Preparing for emergencies is on everyone's mind these days. We can all agree that having a reliable food supply is crucial for getting through difficult times.
The top emergency food companies provide tasty, nutritious meals with long shelf lives. I've researched and ranked the best options so you can find the perfect fit for your family's needs.
In this guide, you'll discover the key factors to evaluate like variety, shelf life, and nutritional value. We'll explore top picks from Patriot Food Supply, Legacy Food Storage, Costco, and more. You'll get actionable recommendations to shop confidently for the ideal emergency food kit to keep your family nourished in any crisis.
Introduction to Emergency Preparedness
With the growing unpredictability of world events, interest in emergency preparedness continues to rise. More people are taking steps to become self-reliant in case of disasters or other emergencies that disrupt normal access to food and water. Emergency food supplies play a key role in modern emergency planning by providing nutritious, long-lasting food options when stores are unavailable. This article provides an objective comparison of the top emergency food supply companies in 2023, focusing on key criteria like variety, shelf life, taste, and nutritional value.
The Rise of #Survivalism and #SelfReliance
Emergency preparedness has seen immense growth recently as world events prompt more individuals and families to ensure they can provide for themselves in difficult times. The recent [global pandemic], [economic uncertainty], and [supply chain issues] have made people re-evaluate their level of preparedness. This growing interest in survivalism and self-reliance has led many to stock up on key provisions like emergency food. Wise emergency food storage can provide comfort and nutrition during power outages, natural disasters, or civil emergencies that disrupt normal access to groceries. When selecting an emergency food supply, key considerations include nutritional variety, long shelf life, good taste, affordability, and thoughtful meal planning.
Evaluating the Best Survival Food Companies of 2023
When comparing top emergency food brands, several key criteria should be evaluated:
- Variety of meals - Having a diverse range of entrees, sides, and breakfasts prevents taste fatigue.
- Shelf life - Many companies offer food with 20+ year shelf lives.
- Taste - Food should be appetizing enough for regular consumption if needed.
- Nutritional value - Meals should provide balanced nutrition for short or long-term reliance.
- Cost per meal - Budget-conscious consumers need affordable options.
This article explores the best picks for emergency food based on these criteria, providing an objective look at different meal plans suited for a range of needs and budgets.
What is the best food supply for emergency?
When building an emergency food supply, it's important to focus on shelf-stable foods that provide nutrition and calories. Some top options include:
- MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat): MREs are portable, self-contained meals designed for emergencies. They have a long shelf life of 5+ years and contain entrees, sides, snacks, and drinks. Popular brands include Mountain House and Wise Foods.
- Canned goods: Canned fruits, vegetables, beans, meats, and seafood can last 2-5 years when stored properly. Look for low or reduced sodium options.
- Dried foods: Dried beans, grains, pasta, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products like powdered milk have extended shelf lives. Augason Farms and Thrive Life are reputable brands.
- Freeze-dried foods: Freeze-dried meals and ingredients are lightweight and have a shelf life of 25+ years. They just need water added before eating. Some recommended companies are Mountain House and Valley Food Storage.
- Snacks: Crackers, cereal bars, trail mixes, jerky, and nut butters provide quick energy and nutrients. Prioritize whole grains and products low in sugar.
When building your emergency food supply, focus on nutrient-dense foods with long shelf lives that meet your household's needs. Aim for a diverse mix of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. Store foods properly and cycle through items before they expire.
What is the best emergency food supply consumer reports?
When it comes to emergency food supplies, consumer reports recommend choosing options that are shelf-stable, nutrient-dense, and easy to prepare. Some good options to consider include:
- Low-sodium canned beans, vegetables, and fruit packed in juice - These provide protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Look for "no-salt-added" or "low-sodium" on the labels.
- Breakfast cereal, peanut butter, and pouches of fully cooked whole grains - Opt for whole grain cereals fortified with vitamins and minerals. Peanut butter and pre-cooked rice/quinoa provide protein.
- Nuts and whole-wheat crackers - Nuts offer healthy fats and protein while crackers add carbohydrates. Go for unsalted nuts and crackers with short ingredient lists.
- Shelf-stable milk and plant-based milks - These come in aseptic boxes and provide calcium, vitamin D, and protein. Look for unsweetened varieties.
- Snack bars - Choose bars with whole food ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit as these provide balanced nutrition.
- Canned or pouched tuna, salmon, chicken - These supply protein, healthy fats, and key micronutrients. Opt for water-packed instead of oil-packed.
When shopping for emergency food, also consider taste, shelf life, storage space, and special dietary needs. Reputable preparedness companies conduct quality and safety tests on their products. Storing a variety of foods helps ensure balanced nutrition in an emergency.
What are the best survival foods to buy?
