No Power? No Problem! Food Storage Tips and Easy No-Cook Meals

Medically reviewed by Parul Kharod, RD, LDN

Power outages can happen at any time throughout the year — whether you’re dealing with winter weather that’s iced down power lines, or you’re contending with tropical storm weather during hurricane season.

Regardless of the season, if you think there’s a chance that the power could go out, it’s a good idea to be proactive. Don’t get caught in the dark! The following are some helpful things to keep in mind.

Food Prep Before the Power Cuts Out

#1 – Freeze it!

Freeze things that you would normally refrigerate (milk, meat, etc.). Why? In the event of a power outage, the thawing process will buy you some time. You may also want to keep a bag of ice in your freezer as an added precaution.

Bagged ice has many uses, including staving off the less-than-favorable side effects of perishable food items that start to thaw. You can also add ice to insulated coolers.

Keep food items grouped close together in the freezer to help them stay cold longer. Avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer unless necessary.

#2 – Stock up on canned meats!

Expecting a snowstorm or hurricane? Purchase delicious, canned meats! Options include canned sardines, chicken, tuna and more. Enjoy it in a sandwich, place it over a salad — or just eat it as a snack.

#3 – Boil eggs.

Boil some eggs ahead of time. Avoid peeling the eggs; it’ll help them stay fresh longer. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to eat. You can use boiled eggs on sandwiches or salads, or you can just eat them plain. Best of all? Eggs are protein-rich and good for you!

#4 – Stock up on non-perishable food items in your pantry.

See our “Pantry List” of must-have items below.

#5 – Know the temperature.

If your food has spent more than four hours at more than 40º Fahrenheit, don’t eat it. As long as frozen foods have ice crystals or are cool to the touch, they’re still safe.

Must-Have Pantry Items

• Bread, tortillas and rice cakes
• Peanut butter
• Jelly
• Honey
• Olive Oil
• Canned veggies
• Canned beans, chickpeas and refried beans
• Pasta
• Crackers
• Granola bars
• Trail mix
• Cereal
• Dried fruit, fruit cups and applesauce
• Bottled water
• Powdered/Evaporated milk
• Canned soup
• Nuts
• Jarred baby food
• Disposable plates/silverware (makes cleanup easier)
• Manual can opener

*A Note About Water*

If your home uses a septic system, be sure to fill up a bathtub with water, and have a bucket handy. You’ll then have plenty of water to add to your tank so that you can flush the toilet.

Easy, No-Cook Recipes to Try

The following are some easy recipes to try the next time the power goes out. These do not require any baking or electricity!

Wraps

Use soft tortillas filled with canned meat, a touch of mustard or mayo, and veggies from the fridge. Replace canned meats with beans or hummus to make a veggie option. [source]

Tuna, White Bean, and Red Onion Salad

Place beans in large bowl. Add tuna and onion; drizzle with oil. Toss gently to combine. Season with salt and generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. [source]

No-Power Nachos

Layer tortilla chips with canned cheese sauce (or cold shredded cheese), jarred salsa, sour cream, canned pickled jalapeños, canned black beans — and canned meats, including chicken, turkey or bologna. [source]

Avocado Tuna Salad

Combine mashed avocado, canned tuna, celery, and red onion as the base; then get creative with add-ins that you have on hand, such as chopped apple, walnuts, dill, Dijon mustard, cumin and pickle juice. [source]

Resources

• Food Safety | FoodSafety.gov

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About Parul Kharod, RD, LDN

Parul Kharod is a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist with clinical interests in gastroenterology, food allergies, kidney disease, kidney stones, diabetes and heart health. She counsels adult and pediatric patients in the outpatient setting. Besides individual nutrition counselling, Kharod also teaches group classes for WakeMed's Diabetes Management Program  and is a member of the Prevention Team at WakeMed Urology Kidney Stone Clinic. She leads a support group for Celiac and food allergies as a branch of the Gluten Intolerance Group. She has a global perspective about diverse eating habits and is able to assist people in making appropriate lifestyle changes while still conforming to their cultural preferences. She believes in a "no-diet" approach, focusing on practicality and balance to improve overall health for the mind and body.