ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — As a winter storm approaches, many people rush to stock up on milk, bread, batteries and bottled water. But when the lights go out, and the kitchen goes quiet, a little imagination can still put a satisfying meal on the table.

These go beyond the usual sandwiches and crackers and are designed to be nutritious, no-cooking or minimal-prep options and fun or surprising while still being shelf-stable or edible cold.

No-cook & shelf-stable meals

  • Bean “Cowboy Caviar” or Bean Salads: Mix canned beans (black beans, chickpeas, white beans) with canned corn, diced canned peppers, olives, olive oil, vinegar or lime juice and dried herbs. Eat with crackers or tortilla chips.
  • Canned Fish Mezze: Use canned sardines, anchovies, tuna or salmon with olives, pickled veggies, capers and crackers — more like a charcuterie platter than a sandwich.
  • Smashed Chickpea or White Bean Dip: Mash canned chickpeas with olive oil, lemon juice, herbs and a pinch of salt. Serve with crackers or cucumber slices. Adds variety beyond standard peanut butter.
  • Gazpacho-Style Cold Soup: Combine canned diced tomatoes with diced canned veggies, olive oil, vinegar, salt/pepper and any fresh produce you have — cold soup with bold flavor and no power needed.
  • Canned Pasta Dishes Eaten Cold: Chef-style canned pastas (like canned ravioli or beef stew styles) can be eaten straight from the can cold — surprising texture and a quick, filling meal.

Fun and ‘unexpected’ snacks

  • Trail Mix Energy Balls: No-bake energy bites with oats, nut butter, honey, and dried fruit — long shelf life and portable.
  • Nut Butter + Fruit Wraps or Jars: Swap classic PB&J for wraps with almond/peanut butter, dried fruit and even pickles for a sweet-savory twist.
  • Pickled or Fermented Snacks: Jarred pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi or pickled beets add tang and probiotics with no need for refrigeration until opened.
  • Hard Cheeses & Charcuterie Board: Hard cheeses like Parmesan or aged cheddar can last days at room temp. Pair with cured olives, nuts, dried fruit and crackers.
  • Bean and Veggie Wraps with Lettuce “Taco Shells”: Use large leafy greens (romaine, collard) as wraps filled with canned beans and veggies — grain-free and refreshing.

Drinks & simple hydration boosters

  • Electrolyte Powder Packets: Shelf-stable hydration mixes (just add water) can boost energy and hydration when you’re less active and indoors.
  • Bottled Juices + Shelf-Stable Milk Alternatives: Shelf-stable boxed milks (almond, oat, soy) and fruit juices add variety and calories without needing refrigeration until opened.

If you can heat without power

These cook quickly and safely even in cold conditions:

  • Hot dogs & sausages (bratwurst, kielbasa, chicken sausage)
  • Pre-cooked sausages (just reheat, less fuel needed)
  • Boneless chicken thighs (more forgiving than breasts)
  • Thin-cut pork chops
  • Hamburger patties (fresh or frozen)
  • Marinated tofu or tempeh (plant-based, grills quickly)
  • Canned Spam or luncheon meat (slice and grill — surprisingly popular in outages)

Hearty Foil-Packet Foods (Minimal Cleanup)

Wrap in foil and place directly on the grill:

  • Potatoes + onions + oil + seasoning
  • Sweet potatoes (whole or sliced)
  • Canned green beans or corn (drained, seasoned)
  • Pre-cut frozen vegetables (cook straight from frozen)
  • Sliced sausage + peppers + onions (one-packet meal)

Tip: Foil packets are ideal when grills struggle to stay hot in freezing temps.

Quick safety & planning tips

  • Eat perishable refrigerated foods first — they only stay safe ~4 hours after power loss.
  • Keep fresh produce and sealed shelf-stable foods ready for quick meals.
  • Don’t rely on outdoor cold (snow) to keep food safe — temps fluctuate and may not stay in the safe zone.