Best Survival Meals: Preparation Simplicity

When preparing for emergencies, most people would agree that having easy-to-prepare meals is crucial.

This article will provide a detailed guide to the best survival meals that require minimal preparation, while still providing sufficient nutrition.

You'll learn key selection criteria for emergency food kits, the top just-add-water and no-cook options, as well as best practices for storage and meeting dietary restrictions. With this advice, you'll be able to build an emergency food supply that is quick and uncomplicated to use when seconds count.

Introduction to Survival Meal Preparedness

Having easy access to nutritious, long-lasting meals is crucial for emergency preparedness. When a disaster strikes, the last thing you want is to waste precious time and resources trying to prepare food. This section covers the key criteria for selecting the best survival meals that require little to no cooking and will sustain you when you need it most.

Defining Best Survival Meals

The best survival meals are non-perishable, shelf-stable foods that provide nutrition and calories with minimal preparation required. Ideal emergency food requires no refrigeration and has a long shelf life of 5+ years. It should be lightweight and portable in case evacuation is necessary. Taste is secondary to nutritional content, ease of preparation, and shelf life.

Key Selection Criteria for Emergency Food Supply

When building an emergency food supply, prioritize these key factors:

Shelf Life - Select foods with 5-25 year shelf lives that don't require special storage
Preparation - Choose foods that only require adding water or quick heating
Nutrition - Seek calorie-and nutrient-dense foods to support health
Taste - Secondary to nutrition, but still aim for palatable flavors
Dietary Needs - Accommodate restrictions like gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.

Focusing on these criteria will ensure you have nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals to rely on if disaster strikes.

What is the best food for survival?

When building an emergency food supply, it's important to focus on non-perishable foods that are nutritious, easy to store, and have a long shelf life. Some of the best survival foods to keep in your pantry include:

Peanut butter - High in protein, calories, and fat. Stays fresh up to 3 months after opening.
Whole-wheat crackers - Provides carbs and fiber. Stays fresh 3-6 months in airtight container.
Nuts and trail mixes - Great source of protein, fat, and nutrients. Properly stored, lasts up to 6 months.
Cereal (non-perishable) - Contains carbs, vitamins and minerals. Keeps 6-12 months sealed.
Granola and power bars - Packed with protein, carbs for energy. Stays fresh about 9 months.
Dried fruits like apricots and raisins - Nutrient-dense and lightweight. Lasts up to 12 months stored properly.
Canned meats like tuna, salmon, chicken - Protein-rich and convenient. Keeps 2-5 years in cool, dry place.
Canned veggies like green beans, carrots, peas - Important vitamins and minerals. Stays good 4+ years sealed.

The key is choosing shelf-stable foods that provide a balance of macronutrients like protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Properly stored in a cool, dry place, these survival foods can last several months to years before going bad. Start stocking up on these essentials today!

What food should be stockpiled?

When building an emergency food supply, focus on nutrient-dense foods with a long shelf life that require little to no preparation. Some top recommendations include:

Canned goods: Canned meats, seafood, vegetables, fruits, and soups are convenient, affordable sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Aim for low-sodium versions whenever possible.
Whole grains: Whole grains like brown rice, oats, quinoa, and pasta provide energizing complex carbs. Make sure to store them in airtight containers.
Dried beans and lentils: These fiber- and protein-packed legumes have an incredibly long shelf life. Consider adding canned beans as well for quick access.
Nuts and nut butters: High in healthy fats and protein, nuts and nut butters can help you meet calorie needs in an emergency. Go for vacuum-sealed bags to maximize freshness.
Powdered milk and eggs: Shelf-stable milk and eggs provide animal-based protein and calcium for strong bones. Reconstitute with water before eating.
Dried fruit: Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, and apricots deliver a quick energy boost along with various vitamins and minerals.

When building your stockpile, focus on nutrition, not just calories. Include a variety of foods that can be prepared quickly with minimal tools or ingredients. Maintaining health is just as crucial as survival in an emergency situation.

What is the best food to buy in a crisis?

When preparing for an emergency, it's important to have food on hand that is shelf-stable, easy to prepare, and nutritious. Some of the best options to include in a short-term emergency kit are:

Ready-to-eat canned foods: Canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and soups are convenient options that don't require cooking or refrigeration. Just make sure to get pull-tab cans that don't require a can opener.
Canned or powdered milk and juices: These provide important nutrients and fluids. Powdered milk requires extra water for mixing.
High-calorie staples: Foods like peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, and trail mix pack a lot of calories and nutrients into small packages.
Sugar, salt, pepper: Seasonings add flavor and variety to basic ingredients.

When stocking up, focus on nutrient-dense foods that your family already eats and enjoys. Having 3-5 days' worth of emergency food is recommended. Make sure to check expiration dates and create a rotation system to keep supplies fresh. With the right selection of shelf-stable foods and good storage practices, you can be prepared for disasters big and small.

