What food to buy during the Pandemic?

AllasYummyFood
AllasYummyFood
Oct 22, 2026

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Hello everyone, I had a lot of questions about what food we should stock up on during the 14-week quarantine. PLEASE READ FULL BLOG POST HERE: https://www.allasyummyfood.com/blog/what-food-to-buy-during-the-corona-virus

The main food you should think about getting are things that are nonperishable and last months in the freezer or without a freezer. Just remember that there's no need to buy out the stock at your local grocery store. So only purchase what you actually need.

Healthy food to buy for your pantry:
Beans and legumes. Reach for these on your next trip to the store, because they're not only long-lasting but also a great starting point for a nutrient-rich meal. Beans and legumes are excellent shelf-stable sources of plant protein, Chickpeas or lentils for example, can be mixed with salads and pasta dishes, or used in soups and stews.

Canned fish. Canned or vacuum-packed protein sources like tuna or salmon are also highly nutritious and offer a boost of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Nut butters. These are a great source of protein and healthy fats, and pair well with lots of foods, from crackers and breads to apples and bananas. Sun butter, which is made from sunflower seeds, is appropriate for those with peanut or tree nut allergies.

Whole-wheat and bean pastas, quinoa and brown rice. These are the nutrient-rich grains to stock up on, and they can be used as a side dish or mixed with proteins and vegetables. High-fiber cereal. A high-fiber, high-protein dry cereal or muesli.

Canned, sugar-free fruits and vegetables. Stocking up on canned vegetables, canned fruit and applesauce without added sugar is also wise. Be sure to rinse canned vegetables to get rid of extra sodium. And don't forget canned or jarred tomato-based sauces.

Dried fruit, popcorn and yes, chocolate. Dried fruits like prunes, apricots, raisins, cranberries, figs are a sweet source of iron, fiber and antioxidants. They can be combined with nuts -- including my favorite, omega-3 rich walnuts -- or almonds, cashews, pistachios, peanuts or pecans. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are also a tasty nutritious option, and can be used for DIY trail mixes. Popcorn is also a great source of fiber, and you can sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top to turn it into a savory snack or add dried fruit or mini chocolate chips for added sweetness. You can even indulge in a stash of chocolate, though the healthiest kind is dark chocolate, which is rich in anti-aging flavanols. It is certainly okay to incorporate a few indulgent foods, like chocolates or other sweets, especially during stressful times.

Water, shelf-stable milk and coffee. Remember, in addition to stocking up on foods it's important to stay hydrated. The general rule of thumb for emergencies is to store at least one gallon - 5 litres of water per person. However, if you typically drink tap water or have some sort of filter, I wouldn't worry about buying copious amounts of water.

Milk. Having a shelf-stable milk or plant beverage on hand isn't a bad idea if you don't want to or cannot venture out to the grocery store.

What to buy for your freezer:
Bread, deli meat and fresh seafood. Take full advantage of your freezer, including for foods that freeze well but that you might not typically freeze, such as milk, deli meats and bread. I only recommend freezing shredded cheese that you plan to use in cooking, such as packaged shredded mozzarella. Hard cheese, like Parmesan, can keep in the refrigerator for weeks though. Additionally, if you already have fresh fish and meat, consider freezing it. Animal proteins like seafood, poultry, and beef hold well in a freezer -- typically for a few months.

Additional fruits and vegetables. Frozen strawberries, blueberries and peaches can be used for smoothies, while spinach, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, asparagus and green beans can be used as a solo side dish or mixed with pasta or rice. Packaged foods help meet the nutrition needs of many of us, including vegetarians, as well as those who have special dietary restrictions. For vegans and vegetarians, packaged alternatives are a good option, including items such as frozen bean burritos, frozen veggie burgers and frozen veggie pizza.

THE LIST:
Coconut oil, butter, oil
Musli, oats
vinegar - food preservation, flavoring, tenderizing, antibacterial, cleaning and MANY other uses!
Nut butter
Dry beans, lentils, pulses, rice all sorts of grains
Frozen meat and fish
Canned fish, such as tuna, salmon, or sardines. Tuna and salmon are also available in shelf-stable pouches.
Beef or fish jerky
Dried or canned fruit
Dehydrated or canned vegetables
Canned beans
Unsalted nuts and seeds
Whole-grain crackers
You can freeze bread, cheese
Protein and/or energy bars
Milk or nondairy alternatives in shelf-stable packaging
Alcohol - vodka, spirits
Pet food and baby food
Medications