When choosing dried survival food, most will agree that variety, nutrition, and practical storage are key priorities.
This guide will outline the top criteria for selecting durable, calorie-dense foods that meet dietary needs...
...allowing you to build an emergency stockpile that truly sustains.
You'll discover the ideal macronutrient ratios, vitamins and minerals to prioritize, top freeze-dried brand comparisons, and storage tips for maximizing shelf life of your dried food supply.
Introduction to Dried Survival Food
Defining Dried Survival Food
Dried survival food refers to foods that have had most of their moisture removed to allow for extended shelf life without refrigeration. This makes them lightweight and convenient to store long-term for emergency situations. Common examples include freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, meats, and meals.
Benefits of Dried Foods for Emergencies
Dried foods provide several key benefits that make them well-suited for survival kits and bug out bags:
- Long shelf life: Properly stored, dried foods can last 5-25 years without refrigeration due to their low moisture content, allowing you to stockpile.
- Lightweight and portable: With the water weight removed, dried foods are much lighter to carry than canned goods in a bug out situation.
- Do not require cooking: Dried foods can be eaten straight from the package, important if cooking fuel is limited.
- Nutrient retention: Freeze-drying locks in a high percentage of vitamins and minerals compared to other methods.
Having a supply of dried foods enables you to stay fed in harsh conditions when access to fresh food is impossible.
Criteria for Choosing Dried Survival Foods
When selecting dried foods for your survival stockpile, consider:
- Calorie density: Prioritize nutrient-dense foods over junk food. Look at calories per ounce.
- Nutritional content: Check fat, protein, vitamin and mineral levels to meet dietary needs.
- Variety: Choose an array of fruits, vegetables, carbs, proteins for balanced nutrition.
- Allergies/diet: Ensure no ingredients violate dietary restrictions.
- Weight: Lighter food = easier transport if bugging out.
- Shelf life: Store unopened pouches as long as possible, up to 25 years.
- Taste: Important for morale in stressful situations. Seek tasty freeze-dried meals.
With the right selection of lightweight, long-lasting dried survival food, you can stay nourished in emergencies when fresh supplies are scarce.
What foods should I stockpile for survival?
When building your emergency food supply, focus on nutrient-dense, non-perishable foods that will provide enough calories and nutrition to sustain you and your family. Here are some of the best options to stockpile:
Proteins
- Canned meats like chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, and spam. Look for pull-top cans that don't require a can opener.
- Canned or dried beans and lentils are packed with protein and fiber. Consider black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, white beans, and lentils.
- Nuts and nut butters like almonds, peanuts, cashews, and nut-based spreads provide protein, healthy fats, and calories.
Fruits and Vegetables
- Canned fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, green beans, corn, peaches, pears, pineapple, and applesauce. Seek out options packed in juice rather than syrup.
- Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, apricots provide a concentrated source of nutrients.
- Dehydrated vegetable powders can be added to soups, stews, and casseroles.
Grains
- Whole grains like oats, quinoa, brown rice, barley, and pasta provide complex carbs. Seek out whole grain options when possible.
- Shelf-stable crackers, cereal, granola bars, trail mixes make convenient additions.
Dairy
- Powdered milk, evaporated milk, and shelf-stable UHT milk boxes provide calcium and vitamin D.
- Hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan last longer than soft cheeses.
Having a dried survival food supply ensures you have hearty, nutritious ingredients to combine into meals. Focus on variety, nutritional balance, and sufficient calories.
What is the most efficient survival food?
When choosing survival food, calories and shelf-life are key considerations. However, nutrition should not be sacrificed. Here are some tips for selecting efficient survival foods:
- Calorie-dense - Seek out compact foods that provide a lot of calories for their size and weight. This allows you to carry more total calories in a smaller space. Good options include nuts, nut butters, dried fruits, granola, and protein bars.
- Non-perishable - Survival food must not require refrigeration and be shelf-stable for extended periods. Dried, freeze-dried, canned/retorted and dehydrated foods are ideal. Avoid anything perishable.
- Nutritionally balanced - While calories matter, nutrition does too. Prioritize foods that offer complete proteins, healthy fats, complex carbs, vitamins and minerals. Variety is important.
- Easy to prepare - Opt for foods that require minimal prep like adding water or heating. Fuel supplies may be limited.
- Palatable - Taste still counts. Foods you enjoy and can stomach repeatedly will help morale in stressful situations.
No one food ticks every box. Building a layered, diverse food stockpile with a mix of items that complement each other is key for both efficiency and nutrition. The best survival diet combines compact calorie sources with other shelf-stable foods that round out your nutritional needs.
How long does freeze-dried survival food last?
Freeze-dried survival food can have an exceptionally long shelf life compared to other emergency food options. This is because the freeze-drying process removes 98-99% of the moisture from the original food.
Without moisture, bacteria and mold have a much harder time growing. So properly stored freeze-dried survival food can last 25-30 years or longer.
Some key things to consider for maximizing shelf life include:
- Storing in a cool, dark place around 55-70°F
- Keeping food in an airtight container or Mylar bags
- Using oxygen absorbers to remove oxygen from storage containers
- Avoiding temperature fluctuations which can introduce moisture
The extremely long shelf life makes freeze-dried foods perfect for a survival food supply. You can buy them in bulk and basically have meals ready-to-go for decades into the future.
Popular brands like Mountain House and Peak Refuel offer freeze-dried kits with a decades long shelf life. Just add hot water and you'll have a hearty meal in minutes - even 25 years later.
So if building an emergency food stockpile, freeze-dried meals are one of the best options to ensure you'll have edible, nutritious food through any extended crisis. The long shelf life gives great peace of mind that your food supply will be there when you need it most.
What are the dry food items for emergency?
Having the right dried and non-perishable foods stocked in your pantry is crucial for emergency preparedness. Here are some of the best options to consider:
Canned and Jarred Foods
Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, and turkey can provide protein, while canned vegetables like green beans, carrots, and peas offer key nutrients. Look for low-sodium options. Canned soups and chili can also make a filling meal.
Grains
Whole wheat crackers, cereal, and granola bars supply complex carbs for energy. Choose options that are high in fiber and low in sugar when possible. Items like oats, quinoa, rice, pasta, and wheat berries are shelf-stable and can be cooked up into a variety of dishes.
Trail Mixes and Nuts
Trail mixes with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits pack protein, healthy fats, and other nutrients into a compact, non-perishable form. Peanuts and peanut butter are also great pantry staples.
Dried Fruits
Dried apricots, apples, cranberries, raisins, and other dried fruits offer a sweet treat as well as fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Look for unsweetened varieties without added sugars.
When stocking up on emergency food, be sure to consider any dietary needs or restrictions in your household. Having a variety of non-perishable food items ensures you'll have nourishing options no matter the situation. Rotate items in your pantry to keep them fresh and usable over time.
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Key Nutrition Considerations for Best Emergency Food Supply
Daily Calorie Needs
When preparing your emergency food supply, the first step is to calculate your basic daily calorie needs. This depends on factors like your gender, age, size, and activity level. As a general guideline, nutrition experts recommend planning for a minimum of 1,200 calories per day. This will provide sufficient energy for basic functioning.
To determine your specific caloric needs, there are online calculators that take into account your unique stats and lifestyle. Once you know your target number, you can evaluate survival food options to create a balanced ration plan.
Macronutrients - Carbs, Protein, Fat
In addition to calories for energy, your body also needs adequate intakes of macronutrients - carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
Complex carbohydrates from whole grains provide glucose to fuel the brain and muscles. Look for survival foods like oats, quinoa, amaranth and more.
Plant-based proteins are vital for building and repairing tissue. Great options include lentils, chickpeas, peanut butter powder, and textured vegetable protein (TVP).
Healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, seeds, coconut, and salmon packets supply essential fatty acids to regulate hormones and vitamin absorption.
Aim for a ratio of 55% carbs, 25% protein, 20% fat from your dried foods stash.
Vitamins and Minerals
To avoid deficiency and maintain good health during an emergency, your stockpile should also contain ample vitamins and minerals.
Great sources are dried fruits and vegetables high in vitamin A, C, B-complex and minerals like iron, zinc and magnesium. Think sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, strawberries, citrus fruits.
Additionally, multi-vitamin packs are essential for covering any nutritional gaps and providing hard-to-get nutrients. Choose reputable brands approved for emergencies.
