Shelf life, health benefits, versatility of use, and storage are just a few of the considerations involved in choosing which foods are best to have on hand in case of emergency.

Of course, a lot can change depending on your region, but the main principals will still be the same: what will last, what will sustain a person, what has many applications, and what is easily stored in a compact form?

Here are just a few of the food stuffs that meet those requirements.

1. Canned foods. Canned food items are extremely good for storage and shelf life, and if the right canned foods are chosen, they  can be great for versatility and health benefits. Canned salmon is high in protein and healthy fats like Omega 3. Once open, however, it needs to be eaten in one sitting or refrigerated. Canned tuna is also good for similar reasons. Both meats are good by themselves or in a dish. Canned vegetables and fruit keep much longer than fresh. Vegetables and fruit are essential for maintaining a balanced body. The last thing you want in a state of emergency is a deficiency in vitamins, especially vitamin C.
2. Dried foods. Dried foods keep very well. Although they require water to make, it is worth it. Beans are very good dried foods to keep.
3. Brown rice. Brown rice is nonperishable. It is high in calories and protein. It is quite versatile, and it is relatively easily stored in a cool and dry environment.
4. Nuts. Nuts have loads of protein, and the unsalted variety is highly good to have around, as it does not cause thirst and adds a good snacking option. Nuts do not keep as well as canned foods, but the shelled variety keeps decently well.
5. “Camping food.” High energy food that is not highly processed or sugary is important to have around. Foods like energy bars, peanut butter, trail mix, and more were made to keep for long periods without refrigeration.
6. Oats. Oats are very versatile, and they keep well. It is best to keep them dry and cool.
7. Home grown and raised. The best source of food if collapse were to happen would be a continuous source of home grown and home raised food. A garden full of vegetables and fruit will taste better and last longer than canned and store bought. Meats and milk produced by animals raised at home like chickens, cattle, and goats will be a hot commodity during a collapse. Milk will quickly run scarce, and having a source of it will be like gold.