9 Worst Canned Foods For Emergencies To Avoid & 9 Of The Best To Stock Up On

When disaster strikes, being stocked with the right canned goods can make all the difference between weathering the storm comfortably or barely getting by.

I learned this firsthand during a week-long power outage caused by a hurricane that tore through our neighborhood. Suddenly, the pantry became my lifeline—and I quickly realized that not all canned foods are created equal in an emergency.

Some offer vital nutrition, long shelf life, and easy prep, while others fall short, leaving you hungry, frustrated, or wasting valuable supplies. Planning ahead with the right choices can ensure you stay nourished, calm, and prepared no matter what crisis comes your way.

1. WORST: Canned Pasta

WORST: Canned Pasta
© New Terra Farm

Chef Boyardee might bring back childhood memories, but those squishy noodles swimming in sugary sauce won’t fuel your survival efforts effectively. During our last power outage, I eagerly opened a can expecting comfort food, only to find a mushy disappointment that left me hungry an hour later.

The nutritional profile tells the sad story: high in sodium, loaded with preservatives, and seriously lacking in protein and fiber—the very nutrients that keep you satisfied during stressful situations. Plus, that metallic aftertaste gets old real quick when it’s your third meal in a row.

The hefty water content also means you’re wasting valuable storage space on what amounts to fancy-flavored liquid rather than actual sustenance. Your emergency pantry deserves better!

2. WORST: Canned Salad Vegetables

WORST: Canned Salad Vegetables
© The Passport Kitchen

Soggy nightmares await anyone who cracks open canned salad veggies during an emergency. Those sad, limp lettuce leaves and cucumber slices have surrendered both texture and nutritional value to the canning process. My camping trip experiment with these proved disastrous—nobody touched the unappetizing green mush.

The canning process destroys what makes salad vegetables worth eating in the first place. The crisp texture disappears, leaving behind pale, soft versions of their former selves. Vitamins deteriorate significantly, making these a poor nutritional choice when your body needs real fuel.

Storage space in your emergency stash is precious real estate. Why waste it on vegetables that deliver minimal calories and nutrition while taking up valuable room?

3. WORST: Canned Milk

WORST: Canned Milk
© Yahoo

Popping open a can of regular milk during a crisis might leave you with an unwelcome surprise. Last summer’s extended blackout taught me this lesson when I discovered the strange texture and off-putting flavor of canned milk in my morning coffee—I nearly spat it across the room!

Regular canned milk often separates, developing an unpleasant consistency that no amount of stirring seems to fix. The flavor profile changes dramatically too, taking on metallic notes that overpower whatever you’re adding it to. Many varieties require refrigeration after opening—a luxury you might not have during emergencies.

While it contains calcium and protein, these benefits don’t outweigh the downsides when better alternatives exist. Save your emergency food budget for more practical options.

4. WORST: Canned Bread

WORST: Canned Bread
© TruePrepper

Yes, canned bread exists, and no, you shouldn’t waste precious pantry space on it. My curiosity got the better of me at a specialty store last year—let’s just say the dense, oddly moist slice I tried would make any baker weep. The texture falls somewhere between cake and play-dough.

Nutritionally speaking, canned bread typically contains high amounts of preservatives and sodium while offering little in the way of essential nutrients or dietary fiber. The shelf life might be impressive, but the taste definitely isn’t worth the space sacrifice. Most varieties need to be sliced, creating unnecessary crumbs and mess in an already challenging situation.

For the same storage footprint, you could stock items that deliver actual survival benefits rather than novelty factor.

5. WORST: Canned French Fries

WORST: Canned French Fries
© Yahoo

Whoever thought potatoes should be canned in stick form clearly never tried eating them. My family still teases me about serving these soggy potato imposters during our basement “bunker night” practice session. The kids’ horrified expressions were priceless—and completely justified.

Canned fries emerge as pale, limp shadows of their crispy counterparts. No amount of draining or pan-frying resurrects them to anything resembling actual french fries. They’re typically packed in brine that gives them an odd, salty-yet-watery flavor profile that satisfies absolutely no cravings.

The processing destroys most nutritional benefits of potatoes while preserving all the starch and none of the satisfaction. Your emergency food supply deserves actual food, not sad potato experiments.

6. WORST: Canned Bacon

WORST: Canned Bacon
© Maryland Shooters Forum

Bacon lovers, prepare for heartbreak. Canned bacon strips resemble their fresh counterparts in name only. Opening my first can during a camping trip revealed what looked like wet, translucent paper towels wrapped around greasy meat sheets. The disappointment was immeasurable.

The texture problem can’t be overstated—rubbery, yet somehow both too soft and too chewy simultaneously. The flavor profile leans heavily toward salt and preservatives rather than that smoky bacon goodness we crave. Most varieties require cooking despite being pre-cooked, creating unnecessary work during emergency situations.

