Getting prepared involves beginning an emergency food supply, which is highly crucial.
However, it can be overwhelming to determine the most suitable emergency food.
There is a wide range of choices available for long-term emergency food.
- Canned goods,
- Home freeze-dried foods
- Dry staples in sealed Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers.
Actually, it is important that your emergency food supply includes all of these food varieties.
It is logical to purchase meals or kits from brands that specialize in emergency foods due to their affordability, convenience, and reliability.
Although there is no single brand that can be deemed as the ultimate choice for emergency foods, certain brands clearly outperform others.
7 Best Survival Food Kits
1. Valley Food Storage
Valley Food Storage offers an excellent blend of all the desired qualities in emergency food. They provide affordability, decent nutritional value, and a wide range of options.
Valley Food Storage offers a wide range of options including 12 delicious entrees that may lack protein, as well as fruit, veggie, and “carnivore” buckets. Additionally, customers can purchase individual meals and products to create their own customized kits. Valley Food Storage sells meal kits, breakfast buckets, entree buckets, fruit and vegetable buckets, freeze-dried meat, and individual products. Customers can choose to purchase individual food items or complete kits from Valley Food Storage. For beginners in prepping, their 525-serving buckets provide a fantastic selection and variety.
Valley Food Storage, similar to other emergency food options, utilizes Mylar bags along with oxygen absorbers for packaging their products. In the case of purchasing their extended storage kits, these bags will be enclosed within a durable bucket. Once opened, the packs have the ability to be sealed again.
When it comes to sodium content, Valley Food Storage stands out among other emergency meal options as one of the best. Most of their entrees contain approximately 600-800mg of sodium, which is significantly lower compared to other brands and allows you to consume less than the recommended daily limit of 2300mg.
Fortunately, despite the low sodium content, Valley Food products maintain a satisfactory texture; however, it is undeniable that they do not possess the same level of taste appeal as their unhealthy alternatives.
Please note that the entrees are not made with meat. For example, the dish “Chicken and Rice Pilaf” includes chicken broth instead of real chicken pieces.
2. Augason Farms
If you are not following any diet restrictions and don’t need to feed a large group of people, the Augason Farms lunch & dinner variety pail is a convenient and versatile tool for survival preparedness. The contents of this convenient plastic pail can supply 92 servings. However, it’s important to mention that these servings are packaged in sizes meant for multiple people, meaning individuals who are alone should be prepared to consume the same meal for several consecutive meals.
In both the lunch and dinner pail, you will receive ten diverse main courses, comprising pasta topped with marinara sauce, fettuccine Alfredo, rice with cheesy broccoli, macaroni and cheese, corn chowder, potato soup, chicken noodle soup, vegetable chicken soup, chicken-flavored rice (implying a limited presence of chicken in these dishes), and stroganoff (with unspecified type, except for being described as “creamy”). Additionally, a serving of chocolate pudding will be provided as dessert.
Although not considered gourmet cuisine, those who have sampled the meals confirm that they are quite satisfactory for freeze-dried food. Although the contents of the container have shelf lives of 10 to 30 years, it is advisable to inspect the meal kit to ensure that none of the packets have been ripped or spilled. Once this is done, you can conveniently store the bucket in the basement and not worry about it for the next ten years, assuming your life remains free of emergencies.
3. ReadyWise
Although the Augason Farms pail is reasonably priced compared to other pre-packaged emergency food options, the value of the ReadyWise ultimate preparedness pack per meal is even higher. Each serving from the Augason kit costs approximately 82 cents, while the 124 ReadyWise servings are only 77 cents each. It is claimed that all items in the ReadyWise meal pail have a uniform shelf life of 25 years, but it is still recommended to verify this information on the packaging before storing it.
The ultimate preparedness pack consists of seven diverse entrees, including pasta with vegetables, pasta Alfredo, Southwest rice and beans, unspecified type of stroganoff, macaroni and cheese, tomato-basil pasta soup, and chicken-flavored noodle soup (in case real chicken becomes scarce). In addition, you will receive two breakfast cereals: apple cinnamon and brown sugar maple. For beverages, you can choose between orange drink or a whey milk alternative (just add water). Lastly, for dessert, you can enjoy vanilla pudding, freeze-dried peaches, and a “creamy yogurt-style” treat (relatively speaking).
