We all know that not every survival food is created equal. Calories and shelf life matter, of course, but experienced preppers understand that sustaining health over time requires more than just anything that won’t spoil. It’s easy to lean on traditional favorites because of their reputation, but reputations don’t always tell the whole story.
I dare to say it: pemmican isn’t as great as you might think. There are plenty of reasons for this, and after talking with a nutritionist who specializes in survival prepping, it’s clear that if you want to safeguard your long-term nutrition, there are far better options. I’m not saying pemmican shouldn’t have a place in your stockpile, because it still provides calories and is shelf-stable, but it isn’t the wonder food many preppers believe it to be.
That’s why it’s worth taking a hard, honest look at what pemmican truly offers and what it doesn’t before relying on it as the cornerstone of your prepper pantry.
The Nutritional Reality of Pemmican
Pemmican’s appeal is obvious: high calories, fat-dense, and long-lasting. Yet, beneath that rugged exterior lies a food with serious shortcomings for modern survival.
Its composition, which primarily consists of dried meat and rendered fat, leaves significant gaps in essential nutrition.
Fiber is virtually absent
For preppers relying on long-term stockpiles, fiber shouldn’t be a trivial concern. This nutrient is essential for digestion, metabolic stability, and overall gut health.
A diet centered around pemmican alone can lead to sluggish digestion and a decrease in nutrient absorption over time.
Vitamins and minerals are sparse
Even when berries are included, their contribution is minimal, providing only trace amounts of vitamin C, potassium, or magnesium. Therefore, micronutrient deficiencies can creep up subtly, weakening immune resilience and energy levels during extended emergencies.
Fat content is another red flag
Pemmican is overwhelmingly saturated fat. While that delivers short-term energy, sustained intake can tax the cardiovascular system, a real consideration for preppers who are mindful of age-related health risks. Instead, take into consideration alternatives that provide healthier fats, such as nuts and seeds, nut butters, avocado oil, and fatty fish like canned salmon or sardines.
Complex carbs are absent
Carbohydrates are virtually nonexistent in traditional pemmican. Its focus on dried meat and rendered fat means there’s little to no source of energy from complex carbs.
Without carbs, the body must rely entirely on fat for fuel, which can lead to energy fluctuations, mental fatigue, and quicker depletion of glycogen stores during intense activity.
To make the meal more balanced, it’s necessary to pair it with rice, oats, or other carbohydrate sources.
Otherwise, you will lack the quick-access energy needed for prolonged exertion, and your body may struggle to maintain endurance, focus, and overall performance during demanding situations.
So, when the grid goes down, having tried-and-true recipes ready can make all the difference. Click here to access over 30 survival-tested recipes and a complete 90-Day Meal Plan – carefully crafted and proven in real-world scenarios to keep you well-fed and prepared for anything.
Better than Pemmican Alternatives
These options provide a better mix of protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and micronutrients.
Dried beef
Drying beef is a time-honored preservation method, used for centuries by cultures around the world to create a lean, shelf-stable protein. When properly dried, vacuum-sealed, and stored in a cool, dark place, dried beef can last a year or even longer if frozen or stored in a buried fridge.
It’s not only convenient but versatile: rehydrated dried beef pairs perfectly with gravy, canned vegetables, rice, or legumes, turning simple pantry staples into a complete, balanced meal. Beyond protein, it supplies iron, zinc, and B vitamins – nutrients often missing in high-fat survival foods like pemmican.
To make dried beef last, it must be prepared using a carefully tested method that preserves both its nutrients and flavor.
For more information, watch this video below:
Oily Fish for Essential Fatty Acids
Shelf-stable oily fish like sardines, mackerel, and salmon bring a nutritional boost that pemmican lacks. Omega-3 fatty acids support heart health and cognitive function, both crucial for older preppers.
Additionally, these fish contain vitamin D and selenium, which help maintain immunity and overall metabolic health during prolonged storage or consumption. They can be eaten straight from the can or incorporated into hearty soups and stews.
Preserved Eggs
Preserved eggs, such as salted, pickled, or century eggs, are treated to extend their shelf life while maintaining their protein and nutrient content.
Unlike pemmican, which is extremely high in saturated fat and low in other nutrients, preserved eggs provide complete protein, essential vitamins like B12 and choline, and healthy fats. They are also versatile – eaten on their own, chopped into dishes, or added to soups and stews.
We’ve put several preserved egg recipes to the test, and they consistently deliver both flavor and lasting nutritional value. To discover this recipe, CLICK HERE and see how easy it is to add this nutritious, long-lasting protein to your stockpile.
Lentils for Steady Energy
As most of you know, lentils are lightweight, long-lasting, and pack a powerful nutritional punch.
Rich in protein, fiber, and minerals such as iron and magnesium, they provide sustained energy without the crashes that high-fat-only foods can cause.
