Snacks can be a great way to curb your appetite between meals and boost your energy levels. I always make sure I have something "snacky" in the house.
Recently, I was asked if I had some favorite snacks to keep in my food storage area. And I said...of course I do!
It's important to choose the right snacks for your emergency food supply. Simply put, not all snack foods are created equal. Some have more fat, sugar, or preservatives than others. Some are simply empty calories...and a lot of them at that.
So here are my go-to emergency snacks!
1. Dark chocolate: You knew chocolate was going to be on the list. In my house, it's an essential food group! Right up there with coffee!
Besides satisfying that craving for something sweet, dark chocolate has all kinds of health benefits. It's loaded with nutrients, including powerful antioxidants.
The trick is to be sure you select the right chocolate. Not all chocolate...even dark chocolate...on the market is healthy. So make sure you choose quality stuff - dark chocolate with 70% or higher cacao. And of course, check the label for added unwanted things like artificial anything or excess sugar. Dark chocolate will have some sugar but the amount should be small.
Make sure you buy it well ahead of the expiration date and ensure the packaging is intact.
Your chocolate stash may have to be rotated into your regular food supplies periodically if it approaches it's expiration date. But that just gives you an excuse to have a little extra treat!
2. Almonds: I like nuts of all types. I am especially fond of cashews and pecans. But my all time favorite nuts are almonds. I always have a can in my pantry. And if I run out, I have been known to pick the almonds and cashews out of the jar of mixed nuts we always have on hand.
Almonds are a great source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients. And they are loaded with fiber which helps you feel fuller longer. That can be important in an emergency. Plus their extremely versatile. They can be eaten alone. Just grab a handful and munch away! Or you can make a trail mix with dark chocolate chips, dried fruit and pumpkin seeds. You can also add them to hot or cold cereal, as well as using them to add a little crunch to a salad.
Again, make sure you are choosing the right kind of almonds. Look for plain, raw or dry-roasted almonds.
3. Dried fruit: Raisins. Dried cranberries, apricots, mango, or cherries. Freeze dried strawberries. All tasty. All good for you. All make great snacks on their own or combined with nuts, seeds, and chocolate to make trail mix. And just like the almonds, you can add dried fruit to hot or cold cereal, salads, or use in homemade breads and muffins.
4. Jerky: I love good beef jerky! And generally speaking, it is a healthy and nutritious snack. It's high in protein and low in carbohydrates. And it has a long shelf life. Plus it's extremely portable. It can be very high in sodium and so should be eaten in moderation. But eaten as part of a balanced diet, it can be a welcome addition to your snack stash.
The right snacks can be an important part of your emergency food supplies. There are plenty of options to choose from. Just make sure they are shelf stable and have long expiration dates. But if you aren't sure where to start, these are the ones I always have on hand.