In terms of taste, customers on Amazon had different opinions when they dared to try it. While some pleasantly liked the flavor, others were slightly less enthusiastic. However, the significance lies in the context. Just as your mother always advised, consuming dried peaches is preferable to having zombies feast on your braaaaaiiiiiinssss.
4. Legacy Food Storage
Legacy Food Storage offers several compelling reasons to select them over other brands of emergency food. They stand out with their unmatched affordability per pound, extended 25-year shelf life, and above-average calories per serving. Nevertheless, if you are not bothered by the elevated sodium and added sugars, you will discover that Legacy stands among the top choices for delectable emergency food options.
When it comes to convenience, Legacy excels in its packaging.
The goods come in resealable bags of small portion sizes. If you don’t finish the entire bag right away, most of the products can still be consumed up to a year after opening. These bags are then placed in sturdy buckets.
Legacy Food Storage’s primary advantage is that their meals contain more calories compared to other brands. However, the source of these additional calories raises some concerns. Upon examining the ingredients list, it becomes evident that they incorporate cane syrup as added sugar, which contributes to the enjoyable taste of Legacy emergency foods. Unfortunately, this also means that these meals are not particularly healthy due to the significantly high sodium content per serving, ranging from 600-1000mg. In summary, while these meals may be appetizing, they are ultimately an unhealthy choice.
In the event of a temporary emergency, the presence of sugar and sodium may not have significant consequences. However, during a prolonged crisis, they can have a negative impact. The sodium intake can lead to stress, while the consumption of sugar can result in fluctuating energy levels, ultimately making one feel exhausted and stressed.
If freeze-dried meat is added to the meals, the cost per serving will increase significantly, but it should be noted that all Legacy Food Storage products are vegetarian.
5. Patriot Pantry
If you are getting ready for a lengthy siege or staying with a large group of people, you will require a significant amount of survival food. The Patriot Pantry 3-month emergency food supply offers 876 servings, indicating that it is designed to sustain an individual for three months. However, this kit could feed six people for a two-week period. While the meals included are claimed to have a shelf life of up to 25 years, the phrasing suggests that certain items may expire within a decade or less and should be consumed sooner.
Although we are skeptical about Patriot Pantry’s assurance that their food is comparable to homemade, the selection is rather decent. It includes the expected mac and cheese, and even the familiar unspecified stroganoff. Additionally, they offer traveler’s stew, chili mac, pasta Alfredo, spaghetti, mushroom rice pilaf, potato soup, broccoli cheese soup with rice, black bean soup, Southwest rice, and of course, the beloved chicken-flavored rice. In addition to these, there are plain white rice and mashed potatoes as side options. For breakfast, they provide maple-flavored oatmeal, strawberry cream of wheat, and buttermilk pancakes. The powdered beverage selection includes milk and an orange energy drink, while snacks consist of banana chips and chocolate pudding. Staying true to their brand, all of these items are claimed to be grown and packaged domestically in the U.S.
6. NuManna
When facing a situation where going to the grocery store is impossible, it is important to consider the challenges of accessing medical care. This is particularly critical for individuals with allergies or intolerances to certain foods, who should ensure they have stocked up on food that they can safely consume. While it may not be easy to find gluten-free survival kits, there are a few available, such as the 126-serving family pack from NuManna. These NuManna survival rations not only exclude gluten, but they also do not contain soy, GMOs, MSG, aspartame, or high fructose corn syrup. However, the main reason we recommend them is the variety of meals included in the pack.
Some of the main dishes are quite ordinary, such as pasta Alfredo, pasta with marinara sauce, pasta primavera, cheesy potato and broccoli soups, mac and cheese, black bean soup, and classic chili. However, there are a few unique options that we haven’t come across elsewhere, like enchiladas with beans and rice, a Hawaiian sweet and sour dish (without specifying the exact type), and sweet habanero chili. Additionally, there are several side dishes available, such as rice pilaf, cream of rice, and potato casserole. For breakfast, there is a selection of oatmeal, granola, and pancakes. The products have a standard shelf life of 25 years, and most Amazon reviews speak positively about the overall taste and quality of the included items.
