Best Freeze Dried Emergency Food Selection Guide

When disaster strikes, having a reliable stockpile of nutritious food is crucial for survival.

This guide compares the best freeze-dried emergency food kits to help you easily choose one with an extensive shelf life, balanced nutrition, and quality taste to meet your household's needs during a crisis.

We'll explore key selection criteria like shelf life, calorie count, ingredients, and taste preferences to determine the ideal emergency food kit for your situation. You'll also discover pro tips for customizing your stockpile and comprehensive guidance on water, medical supplies, and other essentials to include alongside your food reserves.

Introduction to Freeze Dried Emergency Food

Having a stock of freeze dried emergency food is an essential part of any disaster preparedness plan. When emergencies strike, access to food and clean water may be cut off, making pre-packed survival rations a literal lifesaver. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which freeze dried foods are actually worth storing? This guide breaks down the key criteria to look for.

Understanding Freeze Dried Emergency Food

Freeze dried foods are regular foods that have gone through a process to remove almost all their moisture. This makes them incredibly lightweight and compact compared to other preservation methods. It also gives them an exceptionally long shelf life of 25+ years when stored properly.

Although they may not seem appetizing in their dried state, freeze dried foods reconstitute almost perfectly when water is added back. They provide the critical macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals needed to support health - making them far superior to things like protein bars or MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) when planning for extended emergencies.

Advantages of Freeze Dried Foods for Emergencies

Long Shelf Life: Properly packaged freeze dried foods can last decades, meaning you can buy them well in advance and rest easy knowing they'll be there when you need them.

Nutritional Content: Freeze drying locks in a food's nutritional value. Reconstituted meals provide complete, balanced nutrition to support health during an emergency.

Lightweight & Compact: Without water weight, freeze dried foods take up very little space. They're easy to stash away in bulk without becoming cumbersome over time.

Taste: Many freeze dried meal options replicate the taste and texture of homemade foods more accurately than other preservation methods like canning. This makes them more enjoyable to eat long-term.

Who makes the best tasting freeze-dried emergency food?

When it comes to the best tasting freeze-dried emergency food, Mountain House is a top choice. Their Just in Case 3-Day Emergency Food Supply kit provides tasty meals that are easy to prepare.

Some key things that make Mountain House a leading option:

Variety of meals: The kit includes breakfasts, lunches, dinners, drinks, and snacks. Options like granola with milk and fruit, chili mac with beef, chicken fried rice, and blueberry muffins. This variety keeps tastebuds happy.
High-quality ingredients: Mountain House uses quality ingredients like rice, pasta, vegetables, and meat to make meals that are reminiscent of homemade.
Great flavors: Meals are seasoned well and meant to be similar to what you'd cook at home. Many people are surprised by how good they taste for freeze-dried emergency rations.
Easy preparation: Just add hot water, let sit for 9 minutes, and your meal is ready. No cooking skills required.

So if you're looking for emergency food that doesn't sacrifice taste and enjoyment, Mountain House is a go-to choice trusted by many preppers and survivalists. Their kits check the boxes for shelf life, nutrition, and most importantly - flavor.

What foods are good to freeze dry for survival?

Freeze drying is an excellent way to preserve foods for emergency preparedness and survival situations. Some of the best foods to freeze dry include:

Fruits - Berries, bananas, apples, citrus fruits. Their sweet taste makes them ideal for boosting morale in tough times.
Vegetables - Carrots, peas, corn, green beans. Great sources of essential vitamins and minerals.
Dairy - Milk, cheese, sour cream, yogurt. Excellent sources of protein and calcium. Powdered milk has a very long shelf life.
Eggs and meat - Scrambled eggs and cooked meats like chicken, beef or bacon. Provide protein and fat.
Nuts - Almonds, walnuts, pecans. High in healthy fats and protein to provide energy and keep you feeling full.
Herbs - Oregano, basil, cilantro. Make meals more flavorful and aid digestion.
Pre-made meals - Chili, stew, pasta. Quick go-to meals that only require rehydrating.
Sourdough starter - For baking nutritious bread.
Treats - Chocolate, candy, ice cream. Help lift mood and morale.

The key is choosing shelf-stable foods your family enjoys eating. Having a diverse mix of freeze dried ingredients allows you to prepare a variety of nutritious meals in an emergency. Maintaining health and morale is just as important as survival.

