Emergency Food Supplies Our InDepth Review Will Save You Time and Money
Introduction
Shopping for emergency food supplies? Need to make sure your family is prepared for any situation? Finding the best options can be tricky. Don't spend time and money on the wrong ones! Our review will help you make an informed decision.
Let's go!
What is Emergency Food?
Emergency food is pre-packed and shelf-stable. It can last for a long time without spoiling or refrigeration. It usually has basic nutritional ingredients.
People may store emergency food for various reasons. It can help in times of natural disasters or public health crises. It may also provide support in times of power outages or job loss.
There are many types of emergency food. From single-person freeze-dried meals to family buckets that feed many people. MREs are also a form of emergency food. But this article is about civilian options that don't need special preparation or storage:
- Single-person freeze-dried meals
- Family buckets that feed many people
- MREs
Why is Emergency Food Important?
Emergency food is an absolute must for any crisis. While stocking up on canned and dry goods seems like enough, having an emergency food supply system is the best way to get the nutrition and energy you need.
Types of emergency food vary: pre-packaged meals, snacks, and long-term shelf-stable foods. Deciding which type of food to buy depends on your needs. Lighter items are better for short emergencies; heavier items are good for longer ones.
Not all companies are equal when it comes to quality or cost. Researching the best emergency food for your needs is important. This review will help you get the most out of your investment, and give you peace of mind that you're prepared for an emergency.
Types of Emergency Food
Choosing food for your emergency stash? We've got you sorted! Scan over the categories: freeze-dried, dehydrated, canned, or packaged. Each has pros and cons – pick the right one for you.
This review looks deeper – benefits and drawbacks of each type, plus some tips to get the best value:
Freeze-dried Food
Freeze-dried food is a type of emergency food that's been flash frozen and dried in a vacuum chamber. It helps keep the nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, proteins and carbs, intact. Most freeze-dried foods have a shelf life of 25 years or more. Rehydrating them only needs minimal components like water or heat.
There are many types of freeze-dried food available. Ranging from fruits, vegetables, beef, chicken, seafood, and pork. Some are even ready to eat, straight out of the package!
Freeze-dried meals are great for long term emergency food supplies. They don't take up much storage space and can be lightweight. With few preservatives, they stay fresher longer than canned or dehydrated products. Plus, they taste good too!
For an easier solution, there are pre-made meals with multiple freeze-dried items. They require more pots or pans for cooking but are still easy to prepare. Freeze-dried food is an excellent choice for those who want to build up an emergency pantry without taking up too much space.
Canned Food
Canned foods are a must-have for any emergency food supply. They offer key nutrients, minerals and calories. Plus, most canned items stay good for two years post-manufacture. No cooking is required, which saves fuel in an emergency.
When buying canned goods for your emergency food stash, consider:
- Nutrition: Choose those with the most vitamins and minerals.
- Shelf life: Check the manufacturer's shelf life to make sure you're consuming fresh food.
- Taste: Pick items that your family likes.
- Cost: Get quality products for the best price.
Dehydrated Food
Dehydrated food is ideal for emergency supplies. It has a long shelf life, lightweight packaging and is easy to make. It involves removing water from the food, making it small and last longer than other forms of preservation. It may not be as tasty as freshly prepared food, but it can provide needed nutrition during an emergency.
Myler pouches, vacuum sealed, are used to store dehydrated food at room temperature or in a safe spot. Companies offer different types of meals, like pasta, soups, breakfast, desserts, sides and entrees.
When preparing these meals, it's important to follow instructions carefully. Emergencies cause people to rush and make mistakes. To make dehydrated meals,
- boil the water
- rehydrate with cold water
- wait the right amount of time before eating
- check expiration dates to make sure you're eating edible food
MREs
MREs, or Meals Ready to Eat, are military-style rations that are light enough to carry and provide a good amount of food and calories. Most MREs have main courses, sides, desserts, drinks, and snacks. The contents in MREs are usually the same.
MREs don't require cooking. You can eat them straight from the package or heat them slightly. They can last up to five years without refrigeration, and can be stored at temperatures between 40°F (4°C) and 80°F (27°C). These make great emergency food supplies. Plus, they're good for camping trips or other outdoor adventures when hot meals aren't available.
MREs offer nutritious meals that give energy for busy days. They include:
- Protein-filled entrees
- Crackers
- Fruit
- Energy bars
Enjoy tasty meals with convenience!
Emergency Food Storage
Emergency food storage? It's crucial to have a fully-stocked pantry. Healthy, balanced meals for your family in an emergency are essential. Confused about which brands to buy or avoid? It can be daunting.
Let's review the pros and cons of various emergency food supplies. Plus, how to save money on quality products.
Long-Term Storage
In an emergency, it is vital to have enough food stored for long-term use. You need to build up a supply of food to last a while and provide nourishment. Include items like cereal, beans, rice, canned fruits, veggies and proteins in your long-term storage plan. Store them in airtight containers and label them with expiry dates. It is also beneficial to store grains in Mylar packages or buckets as they protect against pests and spoilage.
To select long-term storage, make sure the items are nutritionally balanced. Choose food that won't go bad quickly – freeze-dried foods or dry packaged foods for emergency use. Rotate your stocks as needed. Storing too much increases risk of spoilage. Research what types of supplies work best for your situation to ensure you have all the necessary items in case of an emergency.
Short-Term Storage
Short-term emergency food storage is a must for any family. Having non-perishables on hand can be a lifesaver in an emergency! How long items can last varies from a few weeks to six months+ depending on the item and its shelf life.
