Food Supplies

The German Federal Office for Civil Protection (BBK) recommends an emergency supply for at least 10 days. That sounds like a lot, but it is simpler than it seems — most households already have a basic stock and simply need to supplement and organise it.

The principle of emergency stocking is "eat and replenish": buy what you like, consume it using rotation (FIFO — First In, First Out), and replenish regularly. This prevents spoilage and ensures you always have fresh supplies. Calorie-dense, non-perishable foods form the backbone; comfort food and personal preferences make all the difference in a stressful situation.

Basic Supplies

• Canned Goods (vegetables, legumes)Essential

  Canned goods with vegetables and legumes form the heart of the emergency supply. They are nutritious, long shelf-stable (3-5 years), affordable, and versatile. Kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, corn, and tomatoes can be eaten cold or prepared warm. Buy varieties you actually eat in everyday life — in a stressful situation you do not want to eat unfamiliar foods. Store cans cool and dry and check regularly for damage or swollen lids, which indicate spoilage.

• Pasta / Rice / Muesli (dry)Essential

  Pasta, rice, and muesli are calorie-rich, very long-lasting staple foods. One person needs approximately 400g of dry food per day for full calorie supply. Vacuum-packed or airtight jar-stored dry goods last for years. Muesli without milk — left to soak in water — is a quick, energy-providing breakfast without cooking. Combine pasta with canned goods for simple emergency meals that require no refrigeration.

• Crispbread / RusksRecommended

  Crispbread and rusks are long shelf-stable alternatives to fresh bread, which starts to mould within days. They provide carbohydrates and fibre without refrigeration. Well packaged in an airtight tin or in the original cardboard, they keep for 12-24 months. Crispbread is versatile: combined with peanut butter, honey, or canned goods it forms a complete meal. Plan approximately 200g per person per day as the bread portion.

• Nuts & Dried FruitsRecommended

  Nuts and dried fruits provide concentrated energy, healthy fats, protein, and vitamins in compact form. They are ideal as a snack on the go, during an evacuation, or as a quick energy source without preparation. Almonds, walnuts, dates, apricots, and raisins are popular and nutritious options. Buy vacuum-packed or jar-stored varieties for maximum shelf life (up to 12 months). Be aware of allergies in your household.

• Sugar, Salt, FlourRecommended

  Sugar, salt, and flour are the basic ingredients that make many recipes possible and also serve important functions on their own. Salt is vital for the body and extends food shelf life. Sugar provides quick energy and enables home preserving. Flour can be prepared into simple flatbread on a gas stove. Store these basic ingredients in airtight containers, protected from moisture and pests.

• Cooking Oil / Fat (shelf-stable)Recommended

  Shelf-stable cooking oils and fats are important for cooking and provide concentrated energy plus fat-soluble vitamins. Coconut oil has a very long shelf life and is suitable for high temperatures. Olive oil is nutrient-rich and ideal for cold applications. Ghee (clarified butter) keeps for several months at room temperature. One litre of oil lasts for several weeks of normal cooking. Store oil in a cool, dark place — UV light accelerates oxidation.

Comfort & Extras

• Honey / JamOptional

  Honey and jam significantly improve quality of life in an emergency and provide energy. Honey has a virtually unlimited shelf life and possesses antibacterial properties. Shop-bought jam keeps 2-3 years sealed and several weeks once opened. Both work well as spreads on crispbread or for sweetening tea. When choosing your supplies, think about the preferences of all household members — comfort in a crisis is a genuine psychological stabiliser.

• Instant Coffee / TeaOptional

  Instant coffee and tea require only hot water and provide comfort, warmth, and in the case of coffee, a mental boost from caffeine. In a stressful situation, a warm drink can noticeably improve mood and wellbeing. Stock enough for all household members according to their preferences. Tea bags have a very long shelf life. Instant coffee stays fresh for 1-2 years sealed and is easy to measure out.

Special Needs

• Baby Food (if applicable)Essential

  Baby food is absolutely essential for households with infants or toddlers. Infants cannot switch to regular food — their nutrition depends on age-appropriate baby food. Always keep a 2-3 week supply appropriate to your child's current age. Remember bottles, teats, and sterilisation options. Strictly observe expiry dates on baby food and continuously replenish stock through rotation.

• Pet Food (if applicable)Recommended

  Pet food for household animals must not be forgotten in emergency supplies. Dogs and cats cannot switch to human emergency rations without risking digestive problems. Build up a two-week supply of species-appropriate pet food — dry food is easiest to store. Also think about species-specific medications, flea and tick treatments, and transport carriers. Pets are often a logistical challenge during evacuation — preparation helps enormously.