Doomsday Preppers Stash Treats Like Coffee and Chocolate for Emergencies

Familiar foods are important for morale and comfort in times of stress, say experts.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:35pm

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As the world faces growing uncertainty, the appeal of prepping has only increased. While stocking up on essentials like dried beans and bottled water is crucial, some doomsday preppers are also making room in their bunkers for comfort foods and small luxuries like coffee, chocolate, and homemade spices. Experts say these items can lift morale and provide a sense of normalcy during crises, even if they don't offer the same nutritional value as staple foods. Preppers are also turning to gardening and community-based disaster relief efforts to build resilience.

Why it matters

The COVID-19 pandemic made prepping go mainstream, as people realized the importance of being prepared for disruptions to regular life. With ongoing concerns about war, political instability, and the worsening climate crisis, the prepper mindset has only grown. While stocking up on essentials is crucial, experts say incorporating familiar, enjoyable foods can also be an important part of disaster preparedness, helping to maintain morale and a sense of normalcy during crises.

The details

Some preppers are stocking up on comfort foods and small luxuries like coffee, chocolate, and homemade spices in addition to essential supplies. These items may not be as nutritionally vital as staple foods, but they can lift morale and provide a sense of routine during emergencies. Preppers are also turning to gardening and community-based disaster relief efforts to build resilience, recognizing that existing food systems may be vulnerable to disruptions.

  • In 2024, 83% of respondents to a national household survey told FEMA they had recently taken at least three disaster preparedness actions, up from 57% the prior year.
  • Last year, a community organization in Big Stone Gap, Virginia hosted a disaster preparedness event just a few months after Hurricane Helene hit the area.

The players

Stephanie Rost

A collapsology researcher and Ph.D. student at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden who studies societal collapse and the need for individuals to take more responsibility for their own food security.

Scout Cardinal

A resident of rural Appalachia who grows vegetables in their home garden, including hearty staples as well as specialty spices they use in their cooking, as part of their disaster preparedness efforts.

Lonesome Pine Mutual Aid

A community organization based in Big Stone Gap, Virginia that has shifted its focus to disaster relief and preparedness after seeing how extreme weather has impacted the local area.

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What they’re saying

“Individuals are going to have to take more personal responsibility for their own food security and survival, much more than they do now.”

— Stephanie Rost, Collapsology researcher and Ph.D. student

“If you can store the cocoa and the sugar, I'm sure you can make yourself something chocolatey and sweet' in a pinch.”

— Stephanie Rost, Collapsology researcher and Ph.D. student

“We've been talking a lot as a group about the need for long-term disaster preparedness, because it's very clear by the prevalence and regularity of these events that they're not going to stop happening.”

— Scout Cardinal

What’s next

Lonesome Pine Mutual Aid plans to continue hosting disaster preparedness events in the Big Stone Gap area to help the community become more resilient.

The takeaway

As the world faces growing uncertainty, the prepper mindset has become more mainstream. While stocking up on essential supplies is crucial, incorporating familiar comfort foods and small luxuries can also be an important part of disaster preparedness, helping to maintain morale and a sense of normalcy during crises. Preppers are also turning to gardening and community-based relief efforts to build resilience in the face of an unpredictable future.