14 Canned Foods to Always Keep in Your Emergency Pantry

With extreme weather and supply chain hiccups becoming more common, a stocked pantry of canned staples has never been more essential.

Life can throw unexpected challenges your way, from power outages and storms to busy weeks where grocery shopping falls to the bottom of your list. A well-stocked emergency pantry is more than just peace of mind: it is a lifeline. Canned foods are reliable, shelf stable, and can form the base of healthy, comforting meals when fresh ingredients are hard to come by. Here are 14 of the smartest canned items to have on hand so you can be ready for anything.

1. Canned Tuna

A versatile protein that works in salads, sandwiches, pasta, or eaten straight from the can. Choose water packed for fewer calories or oil packed for extra flavor.

2. Canned Chicken

A quick and easy way to add protein to soups, casseroles, or wraps when you do not have fresh chicken on hand.

3. Canned Salmon

Packed with heart healthy omega 3 fatty acids and perfect for salmon patties, salads, or mixing with pasta.

4. Canned Beans & Lentils

Black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, and lentils offer fiber, protein, and endless recipe possibilities. They are also filling and inexpensive. These Sweet Potato Tacos with Black Beans are a crowd pleaser.

5. Canned Tomatoes

Diced, crushed, or whole, canned tomatoes are a pantry essential for sauces, soups, and casseroles.

6. Tomato Paste

Concentrated flavor in a small can, perfect for boosting pasta sauces, chili, and braised dishes.

7. Canned Corn

Adds sweetness and crunch to soups, salads, and casseroles. It is also a quick side dish when time is short.

8. Canned Peas

Mild, soft, and easy to mix into pasta, rice dishes, or creamy soups.

9. Canned Pumpkin

Not just for pies, canned pumpkin is rich in vitamins and can be used in muffins, pancakes, and savory soups. These Pumpkin Oat Breakfast Cookies are nutritious, delicious, and super simple to make.

10. Canned Coconut Milk

An essential for creamy curries, soups, and desserts. It adds richness without dairy.

11. Canned Soup

Choose low sodium options for a quick, comforting meal that only needs heating.

12. Canned Fruit in Juice

Peaches, pears, or pineapple packed in juice make for a healthy snack or dessert topping. How about a gluten-free Pineapple Upside Down Cake?

13. Canned Olives

Great for adding briny flavor to salads, pasta, and Mediterranean inspired dishes. Seven-layer dip anyone?

14. Canned Evaporated Milk

Ideal for creamy soups, sauces, and baking when fresh milk is not available.

The Takeaway

A thoughtfully stocked emergency pantry is not just about surviving, it is about staying nourished, comfortable, and ready to take care of yourself and others during uncertain times. Having these canned essentials on hand means one less thing to worry about when life gets unpredictable.

15 Canned foods chefs swear by for everyday cooking

While some ingredients and pieces of equipment are more common in the professional environment, there is certainly overlap. These are the canned foods that professional chefs love and use any time they are cooking. These canned goods should be in your pantry. 

READ: 15 Canned foods chefs swear by for everyday cooking