Best Survival Food Kit Essentials

When facing an emergency, having the right supplies on hand can make all the difference.

This guide will provide you with the essential information to prepare the best survival food kit to nourish your family in a crisis.

You'll discover the most nutritious and long-lasting foods to stock up on, how to store them properly, must-have accessories, top-rated kits for every need, and more.

Introduction to the Essentials of Survival Food Kits

A well-stocked survival food kit is crucial for emergency preparedness. It provides nourishment when access to food is disrupted by disasters, power outages, or other crises. This guide covers the key components to include in your kit.

Understanding the Importance of a Well-Prepared Survival Food Kit

A survival food kit contains non-perishable foods and supplies to sustain you and your family when grocery stores are closed or supply chains are interrupted. Key reasons to have one include:

Continued nutrition: Kits provide calories, protein, nutrients to maintain health.
Long shelf life: Foods last years when stored properly, ensuring they'll be there when needed.
Portability: Compact kits are easy to store and transport if evacuation is necessary.
Peace of mind: Comfort knowing your family will be fed in an emergency.

Choosing nutritious, high-calorie options with long expiration dates is crucial. Include foods meeting any dietary needs.

Advantages of a Ready-to-Use Emergency Food Supply

Prepacked survival food kits remove the guesswork of sourcing and assembling foods yourself. Benefits include:

Convenience: No research or shopping needed to stock supplies.
Expert assembly: Reputable companies select optimal items to include.
Portion control: Premeasured meals or rations simplify rationing.
Shelf life: Some kits last 25+ years when stored properly.
Peace of mind: Confidence in having reliable emergency nutrition.

Focus on kits packed with calorie-and nutrient-dense foods meeting dietary needs. Compare brands to find well-reviewed ready-made options.

What is the best food to stock up on for survival?

When building your emergency food supply, focus on nutrient-dense, non-perishable foods with a long shelf life. Some of the best options to stock up on include:

Canned goods like beans, vegetables, fruits, chili, soup, pasta sauce, etc. Opt for low-sodium versions when possible.
Whole grains like brown rice, oats, quinoa, barley, etc. These have a shelf life of up to 30 years when stored properly.
Nuts, seeds, nut butters, and dried fruits. These pack a nutritional punch.
Powdered milk, eggs, broths, and fats like butter or ghee powders. Reconstitute with water when needed.
Dried herbs and spices to enhance flavor of bland foods. Salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper are versatile seasonings.
Water and water filtration/purification supplies. Stock up on bottled water and consider a gravity filter or purification tablets.
High-calorie survival bars. Look for options with multiple servings of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and complete proteins.

When stocking up, think about dietary needs and restrictions too. Have vegetarian protein sources like beans, lentils, chickpeas and textured vegetable protein (TVP) on hand. Include gluten-free grains if needed.

Rotate and replace items as you use them before their expiration date. Track inventory and consumption rate so your emergency stash meets your household's unique needs. With the right food stockpile tailored to your situation, you'll be prepared when SHTF.

What food should I put in my survival kit?

When building your survival food kit, it's important to include a variety of nutrient-dense foods with a long shelf life. Here are some of the best options to consider:

Canned and Dried Goods

Canned meats, fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups are convenient and non-perishable. Prioritize options that are ready-to-eat without additional preparation. Some good choices include:

Canned tuna, salmon, chicken
Canned beans, vegetables, and fruits
Canned soups and stews
Dried fruits and vegetables

Staples

Round out your food supply with pantry staples like:

Rice, pasta, oats
Cooking oil
Sugar, salt, seasonings
Peanut butter and other nut butters

Snacks and Comfort Foods

For an morale boost, pack some favorite snacks and comfort foods like:

Granola/protein bars
Nuts and trail mixes
Crackers
Jerky
Powdered drink mixes

Special Considerations

Tailor your food kit to your family's needs by accounting for:

Food allergies and restrictions
Appropriate calorie levels
Foods for babies/children if needed

Focus on nutrient-dense, calorie-rich options with a shelf life of at least 6 months to 1 year. Store foods properly and rotate stock as needed.

What is the best emergency food for long term storage?

When building an emergency food supply, it's important to have a balance of foods that offer nutritional value, variety, and long shelf life. Some good options to consider include:

Bulk staples like rice, beans, oats, pasta, and wheat berries. These provide calories and nutrients, and have shelf lives of 10+ years when stored properly. However, they offer a limited menu on their own.
Commercially packed foods like freeze-dried or air-dried meals, MREs, and canned meats. These add more flavor and variety. Many have shelf lives of 5-10+ years. Good brands include Mountain House, Wise Foods, and Augason Farms.
Supermarket goods like canned fruits/veggies, peanut butter, honey, etc. These supplement nutritional gaps from bulk staples. Canned goods can last 2-5 years.

