When considering survival food kits, most patriots would agree that having emergency food supplies readily available is crucial for preparedness.
The good news is that there are excellent patriot-focused survival food brands that provide nutritious, long-lasting meals to fuel you in uncertain times.
In this guide, we will compare top picks for patriot survival food while covering criteria like nutritional content, shelf life, variety, and more to help you make an informed decision for your family's emergency preparedness.
Introduction to Patriot Survival Food Kits
Patriot survival food kits provide critical emergency food supplies tailored to the needs of preparedness-minded individuals and families. Assembling a reliable stockpile of survival food is a prudent step towards self-reliance in the event of natural disasters, grid failures, or other emergencies. This guide covers key considerations when selecting high-quality, nutritious patriot food kits designed for longevity.
Understanding the Importance of Emergency Food Preparedness
Having an adequate food supply in times of crisis can mean the difference between life and death. Patriot survival food kits are pre-packaged bundles of essential foodstuffs designed to see you through disasters when normal supply chains break down. They provide insurance against the possibility of empty grocery shelves and allow you to shelter in place, avoiding dangerous exposure. Assembling a stockpile in advance helps ensure reliability and variety of nutrition.
The key benefits of patriot survival food kits include:
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Long shelf life - With careful packaging and processing, many kits offer 5+ years of storage. This allows you to buy in bulk and avoid constantly rotating perishable goods.
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Space efficiency - Freeze dried and dehydrated survival foods require less storage space per calorie/nutrient than canned goods. This allows stockpiling a substantial supply, even in apartments.
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Nutritional completeness - Reputable brands design kits to provide complete, balanced nutrition for long-term health. Macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and caloric intake are all accounted for.
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Transportability - Many kits package food in buckets or Mylar pouches, which are portable in case evacuation becomes necessary. Having an emergency food supply you can take with you provides flexibility.
Criteria for the Best Survival Food Kits
When evaluating emergency food kits targeted at patriots, key buying criteria include:
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Total calories & duration - Kits should specify the total calories and intended duration per person. Consider your family size and baseline caloric needs.
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Ingredient quality - Seek out kits using high-quality ingredients, freeze-dried fruits/vegetables, meat proteins, complex carbs, and whole grains for nutrition.
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Taste & texture - Sample tastes of kits online or read patriot reviews. Some have better flavor and texture when reconstituted than others.
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Preparation requirements - Opt for kits with foods that require minimal water, cooking, and preparation for flexibility in off-grid scenarios.
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Special diets - If you have food allergies or restrictions, verify the kit meets your needs or has customizable food options.
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Trusted brand reputation - Established brands with history in emergency/survival prepping inspire more confidence in quality and reliability.
Assessing Your Emergency Food Needs
Your specific food requirements depend heavily on your family and intended duration of emergency usage. Consider these factors:
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Family size & demographics - Calculate the number of adults, teens, and children needing provision. More family members require more supplies.
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Underlying health conditions - Special diets for diabetes, gluten intolerance, etc. limit food options. Check for customizable kits.
- **Expected length of disruption** - Short disruptions of <2 weeks need less supply than a long-term >2 month grid down scenario.
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Climate & seasonality - Hot or cold climates influence baseline calorie needs and water supply considerations (for cooking).
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Evacuation needs - If fleeing on foot, portable food packs offer advantage over heavy bucket kits.
Using these criteria, determine the ideal food kit size, calories, and duration for your family’s unique situation.
Preview of Top Survival Food Brands
Reputable survival food brands like 4Patriots, Augason Farms, and Mountain House dominate the market due to tasty ingredients, reliable nutrition stats, and history of patriot customer satisfaction.
4Patriots offers full meal kits for breakfast, lunch, and dinner including fan favorites like blueberry pancake mix and chili macaroni. Their 60-day kit provides over 2,000 calories daily across four people with a 25 year shelf life.
Augason Farms takes a flexible approach allowing you to customize ingredient selection across vegetables, grains, baking needs and more. Their emergency food calculator helps identify your ideal supplies.
Mountain House is the gold standard for portable, lightweight survival food ideal for your bug out bag when evacuation is likely. They specialize in freeze dried meals requiring minimal prep and water.