Is freeze-dried food good for an emergency?

Freeze-dried food is an excellent option for emergency food supplies. It has several key benefits that make it well-suited for situations when regular access to fresh food is disrupted:

Long Shelf Life

Properly stored freeze-dried foods can last 25+ years. This makes it easy to create a long-term emergency stockpile that will still be edible when you need it. Freeze-dried foods retain 97% of their nutritional value over decades.

Lightweight

Because the water is removed, freeze-dried foods are extremely lightweight compared to canned goods. This makes them perfect for bug out bags, 72-hour kits, and other portable survival packs when every ounce counts.

Taste

Today's freeze-drying methods allow foods to retain much of their original texture, shape, color and flavor. Many people find freeze-dried versions of staples like fruits, vegetables, meats, and meals to be quite tasty.

So if you want nutritious, long-lasting emergency rations that are portable and appetizing, then freeze-dried food checks all the boxes. With a quality home freeze dryer, you can create your own perfect emergency food supply tailored to your needs and tastes.

What brand of freeze-dried food is the best?

When it comes to selecting the best freeze-dried emergency food, there are a few top brands that stand out for their quality, taste, and shelf life.

Best Overall Freeze-Dried Food: OUTDOOR HERBIVORE

Outdoor Herbivore offers high-quality freeze dried emergency food that is nutritious and made with wholesome ingredients. Their food packs have an impressive 25-year shelf life and contain well-balanced meals with plenty of protein. The taste is quite good compared to other brands. Outdoor Herbivore is a top choice for those seeking tasty and nutritious emergency food.

Best Premium Freeze-Dried Food: NEXT MILE MEALS

Next Mile Meals produces gourmet-quality freeze dried foods that have exceptional flavor. Although they are more expensive than other brands, the meals taste amazing and use high-end ingredients you would find at a restaurant. With up to a 15-year shelf life, Next Mile Meals is ideal for preppers who want restaurant-quality emergency food that will last over a decade.

Best Paleo Freeze-Dried Food: WILD ZORA

Wild Zora offers 100% grass-fed meat and organic produce in their freeze-dried food packs. All their meals are paleo, meaning no grains, dairy, or legumes. With tasty flavors like Zesty Thai Curry and Savory Stew, Wild Zora tastes delicious while meeting special dietary needs. Their freeze-dried packs have a shelf life of at least 25 years.

Best Available Everywhere Freeze-Dried Food: MOUNTAIN HOUSE

Mountain House is the most widely available brand of emergency food kits and freeze-dried meals. You can find Mountain House products at most camping/outdoors stores, making it easy to stock up. They offer budget-friendly options with a 30-year shelf life. While not as tasty as premium brands, Mountain House gets the job done on a tight budget.

Best Freeze-Dried Food for DIY Meal Prep: HARMONY HOUSE

Harmony House sells high-quality freeze-dried ingredients that you can use to create customized emergency food kits. With single-ingredient foods like freeze-dried cheese, eggs, meat, fruits, vegetables, and more, you can tailor meals to your family's tastes. Harmony House foods have up to a 30-year shelf life, offering excellent emergency food storage.

No matter your budget or tastes, one of these top-rated brands likely has the ideal freeze dried emergency food for your emergency preparedness kit. Focus on shelf life, nutrition profile, ingredients, and taste as you select foods to keep your family fed in an unexpected crisis.

Essential Factors for Selecting the Best Emergency Food Kits

When building an emergency food supply, there are several key factors to consider in choosing the best options, including shelf life, nutritional content, taste, portion sizes, and dietary restrictions.

Evaluating Shelf Life for Long-Term Storage

The shelf life of emergency food kits can vary greatly, from just a couple years to 25+ years for freeze-dried varieties. Aim for at least a 10-15 year shelf life to ensure your food supply will be viable when you need it most. Freeze-drying is the best process for extending shelf life while preserving nutrients. The water is removed from the ingredients, halting bacteria growth and oxidation that causes spoilage. When stored properly in a cool, dark place, freeze-dried foods can last decades.

Analyzing Nutritional Content for Optimal Health

You don’t want to survive an emergency only to develop nutrition deficiencies from inadequate food. Seek out kits with a balance of protein, fruits/veggies, grains, vitamins, and minerals. Make sure calorie counts align with daily needs, around 2,000 per day for adults. Consider special needs like food allergies. Getting optimal nutrition will support health during stressful times.

