Best Tasting Survival Food Kits: Taste Test Winners

Finding tasty survival food can be a challenge when stocking up for emergencies.

In this roundup, we cut through the blandness to highlight the best tasting survival food kits available today.

You'll discover gourmet flavors from top brands, along with pro tips for choosing meals your family will enjoy when disasters strike.

Introduction to the Best Tasting Survival Food Kits

Survival food kits are an essential part of any emergency preparation plan. Having shelf-stable, nutrient-rich foods on hand can make all the difference in a crisis situation. But with so many options on the market, finding kits with appetizing flavors can be a challenge.

This article will highlight the top-rated survival food kits based on recent taste tests and reviews from the prepping community. We examined criteria like flavor, texture, ease of preparation, nutritional value, and shelf life to determine the tastiest options for your stockpile.

To understand what makes an exceptional survival food kit, we'll first clarify the key components these products should contain. Then we'll outline the methodology behind our tasting process and criteria. Finally, we'll provide a preview of the 5 top-scoring kits celebrated for their standout flavors.

So read on to discover the best tasting survival food kits to satisfy even the pickiest of palates while still preparing you for disasters ahead.

Understanding the Essentials of Survival Food Kits

Survival food kits should contain a variety of shelf-stable foods like freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, canned meats and beans, powdered dairy products, grains, and more. These foods are processed to remain edible for years in storage, making them a reliable emergency food source when fresh supplies are unavailable.

Ideally, survival food should also be:

Nutrient-dense to support health when access to fresh produce is limited
Lightweight and space-saving for convenient storage
Simple to prepare with minimal cooking equipment required
Palatable in taste and texture for morale-boosting meals

With the right balance of practicality and flavor, survival food kits don't have to mean bland or boring meals in an emergency.

Taste Testing Methodology: Finding the Flavor Winners

To determine the best tasting options, we conducted hands-on taste tests of over a dozen top-rated survival food kits. Our testing panel included prepping experts and amateur home cooks to represent a range of palates.

We assessed qualities like:

Overall flavor - How pleasing and appetizing each food item tasted
Texture - The pleasing or unpleasing mouthfeel of foods
Ease of preparation - How simple components were to cook and serve
Nutritional value - The inclusion of macro- and micronutrients
Shelf life - The duration foods stayed fresh in storage

After tallying taste test scores in these criteria, the top 5 kits with the best flavors and ease of use emerged as clear winners.

Preview of Taste Test Winners in Survival Food Kits

While the full reviews are still to come, here's a preview of the kits that won us over with their standout flavors:

Mountain House - Top marks for flavor variety and food quality
ReadyWise - Tasty flavors even kids will enjoy
Peak Refuel - Best for balanced, clean-eating recipes
Stowaway Gourmet - Quality ingredients and upscale recipes
Next Mile Meals - Creative flavors from chef-designed recipes

The rest of the article will profile each of these winners to help you find the ideal emergency food kit to satisfy your household. We'll highlight their winning taste test qualities along with useful details on nutrition, storage, and pricing.

So keep reading for the full tasty details on these survival food kit champions!

Which survival food tastes best?

Some of the best tasting survival food kits that have been taste-tested and approved by the prepping community include:

Canned Foods

Canned foods like stews, chili, pasta, meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables can make tasty additions to survival food kits. Go for low or reduced sodium options when possible. Popular brands like Mountain House and AlpineAire offer canned foods with impressive flavor.

Energy Bars

Look for soft and chewy energy bars with ingredients like nuts, seeds, chocolate, peanut butter, oats, dried fruits, and honey. Bars with crunchy textures and sweet flavors tend to be crowd-pleasers. Clif Bar and PROBAR are known for their delicious energy bars.

Dried Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits like strawberries, pineapple, apples, mangos, bananas and veggies like carrots, spinach and kale maintain great flavor when dried properly. They add sweetness, nutrients, and variety to kits. Brands like Survival Frog and Wise Company include tasty dried produce.

Dry Grains

Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, oats, and pasta rehydrate well and provide filling carbs. Flavor them with spices, broths, sauce packets, or dried produce. Good brands for grains are Thrive Life Foods and Augason Farms.

Beef Jerky

Beef jerky is considered one of the best survival foods thanks to its high protein content and portability. Look for jerky free of too many artificial ingredients, with a focus on natural flavors. Jack Links, Vermont Smoke and Cure, and Field Trip are excellent jerky brands.

What is the best food for long term preppers?

