Patriot Survival Meals Selection Guide

published on 12 January 2024

When planning for emergency preparedness, most will agree that having reliable, nutritious food supplies is critically important.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Patriot survival meals to help you make informed decisions when selecting emergency food options that meet your household's unique needs.

You'll learn key details on shelf life, dietary accommodations, purchasing, storage solutions, and more to finalize an effective food supply plan for emergency situations.

Introduction to Patriot Survival Meals

Patriot survival meals are emergency food kits designed to provide nutritious, long-lasting meals in crisis situations. Having an adequate food supply is an essential part of emergency preparedness planning. Patriot survival meals cater to different dietary needs while being easy to store and prepare when needed.

Understanding Patriot Survival Meals

Patriot survival meals are complete ready-to-eat meals packed in pouches or cans. They are made of freeze-dried or dehydrated ingredients that have a shelf life of up to 25 years. These meals provide a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and nutrients. As they only require water to prepare, patriot meals create minimal waste and avoid reliance on cooking fuel or electricity in emergencies. Key features include:

  • Long shelf life without refrigeration
  • Lightweight and easy to transport
  • Made in the USA at certified facilities
  • No waste or mess to clean up
  • Variety to suit different tastes and needs

Advantages of Safe and Ready Meals

Having ready-to-eat survival meals provides significant advantages when disasters strike. They ensure your family is fed in situations when normal food supply chains are disrupted. Benefits include:

  • No cooking required to prepare meals
  • Nutritious food to maintain health
  • Peace of mind knowing your food supply is secure
  • Avoid scrambling for scarce resources
  • Tailor meals to medical or religious dietary needs

Guide Objectives

This guide provides information on selecting the best patriot survival food kits. It covers:

  • Key factors to consider when choosing meals
  • Information on trusted suppliers and brands
  • Tips on creating balanced and personalized packages
  • Storage and preparation recommendations
  • Frequently asked questions

Following this guide will help you create an emergency food plan to keep your family safe and healthy when unpredictable events occur.

Is my patriot and 4Patriots the same company?

No, 4Patriots and My Patriot Supply are not the same company. Here are the key facts:

  • 4Patriots contracts with third-party suppliers to source and package their emergency food kits. They do not actually manufacture the products themselves.
  • My Patriot Supply was previously one of the major suppliers for 4Patriots survival food. However, 4Patriots has since switched to using other undisclosed suppliers.
  • So while the two brands were associated in the past through a supplier-retailer relationship, they currently operate as completely separate entities with different owners and business structures.
  • When buying 4Patriots food buckets today, you are purchasing from 4Patriots directly. The meals inside are produced by other survival food companies that 4Patriots has contracted with.

The bottom line is that 4Patriots handles the branding, marketing, and sales of their emergency meal kits, while contracting with third-parties to source and package the actual food products. My Patriot Supply used to be one of those suppliers but no longer is. So they are distinct brands and companies at this point.

Who owns My Patriot Supply Company?

My Patriot Supply is co-founded by Matt Redhawk, an entrepreneur with years of experience in emergency preparedness and survival products.

Redhawk started My Patriot Supply with the goal of providing quality survival food and emergency supplies to families and individuals interested in being self-reliant. He believes in building a community of like-minded preppers and helping educate people on how to properly prepare for emergencies.

As the co-founder of My Patriot Supply, Redhawk oversees procurement of survival foods from reputable manufacturers. He works closely with food scientists to formulate shelf-stable meals that cater to different dietary needs. Redhawk also ensures transparent business practices and excellent customer service.

My Patriot Supply is a trusted name in emergency preparedness, thanks to Redhawk's leadership and commitment to delivering essential products to customers nationwide. Under his guidance, My Patriot Supply continues to be a go-to resource for survival food kits and emergency supplies.

How long are Patriot meals good for?

Patriot survival meals are designed to last up to 25 years when properly stored. The key to ensuring your emergency food supply maintains quality and freshness over time is controlling storage conditions like temperature, air exposure, and moisture.