Factor in the premium price point compared to other canned proteins, and the value proposition collapses entirely. Your emergency protein budget stretches much further with practical alternatives that actually taste like food.

7. WORST: Canned Hamburgers

WORST: Canned Hamburgers
© James vs. Burger

My curiosity about canned hamburgers led to one of my most regrettable food purchases ever. The gray, uniformly textured patty that slid out resembled wet cat food more than anything you’d willingly put between buns. The smell alone triggered my gag reflex.

Texture-wise, expect something between spam and wet cardboard—not exactly the satisfying burger experience you might be hoping for during a crisis. The flavor profile typically features notes of salt, mysterious spices, and overwhelming preservation methods rather than actual beef. Most varieties contain fillers and stabilizers that dilute any nutritional benefits.

For the same storage space and often higher price point, you could stock genuinely useful emergency proteins that won’t make you question your life choices with every bite.

8. WORST: Canned Cheese Spread

WORST: Canned Cheese Spread
© Popsugar

That bright orange processed cheese spread might seem like comfort food, but it’s a nutritional wasteland in your emergency stash. During our family’s hurricane drill, I discovered the hard way that its high sodium content left everyone desperately thirsty—exactly what you don’t need when water might be limited!

The texture transforms from semi-solid to oily mess at room temperature, creating sticky situations in already stressful circumstances. Most varieties contain minimal actual dairy, relying instead on oils and stabilizers that provide empty calories rather than sustaining nutrition. The flavor intensifies unpleasantly after opening.

While it might seem kid-friendly, the lack of protein and essential nutrients makes it a poor choice when bodies need real sustenance. Your emergency food dollars work harder elsewhere.

9. WORST: Canned Whole Chicken

WORST: Canned Whole Chicken
© Amazon.com

Nothing prepares you for the unsettling sight of an entire chicken crammed into a can. My prepper friend’s demonstration left our entire group speechless as the pale, gelatinous bird slid out intact—bones and all. The congealed chicken jelly alone would turn off even the hungriest survivor.

Beyond the psychological hurdle of dealing with a whole canned bird, practical issues abound. The bones create waste and potential hazards during emergency situations. The meat texture becomes stringy and waterlogged, while flavor leaches into the surrounding gelatin. Preparation requires unnecessary effort when simpler protein options exist.

The excessive packaging-to-protein ratio wastes valuable storage space. For the same footprint, you could stock multiple cans of more practical, ready-to-eat protein sources that don’t require disassembly or trigger existential crises.

10. BEST: Canned Tuna

BEST: Canned Tuna
© GoodRx

Tuna earned its permanent spot in my emergency kit after it powered me through three days of storm cleanup last spring. This protein powerhouse packs roughly 22 grams of complete protein per can while taking up minimal space in your emergency stash.

Unlike many canned goods, tuna requires zero cooking—just pop the top and dig in. The neutral flavor profile works in countless cold preparations when cooking isn’t possible. I’ve mixed it with everything from crackers to canned corn when refrigeration wasn’t available. Most varieties stay good for 3-5 years, making rotation manageable.

Look for water-packed options to avoid unnecessary oils that can go rancid. The protein-to-weight ratio makes tuna one of the most efficient emergency foods available—critical when you might be carrying supplies or living with limited storage.

11. BEST: Canned Beans

BEST: Canned Beans
© Tasting Table

Magical indeed! These humble legumes saved dinner countless times during our extended power outage last winter. The combination of plant protein, fiber, and complex carbs creates a perfect emergency food trifecta that keeps hunger at bay for hours.

Bean varieties offer welcome menu diversity when options are limited. Black beans make quick emergency burritos, kidney beans bulk up chili, and chickpeas can be mashed into no-cook hummus with just olive oil and salt. Their neutral flavor base adapts to whatever limited seasonings you might have available.

The fiber content helps maintain digestive health during stressful situations when routines are disrupted. Most varieties maintain quality for 2-5 years when stored properly. Pro tip: grab the pull-top cans for situations where can openers might not be accessible.

12. BEST: Canned Chicken

BEST: Canned Chicken
© eBay

Forget that whole canned chicken monstrosity—chunked chicken breast in a can has saved my emergency meals more times than I can count! During last year’s three-day blackout, I created surprisingly decent chicken salad sandwiches that lifted everyone’s spirits when morale was dipping.

The ready-to-eat format eliminates cooking requirements when fuel might be precious. Unlike tuna, the mild flavor doesn’t tire your taste buds quickly, making it sustainable for extended emergency situations. The texture holds up remarkably well to the canning process, avoiding the mushiness that plagues many preserved proteins.

Nutritionally, you’re getting approximately 20 grams of complete protein per small can—critical for maintaining strength during physical challenges like storm cleanup. The low fat content prevents the rancidity issues that plague some canned meats.