Evaluating multiple food kit options across these reputable brands is recommended to identify the best value and reliability for your family’s needs. Consider starting with a short-term 2 week supply and expanding towards a 3-6 month stockpile as budget allows.
Which is better 4Patriots or Patriot Supply?
When it comes to survival food kits, 4Patriots and My Patriot Supply are two popular options. However, based on my research, I would recommend My Patriot Supply over 4Patriots for the following reasons:
Cost
My Patriot Supply tends to offer more affordable options compared to 4Patriots. For example, their 3-month food supply emergency kit starts at $97, whereas a similar 4Patriots kit costs $200. The price per meal is lower with My Patriot Supply.
Shelf Life
My Patriot Supply's meals generally have a longer shelf life of 25 years compared to 4Patriots' 5-year shelf life. This allows you to stock up and rotate as needed.
Taste
Reviews indicate that My Patriot Supply meals tend to taste better. Their meals use higher quality ingredients, resulting in better flavor.
Variety
My Patriot Supply offers more variety with over 100 different entrees to choose from. This prevents food fatigue if relying on your emergency food for an extended period.
Customer Service
My Patriot Supply is known to have exceptional customer service compared to mixed reviews for 4Patriots' service team. Quick responses and satisfaction guarantees provide peace of mind.
So in summary, My Patriot Supply is the better value when it comes to survival food kits based on cost, shelf life, taste, variety, and service. I would recommend ordering one of their starter kits to add reliable emergency food to your preparedness supplies.
How long does Patriot Supply last?
Patriot Supply offers emergency food kits with an exceptionally long 25-year shelf life. This ensures you can securely store these food supplies for decades while maintaining nutrition, taste, and viability.
Specific Patriot Supply products like the Ready Hour and Emergency Meal Entrées are designed for maximum shelf stability. The main advantages of these patriot survival food kits are:
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Long 25-Year Shelf Life: With a 25-year shelf life, Patriot Supply kits offer reliable long-term food reserves. This gives you peace of mind knowing your emergency food provisions will be there when you need them.
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Real Non-Perishable Meals: Patriot Supply meals use freeze-dried ingredients and advanced packaging to remain fresh for decades. You get appetizing entrees, sides, breakfasts, fruits, and vegetables.
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120 Servings: Kits contain 120 total servings to feed an individual for a month or a family for shorter durations. With variety and nutritional balance, these meals provide sustenance in an emergency.
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Flood-Safe Containers: Food packs are stored in durable containers that are waterproof and shockproof. This allows you to safely stash your survival supplies for the long haul.
With a 25-year shelf life and flood-safe packaging, Patriot Supply gives you nutritious emergency meals that will outlive disasters and be there when you need them. Their exceptional longevity provides long-term food security.
How long are Patriot meals good for?
Patriot meals and survival food kits are designed for long term storage, with a shelf life of up to 25 years when stored properly. Here are some tips to get the maximum shelf life out of your patriot meals:
Store in a Cool, Dry Place
The key factors that impact shelf life are heat, moisture, and oxygen. Store your sealed patriot meal pouches in a room temperature area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. The ideal storage temperature is 60-75°F.
Check Packaging Before Opening
Inspect pouches for any signs of damage, swelling, or moisture intrusion before opening. As long as the packaging remains intact, the food inside should stay safe to eat for decades.
Practice First In, First Out
When stocking up on survival meals, be sure to rotate your supply using the first in, first out system. Use up the older pouches first to maximize freshness. Setting expiration date reminders can help with organization.
Reseal After Opening
Once opened, be sure to reseal any leftover contents in an airtight container to prevent oxygen and moisture from degrading the food. Properly stored opened pouches will generally last around 1 year.
Following proper storage methods, patriot meals can safely sustain your family for up to 25 years. Be sure to integrate regular inspection and rotation into your food stockpile management plan.
Where does 4Patriots food come from?
4Patriots creates their survival food kits in American kitchens using high-quality ingredients sourced both domestically and internationally. Their facility is registered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and has obtained Safe Quality Foods (SQF) certification.
This ensures that 4Patriots adheres to strict quality control standards when making their food kits. All ingredients and finished products are thoroughly inspected before being shipped out to customers.
