When choosing a survival food kit, we all want the most reliable and nutritious options to keep our families safe.
In this roundup, I've reviewed the highest rated survival food kits on the market today to help you find ones packed with tasty, long-lasting meals.
You'll discover the top-rated kits for emergency preparedness, including detailed reviews on portion sizes, nutritional value, shelf life and more. I'll also provide tips on building a well-rounded food supply and key factors to consider for specialty diets and restricted budgets.
Introduction to the Highest Rated Survival Food Kits
The goal of this article is to review the highest rated survival food kits available in 2023. Having a reliable stock of emergency food is crucial for disaster preparedness. When choosing a survival food kit, key factors to consider include taste, nutritional balance, shelf life, and cost per serving.
This article will analyze the top-rated kits on the market based on these criteria. The focus will be on identifying kits that provide quality ingredients, balanced nutrition, long shelf lives, and good value for money.
The best kits feature tasty foods that could realistically be eaten for multiple days if needed. They supply complete, nutrient-dense meals tailored for emergencies. With shelf lives of over 10 years, they offer reliable nutrition when stored properly. Finally, they deliver nutritious servings at a competitive cost point.
Exploring the Best Survival Food Kits of 2023
Survival food kits contain quick-prepare meals meant to sustain people through emergencies like natural disasters or power outages. The highest rated kits for 2023 provide tasty, nutritious foods with long shelf lives at a reasonable price per serving.
Quality taste and texture is a top priority, as poor taste could deter people from eating the meals. The kits focus on familiar comfort foods like pastas, rice dishes, oatmeals, and soups. Nutritional balance is also key, with meals delivering complete proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Top kits advertise 10+ year shelf lives for unopened pouches stored in cool, dry places. This ensures the meals will be viable when people need them most. Finally, reputable kits offer cost-efficient servings, with pricing competitive among top brands.
Criteria for Evaluating Survival Food Kits
The main criteria used to rate survival food kits are:
- Taste - The meals must have appealing flavors and textures people enjoy eating.
- Nutritional Balance - Meals should provide balanced nutrition with proteins, fruits/veggies, carbs, etc.
- Shelf Life - How long pouches stay fresh unopened when stored properly. 10+ years is ideal.
- Cost Per Serving - What people pay per meal. This balances nutrition with affordability.
These criteria ensure kits provide high quality foods people can rely on in emergencies. Taste and nutrition keep people eating while shelf life and cost offer reliability and value.
What is the number one survival food?
Dry beans and legumes are considered the number one survival food to stockpile. They contain protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber - forming a nutritional powerhouse when combined with grains like rice. Here's why beans and legumes are a prepper's best friend:
- Nutrient-dense - Beans provide protein, carbs, fiber, iron, zinc, folate, magnesium, and more. They are packed with nutrients to fuel your body in an emergency.
- Long shelf life - Most dried beans can be stored for up to 30 years if kept cool, dry, and sealed from oxygen. Canned beans also have a shelf life of at least 2 years.
- Versatile - Beans can be used in soups, stews, chili, dips, salads, and more. Their versatility makes them an ideal addition to any emergency pantry.
- Affordable - Dried beans are one of the most economical foods to stockpile. Building a supply is budget-friendly.
- Easy to cook - While beans require soaking and longer cooking times, they are quite simple to prepare. Even in a grid-down disaster beans can be cooked over a campfire.
When combined with rice, beans create a complete protein containing all essential amino acids your body needs. The best survival food is nutritious, affordable, and stores for decades - characteristics that make beans and legumes the number one food for emergency preparedness. Stock up on pinto beans, black beans, lentils, chickpeas, and more.
What food is best for long term survival?
Rice, beans, pasta, and cereals are some of the best options for long term survival food storage. Here's a quick overview:
- Rice - White rice can last 30 years or more if stored properly. Brown rice has a shorter shelf life around 1 year. Rice provides carbohydrates and some protein.
- Beans - Dried beans can last 30 years as well. Varieties like pinto, black, kidney, garbanzo, and lentils are packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients.
- Pasta - Dried pasta can last 2-3 years on the shelf. The different shapes provide variety. Combine with bean or vegetable powders for added nutrition.