13. BEST: Canned Salmon

BEST: Canned Salmon
© Eat This Not That

Luxury meets practicality in this omega-3 packed emergency superstar! When we were stuck at home during the big flood, canned salmon elevated our meals from survival mode to something actually enjoyable. The rich flavor made our emergency situation feel less dire—a psychological boost worth its weight in gold.

Nutritionally speaking, salmon delivers complete protein alongside heart-healthy fats that help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from other foods. The canning process softens the small bones, making them edible and providing valuable calcium—especially important if dairy access is limited during emergencies.

Most varieties maintain quality for 3-4 years when stored properly. The slightly higher price point compared to tuna is offset by its nutrient density and meal satisfaction factor. Look for skinless, boneless varieties if texture concerns exist.

14. BEST: Canned Vegetables

BEST: Canned Vegetables
© Big Blog of Gardening

Green beans straight from the can saved me from scurvy-like vitamin deficiency during my two-week power outage adventure! While fresh produce quickly becomes a distant memory during emergencies, canned vegetables bridge the nutritional gap with surprising effectiveness.

Strategic selection matters tremendously here. Focus on nutrient-dense options like spinach, carrots, and mixed vegetables rather than starchy choices. Low-sodium varieties prevent the excessive thirst that regular versions can trigger—a crucial consideration when water might be limited. The liquid they’re packed in doubles as a base for improvised soups.

Most maintain quality for 1-2 years, making rotation manageable. Their ready-to-eat nature eliminates cooking requirements when fuel conservation becomes necessary. Pro tip: choose vegetables your family actually enjoys eating—emergencies are tough enough without food battles!

15. BEST: Canned Fruit

BEST: Canned Fruit
© Battlbox.com

Nothing boosts morale during a crisis quite like the sweet burst of peaches or pineapple! When my neighborhood lost power for a week, those humble canned fruit cups became treasured morale boosters that brightened otherwise monotonous meals.

Beyond the psychological benefits, canned fruits provide quick energy through natural sugars alongside essential vitamins that might otherwise be missing from emergency diets. The high water content helps with hydration needs—particularly valuable when water purification becomes challenging. Juice-packed varieties offer more nutrition than heavy syrup options.

Most varieties maintain quality for 1-2 years, making rotation manageable. Their ready-to-eat nature requires zero preparation when resources are limited. The wide variety available prevents flavor fatigue during extended emergencies. Mandarin oranges, peaches, and pineapple chunks typically hold texture best.

16. BEST: Canned Pumpkin

BEST: Canned Pumpkin
© Tasting Table

Surprise emergency food MVP! This orange wonder saved Thanksgiving dinner when a freak snowstorm knocked out power two years ago. Beyond holiday pies, plain canned pumpkin delivers impressive nutrition in a shelf-stable package that deserves prime real estate in your emergency pantry.

The fiber content promotes digestive health during stressful situations when routines get disrupted. Beta-carotene and other antioxidants support immune function—crucial during emergencies when healthcare access might be limited. The thick texture adds satisfying bulk to emergency meals that might otherwise feel insubstantial.

Unlike many canned goods, pumpkin’s mild flavor adapts to both sweet and savory applications. Mix with oatmeal for breakfast, blend into soups for dinner, or combine with canned milk and spices for an instant comfort food. Most varieties maintain quality for 2-3 years.

17. BEST: Canned Chili

BEST: Canned Chili
© Hormel Foods

Hallelujah for heat-and-eat meals that actually taste good! When tornado warnings kept us in the basement for hours, those cans of ready-to-eat chili transformed a scary situation into something almost cozy. The hearty, spiced comfort food delivered both nutrition and normalcy when we needed it most.

The protein-carb-fiber combination creates exceptional satiety that keeps hunger at bay for hours—critical when meal timing might be unpredictable. Most varieties contain multiple food groups in one can, simplifying meal planning during chaotic situations. The thick texture satisfies in a way that thinner soups simply can’t match.

Look for varieties with pull-tops for situations where can openers might not be accessible. Most maintain quality for 2-3 years, making rotation manageable. The wide variety available prevents flavor fatigue during extended emergencies—from vegetarian to beef to turkey options.

18. BEST: Condensed Milk

BEST: Condensed Milk
© Lifehacker

Coffee’s emergency best friend! Unlike regular canned milk, sweetened condensed milk transformed my morning brew into something almost decadent during our week-long evacuation. That small comfort made a huge psychological difference when everything else felt chaotic.

The concentrated nature means a little goes a long way—stretching your emergency supplies effectively. The high sugar content acts as a preservative, giving unopened cans an impressive 2-year shelf life. Once opened, it doesn’t require refrigeration for several days if kept covered—a significant advantage during power outages.

Beyond coffee applications, it creates instant desserts when combined with other emergency staples. Mix with canned fruit for a quick compote or stir into oatmeal for a morale-boosting breakfast. The calorie density provides quick energy during physically demanding emergency situations.