25 Essential Foods That Can Make Hundreds of Meals for Your Survival Pantry

Over the past few years, many Americans have faced empty supermarket shelves and extended power outages for the first time. Supply chain disruptions, limited store hours, and hoarding due to the pandemic have been part of the problem. Severe storms, wildfires, and civil unrest have added to the unwelcome mix.

As a result, there has been a new focus on the importance of maintaining a survival pantry in your home. But stocking up on long-lasting foods and knowing how to feed your family with only those ingredients are two separate steps.

In this article, we'll examine 25 main survival pantry staples and explore some of the many meals you can make with them.

Beans are an easy and tasty source of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. You can mix them with rice or another grain, add them to a soup or stew, or eat them as-is on crackers or chips. We like black beans and chickpeas the best, but red beans are great too.

Pantry combo meal idea: Toss together a can of chickpeas with a can of tuna. Add a squirt of lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with crackers.

Rich in flavor and calories, canned coconut milk adds creaminess to a wide range of dishes, from soups and curries to desserts. It’s also a great dairy-free, shelf-stable fat source.

Pantry combo meal idea: Create a quick coconut curry using canned coconut milk, canned chickpeas, and a mix of your favorite spices such as curry powder and turmeric. Serve over pre-cooked rice or with flatbread. Alternatively, blend with dried spices for a creamy soup.

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We've suggested crackers as the base for a few of your staples already. You can also crumble them as toppings for soups and stews. Store crackers in an airtight glass container for the best results.

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Pantry combo meal idea: Spread nut butter on crackers for a protein-rich light meal.

Flour is in many of the foods we make, and if you handle it right, it stores well. This article explains the tips for storing flour that is bought in bulk quantities.

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Everyone loves the taste of fresh fruit, but canned and dried fruit are the next best thing. Become a label reader and avoid fruits canned in sugary syrups. Dried fruit is good for snacking and provides a quick energy boost.

Foraging for wild edible plants can supplement your food supply—learn how here.

Pantry combo meal idea: Add dried berries and raisins to granola for breakfast or mix with nuts to make trail mix for a healthy snack.

Honey or another natural sweetener is an important pantry staple. Use it to flavor and add a bit of nutrition to your beverages and baked goods. Honey can crystallize in long-term storage, but it is still safe to use.

Pantry combo meal idea: Here is a five-ingredient milk and honey bread recipe that’s simple to make with your pantry supplies.

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Beef, turkey, or even salmon jerky are great sources of protein and last a long time without refrigeration. Jerky can be eaten straight from the package, added to soups and stews, or chopped up in salads for an extra protein boost.

Learn the best methods for preserving meats long-term here.

Pantry combo meal idea: Chop jerky and add it to a pot of canned beans and spices for a protein-rich chili. Alternatively, mix chopped jerky with instant rice, canned vegetables, and a dash of soy sauce for a quick and flavorful fried rice.

Lentils are a fantastic source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and folate. They cook faster than most dried beans and don't require pre-soaking. Lentils work beautifully in soups, stews, salads, and as a meat substitute in many dishes.

Pantry combo meal idea: Make a hearty lentil stew using dried lentils, canned tomatoes, canned carrots, and spices such as cumin and chili powder. Serve it hot with a side of crusty bread. Alternatively, create a cold lentil salad by mixing cooked lentils with canned corn, olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite spices.

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You can find canned ham, bacon, sausage, beef, and chicken in your supermarket and online. You might want to check out canned roast beef to use in tacos, burritos, soups, and stews. Dried meats are also an excellent addition to your survival pantry.

Pantry combo meal idea: Make an easy soup with canned onion soup, canned beef, canned or dried vegetables, and canned diced tomatoes. Add spices to taste.

Peanut butter or other nut or seed butters contain protein and healthy fats. You can use it to make a good ol' peanut butter and jelly sandwich or just spread it as is on crackers.

Pantry combo meal idea: Here's a recipe for a Thai-inspired peanut sauce for a noodle bowl.

Nuts are high in protein, healthy fats, fiber, and B vitamins. They offer quick and portable energy. Our top picks for the survival pantry are almonds, walnuts, and pistachios.

Pantry combo meal idea: Eat them as is or top your oatmeal or granola with them for added nutrition and energy.