What is the best homemade survival food?

Hardtack, pemmican, parched corn, and trench cake are some of the original homemade survival foods that can last a long time without refrigeration.

Hardtack

Hardtack is a simple unleavened cracker made from flour, water, and sometimes salt. It was a staple ration for soldiers and travelers for centuries because it is inexpensive, easy to make, and can last for years if kept dry. The simple ingredients and baking process make hardtack one of the best options for homemade survival food.

Pemmican

Pemmican is a concentrated mixture of fat and protein used as a nutritious and portable food. It was originally made by North American Indians by pounding dried lean meat into a powder, then mixing it with heated fat and berries. Properly stored pemmican can last for decades, providing vital calories and nutrition in an emergency situation.

Parched Corn

Parched corn is dried corn that has been roasted to remove moisture and extend its shelf life. It was used by Native Americans and early American pioneers as a lightweight, nourishing food for long journeys. When stored in an airtight container, parched corn can last for years with no loss of nutrients or taste.

Trench Cake

Trench cake, also known as damper bread, is a simple campfire bread made from self-rising flour, water, and sometimes milk. Used since World War I, trench cake is hearty, filling, and requires no baking. It was a common ration for soldiers in the trenches because the basic ingredients are readily available and it stores well for extended periods.

While modern survival foods like MREs offer convenience, homemade options provide inexpensive, reliable nutrition perfect for a bug out situation. Hardtack, pemmican, parched corn, and trench cake have stood the test of time, making them some of the best survival foods to make at home.

25-Year Emergency Food Supply Essentials

This section covers meals that can be stored without refrigeration and have a long shelf life, making them ideal for emergency stockpiles and survival kits.

Understanding the Longevity of Freeze-Dried Meals

Freeze dried meals only require hot water for reconstitution. They are very lightweight and have shelf lives over 25 years, such as Mountain House Essential Bucket. Some key benefits of freeze-dried meals for emergency preparedness include:

Long shelf life - With proper storage, freeze-dried foods can last over 25 years. This makes them perfect for extended emergency stockpiles.
Lightweight - By removing the water content, these meals become extremely lightweight and portable. Easy to store and transport.
Simple preparation - Only require adding hot water, allowing for quick meal access during time-sensitive emergencies.
Variety - Many different meal options to choose from including pastas, rice dishes, entrees, and more.

Popular picks like the Mountain House Essential Bucket provide over 30,000 servings of rice, grains, pasta, breakfast items, meat, and vegetables. With proper rotation, these essentials can sustain a family for decades.

The Role of MREs in Long-Term Food Storage

MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) are portable, calorie-dense meals designed for military use. Options like pasta, rice, and stew make preparation straightforward and are a staple in the emergency food list. Key advantages of MREs include:

Highly durable packaging - Built to withstand tough handling and environments.
Compact - Easy to store, transport and distribute during disasters.
Nutrient dense - Packed with calories and nutrients to fuel those managing an emergency.
Long 5 year shelf life - Store MREs alongside other emergency food staples.

Choices like the MRE #14 Creamy Spinach Fettuccini provide an easy to prepare meal that can sustain energy levels during a high stress event. Keeping a supply of MREs ensures quick access to nutrients if access to perishable foods is disrupted.

When building an emergency food stockpile, be sure to include a variety of options like freeze-dried meals and MREs that offer longevity through extended shelf lives. This ensures nourishment and preparation simplicity during unexpected emergencies that may separate you from typical creature comforts and amenities.

Emergency Food Kits: Just-Add-Water Simplicity

These convenient survival meals only require water, saving time and limiting the need for cooking fuel.

ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply: A Hassle-Free Option

ReadyWise offers a variety of just-add-water meals that are simple to prepare and suitable for an emergency food supply for a family of 4. Their food kits contain entrees like creamy pasta Alfredo, beef stroganoff, and chicken flavor dishes that can be quickly reconstituted with hot water in the pouches they come in. This allows for easy preparation when regular cooking is not possible during an emergency. ReadyWise meals also have a 25-year shelf life, making them a reliable emergency food list item. With minimal effort besides adding water, ReadyWise provides a no-fuss emergency food option when time, water, and fuel are scarce.

Backpacker's Pantry and Mountain House Survival Food

Backpacking meal brands like Backpacker's Pantry and Mountain House are known for their lightweight, compact pouches of dried food perfect for the outdoors. These same properties make them well-suited for survival food kits when minimal preparation is essential. Offerings like Mountain House eggs with bacon or Backpacker's Pantry Pad Thai provide familiar meal options requiring only hot water. The pouches stand up on their own, so no additional dishes are needed. Foods like these allow for a decently warm, comforting meal without much effort or supplies when maintaining nutrition is vital but cooking elaborate meals is not feasible. Backpacker's Pantry and Mountain House are trusted brands among outdoor enthusiasts that crossover nicely into emergency food preparation.

Non-Perishable Food for Emergency: No-Cook Necessities

Ready-to-eat foods require zero preparation, allowing immediate access to nutrition in an emergency when cooking may not be possible. Focusing your emergency food supply on non-perishables that don't require cooking ensures you'll have quick, reliable access to calories and nutrients when needed most.

S.O.S. Rations Emergency Food Bars: Instant Energy

S.O.S. Rations emergency food bars provide a highly convenient source of calories and nutrients without any preparation needed. With a 5 year shelf life and small, portable format, these food bars are designed for emergency situations where access to cooking facilities is limited. Just open the package and eat - each bar delivers 300 calories along with essential vitamins and minerals your body needs. S.O.S. Rations bars make an excellent addition to any emergency kit or bug out bag when you need nutrition in a hurry.

Scout Smoked Wild Pink Salmon: Protein Without the Prep

Including some canned fish like Scout Smoked Wild Pink Salmon in your emergency food supply adds a reliable protein source without the need for cooking or refrigeration. With a shelf life of up to 7 years, this wild Alaskan salmon offers essential amino acids, omega-3s, calcium, and vitamin D - nutrients vital for health and survival. The pull top lid allows quick, easy access whenever you need a protein boost. Scout Smoked Salmon provides tasty, nutritious protein free of preparation or cooking.

Focusing your emergency food preparations on non-perishable, ready-to-eat options helps ensure you'll have easy access to nutrition if cooking facilities become unavailable. Items like S.O.S. food bars and Scout canned salmon deliver calories, protein, vitamins and minerals without any prep required - giving you quick, reliable access to nutrients in an emergency situation.

Best Practices for Managing Your Emergency Supply Kit

Follow these tips to safely store and prepare your survival meal stash.

Properly Stored Flour and Other Essentials

When building your supply, note expiration or best by dates and follow first in, first out principles, including for items like flour and grains.

Store flour in airtight, food-grade plastic or glass containers in a cool, dark place. Whole grains can be stored this way as well.
Write the purchase or repack date on the container with a marker.
Use the oldest ingredients first to avoid waste.
Certain whole grains like rice, barley, and oats have shelf lives of 1-2 years when stored properly.
White flour keeps only 6-8 months due to the refining process which removes healthy fats. Consider stocking whole wheat flour instead.
Bake and cook with your stored flour periodically to cycle through it. Stored flour can be used to make hardtack or other survival breads.

Creating and Storing an Emergency Water Supply

Ensure you have a reliable water filter and store enough water to hydrate your family and prepare meals.

Store at least 1 gallon of water per person for 3 days, the recommended minimum. Consider storing a 2 week supply if possible.
Use food-grade water storage containers and replace the water every 6 months. Add water preserver drops to extend life.
A gravity water filter like the Sawyer MINI can filter over 100,000 gallons and requires no power. Pair with a bucket adapter kit for larger quantities.
Store water filter accessories like replacement filters and tubing.
Have a backup plan like water purification tablets in case filters are lost or damaged.
Store water in multiple locations like your home, bug out bag, and car.

Survival Meals for Specific Dietary Needs

This section addresses the importance of considering dietary restrictions and preferences when selecting survival meals. Having options that accommodate various needs ensures preparedness for all.

Survive2Thrive Vegetarian Preparedness Pail: Plant-Based Solutions

For those adhering to plant-based diets, the Survive2Thrive Vegetarian Preparedness Pail offers nutritious meatless meals to sustain energy in an emergency. With dishes like black bean and rice burritos, lentil stew, and apple cinnamon oatmeal, this vegetarian-friendly kit provides satisfying variety. Easy preparation and long 25-year shelf life make it an accessible option for vegetarians prepping for disasters.

Low-Sodium Options and Dietary Accommodations

In addition to vegetarian needs, many have health conditions requiring low-sodium diets. Brands like Augason Farms and Mountain House carry low-sodium varieties of their emergency food kits. With under 140mg per serving, these options allow those limiting salt intake to maintain healthy restrictions when regular food sources are disrupted. Having alternatives that accommodate medical dietary needs ensures inclusivity in emergency preparedness.

Cooking and Heating Methods in Emergencies

This section explores different ways to heat and cook survival meals when traditional methods may not be available. Having versatile, portable, and efficient cooking methods can make a crucial difference in an emergency situation.

The Versatility of a Camp Stove in Survival Situations

A portable camp stove is an extremely useful item to have on hand for emergency food preparation. Camp stoves can run on propane or other fuels, making them reliable choices when the power is out. They provide a contained heat source perfect for heating up survival food kits or canned goods. The best camp stoves have adjustable flame control, foldable legs, and are lightweight for portability. Brands like Coleman, Jetboil, and Camp Chef offer quality stoves that would serve well for emergency cooking needs.

Some key benefits of having a camp stove during a disaster scenario include:

Ability to heat up survival meals, water, and other foods without power access
Portable and compact - easy to store and transport
Reliable performance even in cold weather
Models with USB charging ports allow you to charge devices
Safer alternative to open fires for contained, adjustable cooking

Preppers should strongly consider investing in a camp stove and fuel as part of their survival supplies. They can make a critical difference in one's ability to safely and conveniently cook hot meals when traditional cooking methods are unavailable.

Keeping Foods Fresh and Safe During a Power Outage

Losing power during or after an emergency situation brings up concerns around food safety. However, there are steps you can take to keep foods fresh longer and reduce health risks:

Store emergency non-perishable foods properly ahead of time - Ensure your survival food kits, canned goods, etc. are kept in a cool, dry place to maintain longer shelf life.
Eat refrigerated perishables early on - Foods like meats, dairy, eggs, and leftovers should be consumed first before they potentially spoil. Prioritize eating these in the first 24 hours.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed - This helps foods that need refrigeration stay colder longer without power. Avoid opening doors unnecessarily.
Use block ice or ice packs to keep fridge/freezers cold - Block ice has a large thermal mass compared to ice cubes and will keep temperatures lower for longer. Rotate ice packs from freezer to fridge to preserve foods.
Store foods outdoors in cold weather - If outdoors temps are very cold, storing perishable foods packed in ice outside can sometimes preserve them for some time.

Being prepared with non-perishable survival food kits is ideal for longer emergencies. But also knowing how to safely handle and store refrigerated foods when the power first goes out can make a big difference in utilizing what you have available and preventing foodborne illnesses. Implementing cold storage techniques will allow you to safely stretch out refrigerated foods for consumption, buying more time before spoilage.

Hydration: An Essential Component of Emergency Preparedness

Maintaining proper hydration is critical in emergency situations. Without adequate water intake, severe dehydration can occur rapidly, negatively impacting physical and cognitive performance. This section provides practical guidance on ensuring sufficient access to safe drinking water.

The Importance of Water Filters in Emergency Kits

Water filters allow you to convert found water sources into potable drinking water. They remove bacteria, parasites, and sediment through mechanical filtration and chemical disinfection. Key benefits of including a water filter in your emergency supply kit:

Purifies non-potable water - Allows you to safely drink water from lakes, rivers, rain catchments
Compact and portable - Easy to pack and transport during evacuation
Long shelf life - Filters remain effective for years when properly stored
Simple to operate - Easy for anyone to use, even without training

When selecting a water filter, look for a 0.1 micron absolute pore size to effectively remove bacteria and protozoa parasites. The Sawyer Squeeze and LifeStraw Personal filters are top-rated options.

Protekt Hydration Supplements: Boosting Water's Benefits

While water alone prevents dehydration, adding hydration supplements can provide supplemental nutrition. Protekt electrolyte mixes help maintain electrolyte levels during stressful situations where heavy sweating occurs. Key benefits:

Balances sodium, potassium and glucose levels
Enhances hydration at the cellular level
Supports muscle and nerve function
Fights fatigue, cramping and headaches

Protekt's low-sugar formula offers a clean-tasting supplement to enhance plain water. Easy to transport and mix into your water bottle on-the-go. Helps you stay energized and focused.

Conclusion: Summarizing the Best Survival Meal Strategies

Having a stockpile of easy, no-fuss survival meals eliminates guesswork in an emergency. Focus on shelf-stable and fast-prep options tailored to your household's needs.

Recap of Survival Meal Planning

The best survival meals are non-perishable, long-lasting, and require minimal effort to prepare and eat. Key things to consider when planning your emergency food supply include:

Shelf-life: Prioritize foods that are shelf-stable and don't require refrigeration. Look for items with a shelf life of 5+ years.
Preparation: Choose foods that are ready-to-eat or only require adding hot water. Avoid meals that need a lot of ingredients or cooking.
Portion size: Have a mix of individual servings and family-size options to meet different needs.
Dietary needs: Stock nutritious foods that work for any dietary restrictions in your family. Include vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Calorie density: Pack high-calorie foods like nuts, protein bars, and freeze-dried meals to maximize nutrition.
Water: Store emergency water or choose foods that only need hot water added to prepare.

Final Thoughts on Emergency Preparedness Kits

A well-prepared emergency kit with a variety of food options can make all the difference in a crisis situation. Focus on quick, nourishing foods tailored to your household's tastes and needs. Include water and other essentials like first aid supplies. Routinely cycle through and replenish food items before expiration dates. Investing time into emergency planning today gives you confidence to face the unexpected.