Canned seafood is one of my favorite storable food options when it comes to prepping. That being said, I am not the biggest fan of canned seafood in my day to day life. Some of the Italian dishes I make feature anchovies, but aside from that I don’t really eat sardines or mackerel or tuna in my daily life. Anchovies would have to be my favorite, but it is a rare occasion where I crack open a can and just eat them. I think the only times that I do its because of a motivation to get more omega 3 fatty acids in my system, not because I enjoy eating them for pleasure.
Here’s the thing though……..when it comes to shelf life and nutritional value canned seafood is hard to beat. They really pack a punch in nutrients. Chances are you’ll be experiencing some inflammation in your body during the stressful times of survival, and eating foods that are very high in omega 3 fatty acids will help to counteract that.
You’ll also need the many nutrients that canned fish provide when you are in high gear constantly and enduring physical and mental stress. Small canned fish like sardines and tuna have an abundance of zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, magnesium, selenium, potassium and countless other essential nutrients. This will have you performing at your best when every move counts.
While the shelf life might not be as long as some survival foods we discuss on this site like pemmican or freeze dried foods, most canned fish have a best by date at least 3 years into the future. If you shop around you can certainly find some cans with a longer shelf life than that.
If we manage to go 2 and a half years without a calamitous situation arising, I will donate my cans of seafood to a homeless shelter and buy some new ones. With the cost being so affordable, it won’t break the bank if I have to do that. I can feel good about helping people in need as well.
