19 Foods You Should Always Buy Before A Hurricane, According To Experts

First and foremost, stock up on bottled water. FEMA recommends one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Your normal water supply may be cut off or contaminated by the hurricane, so having a stash of clean, potable water on hand is essential. Beyond having bottled water to drink, you also may need it for cooking and sanitation.

Canned tuna and salmon are great sources of protein that don't need to be refrigerated or cooked. If you're not a fish person, canned chicken is a good option too.

Not only does it last virtually forever, it's a great source of protein and fat. Whether you spread it on bread or bananas for a snack or mix it into a savory sauce, it's a heavy hitter in your hurricane-prepped pantry.

As far as fruit goes, apples have a pretty long shelf life. Stock up before the storm so you can (hopefully) have fresh fruit throughout.

Stressful situations are not the time to forego your usual caffeine fix. Instant packets make things easy, as long as you have some sort of hot water source.

Dried fruit and nuts are great, shelf-stable sources of fat, protein, and sweetness. If you can't decide between the wide variety of products, try a trail mix that combines all your favorite flavors.

Hurricane eating is similar to college eating, and as you learned then, a big box of your favorite cereal goes a long way.

You can't have cereal without milk, and this shelf-stable powdered version is easy to mix with bottled water.

An inexpensive meal that will last forever in your pantry is a can of soup. It's comforting, full of vegetables and protein, and easy to heat.

Starches that require minimal preparation, like pasta, are great ways to bulk up your meals. Make sure to purchase quick cooking shapes, like angel hair, in case your energy sources are minimal.

Pasta sauce packs a lot of flavor into a shelf-stable jar. While it's supposed to be served with a plate of spaghetti, pasta sauce is also extremely versatile and can be used to boost the savoriness of any dish.

Instant oatmeal is a low effort, filling food source that is perfect for hurricane preparedness. With some shelf-stable nondairy milk and less than two minutes, you can have a creamy comforting bowl of oatmeal (don't forget to add some diced apples for some added texture and sweetness).

Shelf-stable soy or almond milk is ideal when the power goes out— you can eat it with cereal or granola and use it in your instant coffee.

Canned veggies like green beans, c0rn, and peas are cheap and last for months. To be on the safe side, get low-sodium versions so you don't wind up chugging all your water. Make sure you have a can opener ready, or buy a pop-top version.

Canned beans, like black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans, can be eaten on their own or added to pretty much any leftovers you've got in the fridge.

Not only is beef jerky a great savory snack, it's also packed with protein. And did we mention that it's also high in iron, calcium, and vitamins? We call that a win.

Once you've picked up a pack of bottled water, it's time to move on to the king of electrolytes: coconut water. Known for its hydrating properties, coconut water is also a great source of several nutrients, including potassium, calcium, and manganese.

Crackers are great to munch on on their own, but consider pairing them with your can of soup for an even heartier meal. You can also purchase crackers stuffed with cheese or peanut butter for a more filling option.

Whether you plan on eating a slice of bread by itself or as part of a sandwich, it's always good to have a loaf of bread handy. While it won't last as long as the other products, you can pair it with non-perishable items like peanut butter.