How to stock your pantry for the end of the world

Dec 30, 2011 8:23 AM by Laura Willard

Posted in Food & Recipes

Food Items You Need... Just In Case

As we ring in 2012, we can't forget that the world is supposed to end! While we don't really believe that, this whole the-world-is-ending thing got us thinking: What do we need in our pantries to be prepared?

Woman buying canned peas

Dec. 21, 2012 -- the day the world is supposed to end. We may be jumping the gun a little, but you can never be too prepared, right? Also, we realize that the end of the world means these things probably won't be necessary, but we live by the Boy Scout motto. If you want to have a properly stocked pantry for this life-altering (literally) event, keep reading.

Canned goods

Recent studies about the levels of BPA in canned goods might have you concerned, but what's a little BPA when the world is ending? You can never have too many canned goods in the event of an emergency.

Tuna: Packed with protein, this canned fish is low in fat, too! Tuna is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Canned vegetables: Granted, frozen veggies are much better if you're watching your salt intake, but you're likely to lose power as the world ends and nobody likes spoiled, previously-frozen food. Canned is the way to go.
Canned fruit: We know fresh fruit is preferable, but when the grocery stores are pillaged and there's not an apple to be found, you'll be glad to have these canned alternatives at the ready.

Other non-perishables

Canned isn't the only way to go. There are plenty of other food items you can stock up on that won't go bad. Who wants to live off of nothing but tuna as the world ends? Not us.

Nuts: Almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans and more -- nuts are packed with fiber, protein and healthy fat.
Cereal: You may not be able to have your Cheerios with a side of milk, but dry cereal is better than no cereal. And under the circumstances, we won't judge you for indulging in your favorite dessert-style breakfast food. Who's counting the grams of sugar at a time like this?
Crackers: Bread grows mold after a week or two, but a few packages of crackers can last a long time. Plus, you'll need something to go with that tuna!

Booze and/or wine

Be honest. If the world's about to end, a nice cocktail or glass of wine might make it a little more bearable. If you don't drink, you can skip the alcoholic beverages. However, if you do indulge sometimes, what better time than the end of the world? If you're particularly morbid, you can toast the occasion with a glass of Champagne. Don't forget the mixers! Tonic is vodka's best friend and a bottle of the unopened fizzy stuff will last for a long time.

Essentials

Don't forget the water! We're not listing it last because it's not important. You can live, um, forever without booze, but only three days without water. Also, make sure to have a can opener. As much fun as it might seem to open cans of tuna with your teeth, we're guessing there aren't very many dentists working as the world ends.