Emergency Food Preparation Tips for Vegans

In an era of fires, pandemics, and natural disasters, it's best to be prepared for emergencies by keeping non-perishable healthy foods on hand. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, then you are already pretty resourceful when it comes to getting the proper nutrition you need from non-meat sources.

For your emergency kit, you'll want to find foods that require no refrigeration, minimal preparation, and little to no water. Every emergency food kit should also include a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day. Check out our list of emergency food preparation tips for vegans to make sure you are ready at a moment's notice.

Proper Storage: Make sure to buy foods that have a longer shelf life in bulk. Store them in air-tight, BPA-free food storage containers with silica packets to prevent moisture. You will want to make sure not to stack your containers too high, especially if you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters. Find a cool, dark, and dry space with a regulated temperature above 32 F and below 70 F so your food stays fresh for a longer period of time².

Canned Foods: Most of us prefer to eat fresh foods each day, but in the event of an emergency, you will be thankful that you have canned food on hand. Most canned foods can be eaten right out of the can and don't necessarily require any cooking. Be sure to get canned vegetables, fruit, beans, pastas, and soups. When possible, try to buy low-sodium or low-sugar products. Don't forget to pack a can opener in your emergency pack!

Protein: You'll want to stock up on protein-rich foods like beans and lentils, boxed soymilk or oatmilk, instant oatmeal, whole wheat pasta, instant quinoa, vegan jerkys, protein bars, nuts, and nut butters. Protein powder is easy to store and a can be mixed with water to make a shake or added to pancake mixes or oatmeals for extra protein. 

Extras: Don't forget to save some salt and pepper, sauces and condiments, teas and coffees, and other simple comforts to make your food more enjoyable. 

Vitamins: Vegans already have a challenging time getting all the nutrients they need from their diet, and having more restricted food options will only make this harder. It’s a smart idea to have some vegan vitamins and supplements in your emergency kit to help fill any gaps. Some of the most important nutrients for vegans include: Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, Vegan DHA, Iron, and Calcium. You may also want to look for nonperishable fortified foods and plant-milks with added vitamins and nutrients.