Once the survival food kits are produced, they are shipped from a fulfillment center based in Utah. This allows 4Patriots to quickly distribute orders across the United States.
By having complete oversight over the production and distribution operations, 4Patriots can guarantee the freshness and nutritional integrity of their food. Customers can trust that the meals they receive will be safe and nutritious when needed in an emergency.
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Best Survival Food Kits for Patriots
Patriots know that having a reliable stockpile of survival food is crucial when preparing for emergencies or disasters. As you consider options for survival food kits, here are some top-rated choices designed to meet the needs of patriots in various situations.
4Patriots 3-Month Food Supply
The 4Patriots 3-month food supply provides nutritious meals with a 25-year shelf life. With over 60 servings of food in vacuum-sealed pouches, this kit offers substantial calories and essential nutrition to sustain energy. The included entrees like creamy potato soup, garden vegetable stew, and apple cinnamon oatmeal provide comfort foods you know and love. The food is easy to prepare by adding water, with dishes like chicken flavor rice taking only 10 minutes to cook. For patriots focused on long-term emergency preparedness, the 4Patriots kit is a reliable and tasty choice.
Mountain House Emergency Food Kits
Known for their freeze-dried backpacking meals, Mountain House offers emergency food kits with convenient grab-and-go pouches and a 30-year shelf life. Their 72-hour kit provides 18 total servings with favorites like beef stroganoff and chicken teriyaki with rice. For small groups, the Mountain House Just in Case...® Classic Bucket provides 64 servings of assorted breakfasts, entrees, vegetables, and desserts. All Mountain House meals are prepared by adding hot water, with options certified kosher and gluten-free. With sustained energy and simple preparation, Mountain House makes solid survival food.
Wise Food Emergency Kit Solutions
Wise Food offers a variety of emergency kits with compact, grab-and-go buckets for easy portability. Their 60-serving kit provides hearty meals like tomato basil soup, creamy pasta and vegetable rotini, and apple cinnamon oatmeal. For versatility, Wise Food has gluten-free and vegetarian options with dishes like southwest bean and rice. With a shelf life up to 25 years, their vacuum-sealed meals retain nutrition and taste for years in storage. For patriots prioritizing emergency mobility, Wise Food's buckets deliver reliable, nutritious food.
Augason Farms' Variety and Nutritional Value
Augason Farms specializes in freeze dried and dehydrated vegetables and meals, allowing you to build customized survival food kits. With single-serving pouches and bulk canisters, you can create kits to meet specific nutritional needs and preferences. Their emergency food kits feature meals like cheesy broccoli soup, chicken vegetable stew, and banana pancakes with a shelf life up to 30 years. Augason Farms also offers gluten-free and vegetarian options, along with variety packs to prevent food fatigue. For patriots wanting control over their food supply, Augason Farms delivers.
Backpacker's Pantry and Omeals for On-the-Go Nourishment
For patriots needing lightweight, portable survival food, Backpacker’s Pantry and Omeals offer tasty choices for on-the-go nourishment. Their meals come in single-serve pouches that only require hot water for preparation. Favorites from Backpacker's Pantry include pad thai, chicken pesto pasta, and smoked salmon and eggs. Omeals offers dishes like sweet and sour pork with rice and chicken fajita bowl. With compact packaging and balanced nutrition, these meals provide quality sustenance for mobile situations.
When selecting the best survival food kit as a patriot, key factors include shelf life, nutritional content, dietary preferences, and portability. Prioritize reputable brands that use reliable preservation methods to retain taste and nutrition for years. Consider kits with a variety of flavorful dishes so you can sustain morale. And choose portable options if needing to bug out. With the right food supply, patriots can maintain energy and health during any event.
Emergency Food Supply Essentials
Emergency food supplies are essential for patriots who want to be prepared for any situation. When choosing an emergency food supply, it's important to consider a few key factors:
Emergency Food Ration Bars: Quick Energy Sources
Emergency food ration bars can provide a quick boost of energy during a crisis. Look for bars that are high in calories and nutrients. Some good options include:
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Wise Food Bars: With 300 calories and 9-12 grams of protein, these bars help keep energy levels up. They have a 5 year shelf life.
