20 Foods People Stocked Up on Before Storms in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s

People in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s would store food ahead of time for emergencies, storms, and poor power. This was before modern conveniences and fast delivery services became popular. These stockpiles held foods that wouldn't go bad and could last for days or weeks. The article looks back at 20 foods families often kept on hand to ensure they would be safe and fed during bad weather.

Tricia Quitales
April 4, 2025
6 min read

20 Foods People Stocked Up on Before Storms in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s — Markus Winkler on Pexels

As bad weather like hurricanes, blizzards, and floods happened more often, many families cooked foods that would last longer and not go bad. These foods were convenient, easy to store, and gave people the nutrients they needed when the power went out. People remember these old foods from a time when they had to be more self-sufficient during storms and other disasters.

1. Canned Soup

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Canned soup was a well-liked storm food in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. It was easy to heat on a stove or campfire and didn’t require much preparation. It was wonderful to keep in storm kits since it lasted a long time.

2. Canned Beans

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Canned beans were a common option for storm preparation since they are high in protein and endure quite a while. There were many varieties, and they were easy to consume straight from the can or warm up. Many families preferred them as a top pick since they were inexpensive and could feed a family.

3. Instant Oatmeal

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In the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, many people kept instant oatmeal in their kitchens to prepare for storms. Just add hot water to make it, and it’s ready to eat. It was a quick and healthy meal during an emergency. It is also kept well, which makes it useful for storing for a long time.

4. Canned Vegetables

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Canned vegetables were vital for storm preparedness since they complement other foods and last a long time. They were excellent for times when fresh food was not available, as they could be stored for months. They provided families with a good approach to guaranteeing they could still obtain the required nutrients.

5. Rice

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From the 1960s to the 1980s, rice was a must-have in most homes and an important part of emergency food supplies. Foods that last a long time and can feed many people, like rice, were great to stock up on. It was easy to make with few ingredients and was a reliable meal during storms.

6. Canned Tuna

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Canned tuna was a popular way to get protein before a storm. It was cheap, easy to store, and could be used in many dishes, such as sandwiches and tuna salad. It was also an important non-perishable food to have when the power went out.

7. Peanut Butter

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Peanut butter was a crowd favorite. It was known for staying fresh for a long time and being full of nutrients that gave you energy. It didn’t need to be chilled, which made it perfect for getting ready for a storm. It was also simple to eat, whether spread on crackers or bread or eaten straight from the jar.

8. Canned Chili

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Canned chili was another popular storm food in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. It was a hearty meal that was easy to heat up because it was full of meat, beans, and spices. Family after family chose it because it kept them warm and cozy during cold weather storms.

9. Canned Fruit

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Fruit in a can was important to many families’ storm preparations. It was tasty and healthy in ways that some canned foods might not be able to provide. You could store canned fruit for a long time because it stays fresh for a long time.

10. Instant Mashed Potatoes

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Instant mashed potatoes were popular because they were easy to make and didn’t take long. A hearty and comforting meal could be made with just hot water. Also, they were small, light, and easy to store for a long time.

11. Canned Stew

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People liked canned stew during storms because it was a full meal in a can. It contained meat, vegetables, and broth, making it a hearty and filling choice for when you need to eat quickly. The stew was easy to make and could be eaten right away after it was heated up.

12. Saltines Crackers

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People stocked up on saltines and crackers in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s because they were light and could last long. You could eat them as they are or with peanut butter, cheese, or meats from a can. Crackers were a source of carbs when there weren’t many other foods to choose from.

13. Granola Bars

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When they came out in the 1970s, granola bars quickly became a popular way to prepare for an emergency. They gave you quick energy and didn’t need to be prepared because they were full of oats, nuts, and sometimes chocolate. Adding granola bars to a storm stash was easy and took up little space.

14. Macaroni and Cheese (Boxed)

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Many people kept boxed macaroni and cheese in their storm gear because it was cheap and would last a long time. Boiled water and a few simple ingredients were all you needed to make it. Pasta and cheese made it a comfort food that could feed a family during a storm.

15. Dried Fruit

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People also bought a lot of dried fruit because it didn’t go bad quickly. Dried fruits like apples, raisins, and apricots are healthy and easy to carry around. You can eat them by themselves or add them to other foods. Because they kept for a long time, they were great for getting ready for storms.

16. Beef Jerky

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Beef jerky was a popular snack that was high in protein and didn’t need to be kept cold. You could eat it as a snack or add it to other foods to increase their protein content. Because it didn’t go bad for months, beef jerky was great for preparing for storms.

17. Spam

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During the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, many food stores sold Spam, which is canned meat. It could be used in many recipes, like sandwiches and casseroles, and could be eaten by itself. In an emergency when fresh meat wasn’t available, Spam came in very handy.

18. Powdered Milk

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For many families in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, powdered milk was an important food during the bad weather. It could be used in recipes or as a drink after being soaked in water. Powdered milk was useful because it didn’t need to be kept cold and could be used for a long time.

19. Pasta

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During storms, pasta, especially dried spaghetti, was often stocked. It was easy to store and quick to cook in boiling water, so it was a convenient way to eat. Pasta was often eaten with meats or sauces from a can to make filling meals.

20. Honey

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Honey was often used to store food for a long time because it naturally stays sweet and doesn’t go bad. People often put it in tea, baked goods, or just drank it on its own. Honey was a must-have in many homes during storms because it could be used in many ways and stayed fresh for years.