Special Dietary Needs
Those with food allergies, special diets like paleo or keto, or health conditions like diabetes must pay particular attention to labels when selecting survival food.
Carefully check dried items for ingredients you must avoid and have back-up items to swap in as needed. It’s wise to over-prepare alternate dried foods that fit your unique needs.
Avoiding Nutrient Deficiencies
When relying on your emergency food supply for extended periods, it's important to rotate items before expiration and pair with supplements.
Lack of fresh fruits, vegetables, and animal products can lead to vitamin deficiencies over time. Taking a quality multi-vitamin helps prevent issues like malnutrition, fatigue, and loss of mental clarity.
Following basic nutrition guidelines for survival food ensures you get adequate energy, macros, and micronutrients for health - despite having limited food options during an emergency.
Selecting Freeze Dried Meals for Camping and Survival
Freeze dried meals offer convenience and long shelf life, making them an ideal choice for camping adventures and survival preparedness. Their lightweight portability and minimal preparation requirements are perfectly suited to both situations.
Convenience of Freeze Dried Meals
Freeze dried foods are extremely lightweight and compact, taking up little space in your pack or emergency food supply. All that is required is adding hot water and waiting several minutes for full rehydration. This allows quick, hot meals without the need to carry extra cooking fuel or equipment into the wilderness or emergency location.
Taste and Quality of Mountain House Freeze Dried Food
Renowned brand Mountain House offers freeze dried meals spanning breakfasts to entrees. Their cooking process locks in flavor and texture for meals that taste like they were just prepared, with options including scrambled eggs, rice dishes, pastas, and more. Reviewers praise Mountain House for providing quality freeze dried food that often tastes better than homemade.
Nutritional Value of Peak Freeze Dried Food
Peak Refuel freeze dried foods boast added vitamins and minerals, ensuring balanced nutrition for situations where access to fresh produce may be limited. Their meals provide complete proteins and fiber alongside the carbs necessary to maintain energy levels. As a bonus, they require less water for preparation than standard freeze dried foods.
Comparison of Freeze Dried Brands
Key factors to compare are taste, nutrition information, preparation requirements, and shelf life. Mountain House offers better flavor but Peak Refuel has more vitamins and minerals added. Both easily last 5+ years in storage. Understanding your taste preferences and nutritional needs will determine the best brand for you.
Shelf Life and Storage Tips
Stored in a cool, dark place like a basement or root cellar, freeze dried food can last decades. For best results, keep food in an airtight container with oxygen absorbers to prevent oxidation. Follow all storage guidance from the manufacturer, and inspect your supply once yearly for any signs of spoilage. With proper storage, freeze dried food retains maximum flavor and nutritional potency.
Reviews of Top Freeze-Dried Survival Food Brands
This section provides pros, cons and key details on some top-rated brands for freeze-dried and dried survival foods to consider.
Mountain House Freeze Dried Food
Mountain House is one of the original freeze-dried food companies, known for meals with a 20-30 year shelf life. Their food tastes closest to fresh.
Pros:
- High quality ingredients and recipes
- Closest taste and texture to fresh foods
- 20-30 year shelf life
- Trusted brand with 50+ years experience
Cons:
- More expensive than other brands
- Limited gluten-free and vegetarian options
Mountain House makes a wide variety of dried survival food entrees, including fan favorites like lasagna, chicken fried rice, and breakfast skillets. Their pouches are lightweight, portable, and require only boiling water for preparation.
Peak Refuel
Peak Refuel offers gluten-free, dairy-free freeze dried products catered towards hikers and preppers seeking lightweight nutrition.
Pros:
- Gluten-free and vegan meal options
- High in protein and nutrients
- Great taste reviews
- Convenient individual pouches
Cons:
- Smaller meal sizes
- Limited entree variety
Peak Refuel has beef and chicken skillet, chili mac, and rice and bean dishes that provide a hearty best emergency food supply. Their pouches have a 7-10 year shelf life and are easy to pack for bug out bags.
Wise Food Company
Wise Foods provides affordable dried emergency packs with a 25 year shelf life. However, some report their food having below average taste.