In the long run, lentils are a good addition to other canned or freeze-dried proteins, making every meal balanced and filling.
Beans for Fiber and Protein
Dry beans like black, kidney, and navy offer both protein and complex carbohydrates, helping maintain energy levels over extended periods.
High in fiber, they complement proteins from canned or freeze-dried sources and aid in digestion, something that’s entirely missing in a pemmican-centered diet.
The best part is that with proper rotation and storage, beans can last a lifetime. There’s no wonder they are a staple food in every prepper’s pantry.
Hamburger in a Bag
Modern freeze-dried ground beef, sometimes called “burger in a bag,” traces its roots to early preservation methods used by explorers and the military to keep meat edible on long journeys. Today’s versions are lightweight, shelf-stable, and packed with high-quality protein while keeping fat content moderate.
A typical serving delivers essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and energy, along with iron, zinc, and B vitamins, nutrients often lacking in traditional survival rations like pemmican. Rehydrating freeze-dried beef is simple and quick, and it blends seamlessly into soups, stews, chili, or even casseroles.
Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)
Most likely, plant-based proteins aren’t at the top of every prepper’s list, but they deserve serious consideration when it comes to nutrition and long-term storage.
Compared to pemmican, textured vegetable protein (TVP) offers a leaner, protein-rich alternative without the heavy fat content, while still providing essential amino acids when paired with grains or legumes.
Made from soy, it delivers protein efficiently, absorbs flavors readily, and rehydrates quickly. Preppers who prioritize lightweight, nutrient-dense options often rotate TVP into their stockpiles alongside canned and freeze-dried meats.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds such as almonds, hazelnuts, pumpkin or sunflower provide a mix of healthy fats, protein, and essential micronutrients.
Unlike pemmican’s saturated fat-heavy profile, these nuts and seeds deliver monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, supporting heart health. They’re also rich in magnesium, vitamin E, and antioxidants, which are especially important for preppers maintaining long-term wellness in demanding situations.
👉The Only Seeds You Need to Stockpile for a Crisis
They can be incorporated into meals or snacks and can add variety, better nutrition and provide healthy fats that keep energy levels steady.
How to Create a Balanced Stockpile
The key to effective long-term stockpiling isn’t just calories, protein and fat, but finding balance. Because in a survival scenario, lack of nutrition can kill you faster than any threat. So instead of relying solely on pemmican, a robust prepper pantry combines canned proteins, freeze-dried meats, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Consider a week-long survival ration: a mix of canned chicken or turkey for protein, beans and lentils for complex carbs and fiber, powdered eggs for versatility and nutrient density, and a blend of nuts and seeds for healthy fats and essential micronutrients. This combination provides steady energy, maintains muscle and immune function, and supports cardiovascular health.
But keep in mind that building an stockpile means to understand how to preserve food properly – and one of the best ways to learn is from the Amish.
Eddie Shwartzentruber, author of The Amish Ways, reveals long-term preservation secrets, including techniques for drying beef, constructing an Amish root cellar, smoking meats, and even creating a buried fridge for use without electricity.
His methods combine traditional wisdom with practical, low-tech solutions that can help preppers store food safely, maintain nutrients, and extend shelf life.
Final Thoughts
Even though pemmican is a good choice for your pantry, there are other alternatives that might be a better choice for the long run. Because we shouldn’t underestimate the role of good nutrition and a varied diet, even in an off-grid scenario.
So, next time you update your stockpile, keep in mind that including a mix of protein sources, nutrient-rich foods, and long-lasting staples will not only sustain you but help you stay healthy, energized, and prepared for whatever comes your way.
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The key to effective long-term stockpiling isn’t just calories, protein and fat, but finding balance. Very true, pemmican had its place in years gone by and it is good to know about it but we have so many options today that are better cornerstones for our pantry storehouse. I think along the line of canned meat and fish, then canned fruits and veggies, and then rice & beans, with wheat and other grains in the mix. Your going to also want some dried milk and eggs. I keep some fats in the freezer but it is a small amount compared to what would be used in preparing pemmican. Everything in the above list is available in freeze-dried pouches when weight becomes an issue (bug out time). Right now I am having more fun with Anzac biscuits and changing up what seeds or nuts I add. Thanks ask a prepper for bringing that one to my attention.
Idiot me, I thought by clicking to see how to make dehydrated beef, that I would get to find out HOW TO DEHYDRATE BEEF. I thought I would need to click the link for ENDLESS COMMERCIAL if I wanted to see ENDLESS COMMERCIAL.
Boy was I wrong
They’re basically talking about making beef jerky. After you’ve driven off ALL the water, salted and vacuum sealed it jerky should last you at least 2 years. Here’s how you do it.
