Why Storing Tuna is a Smart Move for Emergency Preppers
In the world of emergency preparedness, one of the most crucial aspects is ensuring you have an adequate supply of nutritious, long-lasting foods on hand. While many preppers stock up on staples like rice, beans, and canned vegetables, one often overlooked item that deserves a place in every survival pantry is tuna. This humble fish offers a plethora of benefits that make it an invaluable addition to any emergency food supply. Today, I want to talk about why storing tuna is a smart move for emergency preppers.
1. Nutritional Powerhouse
Tuna is renowned for its high nutritional value, making it an ideal choice for maintaining health during emergencies. Packed with nutrients like protein, essential omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, tuna provides a well-rounded source of sustenance. In times of crisis, maintaining adequate nutrition is vital for sustaining energy levels and supporting overall well-being. Tuna offers a convenient way to meet these nutritional needs without sacrificing quality or taste. 15 Foods To Buy When You’re Broke
2. Long Shelf Life
One of the primary concerns for emergency preppers is the shelf life of stored foods. Tuna, when properly canned and stored, has an impressive shelf life of several years. Unlike perishable goods that require refrigeration or meticulous preservation methods, canned tuna can withstand varying environmental conditions, including temperature fluctuations and humidity. It’s one of those great shelf-stable foods you can rely on to get you through the tough times.
This longevity ensures that your emergency food supply remains viable for extended periods, providing a reliable source of sustenance when you need it. Foods with the Longest Shelf Life. Please keep in mind that tuna will become mushy over the years, just giving you the heads up. Yes, It’s still edible and maintains the nutrients you need, but the texture changes.
3. Versatile Culinary Applications
Another compelling reason to include tuna in your emergency stockpile is its use in the kitchen. Whether enjoyed straight from the can, mixed with mayonnaise for a quick tuna salad, or incorporated into various recipes, tuna offers endless possibilities.
Its adaptability allows for the creation of diverse meals, ensuring that you can maintain a varied diet even in challenging circumstances. From sandwiches and casseroles to pasta dishes, soups, and wraps, tuna’s versatility makes it an invaluable ingredient for satisfying hunger and boosting morale during emergencies.
4. Convenient and Portable
In emergency situations, convenience and portability are so important. Canned tuna checks both these boxes effortlessly. Its compact size and lightweight nature make it easy to store and transport, whether you’re sheltering in place or on the move. One of my favorite reasons for storing tuna is that it’s easy to use. Be sure to have a quality extra can opener in your kitchen to open those cans. I have more than one manual can opener, along with my trusty electric unit.
Unlike bulkier food items that require significant space and effort to transport, canned tuna offers a convenient solution for meeting dietary needs without adding unnecessary burden. Its portability ensures that you can access a reliable source of sustenance wherever you are, enhancing your preparedness and resilience in any natural disaster scenario. 20 Ways to Make Your Food Budget Stretch Further
5. Cost-Effective Solution
Building an emergency food supply can be costly, but tuna offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality. Compared to other sources of protein, such as canned beef or seafood like salmon, canned tuna tends to be more budget-friendly, allowing you to stretch your resources further without sacrificing nutritional value. Like various nuts and beans, tuna is a great source of protein when you’re trying to steer clear of red meat.
Its long shelf life means that you can purchase in bulk when prices are low, taking advantage of discounts and sales to build a well-stocked pantry without breaking the bank. To prevent the chance of waste, but sure to check the expiration dates on the cans and rotate them as needed. 20 Tips For Organizing a Super Messy Pantry
6. Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly
In today’s world, sustainability is a growing concern for many conscientious consumers. Tuna can be a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice when sourced responsibly. Look for brands that prioritize sustainable fishing practices, such as pole-and-line or troll fishing, which minimize bycatch and habitat damage.
When you support sustainable tuna fisheries, you can help protect marine ecosystems while ensuring a continued supply of this valuable resource for future generations. Prevention of overfishing is proving to be a challenge in today’s competitive seafood marketplace, so try to support brands known for sustainability policies. 20 Reasons Why Fishing is Beneficial to Emergency Preparedness
7. Psychological Comfort
In times of crisis, familiar survival food products can provide much-needed psychological comfort and stability. The simple act of enjoying a familiar meal or snacks like tuna salad, tuna on crackers, or tuna casserole can evoke feelings of normalcy and security amidst uncertainty.
