Supermarket Survival Kit: What to Buy to Prep

After a shocking power cut left millions without electricity, people across Spain rushed to supermarkets for ‘blackout-proof’ supplies – here’s what you need to stock to prep in case the next one strikes soon.

The EU’s survival kit – reimagined, Spanish supermarket-style

After the lights went out, panic set in – but so did memories of the famous European Commission-endorsed survival kit. Only this time, it wasn’t generators and torches people were talking about… it was food.

Forget fancy preppers – Spanish shoppers knew exactly what mattered most. Here are the top 11 emergency items that flew off the shelves faster than you could say “¡se fue la luz!”

1) Atún en aceite de oliva (Tinned Tuna in Olive Oil)

Score: 10/10

A blackout MVP. Packed with protein and omega-3s, no fridge or cooker needed. Just peel, eat and power on. It might not be great for you to eat too much of this, particularly if you’re feeding it to kids, as it does contain some mercury. But if you use it a few times a week it should be ok, specially if it’s short term. Just try to add other protein sources to your diet so you’re not overloading too much on mercury. 

2) Garbanzos cocidos en tarro (Cooked Chickpeas in a Jar)

Score: 10/10

Ready to eat, straight from the jar. Add to a salad (if you’re feeling fancy) or wolf down cold. Comfort carbs and plant protein galore. These are surprisingly cheap and tasty. They go really well with diced onions, tomatoes, fresh leaves and canned tuna. It’s a 5-minute prep protein-packed health bomb for emergencies, no cooking needed.   

3) Pan tostado integral (Wholegrain Toasted Bread)

Score: 10/10

Lasts for ages without going stale, making it the perfect crunchy companion to anything in a tin or jar. You can add peanut butter, jam, or tuna. Great for kids and grown-ups.

4) Mantequilla (Crema) de Cacahuete (Peanut Butter)

Score: 10/10

It’s cheap, healthy, and packed with healthy fats and proteins. It’s packed full of calories and doesn’t need a fridge. Buy it, stock it, keep it just in case.  

5) Jamon Serrano al vacío (Vacuum-packed Spanish Serrano Ham)

Score: 10/10

If you buy this, you can keep it out of the fridge. It’s tasty, satisfying and packed full of protein. You can eat it as is, or put it on bread. An excellent choice for blackouts and extreme situations.

6) Chorizo al vacío (Vacuum-packed Spanish Chorizo *not the cooking type, the cured type)

Score: 10/10

Again, this is absolutely brilliant, as it doesn’t need a fridge. It’s cured and vacuum-packed, so it keeps for ages. This type of meat is literally made for this type of situation.  

7) Barritas energéticas multicereales (Multigrain Energy Bars)

Score: 10/10

Small but mighty. Quick energy hits with a hint of chocolate joy (optional) – ideal for blackouts or bad mornings. Great for kids and adults as a sugary snack.

8) Frutos secos sin sal (Unsalted Mixed Nuts)

Score: 10/10

Packed with protein, good fats and shelf-stable smugness. It’s crisis mode brain food.

9) Leche en polvo (Coffee Mate – Powdered Milk)

Score: 10/10

Doesn’t need a fridge – ever. Mix with water, add to tea, coffee, or cereal, drink it cold, or use it as a protein boost when food options run low. Any brand will do.

10) Chocolate negro 72% (72% Dark Chocolate)

Score: 7/10

Mood-boosting, energy-giving, and blackout-friendly. A sweet weapon in any survivalist’s snack drawer. It’s full of antioxidants and great to give you a quick, comforting energy boost. Buy and store it. The only problems is it might not store well in times of heat. It might struggle in July and August in Spain. 

11) 5L Water Bottles or Jugs

Score: 10/10

It’s the most obvious and the most important. No water, no life. Experts recommend at least 2L per person per day.

With the Spanish government now under fire for allegedly knowing about power grid issues before the lights went out, people aren’t waiting for answers. They’re building their own bunker – one bar of chocolate and bottle of powdered milk at a time.

Don’t get left in the dark again…

Shop with purpose. So, whether you’re in Malaga or Madrid, get your cupboards blackout-ready – and maybe stash a torch too.

Stay tuned for more news for people living in Spain.

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