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Datrex Emergency Food Bars: These compact, durable bars provide 3600 calories and are designed for harsh conditions.
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S.O.S. Food Bars: Providing 600 calories per bar, these coconut-flavored bars have a 5 year shelf life. They are gluten-free and vegetarian.
The Role of Emergency Food Storage Containers
Proper storage is crucial for preserving your emergency food supply. Key factors to consider include:
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Air tightness - Containers should have an air-tight seal to prevent moisture and pests from getting in. Look for screw-top lids or vacuum sealing.
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Opaque containers - Storing food in opaque containers helps protect it from light exposure which can diminish nutritional value over time.
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Portion sizes - Having individual portions in sealed pouches or containers helps avoid contamination once opened.
Some top-rated containers are Gamma Seal lids, Mylar bags, and food-grade plastic buckets.
Disaster Food: Preparing for the Unpredictable
When preparing for a disaster, choose food that meets these criteria:
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Long shelf life - Select food with a shelf life of 10+ years to account for unpredictable events. Some good options are freeze-dried meals, MREs, and canned goods.
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Temperature resilience - Food should withstand temperature extremes in case of power outages.
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Portability - Lightweight, compact foods make for easy evacuation if needed. Some good choices are nutrient-dense bars, pouches of tuna or fruits, and dried snacks.
Camping Emergency Survival Kits
Many camping meals and kits can double as emergency food supplies. Some key aspects to look for include:
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Calorie density - Seek food with at least 400-500 calories per serving for sustenance. Mountain House and Backpacker's Pantry have high-calorie options.
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Easy preparation - Choose add-hot-water meals for convenience without electricity or stoves.
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Compact sizes - Lightweight pouches take up less storage space. Brands like Omeals offer tasty meals in small pouches.
Emergency Supply MREs & Freeze-Dried Food
MREs and freeze-dried foods are specially processed to have long shelf lives of 5-10+ years. Benefits include:
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Nutritional balance - Look for options with complete, balanced nutrition. Augason Farms has gluten-free and vegetarian choices.
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Taste variety - Having a mix of tasty flavors and textures prevents taste fatigue. Brands like Mountain House offer meals kids enjoy too.
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Space efficiency - Without excess liquid, these compact foods maximize storage capacity.
When building your emergency food supply, be sure to consider nutritional balance, calorie needs, shelf life, storage, and dietary preferences. Test and rotate items to maximize freshness and prepare for any disaster scenario.
Optimizing Nutrition and Shelf Life in Survival Food
When building your emergency food supply, it's important to select products that will provide adequate nutrition and remain shelf-stable for as long as possible. Here are some key factors to consider:
Survival Food Shelf Life Considerations
- Opt for freeze-dried or dehydrated foods, which can last 5-25 years if properly stored. Canned goods last 2-5 years.
- Check expiration dates and only purchase products with at least 5 years of remaining shelf life.
- Store food in a cool, dark place to maximize longevity. Consider oxygen absorbers.
- Rotate stock routinely to use older items first. Replenish as you go.
Nutritional Value of Survival Food
- Seek foods with balanced macronutrients - carbs, protein, fat, fiber.
- Check nutritional labels for vitamins/minerals. Prioritize calcium, Vitamin C, iron.
- Include some comfort foods but focus on nutrient density.
Variety in Survival Food Kits
- Having different food types prevents fatigue and improves morale.
- Mix staple ingredients with pre-made entrees or desserts.
- Tailor kits to individual tastes and health needs.
Customizing Food Kits for Dietary Restrictions
- When possible, accommodate food intolerances, allergies, religious restrictions.
- Many companies offer gluten-free, vegetarian/vegan, kosher, halal options.
- Supplement with multivitamins if lacking key nutrients.
Calculating Adequate Food Quantities
- Experts recommend 2,000 kcal per person daily for survival situations.
- Stock at least a 3-month supply, allowing for 2,700 kcal per average adult.
- Consider special needs like children, elderly, pets when calculating.
Storing nutritionally balanced foods that will last for years ensures you'll stay nourished in an extended emergency situation. Tailor your stockpile and storage solutions to your household's unique needs.