When it comes to stockpiling food for emergency preparedness, long term storage is key. Some of the best options for long term food storage include:

Soft Grains (8-20 years)

Oats
Rye
Quinoa

These soft grains have a shelf life of about 8 years on average in less than ideal conditions. However, with proper storage techniques like vacuum sealing and moisture control packets, their shelf life can be extended to 20 years or longer.

Hard Grains (12-30+ years)

Buckwheat
Corn
Flax
Millet
Wheat

Hard grains tend to have longer shelf lives even in non-ideal conditions. With ideal storage, they can often last 30 years or longer while still being perfectly safe to eat. Hard grains make excellent additions to a long term food storage plan.

The key is proper storage - keeping food sealed airtight, cool, dark, and dry. This prevents moisture, insects, rodents, or temperature fluctuations from causing early spoilage. With the right storage methods, many foods can safely last for decades. So stock up on hardy grains and you'll be set for the long haul!

What are the best food to stockpile?

When building your emergency food supply, focus on nutrient-dense non-perishable foods with a long shelf life that will sustain you and your family in a crisis. Here are some of the best options to stock up on:

Canned and Dried Proteins

Canned meats like chicken, tuna, salmon, and spam
Canned beans, lentils, chickpeas
Nuts, seeds, nut butters
Dried beans and lentils
Beef and turkey jerky

Canned meats, fish, beans, and lentils are excellent sources of protein with a shelf life of 2-5 years. Nuts, seeds, and nut butters also pack protein, healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. Make sure to rotate and eat the products before they expire.

Canned Fruits and Vegetables

Canned tomatoes, pumpkin, beets, carrots
Canned fruits like pineapple, peaches, pears
Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, apricots

Fruits and veggies provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Go for no salt added or reduced sodium options.

Whole Grains

Brown rice, oats, quinoa, pasta
Whole grain crackers
Air-tight containers work best for storage

Choose 100% whole grains whenever possible for maximum nutrition. Check expiration dates and watch out for rancidity.

When building your emergency food supply, focus on nutrient-dense, non-perishable items that will sustain you in a crisis. Continually rotate and replace food before it expires.

Does emergency food taste good?

Emergency food has come a long way in recent years when it comes to taste. Thanks to advances in freeze-drying and packaging technology, many survival food kits now offer surprisingly tasty options that can rival home cooking.

Certain products stand out for their flavor and appeal. Mountain House is well-regarded in the prepping community for dishes like their chicken fried rice, biscuits and gravy, and lasagna with meat sauce. These meals capture the comforting, hearty flavors you might expect for a satisfying meal.

ReadyWise also offers great tasting options like their chili macaroni, cheesy broccoli soup, and chicken fajita bowls. Their pouches make preparing hot meals easy when you don't have full kitchen facilities.

For vegetarian-friendly kits, Peak Refuel has high quality ingredients and balanced nutrition in their rice and bean bowls, lentil stew, and apple cinnamon oatmeal.

While storage life and nutrition still take priority in survival food, the top brands are making emergency meals much more palatable for short-term crises or outdoor adventures. With better flavor profiles, you can keep your strength and spirits up when you need it most.

Mountain House: A Leader in Taste and Convenience

The Mountain House food kits received positive feedback for their hearty, flavorful meals that only require hot water for quick preparation. Here are some of the standout qualities of these convenient, tasty meals.

Exploring the Flavor Profiles of Mountain House Meals

Mountain House offers a diverse range of freeze-dried meals to satisfy different tastes and nutritional needs. Some of their most popular options include:

Beef Stroganoff: Tender beef and noodles in a creamy sauce. One of the heartiest and most filling kits.
Chicken Teriyaki with Rice: Savory chicken with broccoli florets and brown rice in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce.
Eggs with Bacon: Fluffy scrambled eggs with bacon crumbles. A satisfying complete breakfast.
Granola with Blueberries and Milk: Crunchy, naturally sweet granola with juicy blueberries and powdered milk. A lighter, energizing meal.

They also offer vegetarian-friendly kits with beans, rice, pasta, and vegetables. Most kits feature bold, comforting flavors with a satisfying texture when rehydrated.

The Appeal of Mountain House's Bold Flavors

Compared to other freeze-dried survival foods, Mountain House makes their meals pop with spices, herbs, sauces, and quality ingredients. Their beef stroganoff features tender chunks of beef in a rich, creamy sauce. The chicken teriyaki has a sweet and tangy glaze that infuses the chicken and vegetables. They don't skimp on flavor, aiming to make meals you'll enjoy rather than just tolerate in an emergency.

Mountain House's Effortless Rehydration Process

All Mountain House meals involve a very simple preparation process. Just add hot water to the pouch, wait 7-10 minutes for full rehydration, and enjoy. The pouches have a wide opening that makes adding water and accessing food easy without utensils. The food rehydrates quickly into its original texture for a filling, hearty meal on the go. This simplicity and speed sets them apart from kits needing stove cooking.