Choose the right meat. Eye of round Top round Bottom round Sirloin tip Very lean brisket flats – Trim all visible fat — the less fat, the longer the storage life.
At least 1 tablespoon of salt per pound (450g) of meat.
Slice 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Be consistent.
Take the sliced, salted meat and put it into an oven for about 15 minutes at 165F.
Then turn the oven down to 155F for about 2-6 hours until the meat is firm, leathery. Bends and cracks but doesn’t snap.
You CAN do it in a dehydrator. Will take you longer. Why spend the extra money if you have a working oven.
Let it cool down COMPLETELY before packaging.
Vacuum seal it.
Throw it in the freezer.
Good for 2 years.
You’ll have a nice store of lean protein when the stores close. 🙂
Soy not that great for men, especially as you get older. It’s an estrogen mimic.
That’s why the Chinese are nearly extinct–they eat soy and become impotent.
CC
While there are some very strong manly Chinese men many of them do seem to be a bit……effeminate. Could be their DNA. Could be all the soy products they eat. Could be a combination. Could be something else. Myself, as a 75 yer old man have ENOUGH problems with declining testosterone levels. I don’t need to make it any worse by eating soy. Everyone has to make their own choices. If you want to eat things like tofu; go for it. Not for me. I’d rather stick to plenty of protein like steak and eggs. Beans and rice. Carbs. A little fat. Some veggies. And exercise as much as I can. Helps to keep me young and strong. 😉
I’m not sure sure but i think China has a limit on how many kid they can have. Something like that. Due to over population concerns.
informative information that is good to know
Sorry, but your nutritionist has got it wrong, and therefore a large chunk of the article also becomes misinformed and less useful.
The biggest error is the mention of necessary complex carbohydrates. This is provably and will understood to be FALSE. People have thrived for 10s of thousands of years without any carbohydrates.
The second error is the requirement for fiber. Also false. The human body needs ZERO fiber to be healthy.
The third is that saturated fats only provide short term energy. Nonsense. Anyone who is healthy (fat adapted, working liver) can create all the energy they need short and long term from ketones and glucose created by the liver from digesting primarily fats and some proteins.
Short term – no fibre – you can get away with it
Long term – no – and here’s why
No fibre –
Constipation
Hard stools
Greater risk of bowel obstruction in vulnerable people
Fibre feeds the “good bacteria” in your gut.
Without it:
Microbiome diversity drops
Butyrate (a protective fatty acid) decreases
Long-term colon health may suffer
Fibre helps:
Lower LDL cholesterol
Slow sugar absorption
Without it, you may see:
Higher cholesterol
More blood-sugar spikes (especially if carbs are eaten)
Fibre helps you feel full.
No fibre =
Higher caloric intake
Easier to gain weight
High fibre diets are strongly associated with lower rates of:
Diverticulosis
Haemorrhoids
Colon cancer over decades
Cutting fibre entirely removes these protective effects.
You’re right that humans can survive without fiber, but studies show that long-term lack of fiber can lead to serious digestive issues, including chronic constipation, hemorrhoids, and increased risk of colon problems. In a SHTF scenario, trying to rely solely on pemmican or a zero-fiber diet could leave you crippled by digestive problems before anything else becomes a threat.
I like this article because it addresses the need for a well balanced diet for a healthy long term survival life . I’m not sure , but if you ask any person in there nineties what is their secrets to long life is…good food is probably in the top five .As I’ve grown older i have changed my eating habits many times to alimanate health issues.I’m beginning my 70’s and still do not require any full time med’s . Knock on wood . As a level 5 urban prepper i’ve been able to focus on what i have currently lying around in my food cabinet’s to eat now..I have upgraded my can soups to soups that have 24g of protein instead of 3g of protein per serving .Experimenting with minute rice and adding wheat germ and bran .Any thing to boost the protein, fiber , mineral of the food you currently eat , should be a bonus for if you get caught in a shtf event .
Interesting. I’ve been of the opinion that pemmican was awesome, and more or less nutritionally complete. While pemmican remains one of my important things to get to eventually, it’s good to have food diversity.
We’ve had some recent family events, and have had to start limiting sodium for a more heart-healthy diet for one adult member. The fact that they have cyclic vomiting syndrome and are only able to eat something when they crave that something complicated it enough for the last 6 years, but now we have to battle congestive heart failure also.
This is an understandable challenge when we consider stocking SHTF food, much of which is loaded with sodium.
Pemmican used to be made with bison and bison fat, mixed in was the aeronia berry (aka choke berry)…not beef and beef fat, mixed with blueberry. The pemmican then was much more nutritious, used as a portable food, winter food, and bartered as there was such an abundance of bison. Usually anything fresh was eaten first, pemmican as supplementary, pretty much the way it will be if the SHTF. Many of the native foods were erased because they weren’t profitable. Beef, corn, and wheat came with the Europeans diet.