Molly Ayala
When the electricity goes out, it's important to have a plan for what to eat. While it may be tempting to stock up on salty snacks, these will likely get boring and are not a sustainable source of nutrition. Instead, it's a good idea to stock up on non-perishable goods like dried fruit, nuts, and canned food. Fresh foods like apples, avocados, carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes can also be eaten raw and will last for several days unrefrigerated. If you have access to a heat source, you can also take advantage of fully cooked meals that just need to be heated through. With a little creativity, you can still eat interesting and healthy meals when the power is out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Non-perishable goods | Dried fruit, nuts, canned food, energy bars, homemade beef jerky, oatmeal, peanut butter, honey, chia seeds, crackers, granola bars, snack bars, breakfast cereal, pouches of fully cooked whole grains, bread |
| Fresh foods that can be eaten raw | Apples, avocados, citrus fruit, carrots, celery, cucumbers, grapes, green beans, peppers, snap peas, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers |
| Canned foods | Chicken, tuna, salmon, beans, corn, olives, capers, pickled peppers, giardiniera, peas, paneer, chickpeas |
| Foods that require refrigeration once opened | Mayo, nacho cheese, ranch dressing |
| Foods that can be stored at room temperature | Parmesan, tortillas, hummus, lemon and lime zests with cucumber slivers, watermelon rind, roasted barley teas |
| Foods that require cooking | Pasta, rice |
| Foods to avoid | Salty snacks, dairy |
| Other | Solar-powered or USB-powered small cooking devices, manual can opener |
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What You'll Learn
Plan meals with shelf-stable ingredients
Planning meals with shelf-stable ingredients is essential when preparing for a potential power outage. Here are some tips and meal ideas to help you plan:
Firstly, stock up on non-perishable goods and shelf-stable ingredients. This includes items like canned foods, dried fruits, nuts, oatmeal, and other breakfast cereals. Having a variety of canned beans, vegetables, and fruits packed in juice is an excellent way to ensure you have nutritious and filling options. Don't forget to get a manual can opener as well!
For breakfast, overnight oats are a perfect option. Simply mix rolled oats with water and let them sit overnight. In the morning, you can add peanut butter, raisins, dried fruit, cinnamon, or other shelf-stable toppings. If you have access to a cooler, you can also use milk instead of water.
Avocados are another great ingredient to have on hand. They can be stored outside of the fridge for a few days and can be used to make avocado toast or mashed avocado with sea salt. You can also add canned chicken or tuna to your avocado toast for a more filling meal.
Salads and sandwiches are also excellent options for meals that don't require cooking. You can make a three-bean salad with canned green beans, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans, or try an apple and white bean salad. For sandwiches, try a smashed chickpea or white bean sandwich with garlic powder, dried herbs, and olive oil on bread or crackers.
If you're craving something more substantial, tacos are a great option. You can use canned chicken or tuna as your protein and add in some avocado, canned corn, and tomatoes. Canned salmon is another excellent option for tacos or sandwiches. Don't forget to stock up on tortillas and taco shells!
Lastly, get creative with your ingredients and don't be afraid to experiment. For example, you can make no-cook noodles using a spiralizer and vegetables like zucchini or squash. Top it with Parmesan cheese, which can be stored at room temperature for a while. You can also make a Greek-inspired salad with canned tuna, olives, capers, pickled peppers, or giardiniera.
Remember to plan and shop for these ingredients in advance, so you're well-prepared for any unexpected power outages.
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Stock up on non-perishables
If you're anticipating a power outage, it's a good idea to stock up on non-perishable goods. This will ensure you have plenty of food to eat during the power outage. Here are some non-perishable food items to consider:
Canned goods
Canned foods are an excellent option during a power outage as they have a long shelf life and don't require refrigeration. Stock up on canned beans, canned vegetables, canned fruits (packed in fruit juice), canned meats (such as canned chicken), and canned fish (such as canned salmon and canned tuna). These can be used in various recipes, such as salads, sandwiches, tacos, and more.
Dried foods
Dried foods like nuts, dried fruit, oatmeal, and breakfast cereal are great options for non-perishable foods. They can be eaten as-is or used in recipes like overnight oats, where the oats are soaked in water or milk and can be topped with nuts, dried fruit, or fresh fruit that doesn't require refrigeration, like bananas.
Snack bars and crackers
Granola bars, energy bars, and snack bars are convenient non-perishable options to have on hand. Whole-wheat crackers are also a good choice and can be paired with items like peanut butter or hummus, which can be purchased in small individual packs that don't need refrigeration.
Shelf-stable milk
Look for milk or plant-based milk sold in aseptic boxes in the grocery aisle. These can be a great alternative to fresh milk, which may spoil during a prolonged power outage.
Fresh produce
Some fresh fruits and vegetables can be stored at room temperature for several days and are good options to have on hand. These include apples, avocados, citrus fruits, carrots, celery, cucumbers, grapes, green beans, peppers, snap peas, and tomatoes.
In addition to these food items, don't forget to have a manual can opener on hand to open any canned goods. With some planning and creativity, you can ensure you have nutritious and tasty meals even during a power outage.
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Canned goods
Canned Meats
Canned chicken, canned tuna, and canned salmon are all versatile options that can be used in a variety of dishes. For example, canned chicken can be used to make buffalo chicken wraps, or simply dolloped onto taco shells with some avocado, canned corn, and tomatoes for a Mexican-inspired meal. Canned tuna can be made into a protein-packed tuna salad, enjoyed as is or smeared on a sandwich. Canned salmon can be combined with avocado, tomato, and cucumber to make salmon tacos.