With bold flavors, hearty portions, and fuss-free preparation, it's no wonder Mountain House is a go-to for great-tasting survival food kits. Their meals make emergency eating as pleasant as possible.

ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply: A Wise Choice for Preppers

Wise Company offers shelf-stable emergency food kits tailored for disaster preparedness. Their wide selection caters to diverse dietary needs while providing complete, balanced nutrition.

Catering to Diverse Dietary Needs with ReadyWise Kits

ReadyWise has specialty kits for different diets and restrictions including:

Gluten-free
Vegetarian
Vegan
Low-sodium
Non-GMO

This allows preppers with specialized needs to still prepare nutritious emergency meals. The vegetarian-friendly kit contains ingredients like black beans, lentils, quinoa, and brown rice.

Nutritional Balance in ReadyWise Emergency Kits

ReadyWise kits are designed by chefs and nutritionists to provide:

Lean proteins
Whole grains
Fruits and vegetables
Vitamins and minerals

Meals deliver balanced nutrition to support health during an emergency spanning 30 days.

Efficient Preparation with ReadyWise Meals

Preparing ReadyWise meals involves:

Adding hot water
Waiting 10-15 minutes
Minimal cooking

The condensed preparation process allows for quick, convenient meals when time and resources may be scarce.

4Patriots Survival Food: Gourmet Flavors for the Long Haul

4Patriots offers emergency food kits packed with delicious, gourmet flavors designed to make long-term disaster preparedness simple and tasty for individuals and families.

Commitment to Non-GMO Ingredients by 4Patriots

4Patriots is committed to using only non-GMO ingredients in their survival food kits. This ensures quality meals made from wholesome foods that you can feel good about feeding your family during an emergency. Their gourmet entrees feature premium proteins and vegetables sourced from trusted American farms.

4Patriots Kits: A Taste of Gourmet in Emergencies

According to taste tests by preppers, 4Patriots meals have a surprisingly delicious gourmet flavor reminiscent of dishes served at nice restaurants. Even in an emergency situation, you'll enjoy eating hearty breakfast skillet meals, savory chili mixes, and indulgent creamy soups that don't compromise on taste.

The Longevity of 4Patriots Food Kits: 25-Year Shelf Life

With a 25-year shelf life, 4Patriots food kits are designed for long haul emergency preparedness and give you complete peace of mind. Their meals stay fresh and appetizing for decades while sealed in durable, weatherproof containers, ensuring you always have reliable emergency rations on hand through any disaster scenario.

Comprehensive Options for Emergency Food Supply

Emergency food supply kits are an essential part of any prepper's disaster preparedness plans. Having a reliable food source in times of crisis can mean the difference between survival and struggle. This section explores some of the best options for stocking up on survival food for a family.

Emergency Food Supply for a Family of 4: Top Picks

When preparing for a family of four, bulk buying emergency food kits is often the most economical approach. Some top-rated options include:

Mountain House - This brand offers food kits packed with calories and a 25+ year shelf life. Their 72-hour kit for a family of four provides 84 total servings.
ReadyWise - Their deluxe emergency food kit contains a 1-month supply for 4 people. With over 120 servings, it covers breakfasts, entrées, vegetables, and snacks.
Peak Refuel - Their family kit includes 60 servings of vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free meals with a focus on balanced nutrition.

No matter which brand you choose, look for variety, long shelf life, and quality ingredients when stocking up for a family. Consider each person's dietary needs and preferences as well.

Costco Survival Food: Bulk Buying for Preppers

For large quantities of emergency food at affordable prices, Costco is a reliable supplier for many preppers. They sell products like:

Emergency food supply buckets - These kits contain around 100 servings of foods like pasta, rice, oatmeal, milk, and more.
Freeze-dried fruit and vegetables - Sold in bulk, these maintain nutrients and last for decades when properly stored.
Canned goods - From canned meat to vegetables, Costco has a huge selection of survival foods in #10 cans.

The key advantage of shopping at Costco is the bulk case lot pricing on emergency food staples. Just be mindful of expiration dates and storage requirements when stocking up.

Best Tasting Survival Food Kits on Amazon: Customer Favorites

For convenience and variety, Amazon has become a popular choice for finding great-tasting survival food kits. Some of their highest rated picks include:

Wise Company - Their 60-serving grab-and-go food kit earns consistent 5-star reviews for taste.
Mountain House - Customers rave about their beef stroganoff, chicken teriyaki, and granola kits for flavor.
Survive2Thrive - Their organic kit offers tasty gluten-free and vegan options made with quality ingredients.

