There's a pretty big difference between pantry staples and food that should go into your emergency stash. According to the University of Georgia's College of Family and Consumer Sciences, a short-term preparedness kit should include non-perishable food that requires no refrigeration, little to no water and minimal or no preparation or cooking. Food items kept in an emergency stash should also be fairly compact and lightweight.
Shop: 15 Best Items To Buy at Dollar Tree This Summer
And More: How To Build Your Savings From Scratch
How do you determine what food to keep handy for short-term preparedness purposes? Start by adding these nine cheap, and lasting, grocery items into your emergency stash.
Peanut Butter
Chances are highly likely you might already have a jar of peanut butter in your pantry. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends peanut butter as a good source of protein that can help keep stomachs full -- especially in case of an emergency.
Find Out: 4 Reasons You Should Cancel Amazon Prime
Check Out: 10 Items You Should Always Buy at Dollar Tree
Jelly
Best known for pairing well with peanut butter, jelly is also approved by the CDC because it is a high energy food.
See: 7 Luxury Goods That Are Cheaper at Costco
Canned Fish
Rima Kleiner, MS and RD at Dish on Fish, recommends packing plenty of canned fish into your emergency stash.
Those prepping an emergency stash have plenty of fish varieties to choose from including salmon, tuna and sardines. Kleiner adds that canned fish is rich in protein and heart healthy omega-3s along with plenty of other nutrients.
Legumes
Legumes include beans, lentils and nuts, which are all full of fiber and protein and can be stored for extended periods of time without going bad.
Head chef at The Forked Spoon Jessica Randhawa notes lentils in particular can last up to two to three years when kept inside an airtight container stored in a cool, dark place. Want a bean recommendation which doesn't require a lot of prep? Randhawa said to look for dried chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, which can last up to two to three years when stored properly.
Costco's Best Deals? Employee Reveals 10 Standout Buys for Your Money
Canned Meats
Think cooked ham, SPAM and corned beef. The University of Georgia notes these meats should all be packaged as ready-to-eat.
Dried Fruits
Need a few fruit suggestions? Randhawa recommends stocking up on dried plums (high in fiber and vitamins and minerals including potassium and vitamin K), dried apricots (high in vitamins A and E and fiber) and dried cranberries (a good source of vitamin C and fiber).
Discover: 8 Items at Dollar Tree That Cost Way More at Walmart
Oats
"Oats are a fantastic source of fiber and can keep you full for a long time," said Randhawa. "They can last up to two years unprocessed and about one year if processed, like rolled or quick oats, when stored properly."
Granola Bars
This is another approved high-energy food from the CDC. Inexpensive trail mix and crackers also make great additions to an emergency stash.
Learn: 8 Items to Stop Buying at Grocery Stores If You Want To Save Money
Hard Candy
While it's not ideal to pack any salty snacks as these increase one's need to drink more water, the CDC said specific comfort or stress foods may be included in an emergency stash. Just a few items on the approval list include lollipops, hard candy, instant coffee and tea bags.
More From GOBankingRates
- 10 Aldi Brand Products Worth Buying
- See GOBankingRates' Top 100 Most Influential Money Experts and Get Advice
- 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000
- What's the Best Small Business in Your State? Vote for Your Favorite
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 9 Cheap, Lasting Grocery Items for Your Emergency Stash
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