Pros:
- Very affordable cost per meal
- 25 year shelf life
- Grab-and-go individual servings
Cons:
- Mixed reviews on taste
- Mostly carbohydrate-heavy
Wise Foods offers grab-and-go Mountain House freeze dried food pouches of pasta primavera, cheesy lasagna, and chicken flavor dishes. Their 60-serving bucket has enough variety for a family and budget-friendly prices.
Augason Farms
Augason Farms offers convenient #10 cans for dried veggies, grains and meal kits with up to a 30 year expiry. Their food quality is highly rated but can be costly.
Pros:
- High consumer ratings for taste
- Up to 30 year shelf life
- Gluten-free options
- Variety of fruits, veggies, dairy
Cons:
- Among the most costly per ounce
- Some products not gluten or dairy-free
With #10 cans of Peak freeze dried food like emergency food supply kits, scrambled eggs, and freeze dried strawberries, Augason Farms is ready for any disaster scenario. Their cans make storage simple and have an extremely long shelf life.
Thrive Life
Thrive Life provides individual pouches and bulk buckets of freeze-dried produce, dairy, meats and prepared entrees that make rehydrating simple.
Pros:
- High quality meats and veggies
- Generous portion sizes
- Easy to prepare meals
- Affordable bulk pricing
Cons:
- Mixed reviews on taste
- Shorter shelf life than some brands
Thrive Life has freeze dried meals for camping selections like taco meat, chicken breast pieces, and black bean and rice burritos suitable for outdoor adventures. Their food prep is easy, requiring only the addition of hot water before enjoying.
Storing Your Dried Survival Food Supply
Properly storing your dried food stockpile is key to ensuring it lasts for years to come. This section covers best practices for storage and rotation.
Choosing Durable Containers
Store dried survival food like dried beans, rice, pasta, or freeze-dried meals in food-grade plastic buckets or Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. This prevents moisture, pests, and oxygen from degrading the food. 5-gallon buckets with snap-on lids are ideal for protecting bulk ingredients. For smaller pouches, choose thick Mylar bags and include the absorber packets before sealing.
Location and Conditions
Keep stored food in a cool, dark place like a basement or root cellar, if available. Try to maintain temperatures between 40-70°F and low humidity. The optimal zone is around 60°F. Avoid exposing containers to sunlight or drastic temperature swings that can impact shelf life. Monitor conditions with a thermometer and hygrometer.
Practice First In, First Out Rotation
Rotate your stock by using the oldest pouches first and replacing them with newly purchased freeze dried meals. Date containers with a marker to track first in, first out order. Plan your rotation cycle based on expected shelf life. Most products last 5-10 years if properly stored. Checking dates quarterly helps prevent accidental expiration.
Regular Checks and Resealing
Routinely check containers for pest infestation or moisture buildup. Look for signs of spoilage like color changes or clumping. Reseal Mylar bags as needed to maintain an airtight barrier. Having a few backup buckets helps with transferring pouches if seals weaken over time. Be diligent about monitoring to get the longest shelf life possible out of your survival food supply.
Conclusion
Having a well-rounded stockpile of dried survival food is an important part of emergency preparedness. When building your food supply, be sure to consider key criteria like:
- Caloric density - Prioritize nutrient-dense foods that provide a lot of calories per ounce, such as nuts, peanut butter, and dried fruits. These foods pack the most energy in compact packages.
- Nutritional balance - Choose a variety of foods that provide complete nutrition with protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, vitamins, and minerals. Variety is important for long-term health.
- Shelf stability - Opt for commercially packaged foods with long shelf lives. Properly stored, many freeze-dried and dehydrated foods can last 5-10 years or more.
- Dietary needs - Accommodate any food allergies, intolerances, or preferences in your household. Having options everyone can eat avoids waste.
- Taste - Sample different brands to find dried foods with an acceptable texture and flavor for your palette. Enjoying the foods makes rotation easier.
Building a dried food stockpile takes some research and planning, but is one of the best ways to prepare for emergencies. Storing foods you can rely on during a crisis helps reduce stress and maintain health.
Key Takeaways
The key criteria for selecting dried survival foods includes:
- High calorie density per ounce
- Balanced nutritional profile
- Long shelf life with proper storage
- Accommodating dietary needs and preferences
- Good taste and texture to support long term enjoyment and rotation
Focusing on these factors will lead to a well-rounded, reliable food supply that stands the test of time.
