Complete emergency food supply

Emergency food: what to buy and store. Build a long-lasting food supply adapted to the Portuguese reality.

Key principle: store what you already eat regularly and rotate stock using the FIFO method (first in, first out). Avoid very salty foods that increase water consumption. Prioritise foods that do not need refrigeration and have a long shelf life without compromising nutritional value.

Short term: up to 1 week

This is the minimum supply every household should have. It focuses on ready-to-eat foods or items that require minimal preparation.

Food Quantity per person Shelf life Notes
Bottled water 14-21 L 1-2 years Prefer sealed 5 or 6 L jugs. Essential for drinking and cooking
Canned tuna or sardines 6-8 tins 3-5 years Essential protein, easy to eat. Vary between tuna in water and in olive oil
Canned pulses 4-6 tins 2-5 years Chickpeas, beans, lentils. Fibre and plant-based protein
Crackers or plain biscuits 3-4 packs 6-12 months Maria biscuits, wholemeal or crackers. Quick carbohydrates
Energy bars 7-10 units 6-12 months Practical for transport and quick consumption
Dried fruit and nuts 500 g 6-12 months Walnuts, almonds, raisins. Healthy fats and energy
UHT milk 3-4 L 6-9 months Or powdered milk as a longer-lasting alternative
Instant soups 5-7 units 1-2 years Only require hot water. Comfort and hydration
Jam or honey 2 jars 1-3 years Quick energy. Honey has a virtually unlimited shelf life
Chocolate 3-4 bars 1-2 years Important for morale and quick energy
Baby food As needed 1-2 years Essential if you have young children

Medium term: 1 month

For extended self-sufficiency, add basic ingredients that allow you to cook full meals. These products have excellent durability and a low cost per serving.

Food Quantity per person Shelf life Notes
Rice 3-5 kg 2+ years Store in an airtight container. The base of many meals
Pasta 3-5 kg 2+ years Vary the shapes: spaghetti, penne, fusilli
Flour 2 kg 1 year For making basic bread or thickening sauces
Olive oil 2 L 1-2 years A staple of Portuguese cooking. Store in a dark place
Salt and sugar 1 kg each Indefinite Will not spoil if kept dry
Assorted canned goods 20-30 tins 2-5 years Vary: meat, fish, vegetables, fruit in syrup
Dried pulses 2-3 kg 2+ years Beans, chickpeas, lentils. Require soaking and cooking
Coffee or tea 500 g or 50 teabags 1-2 years Psychological comfort is important during stressful situations
Powdered milk 1 kg 1-2 years Lasts longer than UHT milk. Reconstitutes easily
Tomato sauce 4-6 tins 1-2 years Base for pasta sauces and other dishes

Emergency cooking equipment

Without electricity or mains gas, you will need alternative equipment for cooking. Here are the most practical and affordable options available in Portugal.

Essential

Portable camping gas stove

15-25 EUR

Uses CV470 butane cartridges (standard fitting). One cartridge lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes on medium heat. For one week, you need 4-6 cartridges. Common brands: Campingaz Bistro, NJ-100. Lightweight, compact and easy to use. Perfect for extended emergency situations.

Where to buy: Decathlon (~18 EUR), Leroy Merlin, AKI, Continente, Sport Zone

Essential

CV470 butane gas cartridges

2-3 EUR each (pack of 4: ~8-12 EUR)

Compatible with most portable camping stoves. Store away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Do not use at temperatures below 5 degrees C (reduced performance). Always keeping 8-12 cartridges in stock ensures several weeks of self-sufficiency.

Where to buy: Decathlon, Leroy Merlin, Auchan, Continente

Optional

Alcohol or wood-burning stove (alternative)

15-30 EUR

Trangia-type or rocket stove. Does not depend on cartridges. Runs on ethyl alcohol, firewood or pine cones. Ideal as a backup for those with access to firewood or living in rural areas. Slower than gas but completely self-sufficient.

Where to buy: Amazon.es, Decathlon, specialist camping shops

Essential

Manual tin opener

3-5 EUR

ESSENTIAL. Without electricity, electric tin openers will not work. Buy two and store them in different places. Choose sturdy stainless steel models. This is the most forgotten and most needed item when you have dozens of tins to open.

Where to buy: Any supermarket, Ikea, euro shops

Recommended

Camping cookware set

15-30 EUR

Pot + frying pan + lid in aluminium or stainless steel. Compact and stackable. Often includes a folding handle. Optimised for use with a portable stove. Lightweight and easy to clean with minimal water.

Where to buy: Decathlon (~15 EUR), Amazon.es, Sport Zone

Recommended

Insulated cool box

15-40 EUR

To keep food cold during power cuts. With pre-frozen ice packs, it maintains cold for up to 24-48 hours. Recommended capacity: 25-40 L for a family of 4. Essential if you have medication that requires refrigeration.

Where to buy: Decathlon, Leroy Merlin, hypermarkets

Storage tips

Ideal conditions: store food in a cool, dry and dark place. Use airtight containers for cereals and flour (protects against moisture and insects). Label everything with the purchase date. Practise FIFO rotation: first in, first out. Consume and replace regularly.
The three most forgotten items: do not forget the manual tin opener, the portable gas stove and enough water for cooking (allow approximately 2-3 L per day for food preparation). These are the three most forgotten items, and they become critical in a real emergency.
Start now: you do not need to buy everything at once. Each time you go to the supermarket, pick up 2-3 extra tins and a bottle of water. In two months you will have a solid supply without a major impact on your budget. The important thing is to start today.
Special needs: if you have babies, elderly family members or people with dietary restrictions at home, adapt your supply. Include baby food, gluten-free products or specific supplements. Do not forget pet food.