Canned Beans
Canned beans are nutritious and filling. They can be used in salads, such as a three-bean salad with green beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, and salad dressing, or an apple and white bean salad with olive oil, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, chunks of apple, walnuts or other nuts, and celery or scallions. Canned white beans can also be soaked in a marinade of olive oil and lemon and then scooped onto bread or eaten on their own. Canned chickpeas or white beans can be smashed and mixed with garlic powder and herbs to make a sandwich spread or dip for whole-wheat crackers.
Other Canned Goods
In addition to the above, there are a variety of other canned goods that can be eaten without electricity, such as canned corn, canned olives, canned vegetables, and canned fruit (packed in fruit juice).
It is important to remember to have a manual can opener on hand if the power goes out, as you won't be able to use an electric one.
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Fresh foods that don't need refrigeration
If you're facing a power outage, don't panic! There are plenty of fresh foods that don't require refrigeration and will keep you well-fed during this time. Here are some ideas for fresh foods that can be consumed without refrigeration:
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are versatile and can be used in various dishes. Many fruits and vegetables can be kept fresh without refrigeration, including:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, etc.)
- Tomatoes
- Avocados
- Onions
- Garlic
- Peppers
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Celery
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Whole cabbage
Some of these items, like avocados, bananas, and tomatoes, can be used to make delicious toast or sandwiches. You can also chop up fresh vegetables like onions, peppers, and tomatoes and lightly season them for a nutritious and flavorful snack.
Dried Fruits and Nuts
Dried fruits and nuts are excellent options during a power outage as they have a long shelf life and provide essential nutrients. Stock up on items like raisins, apricots, almonds, walnuts, and pistachios. These can be eaten as snacks or added to your meals for extra flavour and texture.
Canned Foods
Canned foods are a great alternative when fresh options are limited. They have an extended shelf life and can be eaten straight from the can or used in simple recipes. Consider stocking canned chicken or tuna, beans, corn, olives, and peas. You can create hearty salads or sandwiches with these items, providing protein and essential vitamins.
Oats and Grains
Oats are a reliable staple during a power outage. They can be prepared as overnight oats by simply soaking them in water, and you can add nuts, dried fruit, or fresh bananas. Other grains like rice, whole grain pasta, and bread can also be stored and consumed without refrigeration.
Remember to use your fresh ingredients first and be creative with your meals. With a well-stocked pantry and a bit of ingenuity, you can create nutritious and satisfying meals even without electricity!
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Cooking without electricity
Stock Up on Non-Perishables:
Before a storm hits, make sure to stock your pantry with non-perishable goods. This includes items such as dried fruits, nuts, canned foods, oatmeal, energy bars, and beef jerky. Having a variety of non-perishable options will give you the flexibility to create different meals and snacks.
Fresh Produce:
Some fresh fruits and vegetables can be stored at room temperature and consumed without cooking. Apples, avocados, citrus fruits, carrots, celery, cucumbers, grapes, green beans, peppers, snap peas, and tomatoes are good options that can last for several days without refrigeration.
No-Cook Meals:
Create simple meals that don't require cooking. Canned foods, such as beans, canned chicken, tuna, and canned vegetables, can be combined to make hearty salads or sandwiches. For example, you can make a white bean and apple salad by tossing canned white beans with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, apples, walnuts, and spices.
Overnight Oats:
Oats are a reliable staple during a power outage. To make overnight oats, simply mix rolled oats with water and let them sit overnight. In the morning, you can add peanut butter, raisins, dried fruit, or cinnamon for extra flavour.
Creative Cooking Methods:
If you have access to a heat source, such as a camping stove or a gas grill, you can prepare more diverse meals. Additionally, solar-powered or USB-powered small cooking devices, such as kettles, can be useful for boiling water and preparing hot beverages or simple meals.
Stay Cool:
During a power outage, avoid opening the fridge or freezer frequently. Keeping the doors closed will help maintain cooler temperatures and prevent food spoilage. Only access these appliances when absolutely necessary.
Sample Meals:
- Tuna Salad: Combine canned tuna with avocado, canned corn, and tomatoes. Serve it as a salad or stuff it into taco shells for a heartier meal.
- Bean Tacos: Use canned beans as a filling for tacos. Add some chopped onions, bell peppers, and your favourite seasonings.
- Avocado Toast: Mash avocado onto bread and sprinkle it with sea salt. You can also add toppings like tomatoes or hummus.
- Three Bean Salad: Mix canned green beans, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans with your favourite salad dressing. Serve it with tortilla chips or Fritos for some crunch.
- Chicken Wraps: Use canned chicken and a creamy dressing, such as ranch or Caesar, to create a binder for buffalo chicken wraps.
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Frequently asked questions
If you're looking for a quick and easy meal that doesn't require cooking, you can make wraps or sandwiches with canned chicken or tuna, avocado, and vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. You can also make overnight oats by mixing rolled oats with water and letting them sit overnight. In the morning, add peanut butter, raisins, or other dried fruit, and a dash of cinnamon.
It's a good idea to stock up on non-perishable goods such as dried fruit, nuts, canned foods (beans, vegetables, fruits, chicken, and tuna), and shelf-stable milk. Other staples include peanut butter, whole-wheat crackers, snack bars, and cereals. Don't forget to have a manual can opener on hand!
If you're feeling creative, you can make no-cook noodles using a spiralizer and vegetables like zucchini or squash. Top it off with Parmesan cheese, which can be stored at room temperature for a while. You can also make a three-bean salad with canned green beans, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans, or a Greek-inspired salad with canned tuna, olives, capers, and pickled peppers.