Importance of Taste in Emergency Food Selection

Flavor and appeal matters for morale in tough situations. Seek out positive online reviews on taste or do taste tests yourself. Having some familiar or comfort foods can lift spirits. But also consider expanding palates with new flavors to add variety and nutrition.

Portion Sizes and Caloric Needs

Take stock of how many people you need to feed and for how long. Adults need around 2,000 calories per day. Pay attention to portion sizes in kits to ensure proper caloric intake. Consider extra supply for unpredictable situations or the need to share resources. Planning ahead helps prevent rationing that leads to health issues.

Quality of Ingredients and Dietary Restrictions

Seek out kits using recognizable, high-quality ingredients you would use at home. Check labels for preservatives, GMOs, or additives you want to avoid. Look for “gluten-free” or “vegan” options if needed. Go with reputable brands that source responsibly and transparently. Taste test if possible before fully stocking up.

Top-Rated Freeze Dried Emergency Food Kits

Having a stockpile of freeze dried emergency food is an essential part of any preparedness plan. Freeze dried foods have an extremely long shelf life of 25+ years and provide nutritious meals when access to fresh food is limited. When choosing an emergency food kit, key factors to consider are taste, nutritional content, variety, and ease of preparation.

ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply: A Comprehensive Review

The ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply offers a complete selection of entrees and breakfasts with a 30 year shelf life. With 120 servings providing over 2,000 calories per day for one person, this kit covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 2 weeks. The food is easy to prepare by adding water, with dishes like creamy potato soup, cheesy broccoli rice, and blueberry pancakes. Customers praise the great taste and variety. The pouches are compact, portable, and don't require refrigeration before or after opening. The ReadyWise Supply is an excellent choice for home emergency preparedness.

Survive2Thrive Vegetarian Preparedness Pail for Special Diets

For those on plant-based or other special diets, the Survive2Thrive Vegetarian Preparedness Pail is a great option. With 36 vegetarian servings packed in Mylar pouches, this kit includes tasty and nutritious meals like black bean burgers, lentil stew, and apple cinnamon oatmeal. The lightweight pail has a 25 year shelf life and meets vegetarian, vegan, halal, and kosher dietary needs. Simple to prepare by adding hot water, this kit offers essential nutrition from whole food ingredients. It provides variety and convenience for special diets in an emergency situation.

Mountain House Essential Bucket: Convenience and Flavor

Known for making delicious freeze dried meals for camping, Mountain House also offers the Essential Bucket emergency kit. It contains a variety of fan-favorite entrees like beef stroganoff, chicken teriyaki, and rice & chicken. The servings are easy to prepare, only requiring hot water, and taste fresh and flavorful thanks to a careful freeze drying process. With a shelf life of over 30 years and convenient carrying bucket, the Mountain House Essential Bucket is regarded as a tasty and hassle-free emergency food supply.

Good To-Go Emergency Food Kit: Gourmet Options for Emergencies

For high-quality ingredients and gourmet flavors, the Good To-Go Emergency Food Kit is a smart choice. It offers unique dishes like Thai curry, herbed mushroom risotto, and southwest chicken & rice. Using wholesome, gluten-free ingredients, these meals were crafted by professional chefs and taste delicious after adding hot water. With a 25 year shelf life and BPA-free lightweight packaging, this kit offers exceptional emergency nutrition that doesn't compromise on quality or taste.

Augason Farms Emergency Supply Food Kit: Bulk Options

When preparing for long-term emergencies or larger groups, Augason Farms offers bulk options like the Emergency Supply Food Kit. With over 200 servings providing 2,000 calories per day for one person, it includes 1 year supply of breakfasts, lunches, drinks and snacks. The convenient #10 cans have a shelf life of up to 25 years and make using the products simple and fast. Reviewers praise the great taste and nutrition content. Augason Farms is regarded as high-quality emergency food perfect for extended preparedness.

Creating a Personalized Emergency Food Supply

Building a customized emergency food supply allows you to cater to your household's unique nutritional needs and taste preferences. When creating your stockpile, be sure to select a variety of proteins, vegetables, fats, grains, and supplements to meet everyone's needs.