7. Mountain House
Over the course of recent years, Mountain House Foods has expanded their offerings to include emergency preparedness food kits, thus gaining recognition in both the backpacking and thru-hiking community.
It should be noted that Mountain House’s range of freeze-dried and bulk foods is quite limited (consisting mainly of a few cans of meat and crackers). However, they do boast an impressive assortment of freeze-dried entrees, breakfasts, and desserts.
Mountain House offers their products in two options: pouches (containing 2-4 servings each) or #10 cans (containing 10 servings). Additionally, they provide “Pro Paks” which are designed to be lightweight and space-saving for backpacking. While the previous shelf life of Mountain House pouches was 7 years, they now assure a “Shelf Life Taste Guarantee” of 30 years for all their pouches and cans (excluding certain desserts).
Mountain House stands apart from other emergency food brands by prioritizing the quality of their ingredients. In contrast to relying solely on textured vegetable protein, their entrées include meat, establishing them as one of the most flavorful emergency food options without excessive salt and synthetic flavorings. While the calorie count of their meals may appear modest, each serving is packed with ample protein and nutritional value, thereby earning Mountain House the adoration of thru-hikers.
How to Compare Brands
The importance of nutrition cannot be overstated.
Emergency meals predominantly derive their calories from carbohydrates and fats. Inexpensive and detrimental emergency food brands generally lack any significant additions and typically consist of simple ingredients such as pasta or potatoes, accompanied by a cheesy sauce for added taste.
On the other hand, nutritious emergency meals (or at least as nutritious as can be expected from food with a 25-year shelf life) comprise a well-balanced combination of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They also incorporate certain freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, typically corn and peas. Despite being low in calories, these ingredients provide vital nutrients.
One way to assess the quality of an emergency meal promptly is by examining its protein content. Generally, anything that provides more than 10 grams per serving is considered satisfactory. Additionally, it is worth checking if the meal contains multiple vegetables.
2. Duration of storage
For long-term food storage, a duration of less than 5 years is considered unacceptable. The majority of brands are capable of lasting for up to 25 or 30 years.
3. Material and Dimensions of Packaging
The packaging needs to be durable enough to endure destruction caused by natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods. It is advisable to package the meals/foods in smaller servings to prevent wastage of food after the package has been opened.
Sodium is not found in its pure form in nature.
Emergency meals tend to contain excessive amounts of sodium, posing a potential threat to one’s health, particularly when one is inactive and taking shelter.
Method of cooking
It is effortless to prepare products from all the mentioned brands by simply adding hot or boiling water.
6. Ease and comfort.
Planning emergency meals can be a confusing task, but it becomes simpler with the availability of “kits” offered by various brands. For instance, one can opt for a 1-month food kit comprising freeze-dried meals and necessities, eliminating the need to individually select and combine freeze-dried vegetables, meats, and grains to prepare each meal.
Evaluate the flavor.
It is crucial to consider taste when selecting your survival food. However, it is worth noting that a number of emergency foods known for their enhanced taste may contain excessive sodium and artificial flavorings.
8. Price in relation to worth
Although the cost is significant, it should not be prioritized over the previously mentioned aspects. I evaluated the price per serving of their meals, considering factors like calories and quality.
Don’t Get Swayed By….
- Weight: Some emergency food brands boast that they are the “cheapest per pound.” The weight of a kit isn’t that useful when comparing options. Many brands load up on bulky foods (such as pasta) and skimp on foods like freeze-dried meat, fruits, and veggies (which you need for micronutrients).
- Servings: When buying survival food kits, you can’t just look at the listed number of servings included. You need to pay attention to calories. Read closely, and you’ll see that a “serving size” is usually around 200-300 calories. Do the math, and you’ll find that the emergency kits only provide around 1000 calories per day.