When building an emergency food supply, it's important to have nutrient-dense foods with a long shelf life. Here are some of the best options to keep in your pantry:
Peanut Butter
An excellent source of protein, fats, and calories. Choose natural peanut butter which requires no refrigeration. Stays fresh for up to 3 years unopened.
Whole-Wheat Crackers
Provide carbohydrates and fiber. Look for low/no sodium options and partner with peanut butter for protein. Stays fresh for up to 9 months in pantry.
Nuts and Trail Mixes
Great snacks that pack protein, healthy fats, and nutrients. Buy raw and roast yourself for maximum freshness. Properly stored, nuts can last 1-2 years.
Cereal
Choose whole grain cereals and granolas, then store in airtight containers. Adds variety and nutrients. Stays fresh for 6-12 months.
Canned Tuna, Salmon, Chicken
Canned meats provide protein and healthy fats while lasting 2-5 years in the pantry. Water-packed varieties have less sodium.
Canned Vegetables
Canned veggies like green beans, carrots and peas deliver vitamins and minerals while lasting 2-5 years. Opt for low sodium.
Focus on shelf-stable foods that provide a nutritional balance of protein, carbs, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Maintain variety and tailor to your family's needs. Properly stored in a cool, dark place, these survival foods can sustain you for months or years when needed.
What is the best food for long term storage emergency?
Canned meats like tuna, chicken, and spam can make excellent additions to an emergency food supply as they are nutritious and have a shelf life of 2-5 years. Canned fruits and vegetables are also great for nutrients and variety.
Some other good long term storage options include:
- Rice and beans - These staples are inexpensive, nutritious, and can last 30 years when stored properly. Aim for a mix of rice varieties and beans.
- Pasta - Dried pasta can last up to 30 years and is simple to prepare. Mix in some canned sauces for more flavor.
- Oats and grains - Rolled oats, quinoa, barley, etc. are nutritious and have a shelf life of up to 10 years.
- Dried fruits and nuts - For added nutrition and crunch. Store in cool, dark spaces as they are high in oils.
- Comfort foods - Hot cereals, pancake mix, powdered milk can boost morale. Rotate these more frequently as they have shorter shelf lives of 1-5 years.
The key is to build a diversified emergency food supply with a mix of staples, fruits/veggies, proteins, and comfort foods. Maintain proper storage conditions and routinely cycle out items to maximize shelf life. With some planning, you can build nutritious food reserves to rely on if disasters or emergencies occur.
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Patriot Food Supply - A Leader in 25 Year Emergency Food Supply
Patriot Food Supply is one of the top-rated emergency food companies, known for their high-quality ingredients, 25-year shelf life, and gluten-free and vegetarian options. Their food kits include sample meals like breakfast skillets and chicken noodle soup that customers rave about.
Extensive Meal Variety and Nutritional Value
Patriot Food Supply offers over 20 breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees to choose from. Their meals cater to various diets with gluten-free and vegetarian options available. Some fan favorites include their chicken noodle soup, breakfast skillet with eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns, and chili mac with beef. Their food contains no MSG or fillers and provides well-balanced nutrition.
Longevity with 25-Year Shelf Life
When properly stored in a cool, dry place, Patriot Food Supply meals can last up to 25 years. They use mylar pouches and oxygen absorbers to extend shelf life while preserving taste and nutritional value. This gives customers peace of mind that their emergency food will be there when they need it.
Patriot Food Supply Reviews: Customer Satisfaction
Analyzing online customer feedback shows high satisfaction with Patriot Food Supply's offerings. Most reviews praise the great taste and quality, especially considering the long 25-year shelf life. Customers also appreciate the variety of meals and options for different diets like gluten-free and vegetarian. A few negative reviews cite receiving damaged pouches or disliking certain meal flavors. But overall, Patriot Food Supply earns stellar marks for emergency preparedness food.
Legacy Food Storage - Best Long-Term Food Supply Options
Legacy Food Storage is known for its diverse selection of freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, meats, and full meals with an advertised shelf life of up to 25 years. Their food storage options are tailored for emergency preparedness and long-term food storage.
Diverse Freeze-Dried Meal Selection
Legacy Food Storage offers over 50 different breakfast, lunch, and dinner meal options to choose from. They have unique choices like banana pancakes, vegetable chili, and chicken alfredo pasta. Their freeze-dried ingredients allow for lightweight storage and long shelf life.
Some of their most popular meals include:
- Breakfast Skillet with Eggs, Ham, and Cheese
- Homestyle Potato Soup
- Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
They also offer freeze-dried fruits like strawberries and blueberries as well as vegetables like corn and peas that can be prepared as sides.
Guaranteed Shelf Life for Emergency Readiness
Legacy Food Storage guarantees their freeze-dried foods will last up to 25 years when properly stored in mylar pouches with oxygen absorbers. This allows customers to confidently build an emergency food supply that will be there when needed, even decades into the future.
