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The Ultimate List of Shelf-stable Foods to Keep Stocked in Your Camp Kitchen

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Packing food for camping can feel overwhelming, but I’ve found a simple solution: keeping a bin stocked with shelf-stable staples. It’s my go-to for both backpacking and car camping trips – just grab it, toss it in the car (or your backpack), and you’re good to go. Since everything inside is shelf-stable, there’s no need to repack it for every trip (besides restocking), saving you a bunch of time and effort.

While there are countless shelf-stable options available, some are better suited for certain camping styles. For example, canned goods are a fantastic choice for car camping but often too heavy for backpacking.

This ultimate list is designed to help you customize the perfect camp kitchen setup. Depending on your food preferences, camping style and gear, not everything here will be necessary, but it’s a great resource to build your own ideal list.

Pro Tip: Label your camp kitchen food bin with a list of your staples – it makes restocking quick and easy!

Note: Some items appear in multiple categories to reflect their versatility

Breakfast Staples

  • Oatmeal 
  • Granola or cereal
  • Powdered pancake mix (just add water)
  • Chia seeds (great for making pudding or adding to oatmeal and cereal)
  • Coffee and/or tea

Some of our recipes:

Drinks

  • Coffee (lightweight campers: consider instant or single-serve drip bags)
  • Tea bags or herbal teas
  • Hot chocolate mix
  • Apple cider mix
  • Electrolyte powders
  • Protein drink powder

Proteins

  • Canned or pouched (such as tuna, chicken, or salmon)
  • Jerky (beef, turkey, or plant-based)
  • Shelf-stable tofu
  • Seeds & nuts (raw, roasted and/or butter)
  • Dry lentils or beans (quick-cooking or pre-cooked in pouches for lightweight campers)
  • Instant bone-broth 
  • Powdered eggs 

Although I wouldn’t keep them stored in my grab and go bin, did you know that unwashed, farm fresh eggs are shelf-stable?

In North America, eggs must be refrigerated because they’re washed and sanitized before being sold, a process that removes their natural protective coating, known as the cuticle or bloom. Without this barrier, refrigeration is necessary to keep them safe. However, unwashed eggs don’t require refrigeration! Consider reaching out to local farmers to find fresh, unwashed eggs that are perfectly safe to store at room temperature.

Grains & Carbs

Your camping setup and style will determine whether instant grains and carbs are the way to go. If you have the time and equipment for longer cooking, feel free to pack non-instant versions from the list below!

 
  • Pasta or noodles. Include some quick-cooking options, such as:
    • Egg noodles
    • Rice/vermicelli noodles
    • Ramen noodles
  • Instant couscous
  • Instant quinoa 
  • Instant rice 
  • Instant or quick cooking potatoes (typically mashed or hashbrown style)
  • Tortillas, pitas, or bagels
  • Rice wraps 
  • Crackers 

Dairy & Alternatives

Dairy can be a bit tricky since most options aren’t shelf-stable—but don’t worry! There are plenty of alternatives perfect for fridge-free campouts.

 
  • Shelf-stable milk (dairy or plant-based)
    • Since these milks need to be refrigerated after opening, consider buying smaller or even individual serving sized containers.
  • Powdered milk or powdered creamers 
  • Ghee or shelf-stable butter packets
  • Powdered cheese
  • Freeze-dried cheese (such as MoonCheese)
  • Hard cheese (like Parmesan) or shelf-stable cheese (like Babybel)

Although I wouldn’t keep fresh cheese stored in my bin, did you know that hard aged cheese like parmesan are relatively shelf-stable? Wax sealed cheese like Babybels are too!

Dried & Dehydrated Foods

These aren’t just for backpackers—they’re a fantastic addition to all kinds of meals and snacks!

  • Dehydrated or freeze-dried fruits (such as apples, mangoes, bananas, etc.)
  • Dehydrated or freeze-dried vegetables (such as carrots, corn, onions, mushrooms, peas, bell peppers, etc.)
  • Dehydrated or freeze-dried proteins (such as jerky, ground beef, chicken, shrimp, beans, etc.)
  • Freeze-dried meals and snacks (from brands like Moon Cheese, Good 2 Go, Happy Yak)

Make sure to check out our “just add water” recipes (shelf-stable recipes for meals using ingredients found in most grocery stores)

Have a dehydrator? Check out our dehydrating recipes!

Snacks

When it comes to snacks, the possibilities are endless! Need a little inspiration? Here are a few go-to staples from my camp kitchen:

  • Popcorn
  • Energy bars (granola bars, protein bars)
  • Energy Gels & Chews
  • Trail mix 
  • Pretzels or chips
  • Rice cakes
  • Cookies
  • Chocolate
  • Marshmallows 

Canned, Jarred & Bag Sealed Foods

Canned and jarred goods might not be ideal for ultralight camping, but they’re a fantastic addition for other types of campouts, offering convenience and versatility for your camp kitchen.

 
  • Canned proteins, such as meats and beans
  • Canned vegetables, such as corn, green beans, tomatoes, etc.
  • Canned fruits, such as pears, pineapples, mandarin oranges, etc.  
  • Canned soups, stews or chili
  • Nut and seed spreads 
  • Sauces, such as tomato sauce, pasta sauce, curries, etc.

Staple Accompaniments (condiments, sauces, spices, etc)

The condiments and seasonings you pack will naturally vary depending on whether you’re backpacking or car camping. For backpacking, opt for lightweight, space-saving options like small refillable containers or single-serve packets. You can also repurpose those handy condiment packets from takeout for a convenient and portable solution!

  • Staple seasonings and spices, such as:
    • Salt
    • Pepper
    • Garlic powder
    • Paprika
    • Cinnamon
    • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Staple sauces, such as:
    • Ketchup
    • Mustard
    • Mayo
    • Hot sauce
    • Soy sauce
  • Sweeteners, such as:
    • Sugar
    • Honey
    • Maple Syrup
  • Accompaniments, such as:
    • Nut butters
    • Jams & jellies

Fats & Oils

  • Your preferred cooking oil (avocado, olive, coconut, canola, etc.)
  • Ghee or shelf-stable butter packets

Did you know? Ghee is clarified butter with a rich, delicious flavor, similar to regular butter but has a higher heat tolerance for cooking and is far more shelf-stable, making it perfect for camping or long-term storage!

Quick reference guide:

To simplify things, here’s a condensed list of the items mentioned above for your reference:

Download PDF

With your bin of shelf-stable essentials packed and ready to go, you’re already ahead of the game! Now, all that’s left is to pack any fresh items you plan to bring. This simple approach takes the stress out of packing, giving you more time to focus on enjoying your trip.

Still feeling overwhelmed by meal planning for your camping adventure? You’re not alone! Planning meals for the great outdoors can seem tricky, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Check out our post: How to Meal Plan for Outdoor Adventures Like a Pro for expert tips on meal planning. If you’re a backpacker or looking for lightweight options, check out How to Meal Plan and Pack Like a Pro: Backcountry Edition. 

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Give it a try—create your own camp kitchen staple bin and say goodbye to the stress of packing!

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The Foodie Behind the Screen

Hi there! I'm Bri.
I create and share nutritious and flavourful recipes for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

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