Incorporating tuna into your emergency food supply, you not only provide for your physical needs but also nurture your mental well-being, fostering a sense of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. How to Be Tougher Mentally As a Prepper
More Tips
- Why You Need To Store The Right Food Storage
- Beginners Guide to Fishing: 6 Amazing Tips and Tricks
- Take Your Kids Fishing: 11 Amazing Reasons Why
Final Word
As the saying goes, “Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.” In the unpredictable emergency preparedness landscape, having a well-rounded food supply is essential for survival. Stocking up on canned tuna, you can rest assured knowing that you’re equipped to weather any storm with strength and energy and you’ll have the nourishment you need when the time comes. May God Bless this World, Linda
Copyright Images: Canned Tuna AdobeStock_71921000 By HandmadePictures, Tuna Bruschetta Pate On Bread AdobeStock_501281964 By CHZU
One prepper suggested that tuna will begin to dissolve if stored too long. Any experience? Possibly the name brands that have more water. I love the WildPlanet brand from Costco which has very little water and is much more firm, so thinking that might have longer storage possibilities.
Hi Marilynne, that’s a good question. I have had my Costco tuna get mushy after so many years. It’s still edible, but not as good. That’s interesting someone said tuna dissolves, I wonder if that’s what I call mushy. Every brand is sure different. Linda
I only buy the solid tuna, not the chunk tuna, so that helps with longevity. And I have used tuna that was 7 years past the best by date without ill effects and the texture was only slightly less solid. But since I use it for either casseroles or tunafish sandwiches it was just fine. And it probably helps that I only buy name brand cans of tuna in the supermarket: Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea. YMMV.
Hi DMWalsh, great tip on buying the name brand solid tuna. Linda
Good article, Linda,
While on the somewhat pricy side, pole and line caught canned tuna is available at: https://naturalcatchtuna.com/
It is small filets and is by far the best canned tuna I have ever eaten. Take a look at their website. BTW, I have no financial connection to them other than buying their products. LOL!
Hi Harry, oh I’m so glad you shared that link! It is by far the best tuna made in the USA! Once you buy a case of this tuna no other tuna compares. Thanks for sharing the link!!!!! I love that tuna! Linda
Linda et al.: We also store tuna, but use the Safe Catch Elite, which is very “clean” and comes from young tuna that are less likely to have bioaccumulated mercury and other toxins. I would recommend AGAINST storing tuna as a prepped, if you’re only going to store the grocery store varieties, as they are POISONED by many heavy metals and other toxins. Skip Jack is the smaller type, and best health wise.
Joyce E. Stotts
Newark, NY 14513
Certified Natural Heath Professional since 2006
HI Joyce, thank you for the recommendation of the Safe Catch Elite tuna. It sounds like a great tuna to store, thank you, Linda
Even questionable tuna is good to use for trapping and luring in a meal.
Thanks for the link Harry. I applaud those who can afford to buy line caught tuna. It’s a good thing to do . Unfortunately, at $12.73 per pound for the 24 pack (which is more than I pay for Filet Mignon) I’ll have to stick to Costco Albacore.
Hi Ray, now I want a Filet Mignon Steak, medium rare! LOL! I can’t remember the last one I had, now my mouth is watering for one. LOL! Linda
Linda,
If you’ve been emailing responses to my replies, I’m not getting them–again.
Hi Ray, I’m going to unsubscribe you, then re-subscribe. It has to be MailChimp, my email service. Linda
Hi Linda— thank you for another great article. We eat mostly plant based, but I’m going to have to stock pile some tuna now! Thanks to everyone who posted links of the healthiest brands!
Hi Carrie, thank you for your kind word, my sweet friend. I love plant based food, I could eat fruits and vegetables for every meal! Linda
Hi Linda- I stock up on canned tuna and I have numerous packets of tuna that are different flavors and are single serving size. Have you ever tried these before? I buy Star Kist and BumbleBee both advertise as being Wild Caught.
I love your articles, I save and forward them to my daughter in CA, our family are huge preppers. Thank you for all you do!
Hi Daniel, thank you for your kind words! I love those tuna packets!! Perfect for my car in my EDC bags, I always want some snacks in my car! Thank you. for sharing my articles, your are the best! Linda