The UK government has urged the public to include more long-life products in their food supplies to prepare for potential disruptions in the food supply chain. Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle warned that climate change, alongside factors like cyber-attacks, disease outbreaks, and conflicts, could impact the availability of goods. Nutrition experts suggest prioritizing complex carbohydrates—such as oats, rice, pasta, and whole-grain cereals—and proteins, including canned pulses like chickpeas and lentils, nuts, and canned oily fish like sardines or mackerel. Long-life milk, tinned fruit, and pickled vegetables are also recommended. Experts advise against items with high salt or sugar content, such as canned goods in brine or syrup, instant noodles, and processed meats like corned beef or sausages. Dietitians emphasize that canned food can serve as a nutritious component of a healthy diet, noting that while the canning process may slightly reduce levels of vitamins B and C, macronutrients remain comparable to fresh produce. To improve palatability of shelf-stable goods, residents are encouraged to keep spices, dried herbs, and salt in their pantry.
