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Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is high in healthy fats and protein and is a fantastic source of energy. Unless otherwise specified on the jar, you do not need to refrigerate after opening.
Purchase a three-pack of Teddie All Natural Super Chunky peanut butter in 16-ounce jars to get the most bang for your money. The all-natural, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly peanut butter is excellent for parties with varying requirements, and at 36 cents per ounce, it’s also a budget-friendly option.
Whole-grain crackers
Crackers are an excellent alternative for bread and work well in sandwiches. Whole-wheat or whole-grain crackers have a shorter shelf life than plain crackers due to their greater fat content (check the box for expiry dates), but the added fiber pays off when you’re hungry. Consider vacuum-packing your crackers to keep them fresher longer.
Purchase a family-sized bag of 100 percent whole grain Wheat Thins for great value. The toasted crackers provide a more nutritious kick and are also free of high-fructose corn syrup. To purchase, go to amazon.com and pay $50 for a six-pack.
Power bars and granola bars
These portable snacks are healthy and satisfying, and they generally last at least six months. They’re also a good source of carbs. Nature Valley’s Variety Pack has 12 individually wrapped bars in the flavors peanut butter, oats and dark chocolate, and oats and honey. And, with 16 grams of whole grain per serving, these bars will keep folks satisfied.
Dry Fruits
Apricots and raisins are examples of dried fruits.
These nutritious snacks include potassium and dietary fiber in the absence of fresh fruit. “Dried fruits provide a large quantity of minerals and calories,” Swanson explains.
Pick up a selection box of Crispy Fruit to receive all that healthy deliciousness. There are freeze-dried packets of apples, Asian pears, and tangerines inside. Each pack contains just fruit, with no preservatives, sweeteners, or additives.
Tuna, salmon, chicken, or turkey in cans
Canned meats supply important protein and often last at least two years in the cupboard. According to Diane Van, manager of the USDA meat and poultry hotline, vacuum-packed pouches have a lower shelf life but will survive at least six months.
Furthermore, if you don’t have a can opener, vacuum sealed packets may come in helpful. Purchase a 12-pack of Safe Catch Elite Wild Tuna for your pantry, which has the lowest mercury content of any brand on the market, making it a safer option for children and even pregnant women.
Vegetables in cans, such as green beans, carrots, and peas
When fresh produce is unavailable, canned types may supply important nutrients, making them an excellent storm meal or natural disaster choice. Order a case of Libby’s mixed veggie cans to receive as many of those vital vitamins and minerals as possible. Each can contains peas, carrots, corn, lima beans, and green beans, providing a well-balanced lunch right from the jar.
Soups and chili in cans
Soups and chili may be consumed directly from the can and include a range of nutrients. Look for low-sodium alternatives.
Pasta sauces and dry pasta
Although pasta is a carb-heavy, gluten-filled cuisine, it is satisfying, and dried spaghetti and bottled sauce may be stored on pantry shelves for months. If someone in your family has dietary concerns, search for gluten-free pasta or chickpea spaghetti (or another alternative).
Bottled Water
Try to have at least a three-day supply on hand—at least one gallon per person each day is required. Purchase a case of water with essential minerals added to it to keep everyone hydrated. Essentia’s bottled water contains electrolytes to help with hydration and taste.
Sport Drinks
Gatorade and Powerade are examples of sports drinks.
When water is scarce, the electrolytes and carbohydrates in these drinks will help you rehydrate and replenish fluid. Just make sure your preferred sports drink doesn’t have too many additives, such as sugar or artificial sweeteners. Instead, try Nooma, an organic electrolyte-enhanced drink created with coconut water and natural sea salt that comes in four flavors.
Milk powder
Because almost all dairy products must be refrigerated, keep this alternative on hand for a great dose of calcium and vitamin D when fresh milk isn’t available. NOW Foods has an organic, resealable option. Its product is flash-pasteurized for enhanced taste and may be kept in a cold, dry area for many months once opened.
Salt, pepper, and sugar
You may be cooking if you have access to a gas or charcoal burner. A basic stock of spices and sweeteners will enhance the taste of both fresh and packaged foods.
Multivitamins
Supplements will assist in replacing nutrients that you would have ingested on a regular diet. However, vitamins do not have to be dull. Instead, choose a tasty fruity gummy from SmartyPants. The gummy includes a full day’s worth of vitamins as well as omega 3s and folate for comprehensive coverage.
Apples
Apples may be kept in a cool, dry place away from more perishable fruits (like bananas), which might cause them to ripen faster.
Oranges and grapefruits
Citrus fruits may keep for up to two weeks without refrigeration due to their strong acid content and tough skins, especially if purchased while not completely ripe. Oranges and grapefruits are high in vitamin C and can help you stay hydrated.
Avocados
If you buy an unripe, firm avocado, it will keep for at least a week outside the refrigerator.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes can be stored at room temperature for several days if purchased unripe.
Sweet potatoes, potatoes, and yams
If you have a functional stove, these root veggies hold well and make wonderful side dishes. Potatoes will keep for approximately a month if stored in a cold, dark place.
Sopressata and pepperoni, for example, are hard, prepared sausages.
You can’t live off canned tuna and chicken. Try loading up on dry-cured salamis like sopressata, a southern Italian speciality found at most supermarkets.