Foods for Every Meal That Don’t Require Refrigeration

Are you building up your survival food stockpile? If so, you have to think about non-perishable foods. After all, your refrigerator may not be an option if the power goes out during a crisis. Do you know how to plan meals with shelf-stable foods? Check out these super easy, non-refrigerated food ideas for every meal. 

Breakfast Food That Doesn’t Need Refrigeration

Rolled Oats

Oatmeal is a great, healthy food for your stockpile. Add hot water, then stir in syrup or dried fruit for a flavorful meal that keeps you full. You can also use rolled oats to make your own granola bars for quick, on-the-go snacks.

Scrambled Eggs

It might sound wrong, but you actually don’t need a fridge to enjoy delicious scrambled eggs for breakfast! With scrambled egg mix, all you need to do is add water, mix, and cook as you would your fresh eggs. It’s perfect for regular scrambled eggs, omelets, quiches, and more.

Pancakes

Who doesn’t love pancakes for breakfast? Thankfully, they’re easy to make — no fridge needed! Use a pre-made pancake mix or make your own, substituting powdered milk, butter powder, and whole egg powder for the fresh stuff. Don’t forget the syrup! In addition to pairing with your pancakes, you can also use syrup to add flavor to your coffee, as a topping for oatmeal, or as a sweetener in some desserts.

Lunch Foods That Require No Refrigeration

Meat Jerky

You might not be able to cook when the power is out. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have meat. Dried jerky is a great source of protein for your survival pantry. 

Nut Butters

Peanut butter sandwiches aren’t just for picnics. Store peanut butter, almond butter, or other nut butters in your stockpile kit. These foods make super easy, protein-filled lunches. 

Mac and Cheese

Most boxed mac and cheese products will be good on the shelf for a few years if stored properly. This means you’ll have to keep better track of your inventory and check expiration dates often, though. If you want something you can leave on the shelf until you really need it, check out options like the 4Patriots America’s Finest Mac & Cheese Food Kit. This mac and cheese comes with a 25-year shelf life*, so you’ll be prepared with tasty food no matter when disaster strikes.  

Dried Fruit

Dehydrate your own fruit at home. Or buy freeze-dried fruit that’s thoroughly sealed so it will last. Dried fruit can be an easy lunch side item or energy-boosting snack. You can also add dried fruit to a sandwich instead of jam or jelly. 

Dinner Food Staples: No Fridge Needed

Canned Beans

Dried beans can take a long time to cook. When you’re without power, you don’t want to waste fuel or valuable solar energy on dried beans. Instead, use canned beans. Seasoned baked beans can add flavor to a meal, and white beans are versatile for all kinds of meals. 

Canned Meat

Tuna, chicken, and other canned meats are perfect emergency foods. These meats are shelf-stable and can be used to make a hearty mid-day sandwich or wrap. Or use them to add protein to a soup or pasta dish. Don’t forget to add a manual can opener to your survival kit.

Potato Flakes

A “meat and potatoes” meal might look different during a crisis. But it can still work! Keep dried potato flakes on hand to make mashed potatoes, filling bread, soup, and more in an emergency.

Rice and Pasta

Pasta, rice, and other shelf-stable grains are must-haves in your survival kit. Keep them tightly sealed to keep moisture out. All you need is boiling water (a solar cooker can help if the power is out!). Use grains with meat or sauce to create simple meals that can keep you and your family full.

Snacks and Desserts That Don’t Require Refrigeration

Freeze-Dried Desserts

Comfort food can really boost your mood during an emergency. In addition to nutritious staples, you should keep some familiar desserts in your stockpile, too. Enjoy freeze-dried sweet treats like chocolate chip cookie dough or cheesecake bites. 

Hot Cocoa

What’s more comforting than a cup of hot chocolate? Hot cocoa mix is the perfect sweet treat to have on hand during an emergency. All you need is to add hot water, and you have a tasty pick-me-up ready to drink. In hotter months when you might not want to drink something warm, chocolate meal replacement shakes can also make a great dessert.

Granola and Energy Bars

Not ready to make your own pemmican? Store granola and energy bars instead. In a pinch, these bars can replace a meal. They’re also easy to carry if you’re on the move during an emergency.

Foods That Require No Refrigeration: Are You Stocked Up?

You don’t have to rely on your refrigerator. 4Patriots can help make meal planning easy. Find meal kits that don’t require refrigeration, so you’ll be prepared for anything. Order your ready-to-go survival food kits from 4Patriots today.