Best Canned Food For Survival Meals (2023)

Canned food has long been a staple in emergency preparedness and survival situations. With their extended shelf life, canned goods provide a reliable source of nutrition when fresh food isn’t an option. Selecting the best canned food for survival involves considering the nutritional content, calorie count, and shelf life to ensure you have a well-rounded and reliable stockpile for any emergency.

Canned food options can range from fruits and vegetables to meats and poultry, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins during times of crisis.

With a focus on nutrition, calorie density, and longevity, building a comprehensive canned food stockpile will ensure you’re prepared for any survival situation. Armed with this knowledge, let’s dive into the best canned food options and considerations for your emergency preparedness needs.

Best Canned Foods for Survival

Dive right into our top picks of the best canned foods for survival. 

Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli, 15 oz, 4 Pack

This canned Beef Ravioli from Chef Boyardee is a tasty and convenient option for emergency food supplies.

Pros

• Ready to eat in 90 seconds
• No artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors
• Contains 8 grams of protein per serving

Cons

• Price may be high for some
• Smaller serving size
• Flavor may not be up to everyone’s taste

When stocking up for survival situations, it’s crucial to find products that are quick, easy, and delicious. Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli is a tried-and-true option that’s been around for generations, offering enriched pasta and real beef with a hearty tomato sauce.

Storing the 15 oz cans is simple, and each can provides two servings, making it perfect for an afternoon snack or an easy-to-prepare lunch. Adding these cans to your survival food supply is a smart choice, as they require no cooking or additional ingredients.

Considering the taste, the Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli maintains a classic and well-loved flavor. However, some individuals may desire a more gourmet taste or larger serving sizes. Keep in mind the flavor and size when adding this canned food to your survival kit.

Libby’s Vienna Sausages, 4.6 oz (Pack of 6)

A satisfying and convenient canned food option for your survival stash.

Pros

• High protein content
• Versatile use for snacking or meals
• Suitable for outdoor activities

Cons

• Cans may arrive damaged
• Flavor and texture may be inferior to other brands
• Possible variations in quality

Libby’s Vienna sausages provide you with a reliable source of protein in a handy, ready-to-eat format. With 10 grams of protein per serving and made from a mix of chicken, beef, and pork, these sausages won’t leave you hungry when you need sustenance the most. They’re ideal for stocking your pantry, taking on camping trips, or including in your emergency food supply.

Despite their convenience, some users have noted that the flavor and texture of Libby’s Vienna sausages might not be up to par with other, more prominent brands. However, personal preferences do vary, and some find them quite tasty. Additionally, while these sausages can be eaten straight out of the can, you can also incorporate them into your favorite meals, ensuring that your taste buds don’t suffer.

Given their small, lightweight packaging, Libby’s Vienna sausages are perfect for taking with you on hikes, backpacking trips, or other outdoor adventures. Just be aware that some customers have reported issues with damaged cans upon arrival. To avoid any problems, ensure you carefully inspect each can before stashing it away for future use. 

Campbell’s Chunky Soup, Healthy Request Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

A solid choice for a tasty, filling, and convenient canned food option for survival situations.

Pros

• Hearty 14 grams of protein per can
• Convenient and easy to prepare – microwaveable
• Suitable for outdoor adventures (campfire-friendly)

Cons

• May be too spicy for some
• High in salt
• Expiration date – be mindful for long-term storage

Campbell’s Chunky Healthy Request Chicken and Sausage Gumbo offers a satisfying meal in a can, packed with 14 grams of protein to keep you fueled during survival situations. The blend of chicken meat, Andouille sausage, okra, peppers, and spices creates a comfort food classic that can lift your spirits while providing essential nutrients.

Preparing this canned food is simple, whether you’re at home, at work, or out in the wilderness. Just pop the soup into a microwave-safe bowl or heat it up on a campfire, and it’s ready to serve. Enjoy as-is or mix it up by pouring the soup over rice for a more filling meal.

While the Gumbo flavor offers a unique and delicious taste, it might be too spicy for some people. Additionally, the salt content can be higher than desired for some, so be mindful of your sodium intake if you plan on consuming this soup regularly. 

Del Monte Canned Fresh Cut Sweet Peas No Salt Added

These Del Monte canned peas offer great taste and convenience for your survival pantry.

Pros

• High-quality, fresh ingredients
• No added salt
• Versatile for many dishes

Cons

• Smaller can size
• Peas not baby sized
• Limited allergen information

These Del Monte canned fresh cut sweet peas with no salt added are a fantastic choice to include in your survival pantry. Made from high-quality ingredients, these peas are picked at the peak of ripeness and packed fresh to maintain their delicious flavor, making them perfect for those seeking a tasty and nutritious canned food option.

With just three simple ingredients – peas, water, and sugar – you don’t need to worry about any unnecessary additives or extra sodium in your diet. The peas can be easily warmed up and served with a variety of dishes, giving you plenty of meal options during an emergency or when supplies may be limited.

Although the can size is smaller than expected, the contents are still a great addition to your survival food supply. It’s important to note that while the peas in this can aren’t baby-sized like some of Del Monte’s other offerings, they still provide a satisfying and nutritious option for those seeking high-quality canned goods.

Swanson White Premium Chunk Canned Chicken Breast in Water

A top contender for canned food when it comes to survival due to its high protein content and convenient packaging.

