When the power goes out, one of the first things people tend to worry about is how to keep everyone fed. As a prepper, I can tell you that being prepared for these moments brings a lot of peace of mind. The key is to have a plan, a stash of shelf-stable ingredients, and some simple cooking methods in your back pocket. No need to stress when the lights go out—you’ve got this! With a few basic supplies, you can keep your family nourished and feeling secure. Here are 21 easy meals that don’t require electricity but will keep you fueled and focused during any emergency situation.
1. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
A timeless favorite, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches require no cooking or refrigeration, making them perfect for power outages. All you need is bread, peanut butter, and jelly—foods that store well. If you want to change things up, try adding banana slices or honey to your sandwich for a boost of energy and flavor.
2. Tuna Salad with Crackers
Tuna is an excellent source of protein that’s easy to store in cans. Mix it with some mayo (shelf-stable varieties work), add some seasonings like salt, pepper, and relish, and serve it on crackers. You can even add some canned veggies like corn or peas to the mix for added nutrition.
3. Canned Soup Over a Camp Stove
If you have a camp stove or a portable burner, canned soups are an easy and quick option. Simply heat the can on the stove, and within minutes you’ll have a hot, comforting meal. Look for soups packed with veggies and proteins to make it a well-rounded meal.
4. Rice and Beans
Rice and beans are a staple in many cultures and for good reason—they’re filling, nutritious, and easy to cook. If you have access to a camp stove or grill, cooking rice and beans is simple. Just boil water for the rice and heat canned beans, then mix them together with spices like cumin and chili powder for extra flavor.
5. Canned Chicken Wraps
Canned chicken is a great source of protein that doesn’t need refrigeration. Mix it with some shelf-stable mayonnaise or mustard and wrap it in tortillas for a quick and satisfying meal. You can also add canned veggies like olives or pickles to spice things up.
6. Instant Oatmeal
If you have a way to boil water, instant oatmeal is a perfect breakfast option. It’s quick, filling, and easy to customize with things like canned fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey. Packets of instant oatmeal store well and require little effort to prepare.
7. Pita Bread Pizzas
All you need for a no-bake pizza is pita bread, some shelf-stable pizza sauce, and toppings like canned vegetables, olives, or pepperoni. While you can’t bake it without power, the pita base still provides a solid texture that works well with room-temperature ingredients.
8. Cold Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a great make-ahead meal that doesn’t need to be reheated. If you’ve got pre-cooked pasta, you can toss it with olive oil, canned vegetables, and some cheese for a quick meal. If you can boil water, even better—cook the pasta fresh, and you’ve got a hearty meal ready to go.
9. No-Bake Energy Bars
If you’re looking for something to snack on, no-bake energy bars are easy to make. Combine oats, peanut butter, honey, and dried fruit or chocolate chips. Mix them together and let them set until firm. They’re perfect for providing quick energy and are packed with protein and healthy fats.
10. Hummus and Veggie Wraps
Hummus is another shelf-stable food that pairs well with fresh or canned vegetables. You can wrap it up in a tortilla or flatbread with veggies like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers. This meal is light but satisfying and offers a nice balance of fiber and protein.
11. Hard-Boiled Eggs
If you have eggs on hand and access to a grill or camp stove, you can boil them in water for about 10 minutes. Hard-boiled eggs are a great protein-rich snack or addition to any meal. They store well for a couple of days, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them during an outage.
12. Canned Chili
Canned chili is another no-fuss meal option that provides both protein and carbs. You can eat it cold or heat it up on a portable stove or grill. Add some tortilla chips on the side for a bit of crunch, and you’ve got yourself a satisfying, hearty meal.
13. Campfire Potatoes
If you have access to a grill or campfire, wrap potatoes in aluminum foil and throw them into the coals. After about 45 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked potatoes. You can top them with butter, cheese, or even some canned chili for an extra kick.
14. Sardines and Crackers
Sardines are one of the most nutritious canned foods out there, packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Serve them with crackers, and you’ve got a quick meal or snack that’s full of energy and easy to store. You can also add some lemon juice or hot sauce for extra flavor.
15. Canned Fruit and Yogurt
Shelf-stable yogurt, like those made for emergencies, can be a good source of protein and calcium. Pair it with canned fruit like peaches or pears for a refreshing, no-cook breakfast or snack. It’s an easy way to get a serving of fruit when fresh produce isn’t available.
16. Couscous with Canned Vegetables
Couscous is one of the easiest grains to prepare because it only requires boiling water. Mix it with some canned vegetables and olive oil for a light, but filling meal. You can season it with herbs like parsley or thyme to enhance the flavor.
17. Wraps with Shelf-Stable Cheese and Meat
Look for shelf-stable cheese and cured meats that don’t need refrigeration, such as summer sausage or pepperoni. Combine these with tortillas or crackers for a simple, no-cook meal. The high protein and fat content will help keep you satisfied for longer.
18. Grilled Fish
If you have access to fresh fish and a grill, you can cook it quickly over an open flame. Just wrap the fish in aluminum foil with a bit of oil, salt, and lemon, and cook it for about 10 minutes per inch of thickness. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh protein in an emergency situation.
19. Canned Corned Beef Hash
Corned beef hash is a comforting meal that’s easy to heat on a camp stove or even eat cold if necessary. The canned variety contains potatoes and beef, so it’s a hearty option. Serve it with a fried egg (if possible) for a complete meal.
20. Cold Cereal with Shelf-Stable Milk
Cereal may seem like a simple breakfast, but it’s quick and filling. Pair it with shelf-stable milk, which stores well without refrigeration, and you’ve got a no-cook meal that can be eaten any time of day. Add some canned fruit for extra flavor and nutrition.
21. Instant Ramen
Instant ramen noodles are a quick meal that only requires boiling water. While the flavor packets can be high in sodium, you can mix in canned veggies or a hard-boiled egg for added nutrients. It’s an affordable and easy option when you’re short on time and resources.
