Pandemic Grocery List: What to Buy For Coronavirus Lockdown (UPDATED)
Pandemic Grocery List
UPDATE!
The coronavirus crisis is far from being over, as much as we would like to get on with our lives. Although the numbers or new cases and deaths have declined nationally, the virus continues its silent, and sometimes deadly, march across the United States.
Numbers you need to know today:
- 1,480,349: The number of people infected with the new coronavirus as of May 18, 2020
- 89,407: The number of deaths in the United States from the virus so far, according to CDC reports.
- 4.16 million: The number of coronavirus tests performed in the United States so far, according to reports from The COVID Tracking Project.
We’ve updated the grocery list for you! Check it out!
The aggressive spread of the novel coronavirus is changing the entire world. With some states taking lockdown measures and others declaring a state of emergency, life as we know it has taken a serious hit.
The authorities’ response to the pandemic has prompted a surge in panic and people’s sudden need to stockpile on food and other essential items. It’s a food frenzy like we’ve never seen before, with people spending hours queuing and hoarding whatever groceries they can get their hands on, despite officials urging them not to overbuy.
If you’re one of those hoarders, it’s time to stop! You don’t need to waste your money and frantically fill your fridge and freezer with items you don’t really need. To come to your aid in such unprecedented times, we’ve compiled a pandemic grocery list of nutrient-dense, shelf-stable items you should have during a 14-day coronavirus lockdown.
Also, don’t forget that you can order Ready to eat meal to your front door from here!
Pandemic Grocery List
Canned goods
Canned items are staple products to stock up on during many types of emergencies, even more so during a pandemic. When kept at a moderate temperature (about 75 degrees), they can practically remain edible for decades.
Canned veggies and fruits are a great way to ensure that you get sufficient amounts of the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function properly.
Fruit: Rich source of vitamin C. You should buy canned fruit with no added sugar. Keep it varied and opt for mixed bowls of canned peaches, pineapple, grapefruit and mandarins.
Vegetables: Canned vegetables such as corn, carrots, pumpkin or beet are packed with fiber, vitamin C and beta-carotene, to name a few nutrients, and quite versatile when it comes to the recipes they can be added to. Opt for low-sodium varieties.
Beans: All sorts of canned beans are a great source of plant protein. Look for products with no added salt or seasoning you might not like.
Ravioli: Unlike other types of canned pasta, cheese ravioli is low in sodium and saturated fats and high in carbs and protein.
Fish: Great source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. From tuna to salmon and sardines, canned fish can be a great addition to your lunch and dinner dishes.
Soups and chillis: Low-sodium and low-fat soups should not be absent from your pandemic pantry. Not when you can pair them with canned veggies and spices and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Pantry staples
Applesauce: Look for applesauce without any added sugar. It can be paired with muffins or other baked goods for a sweet, fiber-rich meal.
Quinoa: With 8 grams of protein per cup, these healthy and easy to prepare seeds make a great base for salads and grain bowls.
Pasta: This is a classic pantry staple that can be paired with various pantry items such as canned tomatoes for a delicious meal. A 1-pound box of dried pasta makes eight servings so do the math and see how many you need for your family in case of a lockdown.
Dried fruit: Dried fruits are not as hydrating as fresh fruits, but they are just as nutritious. They can be used to top cereals, yogurt or baked goods. Not to mention they last for a very long time.
Nuts and nut butter: Nuts and nut butters are loaded with heart-healthy fats, plant-based protein and essential minerals. They make great and delicious snacks, especially when stirred into oatmeal and yogurt. To be stored in the freezer for extended freshness.
Seeds: Think of chia, flax and hemp. They all have anti-inflammatory effects and provide alpha-linolenic fatty acids. To be stored in the refrigerator for extended freshness.
Frozen foods
Unlike canned items, frozen foods don’t last for decades so there’s no need to fill your freezer with too many of these items. Nevertheless, you should still have some, especially when frozen fruits and veggies have the same nutrients as their fresh counterparts.
Vegetables: Buy a variety of frozen veggies like peas, broccoli and spinach.
Fruit: Frozen fruit, such as cubed mango, peaches, berries are also full of vitamin C and great for smoothies and desserts.
Burritos: Basic bean burritos have a high protein content and incredibly easy to reheat.
Meat and poultry: Chicken breast, ground beef and ground turkey all freeze well and can be turned into a meal on their own or added to soups.
Frozen treats: Staying indoors for two weeks can be pretty nerve-racking. Ice cream can have an incredible effect on your stress levels, so don’t forget to add it to your list. No sugar added one, of course!
There has been an online rumor that you should avoid ice cream in the current coronavirus pandemic but there is no evidence to back this up, so enjoy.
