7-day food stockpile list (UK): quantities for 1, 2 and 4 people
A ready-to-use shopping list for a week of no-cook meals during a power cut, with quantities by household size.
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| Item | 1 person | 2 people | 4 people | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottled water (litres) | 21 | 42 | 84 | 3L per person per day for drinking |
| Tinned fish or meat | 4 | 7 | 14 | Tuna, salmon, chicken, corned beef |
| Tinned beans or pulses | 4 | 7 | 14 | Baked beans, chickpeas, lentils |
| Tinned soup | 3 | 6 | 12 | Many can be eaten cold |
| Tinned fruit or veg | 4 | 7 | 14 | Peaches, sweetcorn, carrots |
| Crackers / oatcakes (packs) | 2 | 3 | 6 | Bread substitute |
| Cereal or cereal bars (packs) | 2 | 3 | 5 | Breakfast without cooking |
| UHT milk (1L cartons) | 3 | 5 | 9 | Or plant milk cartons |
| Nut butter (jars) | 1 | 2 | 3 | Protein, no cooking |
| Dried fruit and nuts (bags) | 2 | 3 | 5 | Snacks and energy |
| Ready-to-eat pouches | 3 | 6 | 12 | Rice, pasta, porridge |
| Treats (chocolate, biscuits) | 2 | 3 | 5 | Morale matters |
Add baby formula (ready-to-feed), pet food and any special diets. For the principles behind building a stockpile without panic buying, see this independent guide on how to stock up on food sensibly.
Frequently asked questions
How much food do I need for a 7-day stockpile?
Plan three simple no-cook meals and snacks per person per day for 7 days. As a guide, one person needs around 4 tins of protein, 4 tins of beans, 3 soups and 4 tins of fruit or veg, plus crackers, cereal, UHT milk and snacks, and 21 litres of drinking water.
What is the cheapest way to build a food stockpile in the UK?
Use supermarket own-brand tins and dried goods, buy a few extras each week, and choose multi-buys only on things you will eat anyway. Rotate stock so nothing is wasted.
Where should I store a food stockpile?
Somewhere cool, dry and dark: a cupboard, under the stairs or under a bed. Keep water off concrete floors and away from heat.
Updated 2026-10-28.