When building your supply, focus on nutrient density and calorie count. Have at least a 3 month supply, with a goal of building up to a 1-2 year supply over time. Store in a cool, dark place to maximize shelf life. Rotate and replace items as you use them.

Having a balanced combination of bulk staples, commercially packed foods, and supermarket goods will give you a nutritious, varied, and long-lasting emergency food supply.

Is it worth buying emergency food?

Emergency food kits are absolutely worth investing in for disaster preparedness. When an emergency strikes, access to food and clean water may be cut off, putting you and your family at risk. Having long-lasting emergency food supplies on hand eliminates this concern.

The best emergency food kits contain nutrient-dense foods with long shelf lives, keeping you nourished in a crisis. Many kits include freeze-dried or dehydrated meals, protein-rich bars, drink mixes, and more. These foods are specially processed for safe storage up to 25 years.

When buying an emergency food supply, prioritize taste and nutrition. Look for kits with a variety of delicious foods you would enjoy eating. Consider dietary needs as well, like gluten-free and vegetarian options. Calorie count is also key - adults need at least 2,000 calories per day.

The bottom line? Emergency food kits provide reliable, nutritious sustenance when you need it most. Investing in supplies now brings invaluable peace of mind for unpredictable events ahead. Quality survival food is an essential component of emergency readiness for individuals and families.

Best Survival Food Kits 2023: Calorie-Dense Food Options

Since weight and space are at a premium in a survival kit, pack nutrient-rich, calorie-dense foods that provide energy and keep you feeling full.

Energy-Boosting Nuts and Dried Fruits

Nuts and dried fruits are excellent additions to a survival food kit. They are:

High in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to provide a sustained energy boost
Packed with essential vitamins and minerals
Shelf-stable and lightweight
Offer variety and texture to meals

Some top picks are almonds, cashews, peanuts, raisins, cranberries, apricots, and apple rings. Look for unsweetened and unsalted options to avoid excess sugar and sodium. Portion into single-serve bags or containers to control portions.

Protein-Packed Canned Meats

Canned meats are a survival food essential thanks to being:

A dense source of protein to help rebuild muscle, fight infection, and boost immunity
Convenient, affordable, and widely available
Shelf-stable for years when stored properly

Focus on tuna, chicken, salmon, turkey, ham, corned beef, and sardines packed in water or oil rather than heavy sauces. Drain and rinse to reduce sodium content.

Versatile Peanut Butter

Peanut butter has a coveted place in many survival pantries because it is:

Packed with plant-based protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals
An excellent source of calories for energy
Shelf-stable for months once opened
Perfect for spreading on crackers, fruit, or eating with a spoon

Stock creamy, crunchy, powdered peanut butter, or single-serve packets to suit different tastes and uses. Stir well before eating powdered types after opening.

25-Year Emergency Food Supply: Long Shelf Life Items

Stocking up on non-perishable foods with long shelf lives is a key part of preparing an emergency food supply that will be there when you need it. Focusing on freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, grains, and meal kits with 5+ year expiration dates helps ensure you have nourishing food on hand even decades down the road.

Preserved Nutrients in Freeze-Dried Fruits and Vegetables

Freeze-drying allows fruits and vegetables to retain up to 97% of their nutrients when properly stored, with shelf lives over 25 years. The low-moisture environment prevents spoilage while locking essential vitamins and minerals. Stock up on variety packs or make your own custom blend. Some top picks include:

Carrots, corn, peas, broccoli, green beans - These veggies provide vitamins A, C, fiber.
Apples, bananas, strawberries, blueberries - Packed with antioxidants.
Onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes - Starchy staples offer carbs.

Seal pouches with oxygen absorbers and store in cool, dark spaces to maximize shelf life.

Shelf-Stable MREs or Freeze-Dried Meals

Pre-made meals like MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) or freeze-dried meal kits are designed to last 5-10 years before expiring. These convenient options take the guesswork out of building food supply. Shelf-stable and calorie-dense, they make solid additions to a long-term stockpile. Some top picks include:

Mountain House or Wise Food meal kits - Balanced meals with 10+ year shelf life.
MRE military rations - Portable and rugged, 5+ year lifespan.
Augason Farms or Good To-Go meal pouches - Variety of cuisines, 7-10 years.

Follow each brand's storage guidelines for maximizing longevity. Consider adding cooking tools like camp stoves to prepare meals.

Sustainable Whole Grains

Whole grains like rice, quinoa, oats, and more provide essential carbs, fiber, protein for long-term nutrition needs. When stored in food-grade plastic buckets with air-tight lids, grains can last 10-25 years. Some great options include:

Long grain white rice - The most shelf-stable grain, lasts 25+ years.
Rolled oats or oat groats - Rich in fiber and manganese.
Popcorn kernels - Whole grain snack.
Quinoa or amaranth - "Pseudo-grains" with all essential amino acids.

