The occurrence of natural disasters each year has consistently increased over time, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. From flash floods and wildfires to heat waves and hurricanes, the planet is experiencing major events more frequently, leaving us vulnerable when help is not readily available. To be prepared for such situations, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advises assembling an emergency supply kit that includes batteries, first aid supplies, water, and food. However, a kit filled with perishable food items is inadequate; a reliable emergency food supplies kit should be comprised of the best options.
Emergency food supplies, due to their remarkably long shelf life of up to 30 years in certain situations, are ideal for inclusion in your preparedness kit. They are usually available in larger quantities and consist of individually packaged meals that can be prepared quickly. While certain kits necessitate hot water (in which instance, a camp stove should be added to your kit), others can be rehydrated solely with cold, bottled water (though it is recommended to have a water filter available as a precautionary measure).
Write a plan
- Make a list of all family members by name and include any special needs like diabetes and allergies.
- List all staple foods on your shelves now.
- List all foods in your freezer.
- Make a list of meals to be served for each day for 14 days.
Non-perishable food kits have traditionally been linked with campers and travelers, but for a lot of individuals, it is logical to have long-lasting food available. These supplies for emergencies are typically cost-effective, convenient, user-friendly, and have an indefinite lifespan. Therefore, it is advisable to store them in your pantry, garage, or basement in case of necessity.
Our List
ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply
If you are getting ready to stock up on food for your family and friends, or if you want to have a long-term supply for yourself, the Emergency Food Supply kit from ReadyWise is a great choice. It not only contains 120 servings of freeze-dried meals but also comes in a neatly packed bucket weighing under 20 pounds. With a shelf life of 25 years, this kit can be handy if you ever need emergency food. To prepare the meals, all you have to do is add water (cold or hot), let the food sit, and it will be ready to eat. Some notable meals included in the kit are cheesy lasagna, tortilla soup, teriyaki and rice, savory stroganoff, and cheesy macaroni.
Survive2Thrive Vegetarian Preparedness Pail
Consider purchasing the Survive2Thrive Vegetarian Preparedness Pail if you are either fully plant-based or seeking a healthier alternative to traditional bulk emergency food kits. Although slightly heavier at 36 pounds compared to other options, its contents are completely organic and include organic beans and grains such as quinoa, oats, lentils, chia seeds, brown rice, garbanzos, and sprouted buckwheat groats. The food is divided into different packs, with some meals requiring only warm water to cook and others needing to soak overnight. Although this kit is more expensive and requires more preparation compared to others, it is the ideal choice if you prefer organic, vegetarian options or need to avoid common dairy and egg allergens. It provides a 40-day supply of food and has a shelf life of 10-15 years, slightly shorter than other options on this list, but the contents are not loaded with preservatives.
Mountain House Essential Bucket
Finding a gluten-free survival kit can be difficult because many of the best long-term emergency food supply options rely on gluten for its affordability and availability. However, if you or someone in your group needs gluten-free food, you’ll be glad to know that Mountain House, a well-known meal prep label, offers a variety of gluten-free meals in their Essential bucket kit. Mountain House has been a favorite among campers and travelers since the late 1960s, crafting freeze-dried foods for several decades. The gluten-free kit includes 22 servings, which can feed one person for around four days. Each meal can be easily prepared by adding hot water and allowing it to sit for 10 minutes. Additionally, the kit has an impressive shelf life of 30 years, the longest in the industry.
Good To-Go Emergency Food Kit
Good To-Go is famous for their delicious meal kits, which are popular among campers, hikers, and backpackers. Interestingly, these meal kits are also suitable for emergencies. In all honesty, most emergency food kits available in the market are inexpensive and have a long shelf life. However, they lack both variety and taste. Thankfully, Good To-Go specializes in emergency preparedness meals that are not only flavorful but also come in unique options like Thai curry, mushroom risotto, and chicken pho. You can buy individual meals in bags, meaning you can purchase 50 bags of your favorite dishes such as chicken gumbo, Indian korma, or pad thai. However, if you want to save money, they offer various five-day emergency food kit choices, including a vegan option. All you have to do is add hot water, wait a bit, and enjoy a surprisingly delightful survival meal.
Augason Farms Emergency Food Supply Kit
On this list, many other options provide a solid range of variety. However, when it comes to the larger meal buckets, the variety usually only applies to lunch and dinner. Alternatively, you would need to purchase a huge multi-person pail to include some breakfast choices. While lasagna, chili, and stews may be tasty or tolerable, not everyone desires to consume them for breakfast. Therefore, we appreciate Augason Farms’ one-person kit, which offers a diverse selection of options suitable for any time of day. This selection includes soup, rice, and pasta for lunch and dinner, as well as oatmeal for breakfast and banana chips for snacking.
The meals are reasonably priced and are packaged in a practical, leak-proof container; however, the portions are not individually sealed and the taste and consistency are typical of a low-cost choice.
S.O.S. Rations Emergency Food Bars
Hot meals are undoubtedly comforting and satisfying, but they may not be practical or feasible during an emergency. This is where emergency food ration bars become useful. These food ration bars are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and are available in various flavors. They have a shelf life of five years, even in different climatic conditions. It is reasonable to assume they may last longer under ideal storage conditions, such as a dry bin or cupboard. While they may not be as nutritious as a bowl of organic grains and beans, they serve as a calorie-dense option, with each bar containing 3,600 calories. Additionally, they do not require any preparation, allowing you to conveniently grab one and consume it on the go, whether you are hiking or relocating with your family.