Your grocery list should include:
- canned meats, fruits and veg;
- cereals and snacks;
- juices, milk, nut butters;
- dry pasta and beans, nuts, grains;
- canned/freeze-dried soups/stews;
- uncooked pasta with sauce packets;
- peanut butter crackers;
- hard cheeses like cheddar or Parmesan.
Ready-to-eat foods don't require any prep, so they're ideal in an emergency where time is limited.
Plus, there are food prep kits designed for short-term storage. These provide nutritionally balanced meals for those away from home during an emergency. Some kits include pre-portioned dehydrated entrees (vegetables) mixed with protein sources (beans), reconstituted with water, to create meals quickly and easily.
Portable Storage
Portable emergency food storage is great for on-the-go types. It can range from small bags to large military-grade containers. For shorter trips, Meal Kits are ideal. They consist of individual servings of freeze-dried or dehydrated food sealed in a mylar bag. Hikers and campers can easily stack them in their backpacks or R/Vs.
For bulk storage, Etherpax Container is reliable. It has reinforced handles. Plus, it has detachable shelves for small items. This ensures your emergency food supply won't spoil due to mold, mildew, fungi, insects, or rodents.
Emergency Food Reviews
Emergency food supplies can be a major help. So many types of emergency food kits exist, so it can be tough to decide which one. We created this detailed review of the top emergency food providers – to save you time, effort, and money!
Let's get a good look at the best emergency food supplies:
Mountain House
Mountain House is the go-to brand for outdoor food products and emergency preparedness. From freeze-dried breakfasts to canned fruits and veggies, they have it all! Just add hot water or heat over a fire, and you're all set. Their meals have a long shelf life, ranging from 6 months to years.
Plus, Mountain House beats the competition in taste, variety, nutrition, convenience, and price. So get your outdoor groceries here, and enjoy healthy, natural meals with quick cook times. And don't forget the mac & cheese for comfort food cravings!
Augason Farms
Augason Farms is a family-owned business. It specializes in emergency food and long-term food storage. It's been used by hundreds of families in emergencies, and by campers and outdoorsman. They have a variety of dried, packaged and canned foods.
For breakfast, they offer oatmeal, pancakes, eggs and more. Lunch and dinner? Mac & cheese; stews; chili with beans; spaghetti & meatballs; lasagna; yakitori teriyaki noodles; nacho dip; stroganoff hamburger helper mix and brown gravy mix. Don't forget snacks like granola bars, cornbread muffins, trail mix and hot chocolate. All of their food is shelf-stable and tastes surprisingly good!
Wise Company
Wise Company is a famous brand of freeze-dried food and emergency food supplies. Their products last up to 25 years, no rotating or expiration date needed. They come in sturdy containers and canale pails, protecting them from moisture, heat and pests.
Wise Company offers a variety of emergency kits. From single-serving pouched meals to bulk kits for larger families or groups. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and snacks, like macaroni & cheese and strawberry crumble desserts. Meals are ready to eat in 10 minutes, just add boiling water into the pouch. Entrees use a mix of grains, fruits & veggies, plus protein sources like beef chunks & chicken strips. Comes with bowl, utensils and condiments like Parmesan cheese packets and Tabasco sauce sachets. Drinks come in powder form, just add hot or cold water.
Wise Company is great-tasting and stores safely for extended periods. Long shelf life of up to 25 years! Food safety should be your first priority when choosing an emergency food supply option. Familiarize yourself with warnings on packaging labels and check expiry dates once opened!! Batteries don't store as long though!
Emergency Essentials
Emergency Essentials offers a large selection of freeze-dried entrees and snacks, as well as 100% natural canned meats. Their most popular products are the long-term food supply kits.
These kits provide delicious meals that can last up to 25 years, with no artificial colors or flavors added. Each kit contains enough food for one person for a year. Bigger families can buy more than one kit. The meals included are breakfasts, main dishes, side dishes, grains, and desserts. All food is vacuum sealed, to preserve its flavor and keep it fresh for up to 30 years. This information is available on their website.
In addition to long-term food storage kits, Emergency Essentials offers ready-made survival meals. Examples include stew, chili macaroni, lasagna with meat sauce, and chicken ala king. These meals don't require cooking; just heat them in their pouches or bags for an instant meal.
Emergency Essentials also sells shortening items, such as pouches of applesauce and honey cinnamon oatmeal cups. These provide quick nourishment during emergencies.
Survival Tabs
Survival Tabs are an emergency ration in a compact form. Just one tablespoonful provides complete nutrition. Vegan ingredients make them perfect for short-term use, and they'll last up to fifteen years. Vitamins, minerals, and proteins come from natural, non-GMO sources. Its portability makes it a great choice for an emergency shelter or everyday kit.
Lightweight and calorie-optimized, it's gluten free and safe for those with lactose intolerance or food allergies. Two flavors—chocolate pill and creamy vanilla crème—are available in three sizes.
- The 15 tablet pouch is for one person for eight days;
- The 60 tablet pouch for four people for eight days; and
- The 126 tablet pouch for eight people for eight days.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, emergency food supplies can be a godsend during an emergency. They'll save you time and keep your food safe and healthy. Be sure to think carefully when buying emergency food. Quality should be the top priority, so you don't get stuck with products that won't help you.
We hope our review helped you make the right choice. Thanks for reading it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long do emergency food supplies last?
A1: The shelf life of emergency food supplies vary depending on the type of food. Freeze-dried food can last up to 25 years, while canned food can last up to 5 years.
Q2: What are the benefits of having emergency food supplies?
A2: Having emergency food supplies on hand can provide peace of mind in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency. It also ensures that you have access to nourishing food in case of a power outage or other disruption in delivery.
Q3: How much do emergency food supplies cost?
A3: The cost of emergency food supplies varies depending on the type and quantity you purchase. Generally, it can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars.