7 Foods to Keep in Your Car… and 1 Major "Safety Net"

Keeping an emergency food supply in your home is something we've emphasized for years.

But you probably don't spend all your time at home. Chances are you spend some time driving or riding in your vehicle.

Have you considered what would happen if your car broke down and roadside assistance wasn't available right away?

A storm or other extreme weather event could delay help. Some people have been stranded in their vehicles for more than 24 hours due to severe weather. You may get very hungry before assistance arrives.

Here are seven foods and beverages you should keep in your car at all times. These are all shelf-stable items, but I'll also share something that can keep perishable foods safe—and maybe even save a life.

Water

Let's start with the most important one: water.

For home storage, there are better and cheaper options than bottled water. But for your car, water bottles work well.

You may need between 5 and 8 bottles of water per day, so decide how many to keep in your vehicle.

Being stranded is stressful enough. You don't want to add dehydration to the mix.

Food Bars & Trail Mix

Compact but packed with protein and energy, food bars and trail mix are great survival foods.

Food bars, including granola bars, come in a variety of flavors. Some have too much sugar, so check labels.

Trail mix provides good carbohydrates and fats, along with antioxidants from raisins or craisins. Some mixes include chocolate for an extra boost.

Dried Fruits & Meats

Fresh fruit is great, but freeze-dried fruit is a close second. It's easy to store and packed with fiber and essential vitamins.

Dried meats like beef jerky have long shelf lives and are ideal for emergencies. Other options include turkey, venison, and chicken jerky.

Individually vacuum-sealed portions prevent exposure to air, keeping them fresh longer.

Assorted Nuts & Nut Butter Pouches

Nuts provide protein, fiber, and healthy fats. A mix of peanuts, walnuts, almonds, cashews, and other nuts ensures variety.

Nut butters, like peanut or almond butter, are another great option. Single-serve pouches are convenient and easy to store.

Freedom Fridge

Another survival item for your car is the Freedom Fridge from 4Patriots.

Weighing just 17 pounds, this portable fridge can cool or heat food, so you don’t have to rely only on shelf-stable items. It runs for up to 30,000 hours over its lifetime.

Perfect for emergencies, road trips, camping, or even sporting events, the Freedom Fridge can also keep medicine cold when needed.

It even features a USB outlet, allowing you to power up your phone, GPS, flashlight, or radio.