For best results, add oxygen absorbers before sealing containers. Store in cool, dry areas and check annually for pests.

Catering to Special Dietary Needs in an Emergency

Tailoring your survival food kit to meet specific dietary needs is crucial in an emergency situation. Having options that accommodate medical conditions, allergies, intolerances, and preferences ensures your health and wellbeing when access to specialty items may be limited.

Gluten-Free Options for Sensitive Diets

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, stocking gluten-free emergency food is a must. Look for kits or products certified gluten-free that focus on naturally gluten-free whole foods like:

Rice
Quinoa
Buckwheat
Certified gluten-free oats and grains
Canned fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils
Nuts and seeds
Jerky and pemmican

Avoid gluten cross-contamination by dedicating part of your stockpile to certified items.

Balanced Choices for Diabetic-Friendly Kits

Creating a diabetic emergency food supply requires balance. Prioritize:

Lean, lower-sodium proteins like turkey, chicken, fish, beans
Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, olive oil
Non-starchy veggies like leafy greens, broccoli, peppers
Lower sugar fruits like berries

Having the right macros and avoiding blood sugar spikes is key for those with diabetes when regular access to medication may be impacted.

Vegetarian-Friendly Kit Selections

Vegetarian emergency food kits should provide adequate protein, iron, zinc and vitamin B-12. Stock up on:

Canned and dried beans, lentils, chickpeas
Tofu, tempeh
Nuts, seeds, nut butters
Canned fish (for pescatarian diets)
Whole grains
Meat substitutes like veggie crumbles, burgers

Adding a multi-vitamin to your kit helps cover any nutritional gaps in the vegetarian emergency food supply.

No matter your dietary needs, tailoring your survival food kit and emergency provisions to your health conditions, allergies, preferences and lifestyle ensures you stay nourished if disaster strikes.

Critical Accessories for a Complete Emergency Supply Kit

Having the right accessories is critical for getting the most out of your emergency food supply kit. These key items allow you to properly store, prepare, and consume your food when traditional conveniences like electricity, gas, and running water may not be available.

Essential Manual Can Opener

A manual can opener is a must-have prepper accessory. During a power outage, an electric can opener will be useless. Having a simple hand-cranked can opener allows you to open canned goods from your emergency food supply without relying on electricity. The best ones have comfortable handles and sharp cutting wheels to easily pierce can lids. Sturdy stainless steel manual can openers can tackle all standard can sizes.

When building your emergency supply, make sure to stock up on canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and beans. Then make sure you have a reliable way to open them if the grid goes down. A good manual can opener should be standard in every emergency kit.

Compact Mess Kit for Portable Cooking

A compact mess kit or cook set allows you to cook meals while on the go. Choose one made of lightweight but durable materials like aluminum or stainless steel. Look for ones that nest together, with plates, bowls, mugs, and utensils that all pack into one portable bundle. These space-saving designs are easy to stash in a bug out bag.

Having mobile cookware is useful for heating up freeze-dried or dehydrated survival food from your supply whenever you need a hot meal. Compact mess kits make outdoor cooking possible during evacuations or if you need to leave home and can’t lug around a full kitchen setup.

Reliable Camp Stove and Fuel

To prepare your emergency food, a reliable camp stove is essential for cooking without electricity or gas from the grid. Quality backpacking stoves run on propane or other fuels and can boil water or simmer meals with adjustable burners.

Depending on the style, make sure to stock up on enough compatible stove fuel canisters to last through extended emergencies. Safely storing extra propane tanks or bottles of liquid camp stove fuel provides off-grid cooking capability when you need it most.

With a stove and fuel source stored with your food supply, you'll have the ability cook hot meals from your stockpile during power failures or if you need to bug out and leave home. This greatly expands your emergency meal options beyond just cold, ready-to-eat survival food.

Effective Storing and Organizing of Your Emergency Food Supply for a Family of 4

Maximizing Freshness with Vacuum-Sealed Bags/Containers

Vacuum sealing is one of the most effective ways to preserve foods and extend shelf life. By removing air from storage containers, the growth of aerobic bacteria and fungi is prevented. This is key for maintaining nutritional value and fresh taste. Consider investing in a quality vacuum sealer and bags to portion out bulk items from your emergency food supply. Make sure to label each bag with contents and expiration date. For items in their original packaging, utilize airtight plastic bins, and include oxygen absorber packs to actively suck out remaining air.

Optimal Storage in a Cool, Dry Place

Proper storage conditions are imperative for maximizing shelf life. Store emergency food in a cool, dry, dark place, such as a basement or interior closet. Consistent temps between 60-70°F are ideal. Avoid temperature fluctuations that degrade food over time. Excess heat causes faster nutrient breakdown, while freezing can physically damage items, compromising packaging seals. Ensure storage area is free from moisture and condensation which can encourage mold growth. Consider using desiccant packs. With optimal storage methods, many emergency food products can last 5-10 years or longer.