Proper storage is key to preserving nutritional value and flavor. Legacy Food Storage provides instructions for ideal storage conditions to achieve the full 25 year shelf life. This includes cool, dark, and dry storage environments.
With a 25 year shelf life, Legacy's food kits are designed for real emergency preparedness and long-term food storage, not just short-term situations.
Legacy Food Storage Reviews: Taste and Quality
Reviews of Legacy Foods' meals praise both the high quality of ingredients and the great taste compared to other freeze-dried meal options. Their commitment to quality ingredients like freeze-dried strawberries and blueberries as well as cheese and meat results in better flavor.
Many customers comment that they were surprised how good freeze-dried food could taste. Meals like the breakfast skillet and chicken alfredo receive consistent positive feedback on taste.
One downside mentioned in some reviews is higher sodium content in some Legacy meals. However, they do mark lower sodium options clearly for customers seeking those.
Overall, reviews suggest Legacy Food Storage provides some of the best tasting freeze-dried emergency food supply meal options available.
Comprehensive Emergency Supply Kit Options
When it comes to emergency food supplies, Costco, Valley Food Storage, ReadyWise, and Mountain House offer quality options beyond the top-ranked companies. While they may not have ranked at the very top, these brands provide good value, convenience, durability, and variety.
Costco Survival Food: Bulk Emergency Options
Costco offers large-volume emergency food kits focused on bulk ingredients and affordability. Their emergency food options feature long shelf lives from 15-30 years and ingredients like freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, meats and rice. The large package sizes are ideal for families or groups building a substantial emergency stockpile on a budget. While Costco's survival food may lack some variety, the low cost per meal and massive volumes make their kits worthwhile for many.
Valley Food Storage - Affordable and Durable Supplies
Valley Food Storage provides budget-friendly ingredients in bulk, including freeze-dried vegetables, powders and white rice with a 25+ year shelf life. Their emergency food kits are more affordable than premium brands while still being tasty and nutritious. Valley Food focuses more on durable basics like rice, beans and powders rather than pre-made meals. This requires more preparation but enables customization and flexibility. Overall, Valley Food Storage hits a nice balance between quality, customizability and price.
ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply: Variety and Convenience
ReadyWise offers among the widest variety of emergency food options to suit different needs and situations. From grab-and-go buckets to portable meal pouches and emergency bars, ReadyWise aims for convenience and flexibility. Their tasting profiles also range from hearty comfort foods to lighter, globally-inspired flavors. While not the most affordable, ReadyWise provides good quality and variety for a preparedness-focused brand.
Mountain House Essential Bucket - Quick Prep Survival Meals
The Mountain House Essential Bucket provides a straight-forward solution for quick, tasty survival meals. Each bucket contains enough food for one adult for several days, focused on familiar favorites like beef stew, chicken teriyaki and more. The main advantage of Mountain House is convenience - their meals require minimal preparation with just hot water, making them handy for bug-out situations. While pricier than bulk ingredients, Mountain House meals offer comfort, portability and speed for short-term emergencies.
Specialized Emergency Food Kits
Survive2Thrive Vegetarian Preparedness Pail - Plant-Based Solutions
The Survive2Thrive Vegetarian Preparedness Pail is a great option for vegetarians seeking emergency food supplies. This plant-based kit contains 30 days worth of vegetarian meals, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The meals use quality ingredients like quinoa, lentils, beans, and brown rice to provide balanced nutrition.
Some key benefits of the Survive2Thrive kit include:
- 100% vegetarian and vegan ingredients
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- 25+ year shelf life
- Easy to prepare meals by just adding water
- Packaged in reusable buckets with gamma lids
This kit allows vegetarians to meet their dietary preferences even during an emergency situation. The meals taste good while providing essential vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber.
Good To-Go Emergency Food Kit - Gourmet Meals on the Go
The Good To-Go Emergency Food Kit specializes in gourmet dehydrated meals for camping, hiking, and emergency preparedness. The kit contains a variety of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners focused on lightweight portability.
Good To-Go uses high-quality dehydrated ingredients like cage-free eggs, black beans, quinoa, sweet potatoes, and wild salmon. Just add hot water for a tasty meal in minutes.
Key features include:
- Gourmet recipes from professional chefs
- No artificial ingredients
- 5+ year shelf life
- Under 2 lbs pack weight
- Recyclable packaging
For those seeking gourmet emergency meals on-the-go, Good To-Go delivers tasty nutrition in a durable, portable format.
MRE Emergency Food - Military Grade Rations
MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) offer a practical emergency food option with extreme durability. These self-contained meals can withstand temperature extremes from -60°F to +120°F.
As military-grade solutions, MREs excel in rugged situations where shelf life, pack weight, and preparation matter. Each pack contains an entrée, side dish, dessert, and accessories like seasoning, matches, and toilet paper.
