yourself in an emergency situation.
When to use canned foods?
Canned foods are a great way to have access to food during an emergency. However, there are some things to consider when using canned foods.
First, it is important to check the expiration date on the can. Canned foods are typically good for 2-5 years after the expiration date, but this depends on the type of food and how it was stored. If the can is dented or damaged, it is best to discard it as it could be unsafe to eat.
Second, in an emergency situation, you may not have access to clean water or a way to cook food. It is important to only consume canned foods that do not require cooking or water. This includes canned fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and peanut butter. If you have canned goods that require cooking or water, you should only consume them if you are sure you can safely do so.
Lastly, you should only open canned goods as needed. Once a can is opened, it should be eaten within 24 hours. Opened cans of food will not last as long as unopened cans and could lead to food poisoning if not eaten within a day or two.
Tips for using canned foods
In an emergency, you may find yourself without power and without access to fresh food. If you have a stockpile of canned food, you can still get a nutritious meal. Here are some tips for using canned foods in an emergency:
-Check the expiration date on the cans. If the can is expired, do not use it.
-If the can is dented or damaged, do not use it.
-Wash your hands before handling the food.
-Open the cans with a can opener. Do not use your teeth.
-Pour the food into a clean container. Do not eat directly from the can.
-If you have no power, eat perishable foods first.
-Canned fruits and vegetables can be eaten as is or cooked over a campfire or stove.
-Canned meat should be cooked before eating.