Amazon makes it easy to have emergency food shipped right to your door. Just be sure to vet brands and read reviews before choosing a survival food kit based strictly on taste.

Vegetarian-Friendly Survival Food Kits: Flavorful and Ethical

For the vegetarians and vegans prepping for disasters, it’s important to find kits that align with your diet and ethics while still delivering on taste. Some excellent options include:

Peak Refuel - Their plant-based meals earn praise for flavors like southwest quinoa and coconut curry rice.
Wise Foods - They offer a 120-serving vegetarian emergency food bucket with satisfying meatless options.
AlpineAire - Their food is certified non-GMO and vegan, including delicious meals like black bean and rice.

The key is finding meals that provide protein from non-meat sources like beans, lentils, quinoa, nuts, etc. This ensures you get proper nutrition in an emergency without compromising ethics.

With the right emergency food supply, families can stay nourished no matter what crisis hits. Just focus on shelf life, nutritional balance, storage space, and taste preferences when stocking up.

The Ultimate Guide to Prepackaged Food for Disaster Preparedness

Prepackaged food can be a crucial component of disaster preparedness plans. When emergencies strike, having a stockpile of shelf-stable foods eliminates worries about where your next meal will come from. This guide explores some of the best prepackaged food options to include in your preparations.

The Best Survival Food Bars for Any Emergency

Survival food bars provide a lightweight and nutrient-dense food source perfect for bug out bags and emergency kits. Some of the most popular options include:

Datrex Emergency Food Bars: With a 5-year shelf life and dense calorie count, these affordable bars offer lasting energy. Flavors include chocolate, coconut, peanut butter, and more.
S.O.S. Food Bars: Providing both nutrition and hydration, these bars were originally designed for the military. They have a bland taste but pack calories, fat, and protein.
Mainstay Emergency Food Bars: Budget-friendly Mainstay bars offer calories and nutrition in a compact form. They have a mild lemon flavor popular for stockpiling.

Focus on bars with long shelf lives, calorie-density, and individually wrapped servings when stocking up. Rotate them to ensure freshness over time.

The 10 Best Canned Survival Foods of 2024

Canned goods are survival staples thanks to their long shelf lives and portability. Some of the best options for emergency food storage include:

Canned beans - high in fiber and protein
Canned tuna or salmon - lean protein
Canned vegetables - vitamins and minerals
Canned soups and stews - comfort food
Canned chili - meaty, spicy, and warm
Canned fruit - antioxidants and natural sweetness
Canned chicken - versatile protein
Canned pasta meals - carbs and calories
Canned sardines or anchovies - omega-3s
Condensed milk - calorie-dense and comforting

Prioritize nutritional content, caloric density, and your personal tastes when stocking up on canned goods. Favor pull-top cans for quick access.

Survive2Thrive Organic Preparedness Pail: A Wholesome Choice

The Survive2Thrive pail provides a full month's supply of 100% organic ingredients, perfect for those seeking wholesome and natural foods. Packed with nutrient-dense grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, and proteins, it offers balanced nutrition without artificial ingredients.

With a 25+ year shelf life and convenient bucket format, Survive2Thrive lets you stash quality ingredients for the long haul. Bonus tools like sprouting lids and cast iron pans add functionality. For a pure and hearty stockpile, it's a smart choice.

When building food reserves, consider your household's preferences and needs. Having a variety of canned goods, survival bars, and wholesome staples ensures you can weather any storm in good health.

Conclusion: Summarizing the Best Tasting Survival Food Kits

To summarize, Mountain House, ReadyWise, and 4Patriots came out on top for best tasting survival food kits with hearty flavors, easy preparation, and nutritional completeness. But there are other decent options too for portable nutrition that don't compromise too much on taste.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Tasty Emergency Food

When selecting an emergency food kit, taste should not be the only consideration. It's also important to evaluate nutritional completeness, shelf life, preparation methods, and cost. However, taste does play a role in ensuring you and your family will actually eat the food when needed.

The top tasting survival food brands highlighted in this article offer a variety of flavor profiles from savory to sweet. Focus on kits with positive reviews from trustworthy preppers. Consider buying single pouches first to taste test. Mix and match different brands to create variety.

Prioritize calories, vitamins, minerals, fat, and protein content to support health. Also ensure your food has a long shelf life with sealed pouches and oxygen absorbers. Easy, fast preparation with just hot water is best.

With the right tasty survival food supply, you can rest assured knowing your family will be fed and nourished in an emergency. Stay safe and keep prepping!