- Cereals - Many ready-to-eat cereals can last several years if kept dry and sealed. Oatmeal, grits, cream of wheat, and boxed cereal mixes offer quick meals.
- Dried fruits and vegetables - Raisins, apples, carrots, potatoes, onions and more keep 1-2 years. Rehydrate before eating.
Focus on finding foods with long shelf lives that don't require refrigeration. Favor low-sodium and whole grain options when possible for better nutrition. Store items in airtight containers and check expiration dates regularly to maximize freshness. With the right mix of non-perishables, you can build an emergency food supply to survive long term if needed.
What are the best food to stockpile?
When building your emergency food supply, focus on nutrient-dense non-perishable foods that don't require refrigeration and have a long shelf-life. Here are some of the best options to stockpile:
Canned and Dried Proteins
Canned varieties of meat, beans, fish, and poultry can provide essential proteins. Choose low-sodium options when possible. Dried beans and legumes are great for storage as well. Some good choices include:
- Canned chicken, tuna, salmon
- Canned beans, chili, soups
- Beef and turkey jerky
- Nuts and nut butters
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and veggies stored in cans, pouches, or dehydrated forms are perfect for stockpiling. Go for ones packed in water or natural juices rather than sugary syrups.
- Canned fruits like pineapple, pears, apple sauce
- Dehydrated veggie mixes
- Canned tomatoes, beets, carrots
- Dried fruit like raisins, cranberries
Grains, Cereals, and Starches
Grains stay fresh for a very long time and provide essential carbs. Some easily-stored options include:
- Rice, quinoa, oats
- Pasta, crackers
- Boxes of cereal or granola
- Dried potato flakes
Water
Having an emergency supply of clean drinking water is vital. Store at least 1 gallon per person for a minimum of 3 days. Use sealed bottled water or food-grade water storage containers. Water storage bags and water purification tablets are also good to have on hand.
Prioritize foods your family already eats and enjoys in your emergency supply. Check expiration dates periodically and incorporate into everyday meals to rotate as needed.
Who makes best survival food?
When it comes to the best survival food, a few key brands stand out for their quality, taste, and longevity.
ReadyWise
ReadyWise is one of the most popular and highest rated survival food brands on the market. Their 72-hour emergency food supply kit provides over 90 servings of tasty food with a 25 year shelf life. The meals are easy to prepare by just adding water, and include a good variety like creamy potato soup, cheesy lasagna, and apple cinnamon oatmeal. ReadyWise uses advanced freeze drying and packaging methods to create meals that are lightweight and compact for emergency situations.
Augason Farms
Augason Farms specializes in freeze dried and dehydrated foods perfect for survival kits. Their emergency food supply kits come in various sizes, like the 30-day or 1-year options. The meals contain no artificial ingredients or MSG, using real food ingredients. For example, their dehydrated potato slices maintain their fresh potato flavor and texture when rehydrated. Augason Farms foods also have up to 25 years of shelf life.
Mountain House
Trusted by outdoor adventurers and preppers alike, Mountain House has tasty, easy-to-make meals perfect for your emergency food stockpile. Their Essential Bucket provides over 60 servings of meals like beef stroganoff, chicken teriyaki, and rice & chicken. The pouches have a shelf life of up to 30 years when stored properly. Mountain House uses a careful freeze drying process to create meals that are nutritious and convenient for survival situations.
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Comprehensive Reviews of Top-Rated Kits
When it comes to survival food kits, quality, taste, and shelf life are key factors to consider. After analyzing reviews from experts and consumers, a few kits consistently rise to the top for emergency preparedness.
Mountain House Essential Bucket: A Reliable Choice
The Mountain House Essential Bucket earns high marks across the board. With a 30-year shelf life, its food receives praise for good taste and balanced nutrition with proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins. The 66 servings provide over 2,000 calories per day for one person. At around $8 per meal, it hits the sweet spot between quality and affordability.
4 Patriot Survival Food: Patriotism Meets Preparedness
4 Patriot Survival Food appeals to the survivalist mindset with made in USA products packaged in stand-up foil pouches. Their food kits feature tasty meals using quality ingredients selected for nutrients and longevity, with a 25-year shelf life. The 96-serving 1-month supply provides over 2,000 calories daily for one person at $5-10 per meal.
ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply: Wise Choices for Emergencies
ReadyWise is a go-to for emergency kits, with options tailored for individuals or families. Their 120-serving family kit received high marks for easy preparation with dishes like creamy potato soup and cheesy lasagna. With a 25-year shelf life and balanced nutrition, it covers a family of 4 for over 2 weeks at $4-8 per meal.
Augason Farms Emergency Supply Food Kit: 30 Days of Security
Augason Farms is one of the best values for emergency food. Their 30-day supply kit for one person has an impressive 5-year shelf life. With hearty meals like beef stroganoff and granola, it provides over 2,000 calories daily at only $3 per meal. Taste and nutrition don't disappoint at this price point.
Specialized Survival Food Kits
This section delves into survival food kits that cater to specific dietary needs or preferences, such as vegetarian-friendly options and kits designed for specific disaster situations.
Survive2Thrive Vegetarian Preparedness Pail: Plant-Based Peace of Mind
The Survive2Thrive Vegetarian Preparedness Pail is a great option for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. This kit contains a variety of dehydrated fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and textured vegetable protein. With ingredients like black beans, lentils, quinoa, brown rice, rolled oats, almonds, and even apple slices, this pail has everything you need to create nutritious meatless meals in an emergency.
The food inside tastes good too. Reviews praise the flavor of dishes made with the Survive2Thrive products, with some customers saying they taste fresher than other survival food brands. The pouches conveniently only require boiling water for preparation so you can have a hot meal ready in minutes. With a 25-year shelf life, the Survive2Thrive Vegetarian Preparedness Pail provides reliable highest rated survival food that meets dietary restrictions.
Good To-Go Emergency Food Kit: Gourmet Meals for the Great Outdoors
For survivalists who don't want bland or boring meals, Good To-Go offers a selection of dehydrated gourmet entrees perfect for packing on outdoor excursions. Ranging from pad thai to burritos, the meals mimic flavors you'd get at a restaurant with ingredients like coconut milk powder, spinach, black beans, and chicken or portobello mushrooms.
Reviewers say the dishes taste amazing after adding hot water and letting them rehydrate for 10-15 minutes. The food also holds up well in various disaster situations, making Good To-Go a reliable emergency ration. With a mix of meat and vegetarian options, plus meals under 650 calories on average, this kit appeals to health-focused preppers looking for convenient, tasty highest rated survival food. Just add water and you've got a gourmet meal ready to fuel your next adventure.
Essential Add-Ons for Your Survival Food Kit
Beyond food, a comprehensive emergency supply kit includes tools and supplies critical for survival. This section covers the must-have additions to any survival food kit.
Water Purification: Filters and Tablets
Having access to clean, safe drinking water is essential in any emergency situation. Water purification tools like filters and tablets should be key components of your survival kit.
Water filters allow you to turn unsafe water from streams, ponds, and other sources into potable water. The Sawyer Mini Water Filter and LifeStraw Personal Water Filter are top-rated portable filters perfect for survival kits.
Water purification tablets, like Potable Aqua or Aquatabs, are another convenient option. Simply add them to questionable water and they kill bacteria, viruses and protozoa.
Having both a filter and tablets provides redundancy. If one method fails, you have a backup. They also complement each other, with the filter removing particulates and the tablets handling microorganisms. Every survival food kit should contain portable water filtration/purification tools.
Portable Cooking Solutions: The Role of a Camp Stove
While survival food is packed to be edible without cooking, a portable camp stove allows you to heat up meals and boil water for coffee, tea, and oatmeal. This makes your food more appetizing and provides comfort in stressful situations.
Small, lightweight backpacking stoves like the MSR PocketRocket 2 are perfect for survival kits. They easily fit in a pack, weigh under 3 ounces, and connect to screw-on canister fuels. More involved meals like mountain house freeze dried packs can be quickly prepared, for a welcome sense of normalcy.
Camp stoves also allow you to boil water for purification purposes if other methods aren't available. Having multiple ways to make water safe to drink is vital for survival preparedness.
Emergency Drinking Water Packets: Staying Hydrated
One often overlooked item that belongs in any survival food kit is emergency drinking water packets. These convenient pouches provide pure, safe drinking water when access to potable water isn't possible.