Practical Considerations When Buying Survival Food Kits
Sampling Survival Foods: Taste Test Before You Invest
When selecting survival food kits, it can be difficult to know if you will enjoy the taste and texture of the foods without trying them first. Many online companies now offer sample packs or trial sizes so you can taste test products before making a large investment. Getting acquainted with a few options can help narrow down your preferences. Focus on kits with foods you find palatable as you will be relying on them in emergency situations.
Consider sampling things like:
- Freeze-dried fruits and vegetables
- Dehydrated meat chunks or jerky
- Powdered milk or eggs
- Emergency ration bars
- MRE entrees
If you have food allergies or texture sensitivities, sampling is especially important.
Allergen-Free Options in Emergency Food
Those with common food allergies like nuts, dairy, gluten or soy often have difficulty finding survival food alternatives. However, many kits now cater to specialized diets and list major allergen information.
When selecting patriot survival food, consider if you need:
- Gluten-free grains and flours
- Non-dairy milk powders
- Tree nut or peanut-free trail mixes
- Soy-free protein sources
Reputable brands will clearly label major food allergens present while some companies specialize entirely in allergen-friendly emergency food.
Preparation and Cooking Requirements
As you evaluate survival food kits, take stock of any tools, cooking equipment, water, or power needed to prepare meals. Can you eat certain foods with no preparation? Do some require rehydrating or boiling water? Understanding all ingredients and directions ahead of time ensures you select foods you can realistically make.
Useful questions include:
- What food prep equipment do I need while off-grid?
- How much fuel, water, etc. is needed per meal?
- Which foods can I eat straight from the package?
- Are ready-to-eat options included for convenience?
Planning cooking logistics is key for practical survival preparedness.
Evaluating Cost-Effectiveness of Survival Food Kits
When purchasing emergency food, the cost per meal or serving is an important factor, especially for large families needing months of supplies. To determine the best value:
- Calculate the total cost of each kit
- Divide by the total number of servings
- Compare across different brand options
Typically the more servings in a bulk kit, the lower the per-meal cost. But the trade-off can be higher upfront cost and shorter shelf life once opened. Finding the right balance for your budget and needs is essential.
Company Reputation and Reliability
Vetting manufacturers of survival food kits involves researching the brand’s reputation and commitment to quality standards. When selecting patriot emergency food options:
- Read online customer reviews
- Confirm if the company has food safety certifications
- Check how long they have been in business
- Review satisfaction guarantees and return policies
Established brands with transparency around ingredients, processes and facilities tend to be more reliable. They also frequently have better product support and customer service if any issues arise.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Survival Food Kit
When selecting a survival food kit, patriots should consider essential factors like nutritional value, variety, and shelf life to ensure preparedness for emergencies. The right kit provides nourishing food to support health, enough options to prevent menu fatigue, and long shelf lives to enable stockpiling.
Essential Takeaways for Patriot Preparedness
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Focus on nutritional density - Seek food with protein, complex carbs, fiber, and healthy fats to maintain strength and energy.
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Prioritize variety - Choose kits with different entrées, sides, and snacks to add interest and prevent taste fatigue.
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Maximize shelf life - Look for freeze-dried and dehydrated ingredients with 5-25 year shelf lives for stockpiling.
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Consider calorie counts - Account for your family's daily caloric needs when determining ideal kit sizes.
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Research value per serving - Compare costs across brands to find affordable nutrition.
Top Survival Food Kit Recommendations
Based on nutritional content, shelf life, variety, and affordability, top picks include:
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4Patriots 4-Week Survival Food Kit - 15 year shelf life, over 2,000 calories per day for one person, grab-and-go portions.
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Mountain House Just in Case Buckets - Reliable brand, bundles with 70+ servings, 25 year shelf life.
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Wise Company 60 Serving Entrée Only Kit - Gluten-free options, high calorie counts, up to 25 years of storage.
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Augason Farms 30-Day Food Storage Emergency Kit - Variety of grains, dairy, fruits and veggies beyond basic entrées.
Final Considerations for Long-Term Food Security
When examining survival food kits, be sure to check nutritional labels, read customer reviews, properly store kits once open, and set reminder to cycle and replace items over time. Consider expanding your reserves every month to build long-term food security. With the right selection and maintenance, survival food kits can provide steady nourishment when you need it most.