Can of Crisco Shortening for Survival: The Unlikely Emergency Essential You’re Overlooking
Let’s be honest — when you think about survival gear, Crisco shortening probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But here’s the thing: in a pinch, that humble can of vegetable shortening could be one of the most valuable items in your emergency kit Still holds up..
I’m not kidding. Day to day, while everyone’s stockpiling water and energy bars, there’s a quiet powerhouse sitting on grocery store shelves that deserves a spot in your bug-out bag. It’s cheap, it lasts forever, and it can keep you alive when the chips are down.
So, what exactly makes Crisco such a survival MVP? Let’s dig in.
What Is Crisco Shortening (And Why Does It Matter?)
Crisco isn’t just another cooking ingredient. It’s a processed vegetable oil that’s been hydrogenated into a solid form — which means it’s shelf-stable, calorie-dense, and incredibly versatile. Unlike butter or other animal fats, it won’t go rancid quickly, and it doesn’t require refrigeration Simple, but easy to overlook..
In survival terms, that’s gold. When you’re facing an extended emergency or stuck in the wilderness, having a reliable source of fat and calories can mean the difference between staying sharp and crashing hard. Crisco delivers roughly 115 calories per tablespoon, with zero water content — meaning every gram counts toward keeping your energy up Most people skip this — try not to..
But here’s what most people miss: Crisco isn’t just about eating. Even so, it’s a multi-tool in a can. From fire starting to first aid, it has uses that extend far beyond the frying pan.
A Quick Note on Nutrition
Before we go further, let’s address the elephant in the room. But in a survival scenario, perfection isn’t the goal — sustainability is. Because of that, it’s high in fat, low in protein, and offers minimal vitamins or minerals. Crisco isn’t exactly a health food. Your body needs fat to function, especially under stress, and Crisco provides that in spades The details matter here..
Why It Matters for Survival (Spoiler: It’s More Than Just Calories)
When you’re in a survival situation, your priorities shift fast. Shelter, water, and fire become your holy trinity. Because of that, food drops down the list, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore it entirely. Without adequate calories, your mental clarity suffers, your strength fades, and your ability to make smart decisions crumbles Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
Crisco helps bridge that gap. Here’s why:
- High calorie density: At 115 calories per tablespoon, a small amount goes a long way. That’s crucial when you’re rationing supplies.
- Long shelf life: Unopened cans can last years without spoiling, making it perfect for emergency stockpiles.
- No refrigeration needed: Unlike many foods, Crisco stays stable at room temperature.
- Versatility: It’s not just food — it’s a tool for fire, lubrication, and more.
And here’s the kicker: it’s affordable. So for under $5, you can get a can that might save your life. Try finding another survival item with that kind of ROI Which is the point..
How Crisco Can Save Your Bacon (Literally and Figuratively)
Let’s get practical. Here are the ways Crisco can pull you through when things go sideways.
Cooking and Calories
First and foremost, Crisco is a cooking fat. That said, you can fry, bake, or mix it into other foods to boost calorie intake. So in a survival situation, that’s huge. Your body needs fat to process protein and absorb nutrients — and Crisco delivers No workaround needed..
Mix it into wild edibles like cattail roots or acorns to make them more palatable and nutritious. Or use it to fry small game or
fish. The fat content makes it perfect for searing meat over an open flame, helping you lock in moisture and maximize nutrition. If you’re boiling water, drop a spoonful in to add calories without adding weight to your pack.
Fire Starting and Heat
Crisco might not be the first thing you think of when packing a fire kit, but it’s a surprisingly effective accelerant. Melt a bit and coat kindling with it before striking your flint and steel — the fat burns longer and hotter than dry wood alone. Think about it: you can even stuff a tin can full of Crisco-coated cotton balls and use it as a makeshift candle. One puck can keep a small fire going for hours, making it invaluable for warmth during cold nights or melting snow for water.
Honestly, this part trips people up more than it should Not complicated — just consistent..
First Aid and Protection
In a pinch, Crisco works as an antiseptic ointment. It’s also a decent lubricant for splintering wood or easing stiff hinges on a survival shelter. Its fatty acids have mild antibacterial properties, and it can form a protective barrier on cuts or scrapes. Rub some into your hands after handling raw meat to reduce the risk of transferring bacteria — it’s not ideal, but better than nothing.
Gear Maintenance
Your gear needs care in the wild. Also, crisco can waterproof rough-hewn tools or leather items. Coat a bandana with it to create a crude filter for dusty air, or rub it into fraying rope to temporarily reinforce it. While you shouldn’t rely on it long-term, it buys you time until you can make proper repairs Simple as that..
Storing and Sourcing
If you’re prepping an emergency kit, tuck a few single-serving packets or a small metal can into your pack. Here's the thing — they’re lightweight and won’t leak like some alternatives. Just be mindful of heat — in extreme temperatures, Crisco can melt or harden, so store it appropriately.
Final Thoughts
Crisco won’t win any nutrition awards, but in survival, function trumps form. Think about it: it’s a compact, shelf-stable source of dense calories, and its many uses beyond food make it a smart addition to any emergency supply. It won’t replace a well-rounded survival plan, but when everything else is on the fritz, Crisco can help keep you alive, mobile, and sane. Keep a can in your kit, and you’re one step closer to making it home.
Still, a few cautions are worth noting before you make Crisco a standard part of your survival kit The details matter here..
Safety Notes
Crisco is useful, but it is not magic. It should never replace proper medical care, clean water, real food, or reliable shelter materials. In practice, if you’re using it on skin, keep it limited to minor dryness or very shallow scrapes after the area has been cleaned. Do not pack grease into deep wounds, burns, punctures, or infected cuts, as it can trap bacteria and make the injury worse.
Fire use also requires care. On the flip side, grease burns hot and can flare unexpectedly, especially when melted or spread on fabric. Keep it away from open flames until you’re ready to use it, and never throw a container of fat directly into a fire. Start small, control the fuel source, and keep water, dirt, or sand nearby in case the flames spread.
For food storage, remember that fat can go rancid over time, especially if exposed to heat, light, or air. Think about it: rotate your supply regularly, keep containers sealed, and avoid using anything that smells sour, stale, or off. In the field, Crisco can also attract animals, so store it carefully and away from your sleeping area.
Best Ways to Carry It
For everyday carry or a bug-out bag, small portions work better than a full tub. Also, reusable condiment cups, small tins, or sealed plastic containers can be packed tightly without taking up much space. If weight is a concern, bring only what you realistically need for your expected trip length.
A good setup might include:
- A small tin for fire-starting and emergency calories
- A few sealed packets for food or gear use
- A backup lighter or firesteel
- A basic first-aid kit
- Water purification tablets or a filter
That way, Crisco becomes one tool among many, not your entire survival strategy.
Final Verdict
Crisco is cheap, shelf-stable, calorie-dense, and surprisingly versatile in the wild. Also, it can help with cooking, fire-starting, gear protection, and short-term emergency needs when better options are unavailable. It is not a cure-all, and it should never be treated as a replacement for proper supplies, but it is one of those humble items that can earn its place in a well-prepared kit Not complicated — just consistent..
In survival, the best tools are often not the most glamorous. In real terms, they are the ones you already have, know how to use, and can adapt when conditions turn bad. A small container of Crisco may not look like much, but under the right circumstances, it could provide warmth, calories, protection, and a little extra time — and in a survival situation, time can be everything That's the part that actually makes a difference..