Oats are perfect for breakfast, but they can also serve as the main ingredient in cookies, bread, pancakes, and protein/energy bars. They’re versatile, filling, and store well.

Pantry combo meal idea: Mix cooked oats with raisins (or other dried fruit) and honey for a delicious breakfast.

Olive oil can be used for many purposes, but it’s particularly valuable for cooking. Store olive oil in a cool, dark location, and keep the bottle tightly capped.

Pantry combo meal idea: Mix olive oil with canned tomatoes, olives, and herbs for a simple tomato-based pasta sauce. It also works great in cold salads.

Dried pasta is inexpensive, stores well, and comes in many shapes and sizes. It’s a go-to staple for building meals with limited resources.

Pantry combo meal idea: All you need to make “Aglio e Olio” are spaghetti, olive oil, and garlic. Customize it with your favorite herbs and spices.

Potato flakes are a great shelf-stable item that can be added to soups and stews for a creamy texture. They are also a handy substitute for bread crumbs in recipes.

Pantry combo meal idea: Use potato flakes to make a hearty potato soup or creamy mashed potatoes to pair with canned vegetables.

Powdered eggs are a convenient and long-lasting alternative to fresh eggs. They can be used in any recipe that calls for eggs, including baked goods and scrambled eggs.

Pantry combo meal idea: Reconstitute powdered eggs to make scrambled eggs with herbs or use them to bake pancakes and other baked goods.

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Quinoa is a high-protein, gluten-free grain that cooks quickly and stores well. It’s packed with all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein.

Pantry combo meal idea: Cook quinoa using vegetable or chicken broth for extra flavor. Pair with canned black beans and spices like cumin for a quick, healthy meal.

Rice is cheap, shelf-stable, and extremely versatile. It can be used in soups, stews, salads, or as a base for various meals.

Pantry combo meal idea: Make chana masala using rice, canned tomatoes, chickpeas, and spices for a delicious, hearty meal.

Shelf-stable milk comes in both dairy and plant-based options. It’s a great addition to your pantry for drinking and using in recipes.

Pantry combo meal idea: Make a simple rice pudding using leftover cooked rice, shelf-stable milk, and some honey or sugar.

Canned soups can be eaten as they are or combined with other ingredients to create complete meals. They’re convenient and easy to store.

Pantry combo meal idea: Combine canned tomato soup with black beans, canned corn, canned chicken, and spices to make a quick and easy chicken soup.

Tea and coffee might not be essentials for survival, but they are definitely items that can make life more bearable during hard times. They are also excellent for bartering.

Pantry combo meal idea: Sweeten your tea with honey or add shelf-stable milk to your coffee for a comforting beverage to start your day.

Canned tomatoes are high in antioxidants and are incredibly versatile. Use them in sauces, soups, or as a base for stews.

Pantry combo meal idea: Toss together diced tomatoes with black beans, canned corn, and spices to make a quick salsa or mix with rice for a hearty dish.

Canned tuna and salmon are excellent sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. They can be used in salads, sandwiches, and a wide variety of other meals.

Pantry combo meal idea: Combine canned tuna with rice and beans for a protein-packed dish, or mix with olive oil and spices for a quick pasta sauce.

Canned or dried vegetables are important for adding essential vitamins and minerals to your diet when fresh produce is unavailable.

Pantry combo meal idea: Mix together canned chicken, frozen corn, and jarred salsa to make an easy taco filling. Add canned veggies to soups, stews, or pasta dishes for added flavor and nutrition.

Cornmeal, baking soda, baking powder, and various condiments and spices are crucial for creating a variety of meals. These items are often overlooked but can make a big difference in the quality and taste of your survival meals.

Pantry combo meal idea: Use cornmeal to make cornbread or pancakes. Baking soda and baking powder are essential for baking, while condiments and spices can elevate simple meals with extra flavor.

Keeping a well-stocked pantry filled with versatile, long-lasting food items is one of the best ways to ensure your family’s survival during a crisis. Whether you’re facing an extended power outage, a supply chain breakdown, or another unforeseen emergency, having these foods on hand means you’ll be able to create hundreds of nutritious meals without relying on fresh ingredients.

As you continue to stock up, remember the importance of rotating your supplies, keeping track of expiration dates, and replenishing your pantry regularly. By taking the time to prepare now, you’ll ensure that your family can thrive even in the toughest of situations.