Benefits include:
- 3+ year shelf life
- Compact, durable packaging
- Flameless ration heater
- Meets US military specifications
- Variety of meals like chili, pasta, and chicken
For no-fuss emergency food that can handle tough conditions, MREs deliver reliable nutrition. Their versatility makes them suitable for many situations.
Augason Farms Emergency Supply Food Kit - Comprehensive Preparedness
Augason Farms specializes in long-term food kits to sustain families during emergencies lasting 6 months to 1 year. Their Emergency Supply Food Kit delivers reliable nutrition with convenient preparation.
This substantial kit includes breakfasts, entrées, vegetables, fruits, milk, and baking ingredients. Just add water to prepare foods like scrambled eggs, mac and cheese, beef stroganoff, and apple cinnamon oatmeal.
Key features:
- 6 month supply for 1 person
- No refrigeration needed
- User-friendly preparation
- Resealable packaging
- Variety of familiar comfort foods
For comprehensive emergency preparedness, Augason Farms provides nutritious food diversity to meet long-term needs. Their kits enable households to cook familiar meals during disruptions.
Survival Essentials Beyond Food
Ensuring access to clean water, ability to cook food, and compact nutrition sources are critical when building an well-rounded emergency supply kit. This section explores must-have gear that addresses necessities beyond food.
Water Filter - Ensuring Access to Clean Water
Safe drinking water is essential in an emergency. A good portable water filter allows you to turn unsafe water from lakes, streams, or questionable water sources into potable water. When selecting a water filter, look for one that is lightweight, high-capacity, and removes bacteria, protozoa, solids, and other contaminants.
The Sawyer Squeeze Filter is a top choice. Weighing only 3 ounces, its hollow fiber membrane removes 99.99999% of bacteria and protozoa. The filter attaches to disposable water bottles for easy access to clean water on-the-go.
For larger groups, the Big Berkey Water Filter system is ideal. It can purify up to 8 gallons per hour and last years with proper maintenance. The stainless steel system removes viruses as well as bacteria and protozoa without chemicals, making it safe for long-term use.
Camp Stove - Cooking Under Any Circumstance
When the power goes out or you need to cook away from home, a reliable camp stove is a must-have prepper item. Portable stoves allow you to boil water and cook meals without electricity or home cooking facilities.
The Solo Stove Lite is a top-rated wood burning backpacking stove made of stainless steel. Weighing only 9 ounces, it burns twigs and leaves with little smoke, making it perfect for wilderness survival or cooking discreetly at home. For a propane-fueled option, the Camp Chef Everest is a favorite choice. The two burner stove is compact yet puts out 20,000 total BTUs for fast boiling and cooking.
S.O.S. Rations Emergency Food Bars - Compact Nutrition
For a highly portable emergency food option, S.O.S. rations food bars are a convenient choice. These dense bars provide a boost of nutrition in a tiny package that takes up little space. With at least 400 calories per bar and vitamins and minerals added, they make a sensible addition to any emergency kit. Flavors like chocolate peanut butter, lemon, and coconut provide a welcome taste variety. It is wise to keep a supply of emergency food bars in your home, car, office, or bug out bag for an extra source of nutrition when you need it most.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Emergency Food Supply
When choosing an emergency food supply, the most important factors to consider are shelf life, taste, and nutritional variety. Having meals that can last 25+ years ensures you'll be prepared for any long-term crisis. Tasty flavors make stressful times more bearable. And offering gluten-free, vegetarian, and other specialty diet options means everyone's needs are covered.
Top Pick for Best Emergency Food Supply
Based on emergency food reviews and comparisons, Patriot Food Supply emerges as the top choice. Their food kits include delicious freeze-dried meals with a 25-year shelf life. Menu items like chicken alfredo pasta and apple cinnamon oatmeal cater to diverse tastes. They also offer specialty packs for gluten-free, athlete, and vegetarian diets. With high-quality ingredients and easy preparation, Patriot Food Supply lets you survive an emergency without sacrificing nutrition or taste.
Legacy Food Storage: A Solid Runner-Up
Legacy Food Storage is another reliable preparedness company, focused on long-term food kits. Their tasty entrees and breakfasts have a 25-year shelf life. Legacy also provides gluten-free and vegetarian options among their 150+ meals. While not as cost-effective per meal as Patriot Food Supply, Legacy does offer unique choices like freeze-dried cheesecake and eggs. So they make a great secondary option to diversify your food supply.
Recommendations and Emergency Food Supply Reviews
When prepping your emergency food supply, be sure to read reviews and compare companies. Focus on shelf life, taste, and meeting any dietary restrictions. Though Patriot Food Supply is a top choice, every situation is unique. Do your research to find the best emergency food kits for your household's budget and needs. Combining multiple companies can help diversify your food options for maximum nutrition and satisfaction.