Selecting a Variety of Proteins and Vegetables

Focus on freeze-dried proteins like chicken, beef, turkey, and plant-based alternatives to ensure you have balanced sources of protein. Prioritize nutritionally-dense vegetables like broccoli, spinach, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Having variety prevents taste fatigue. Consider individual household members' likes and dislikes.

Incorporating Essential Fats, Grains, and Dairy

Don't forget healthy fats from oils, nuts and seeds. Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa and oats provide essential fiber. Dairy items like powdered milk, butter and cheese add calcium. Tailor choices to dietary needs and restrictions.

Addressing Dietary Restrictions and Allergies

Check labels for common allergens like nuts, dairy and gluten. Seek gluten-free and vegan alternatives. Consider supplemental vitamins and minerals specific to your household's needs. Properly storing open packages prevents cross-contamination.

Best Practices for Storing Your Emergency Food

Store foods in a cool, dark place like a basement or interior closet. Use oxygen absorbers and sealed containers to prolong shelf life. Label containers with contents and expiration dates. Rotate stock by using and replacing items before they expire. Periodically take inventory and replace depleted items. Following proper storage best practices keeps your supply fresh and usable when you need it most.

Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness: Beyond Food

When preparing for an emergency, having a stockpile of freeze-dried foods is crucial, but a well-rounded preparedness kit requires more. Let's explore some key additional components to ensure you're truly ready for any situation.

Securing a Safe Emergency Water Supply

Water is even more vital for survival than food. Aim to have at least one gallon of water per person per day. Store water in food-grade plastic containers and replace every 6 months. Consider setting up rainwater collection barrels and water filtration systems. Water purification tablets like Potable Aqua can also purify questionable water sources.

Essential First Aid and Medical Supplies

A first aid kit tailored for disasters should include gloves, trauma dressings, antibiotic ointment, burn cream, medicines, scissors, and reference guides. Rotate medicines before expiration and get training on using medical equipment. Having an emergency blanket, face masks, sanitizer, and basic hygiene items can also be lifesavers.

Cooking and Heating Solutions: Camp Stove and Fuel

Relying solely on freeze-dried foods limits your options. A portable camp stove and fuel allow you to boil water and cook fresh foods. Propane and isobutane are reliable cooking fuels. Store extra propane tanks and consider a solar oven as a renewable backup. Practice cooking full meals with your setup.

Illumination: Preparing for Power Outages

Flashlights, lanterns, glow sticks, and headlamps enable light without electricity. Use LED or crank-powered options for efficiency and reliability. Place lights throughout your home and have portable light sources in your pack. Also pack extra batteries. Light keeps dangers at bay and morale up.

Purification: Ensuring Clean Water with Filters

Water filters like the Sawyer Mini remove bacteria, protozoa, and solids from questionable water sources. Combining filtration with chemical treatment like Micropur tablets ensures full potability. Know your filter’s lifespan and have spares. Practice filtering water now before an emergency strikes.

Having ample freeze-dried foods creates a strong foundation for emergency preparedness. But fully rounding out your supply kit with water, first aid, lighting, cooking equipment and more takes your readiness to the next level. Prioritize versatility and redundancy in all your prepper gear.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Emergency Food Preparedness

When it comes to being prepared for emergencies, having a stockpile of nutritious and long-lasting freeze dried foods is essential. As we've covered, key factors to consider when choosing emergency food include shelf life, nutritional content, taste, and variety.

The best options provide complete, balanced nutrition and have a shelf life of 20-30 years when stored properly. Taste is also important to ensure you'll actually eat the food when needed. Freeze dried fruits, vegetables, meats and meals provide good flavor along with nutrients.

Kits like the ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply, Survive2Thrive Vegetarian Preparedness Pail, and Mountain House Essential Bucket offer excellent nutritional emergency food with long shelf lives. For grab-and-go options, the Good To-Go Emergency Food Kit and S.O.S. Rations Emergency Food Bars are very portable.

When building your emergency food stockpile, be sure to store foods properly and rotate items to maximize freshness. Also make sure to have the needed preparation supplies like a camp stove, water filter, and cooking utensils.

Being prepared with nutritious emergency food gives peace of mind that you and your family will be cared for in any crisis situation. Follow the criteria in this guide to choose the best freeze dried emergency food for your emergency preparedness plan.