Winter storms can strike without warning, shutting down entire cities in their icy grip.
Take the February 2021 storm that blindsided places like Houston, Texas – pipes burst, heating systems failed, and communities were left scrambling.
That’s why it’s crucial to have a solid stash of food ready for both surprise blizzards and predictable cold snaps.
To help you prepare, here are twenty essential foods to stockpile for winter emergencies.
The Ultimate Food List to Weather Any Winter Storm
1. Canned Soups and Stews
Canned soups and stews are excellent to stockpile for a winter storm because they’re hearty, shelf-stable, and easy to heat or eat straight from the can if necessary.
You can get protein-heavy options with beef or vegetable options for vegetarians.
They provide a filling meal in one package and, thanks to their variety, are a great way to avoid meal fatigue during prolonged periods of isolation or inability to cook.
2. Canned Beans
Beans are a great non-perishable item that pack a major punch in terms of nutrition.
They are rich in protein, fiber, and essential minerals, making them a vital source of nutrients during extended periods without fresh food.
Whether you go for black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, or lentils, the are easy to mix with rice or add to soups.
Their versatility in both hot and cold meals makes them incredibly valuable during a winter storm.
3. Peanut Butter (or Other Nut Butters)
Peanut butter and other nut butters, such as almond or sunflower seed butter, are protein-rich, calorie-dense, and require no refrigeration, making them perfect for long-term storage.
They can be eaten with crackers, bread, or straight from the jar for a quick, energy-boosting snack.
Nut butters are also highly sought after for their nutritious profile, so they are excellent barter items.
4. Instant Oatmeal
Instant oatmeal is an easy-to-prepare, nutrient-rich breakfast option that can be made with just hot water, which is perfect if you’re relying on a kettle or portable stove.
Oatmeal is packed with fiber, which will keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day.
5. Pasta and Jarred Sauce
Dried pasta and jarred sauces are a perfect pair for winter storm emergency preparedness.
Pasta is easy to cook with boiling water, and it’s a long-lasting, shelf-stable source of carbohydrates that can keep you full for hours.
Jarred sauce adds flavor and nutrition with tomatoes and herbs, making this a quick and comforting meal.
Together, they can be a highly desirable trade option, particularly if others are running low on substantial meal ingredients.
6. Canned Tuna or Salmon
Canned tuna and salmon are both great sources of protein and healthy omega-3 fats, which are essential for staying energized and well-being during stressful situations.
These can be eaten on their own (guys on my high school wrestling team would just crush cans of cold tuna), mixed with mayo for sandwiches, or added to salads and pasta.
Because of their long shelf life and nutrient density, canned fish are also high-value barter items.
7. Dried Fruits
Dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or cranberries provide a quick source of natural sugars and fiber, giving you energy without taking up much space.
They are ideal for snacking, adding to oatmeal, or mixing into baked goods if you can access an oven.
These can also be great barter items because they are both nutritious and compact, which makes them convenient to trade for spices, tea, or canned goods.
8. Crackers and Shelf-Stable Bread
Crackers and shelf-stable bread are great for pairing with peanut butter, canned meats, or cheese.
They don’t require cooking and have a long shelf life, making them essential during a storm when fresh bread may not be available.
Their convenience and versatility make them valuable barter items, particularly for fresh ingredients or other shelf-stable goods.
9. Rice
Rice is one of the most versatile and long-lasting foods to stockpile.
It’s an excellent source of carbohydrates, making it a filling base for many meals when combined with things like beans, canned meats, or vegetables.
It can be cooked with minimal equipment and water, making it an ideal food for power outages.
10. Canned Fruits and Vegetables
The NHS, Britain’s National Health Service, recommends at least 5 portions of a variety of fruits and vegetables every day.
In a severe winter storm, you might not have access to vegetables for prolonged periods.
Stockpile options like canned carrots, peas, spinach, peaches, beets, etc., can be eaten as a side or added to soups and casseroles.
11. Powdered Milk
Powdered milk is a great non-perishable alternative to fresh milk.
It can be reconstituted with water to drink, or used in recipes for baking, making soups creamy, or mixing into cereals.
It’s especially useful for families with children who rely on milk as part of their diet.
12. Honey
Honey, thanks to its low water content and high acidity, is a natural sweetener that never spoils, making it an excellent item to have on hand for a winter storm.
It can be used to sweeten tea, oatmeal, or baked goods and also offers antibacterial properties that can be useful for minor wounds.
13. Canned Meats (Chicken, Ham, etc.)
Fresh meat is best, but canned meats like chicken, ham or SPAM are valuable sources of protein that can be eaten cold or heated up.
They can be added to pasta, rice dishes, and sandwiches, giving you a source of protein in a winter emergency.
14. Granola Bars and Energy Bars
Granola and energy bars are convenient, calorie-dense snacks that provide quick energy.
They require no preparation and can easily be carried if you need to evacuate or conserve food.
There are high-protein options, ones with dried fruits in them, sugar-free ones; a very wide range of granola bar options for all tastes.
15. Salt and Spices
While often overlooked in emergency preparedness, salt and spices are essential for making food flavorful and enjoyable during extended periods of eating canned or bland food.
Salt is also useful for preserving meats and other perishable foods.
Spices like pepper, cumin or chili powder are nice because they can significantly boost morale by improving meal variety.
16. Coffee and Tea
Coffee and tea are two of the most consumed beverages in the world. They’re comforting, provide caffeine, have a long shelf-life, and are simple to prepare.
Even if the power’s out and you’re bundled in blankets and eating out of a can, things can still feel manageable if you still have access to a cup of tea or coffee.
17. Instant Mashed Potatoes
Instant mashed potatoes are lightweight, require minimal water to prepare, and provide a warm, filling side dish to pair with other canned or dried foods.
They’re quick to make and can be a comforting, easy meal when you’re low on cooking resources.
If you own a freeze dryer, you can even make your own instant mashed potatoes!
18. Chocolate
Chocolate, like tea, coffee, and spices, is another great morale booster during tough times. It provides quick energy and can be stored for long periods.
High-quality dark chocolate is a good source of antioxidants, making it a slightly better indulgence than the kind of thing you get at the checkout in a grocery store.
19. Vinegar
Vinegar is useful for both cooking and cleaning.
It can be used as a preservative, a disinfectant, and a flavor enhancer. In a survival scenario, vinegar’s versatility makes it a valuable commodity.
Its many uses mean it can be traded for a wide range of foods, from medical supplies to food staples.
20. Canned or Boxed Broth
Broth is a flavorful base for soups, stews, and rice dishes, providing a boost of flavor and nutrients to simple meals.
Canned or boxed broths (vegetable, chicken, beef) are shelf-stable and easy to prepare.
Broth can be a comforting food in the cold, and it’s a useful trade item when bartered for more substantial goods like protein and grains.
