Survival Fuel: The Highest Calorie Canned Foods to Keep You Going

Listen up, because if you’re serious about survival, then it’s time you get your priorities straight. In a world that’s steadily unraveling, you don’t have the luxury of underestimating one of the most vital elements of survival: food. Specifically, calorie-dense, shelf-stable, high-calorie canned foods that can keep you going when everything else goes to hell.

Let’s face it – you can stockpile all the freeze-dried meals and dehydrated nonsense you want, but nothing beats the reality of grabbing a can and opening it when you’re fighting for your life. You need calorie-dense foods that can give you the fuel to survive long after the supermarket shelves are bare, long after the power goes out and your fancy little electric stove becomes useless. In this world, you’ll want foods that are heavy in calories but light on fuss. There’s no room for weak food that doesn’t provide the punch you need to keep moving.

I’m talking about the highest-calorie canned foods. These are your survival fuel. Stock them now, because once it’s too late, it’ll be too damn late.

1. Canned Chili (with Beef)

If you want calories, get chili. Canned chili, especially with beef, is an absolute powerhouse. One can can pack upwards of 400–500 calories or more per serving. And I don’t care if it’s spicy or mild – it’s got protein, fat, and carbohydrates, all wrapped up in a nice, shelf-stable package that you can crack open and devour when the world has gone to hell.

2. Canned Chicken

If you’ve ever been in a survival situation, you know protein is a non-negotiable. Canned chicken is one of the best sources of meat you can get. A 12.5 oz can packs about 200-300 calories and is incredibly versatile. Throw it in a stew, mix it with some beans, or just eat it straight out of the can. It’s a total survival essential.

3. Canned Beef Stew

Canned beef stew is the real deal when it comes to high-calorie survival foods. It’s dense in calories because of the combination of beef, potatoes, carrots, and gravy. A hearty can will give you around 300–400 calories per serving, and the best part? It’ll keep you warm when the temperature drops, especially when there’s nothing else to cook with.

4. Canned Pork (Pulled Pork)

Canned pork, especially pulled pork, is an unsung hero. This stuff can pack a wallop in terms of calories. A single can can provide over 500–600 calories. You might not be able to find this in every store, but it’s worth the hunt. It’s fatty, filling, and it goes a long way.

5. Canned Salmon

If you’re a fan of fish and you need high-calorie options, canned salmon should be in your stash. A standard can of salmon can provide around 300–400 calories. It’s also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain function and keeping your body in top shape when you’re under stress.

6. Canned Spaghetti (with Meatballs)

Okay, hear me out. You might think canned spaghetti is a joke, but you’re wrong. It’s cheap, it’s available in bulk, and it’s calorie-dense. A standard can of spaghetti and meatballs can give you 400-500 calories in one sitting. So, when you’re hungry and tired, this is the kind of food you’ll be glad you stocked up on.

7. Canned Beans (Kidney, Black, Pinto, etc.)

Beans aren’t just cheap. They’re calorie-dense and packed with protein. If you’re looking to stock up, canned beans are your go-to. A can of beans can deliver 300–400 calories depending on the variety. They’re versatile, too—eat them alone, mix them into soups, or use them as a side with meat.

8. Canned Corn

Sweet corn is not only an excellent source of calories, but it also adds some variety to your survival food rotation. A standard can of corn can provide around 200–300 calories. It’s a great side dish to balance out the heavier protein-based meals, and it’ll keep your spirits up when you’re feeling desperate.

9. Canned Mac and Cheese

When the world’s falling apart, don’t forget to indulge a little. Canned mac and cheese is calorie-dense and comforting. You can expect to get around 350–450 calories from a can, depending on the brand. It’s filling, it’s warm, and it’s easy. Just don’t expect it to keep you lean.

10. Canned Hash

Canned hash is a cheap, calorie-packed meal that comes in a variety of options. Usually filled with potatoes, corned beef, or other hearty ingredients, a can of hash can provide anywhere from 350 to 500 calories. It’s easy to prepare and packs a punch.

