When stocking up for an emergency, preppers should look for survival foods that offer a good balance of nutrition and cost-efficiency.
Luckily, there are plenty of inexpensive yet nourishing survival foods that can provide vital vitamins, minerals and energy without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll explore seven of the best survival foods.
What Is The Cheapest Food To Survive On?
The cheapest food to survive on would vary depending on the location and availability of resources. However, some examples of cheap foods that provide essential nutrients include:
- Rice: Rice is a staple food in many parts of the world and is an inexpensive source of carbohydrates.
- Beans: Beans are a good source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. They can be bought in bulk and can be stored for a long time.
- Potatoes: Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, and some vitamins and minerals. They are inexpensive and can be used in a variety of dishes.
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a good source of fiber and is also an inexpensive breakfast option.
- Eggs: Eggs are a good source of protein and can be used in a variety of dishes. They are also relatively inexpensive.
- Lentils: Lentils are a good source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. They are also relatively inexpensive and can be bought in bulk.
It is important to have a varied and balanced diet to meet all nutritional needs.
7 Low-Cost Nutritious Survival Foods for Preppers
When buying healthy food for long-term storage, key factors to consider are shelf life, nutrient retention, and proper storage conditions.
Additionally, selecting whole foods that are minimally processed and low in sodium and added sugars can help ensure that stored foods remain healthy and nutritious over time.
#1 Store Dried Beans and Legumes For Survival Foods
Dried beans and legumes are some of the most cost-effective and nutritious survival foods you can get.
Not only are they high in protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, but they are also packed full of essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and magnesium.
What’s more, beans and legumes can last up to ten years in storage if kept in a cool, dry place.
#2 Whole Grains Are Nutritious Survival Foods
Whole grains such as oats, barley, buckwheat, and quinoa are all extremely nutritious survival foods that are also very affordable.
Grains contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help boost your immune system and keep you healthy during a disaster.
Plus, they provide important energy-sustaining complex carbohydrates that will give you the fuel you need to stay sharp and focused.
#3 Store Freeze-Dried Fruits and Veggies For Survival
Freeze-dried fruits and veggies are excellent sources of nutrition that can last for up to 20 years without any need for special preparation or refrigeration.
These products offer all the vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients of fresh produce, but in a convenient, easy-to-store form.
Additionally, they’re also incredibly affordable — some brands even offer bulk packs of freeze-dried produce at discount prices.
#4 Nuts and Seeds Are A Nutritious Emergency Food
Nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and pine nuts are highly nutritious emergency foods that can serve as an excellent source of protein, fiber, magnesium and other essential vitamins.
They are usually quite affordable and easy to store in a cool, dry place. Add peanuts to salads or trail mixes for an extra boost of nutrition.
#5 Canned Soups, Stews, and Meats Last For Years For Survival Foods
Canned soups, stews, and meats can be a convenient way for preppers to get nutritious food in their diets during emergencies.
These items are already cooked so they can be eaten right away with no need for additional preparation or cooking time. They usually contain plenty of protein, carbohydrates, and other vitamins as well.
Ideally, look for ones with low sodium content to maximize their health benefits.
What Is The Cheapest Food To Stockpile?
The cheapest food to stockpile would depend on factors such as personal dietary preferences, storage space, and budget.
However, we have some suggestions listed below.
Inexpensive Foods That Can Be Easily Stockpiled and Have A Long Shelf Life Include:
- Rice: Rice is a staple food that can be stored for a long time and is a good source of carbohydrates.
- Pasta: Pasta is another carbohydrate-rich food that can be stored for a long time.
- Canned vegetables: Canned vegetables can be a good source of vitamins and minerals, and can be stored for a long time.
- Canned fruits: Canned fruits can provide essential nutrients such as vitamin C, and can be stored for a long time.
- Canned beans: Canned beans are a good source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients, and can be stored for a long time.
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a good source of fiber and can be stored for a long time.
It is important to remember to rotate your stockpile and check expiration dates regularly to ensure that the food remains safe and nutritious to consume.
Meal Prepping
We have tips on how to cook without electricity. No power? No worries. You can still prepare your meals even during a power outage.
Maybe you don’t feel like cooking? Or you don’t have a fuel source? We have easy and delicious no-cook recipes for you to make any time of the year.
Prepping More Than Food
If you are new to prepping or stocking food for survival, we have a Beginners Guide to Prepping.
We know it can be overwhelming to prep everything you need at once.
With the simple addition to your shopping cart with just one or two items from the above list, you can significantly grow your preps in a short period of time.