Pros

• Ready-to-eat and fully cooked
• No antibiotics or added MSG
• High protein and 98% fat free

Cons

• A bit pricey for some budgets
• Packaging may take up storage space
• Flavor may not suit everyone’s preferences

Swanson White Premium Chunk Canned Chicken Breast in Water is perfect to have stored for emergency situations, as it is ready-to-eat and requires no additional cooking. The fully cooked chicken chunks are made with simple ingredients and do not contain antibiotics or added MSG, making it a healthier choice for survival food.

In terms of nutritional value, this canned chicken offers an excellent source of protein, with 15 grams per 3-ounce serving. It’s also 98% fat-free and gluten-free, giving you an extra boost of energy during challenging times. You can eat it directly from the can, add it to salads, or mix it into a variety of recipes – the possibilities are endless.

However, there are a few downsides to consider when purchasing this product for your survival food stash. Some may find the price a bit too high, which could be a disadvantage if you need to stock up on multiple cans. Additionally, the packaging can take up a fair amount of storage space, which may not be optimal if you’re tight on room. Also, while the flavor is generally well-received, it may not suit everyone’s taste buds, so it’s important to keep that in mind.

Happy Belly Garbanzo Beans

A versatile and nutritious option for survival situations, these garbanzo beans are worth considering.

Pros

• High in protein
• Multiple uses in various recipes
• Great value for the price

Cons

• Potential for dented cans during transit
• Not a complete meal on their own
• Requires preparation and additional ingredients for optimal taste

Happy Belly’s Garbanzo Beans are a nutritious and versatile staple to have in your survival food pantry. With 6 grams of protein per serving, they can help sustain you during emergencies or outdoor adventures. These beans are an Amazon brand, which assures a level of quality while being more affordable than some other brands.

You can incorporate these beans into different meals, such as salads, stews, or even make homemade hummus and falafel. This adaptability adds variety to your diet, which can be crucial during extended survival situations when mealtime variety is minimal.

However, there are some downsides to keep in mind. Some customers have reported dented cans upon arrival, which could compromise the food’s safety or shelf life. Additionally, garbanzo beans may not constitute a full meal on their own, requiring you to pair them with other ingredients or survival foods to create a well-rounded meal.

It is essential to note that these beans require some preparation to make them more palatable, especially if you plan to eat them regularly. For instance, you may want to combine them with spices or additional ingredients to enhance their flavor and prevent potential food fatigue.

Del Monte Yellow Cling Sliced Peaches

A tasty and convenient choice for those seeking a quick fruit snack with a focus on survival.

Pros

• Ready to eat, perfect for busy situations
• Non-GMO and preservative-free
• Versatile use in various recipes

Cons

• Not specifically designed for long-term storage
• Heavy compared to freeze-dried alternatives
• Limited to only one fruit type

When preparing for survival situations, it’s essential to have easy-to-prepare and nutritious food available. Del Monte’s Yellow Cling Sliced Peaches in 100% juice offers you a delicious fruit snack that’s ready to eat straight from the can. The peaches are picked at the peak of ripeness, ensuring great taste and quality.

This canned fruit option is Non-GMO and contains no preservatives, which is a plus for those looking for a more natural food choice. Additionally, they can be used in various recipes such as peach jam, peach pie filling, or fruit salad, providing you with a versatile fruit option in your survival pantry.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that these canned peaches may not be specifically designed for long-term storage, so you might want to rotate your stock periodically to ensure freshness. Additionally, the cans might be heavier than freeze-dried fruit options, which could be a factor to consider when packing for mobility. This particular product only includes sliced peaches, limiting you to one fruit variety for your survival kit.

Del Monte Canned Fruit Cocktail in 100% Fresh Juice

A great choice for survival situations due to its delicious taste, nutritious ingredients, and no added preservatives.

Pros

• Tasty mix of fruits packed in natural juice
• No artificial flavors or preservatives
• Nutritious with vitamins and minerals

Cons

• Heavy syrup might not appeal to all
• Cans may arrive dented
• Limited variety of fruits in the mix

Del Monte’s Fruit Cocktail is a delicious and nutritious option for survival situations. The mix of peach, pear, grapes, pineapple, and cherries are packed in 100% natural juice, enhancing their taste and ensuring there are no preservatives or artificial flavors.

When faced with an emergency, you’ll need a reliable source of nutrition that is easy to pack and doesn’t take up much space. The Del Monte Fruit Cocktail offers a mix of fruits that contain vitamins A and C, iron, and other nutrients that are essential in maintaining your health.

One possible drawback is the heavy syrup which might not be everyone’s preference. However, the syrup adds delicious sweetness that makes it pleasant to eat. Be aware of the possibility of cans arriving dented, though the contents should still be safe for consumption.

In terms of variety, the fruit mix is limited, which may become repetitive over time. However, its nutritional benefits, natural juice, and lack of artificial ingredients make this a great option for survival situations. Just make sure to store it in a cool, dry place to prolong its shelf life.

Final Word

In the realm of preparedness, having a stash of the best canned foods is non-negotiable. From the protein-packed realms of canned meats and beans to the vital nutrients in fruits and vegetables, these durable darlings are your ticket to well-rounded meals in times of uncertainty. Don’t overlook the comfort factor of soups and the versatility of canned fish — survival is not just about staying alive, but maintaining morale in tough times too. As you stock up, remember: variety, nutritional value, and shelf life are your guiding stars.