11. Canned Stew (Beef, Lamb, or Chicken)

Similar to beef stew, canned versions of lamb or chicken stew are high in calories and great for long-term storage. These will provide upwards of 300–450 calories per serving. They’re filling and comforting, and you’ll need all the comfort you can get when survival mode is engaged.

12. Canned Fruit (in Syrup)

I get it—fruit isn’t exactly the first thing you think of when it comes to survival food. But canned fruit in syrup can actually pack a surprising amount of calories, especially in situations where you need something that doesn’t just fill you up but gives you some sugar for quick energy. A can can give you about 250–300 calories, so stock a few up for variety.

13. Canned Soups (with Cream or Fatty Broth)

Canned soups, particularly those with a cream base or fatty broth, can be high in calories. Some cans will pack up to 300–400 calories, depending on the soup’s contents. Stay away from the low-fat varieties – you need the full calorie punch for survival.

14. Canned Pasta (with Meat Sauce)

Canned pasta with meat sauce isn’t just for lazy nights. This stuff is a powerhouse of calories. Depending on the brand and the ingredients, you’re looking at 350–500 calories per can. It’s cheap, easy, and will keep you alive when times get tough.

15. Canned Ready-to-Eat Meals

There are a variety of pre-packaged, ready-to-eat meals in a can, like chili mac, beef stroganoff, or curry. These meals can provide upwards of 400–600 calories per can and are incredibly convenient in emergency situations. Stockpile these so you can avoid spending energy on food preparation.

15 Canned Food Survival Skills

1. Check Expiry Dates – Just because it’s canned doesn’t mean it lasts forever. Know your expiration dates, and rotate your stock regularly.
2. Heat Safely – You don’t need a stove to heat your cans. A campfire, portable burner, or even a car engine can serve as a makeshift heating source.
3. Preserve Properly – Store your cans in a cool, dry place. Heat and moisture can cause rust and degradation of the can’s seal.
4. Get Creative – Mix and match your canned goods. Don’t be afraid to throw together random items like canned chicken, beans, and chili for a one-pot survival meal.
5. Inspect the Can – Always check for dents, bulges, or rust. These are signs the can could be compromised and unsafe.
6. Can Openers Are Essential – Don’t assume you’ll have one when the grid goes down. Stock several manual can openers, or better yet, have a knife with you.
7. Don’t Forget the Liquid – Many canned foods, especially beans and vegetables, contain important liquids. Don’t dump it all out—use it for soups or stews.
8. Know When to Eat – Don’t let your cans sit too long. Once opened, consume within a day or two to avoid spoilage.
9. Create Balanced Meals – Canned food is often protein-heavy. Make sure to balance with canned vegetables and some carbs to keep your energy up.
10. Store Efficiently – Keep your cans in order of expiration, and make sure to have enough variety to avoid monotony in long-term survival.
11. Stock Calories, Not Just Volume – You want density, not just volume. Choose high-calorie options to ensure you get enough energy.
12. Repackage for Travel – If you’re bugging out, don’t carry the entire can. Repackage portions in smaller containers or bags for easier transport.
13. Don’t Rely on Just One Type – Relying on just one food type can be a disaster. Mix proteins, veggies, and carbohydrates to stay healthy.
14. Be Careful With Salt – Too much salt can make you thirsty and dehydrated, which is a problem in survival. Be mindful of the sodium content.
15. Get Creative with Leftovers – If you have leftover canned food, make sure you know how to reuse it for other meals. Leftover chili can become soup, for example.

3 DIY Canned Food Survival Hacks

1. DIY Canned Food Heater – If you’re stuck without a way to heat your food, create a small DIY heater using a few chemical heating pads or a small portable stove. These can be used to quickly warm your cans without wasting precious fuel.
2. Make a Canned Food Soup – Combine multiple cans into one hearty soup. Mix chili, beans, corn, and meat to create a filling meal with whatever you have on hand.
3. Canned Food Jerky – Stripped-down meats like canned chicken or beef can be dried out further over a fire to create DIY jerky. It’s a great option for snacking and packing for long journeys.