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

If you're in the storm's path, here are the best foods to stock up on.

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Hurricane season in the U.S. runs from June 1 through November 30, with August through October being the peak months. And if you live in a high-risk area, you probably already know that you need to stock up on the essentials. Backup generators, emergency kits, and evacuation plans are all necessary parts of preparing for hurricane season. But making sure you have enough food (that can withstand a loss in power) is one of the most essential steps.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts that the 2024 hurricane season will be "above normal", which means we can anticipate anywhere from four to seven major hurricanes by the end of the year. The heightened risk means it's even more important than ever to have what you need before a storm hits. We've rounded up non-perishable food items that can keep you and your family fed during a hurricane.

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1

Bottled Water

Bottled Water

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.

2

Canned Tuna

Canned Tuna

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.

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3

Peanut Butter

Peanut Butter
Credit: Fresh Direct

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.

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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.

6

Trail Mix, Dried Fruit, and Nuts

Trail Mix, Dried Fruit, and Nuts
Credit: Walmart

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.

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

8

Milk Powder

Milk Powder
Credit: Instacart

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

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9

Canned Soup

Canned Soup
Credit: Target

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.

10

Pasta

Pasta

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.

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11

Jarred Pasta Sauce

Jarred Pasta Sauce
Credit: Fresh Direct

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.

12

Instant Oatmeal

Instant Oatmeal
Credit: Fresh Direct

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).

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13

Boxed Non-Dairy Milk

Boxed Non-Dairy Milk

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.

14

Canned Vegetables

Canned Vegetables
Credit: Amazon

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.

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15

Canned Beans

Canned Beans
Credit: Amazon

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.

16

Beef Jerky

Beef Jerky
Credit: Amazon

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.

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17

Coconut Water

Coconut Water

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.

18

Crackers

Crackers

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.

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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.

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