Brands like DripDrop ORS and Water-To-Go make portable water packets designed for emergencies and outdoor activities. They come in easy to store multi-packs with a 5+ year shelf life.
Adding water packets to your survival food kit provides lightweight insurance against dehydration. Whether you need drinking water or to reconstitute freeze dried meals, they can be a lifesaver when traditional water sources are compromised.
Practical Tips for Building Your Emergency Food Supply
Selecting Foods That Last a Long Time
When building an emergency food supply, it's important to choose non-perishable foods with long shelf lives that don't require refrigeration. Some good options include:
- Canned goods like beans, vegetables, fruits, soups, meats, etc. Canned foods can last 2-5 years if stored properly.
- Dried goods like pastas, rice, oats, potato flakes, etc. These have shelf lives of 1-2 years typically.
- Snack items like granola bars, nuts, crackers. Check expiration dates and aim for at least 6-12 months of freshness.
- Comfort foods like peanut butter, jelly, honey last 1-2 years unopened.
Focus on nutrient-dense foods that provide protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Avoid junk food with low nutritional value. Track expiration dates and follow FIFO (first-in, first-out) when rotating stock.
Creating and Storing an Emergency Water Supply
Having sufficient drinking water during an emergency is critical. Some tips:
- Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days.
- Use food-grade plastic containers, jugs, or bottles. Thoroughly clean and air dry.
- Add water purification tablets to kill bacteria. Rotate stock every 6 months.
- Have backup options like emergency drinking water packets that just require water added.
Keep water in a cool, dark place like a basement or interior closet. Avoid temperature fluctuations that can compromise plastic containers and lead to bacterial growth.
Checking Expiration Dates and Rotating Stock
To ensure your emergency food stays fresh and consumable:
- Take inventory 1-2 times per year and check expiration/best by dates.
- Follow FIFO (first-in, first-out) practices when rotating stock.
- Set reminder alerts on your phone to prompt you to inspect dates.
- Create a master list to track items and expiration timelines.
Discard anything past printed expiration dates. Donate unopened items to local food banks as they approach expiration to avoid waste.
Considering Dietary Restrictions: Low-Sodium and Vegetarian Options
Tailor your emergency food supply to meet your household's dietary needs:
- Seek out low-sodium canned goods and snack items if limiting salt intake.
- Include vegetarian protein sources like beans, lentils, nuts, seeds.
- Purchase ready-made vegetarian emergency food kits (Augason Farms, Mountain House).
- Supplement with vitamins/minerals if following restrictive diets long-term.
Having options that meet both specialized and basic nutritional requirements ensures your emergency food is safe and appropriate for all members of your family to consume.
Key Takeaways for Selecting the Best Survival Food Kits
The highest rated survival food kits provide nutritious, long-lasting meals to sustain you and your family during an emergency. When selecting a survival food kit, key factors to consider include taste, dietary restrictions, budget, and versatility.
Top Picks for the Best Survival Food Kits
Based on online reviews and product testing, the top 3 highest rated survival food kits are:
- Mountain House Essential Bucket - With a 4.7/5 star rating, this kit provides tasty freeze-dried meals with a 25+ year shelf life.
- Augason Farms 30-Day Emergency Food Supply - Rated 4.6/5 stars, this budget-friendly kit contains 307 servings of nutritious food.
- Wise Company 60-Serving Entree Only Grab and Go Kit - Easy to prepare meals that can accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, and kosher diets. Rated 4.4/5 stars.
Finding the Best Taste Among Survival Foods
The tastiest survival food kit based on online reviews is the Mountain House Essential Bucket. With an average 4.7/5 star rating, customers praise the great flavors across all meals, from eggs with bacon to chicken teriyaki.
Best Value for Money: Budget-Friendly Survival Food Kits
If you're on a tight budget, the Augason Farms 30-day Emergency Food Supply offers the best value with 307 servings for only around $100. With a 4.6/5 star average rating, it provides nutritious food at one of the lowest costs per meal.
The Importance of Versatility in Survival Food Selection
It's vital to choose a survival food kit that can accommodate different tastes and dietary restrictions. The Wise Company 60-Serving Entree Only Grab and Go Kit receives high marks for offering vegetarian, kosher, and gluten-free meal options. With individually packaged entrees, you can grab meals on-the-go during an emergency.
