If you've started researching emergency food storage, you've almost certainly encountered the term "#10 can." It's the workhorse of long-term food storage — but most people don't know how many servings are actually inside one, or how to calculate how many they need. Let's break it all down.
What Is a #10 Can?
A #10 can (pronounced "number ten") is a large steel food-grade container that holds approximately 109 fluid ounces or about 13 cups of food. It's the same size you see in commercial restaurants and institutional kitchens. For emergency food storage, #10 cans are filled with nitrogen-flushed, sealed freeze-dried or dehydrated food — protecting contents from oxygen and moisture for up to 25–30 years.
How Many Servings Are in One #10 Can?
This is where most people get confused. The serving count varies dramatically by product:
| Product Type | Typical Servings per Can | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Freeze-dried entrees (e.g., beef stroganoff) | 10–15 | 250–400 |
| Freeze-dried fruit | 18–30 | 50–100 |
| Dehydrated vegetables | 40–130 | 25–60 |
| Milk powder | 35–45 | 80–120 |
| Grains/rice/beans | 50–300+ | 200–350 |
Important: Always look at calories per can, not just serving count. A can with 100 servings at 40 calories each is very different from one with 15 servings at 350 calories each.
How Many #10 Cans Does Your Family Need?
The USDA recommends 2,000–2,500 calories per day for adults. Here's a basic calculator:
Formula: (People × 2,000 cal/day × Days) ÷ Average calories per can = Number of cans needed
Example: 4 people × 30 days = 240,000 calories ÷ 3,000 cal/can average = 80 cans for 1 month
Best #10 Can Products to Start With
👉 Mountain House Freeze-Dried Shredded Beef – 6 #10 Cans, 17 Servings Each
👉 Mountain House Mac and Cheese – #10 Can, Comfort Food with 25-Year Shelf Life
👉 Country Fresh Instant Nonfat Dry Milk – 39 Servings per Can
👉 Dehydrated Chopped Onions – 130 Servings per Can (essential flavor staple)
👉 Dehydrated Diced Carrots – 216 Servings per Can
Tips for Storing #10 Cans
- Store on shelves (not the floor) in a cool, dark, dry location
- Ideal temperature: 55–70°F
- Label each can with the purchase date and expected use-by date
- Once opened, transfer remaining contents to an airtight container and use within 1–2 weeks