Systematic Inventory Management

Stay organized with a survival food inventory system. Log contents, purchase dates, and expiration dates. Set reminders to routinely cycle out short-dated products. This ensures you avoid waste from spoilage and identifies items needing replacement. Perform regular checks for pest infestations or water damage. Consider designating clear storage bins for different food types - entrées, grains, freeze-dried produce, snacks, etc. This makes taking inventory simpler. For quick access in an emergency, stash a 72-hour supply in an easily transportable container, refreshed twice yearly. Maintaining organization ensures you can locate and utilize your emergency food when it matters most.

Selecting the Top-Rated Survival Food Kits and Supplies

When preparing for an emergency, having a reliable food supply is essential. A well-stocked survival food kit provides nourishing meals when access to fresh food is limited. This guide highlights some of the best survival food kits available to meet various needs and budgets.

ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply: A Comprehensive Solution

The ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply offers a variety of entrées, fruits, vegetables, proteins, and breakfast items with a 25-year shelf life. The convenient buckets are easy to store and the pouches just require water, making meal preparation simple when time is of the essence. With gluten-free and vegetarian options, ReadyWise provides 2,000 calories per day for one person for two weeks, covering all nutritional bases. This kit is a smart choice for complete, short and long-term nourishment.

Survive2Thrive Vegetarian Preparedness Pail: Plant-Based Readiness

Survive2Thrive's vegetarian kit supplies 30 days of 100% plant-based, non-GMO ingredients like beans, rice, lentils, rolled oats, maple syrup powder, and more. As a #vegetarian-friendly kit, Survive2Thrive offers versatile ingredients rather than full meals, empowering you to get creative with recipes. With a 10+ year shelf life and made in the USA, it provides #EmergencyFood without compromising dietary preferences.

Mountain House Essential Bucket: Freeze-Dried Convenience

Known for tasty flavors and easy preparation, Mountain House meals only require hot water for a hot meal in minutes. This Essential Bucket provides a variety of breakfasts, entrees, vegetables, and desserts, lasting one person two weeks. The freeze-dried packets have a shelf life of over 25 years. Convenient and lightweight, yet packed with nutrition, Mountain House makes an ideal addition to your #BugOut bag.

Good To-Go Emergency Food Kit: Gourmet Meals in Crisis Times

For high-quality cuisine even in catastrophe, Good To-Go offers a gourmet emergency kit made by professional chefs. The ready-to-eat meals contain wholesome, natural ingredients and feature global flavors like Thai curry, herbed mushroom risotto, and southwest chicken & rice. With a five-year shelf life and no preparation required, this kit offers restaurant-quality fare for emergency sustenance.

Augason Farms Emergency Supply Food Kit: Bulk Nourishment for Families

Suitable for a family of four, Augason Farms provides a substantial supply with 52 servings of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, drinks, and snacks. With up to a 30-year shelf life, the Emergency Food Supply Kit includes convenient buckets, cans, and pouches. Focused on quantity and longevity, this bulk kit allows you to stock up on calories and nutrition to feed multiple people during extended crises when fresh food is inaccessible.

S.O.S. Rations Emergency Food Bars: Compact and Calorie-Dense

For portable, vital nourishment, S.O.S. Food Bars pack up to 600 calories into a lightweight, durable bar that fits into any bug out bag. With a 5-year shelf life and no preparation needed, these compact, nutrient-dense rations provide short-term sustenance for survival situations when you need to travel light. Flavors like chocolate peanut butter and lemon poppy seed offer quick energy and morale. Easy to stash and eat on the go, S.O.S. Bars are ideal for #Evacuation and #BugOut scenarios.

When choosing a survival food supply, key factors include nutritional completeness, dietary accommodations, shelf life, packability, ease of preparation, and taste. Stock your emergency pantry using this guide to discover the best survival food kits for your situation, needs, and budget.

Conclusion: Preparing for Self-Reliance with the Best Survival Food Kits

Equipping yourself with a well-stocked survival food kit provides crucial nourishment if a crisis interrupts normal access to food. Focus on nutrient-dense, calorie-rich options with long shelf lives that meet your dietary needs. Consider top-rated kits like the ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply and the Mountain House Essential Bucket to ensure preparedness.

Key takeaways:

Prioritize calorie-dense foods with nutrients like protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs
Choose options with long shelf lives of 20+ years
Accommodate special diets like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free
Consider portion sizes for individuals vs families
Look to top-rated, expert-recommended kits for 2023
Test and rotate food supplies to maximize freshness

Being equipped with adequate emergency food eliminates worries over short-term access restrictions. Focusing on quality, longevity, and meeting dietary needs ensures you can rely on your supply when needed most.