Here are some tips for getting the longest shelf life out of your patriot meals:

  • Store in a cool, dry place. The ideal storage temperature is 60-75°F. Avoid areas that get above 90°F for extended periods.
  • Keep sealed in mylar pouches. Don't open the sealed mylar pouches until you are ready to eat. This prevents oxygen and moisture from getting in. Reseal after opening.
  • Use oxygen absorbers. Many kits come with oxygen absorbers to help remove oxygen from the pouches to extend shelf life. Use as directed.
  • Check for signs of spoilage periodically. About every 6 months, do a visual check of pouches for any swelling or leakage which could indicate spoilage. Discard any compromised pouches.

With proper storage techniques, your patriot survival meals can safely last for decades, giving you reliable emergency food when you need it most. Be sure to follow all guidelines from the manufacturer as well.

How long does Patriot Supply last?

Patriot Supply offers emergency food kits with a long 25-year shelf life. This ensures you have reliable access to survival meals when you need them most.

Here is an overview of the different Patriot Supply food kit options and how long they last:

Ready Hour

  • Shelf life of up to 25 years
  • Provides short-term emergency food supply with 72 servings

Emergency Meal Entrées

  • 120 servings of freeze-dried meals
  • Stays fresh for up to 25 years in the sealed bucket

Real Non-Perishable Meals

  • 120 breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
  • Stored in portable, waterproof containers
  • Stays nutritious and tasty for 25 years

25-Year Shelf Life

  • Largest selection of meals, with 4320 total servings
  • Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks
  • Stored in high-density plastic for decades of freshness

Portable Flood-Safe Container

  • 72-hour supply of food and water
  • Stored in portable container to take on-the-go
  • Fits in small spaces and protects from floods

No matter which Patriot Supply kit you choose, you can trust you'll have emergency meals to count on when you need them. Their innovative storage methods keep food nutritious and tasty for up to 25 years.

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Assessing Your Emergency Food Supply Needs

When building an emergency food supply, it's important to assess your needs based on the number of people you are preparing for and any dietary restrictions.

Calculating Food Supply for a Family of 4

A good rule of thumb is to store at least a 3 month supply of food for each family member. For a family of 4, that would be 12 months worth of food. To determine the amount, calculate about 1,500-2,000 calories per person per day.

So for a family of 4 for 12 months, you'd need:

  • 4 people x 1,500 calories x 365 days = 2,190,000 calories
  • Which equals about 600-800 pounds of food

When purchasing emergency food, look at the calorie counts to ensure you have adequate calories stored.

Considering Dietary Restrictions

Be sure to take into account any food allergies, intolerances, or preferences family members may have. Having options like gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian meals will make your emergency food supply work for everyone.

Prioritize versatility and accommodation when choosing survival food brands and kits. For example, Patriot Pantry and Wise Foods offer gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Budgeting for Your Emergency Food Supply

A 25-year supply of food for a family of 4 could cost $5,000-$10,000. To make this more affordable, build your supply gradually over time. Take advantage of sales and special offers from various brands throughout the year.

Consider storing a combination of ready-to-eat meals, freeze-dried ingredients, and staples you can prepare yourself. Augment your stored food with home canning and preserving as well.

Taste and Quality of Survival Meals

No one wants to eat bland or bad-tasting food long-term. Seek out brands like Thrive Life and Augason Farms that use high-quality ingredients and innovative processing methods for better flavor.

Pay attention to preparation directions, shelf life, and customer reviews as well. Test samples of different meals to determine which taste best to you.

The Importance of Food Storage

Properly storing your emergency food supply is just as vital as the food itself. Use oxygen absorbers and moisture barriers to prevent spoilage. Store food in a cool, dark place like a basement or cellar. Consider investing in good shelving, sealed containers, and a food grade bucket or two to keep your survival meals organized and protected.

Rotate your stock to use items before they expire as well. This ensures you can replenish your supply with fresh items over time.

Selecting the Best Survival Food Kits

When building an emergency food supply, selecting the right survival food kits is crucial. The best kits are packed with nutritious, long-lasting meals tailored to your dietary needs. As you compare options, focus on shelf life, calories per day, taste, and dietary preferences.

My Patriot Supply Kits

My Patriot Supply offers meal kits with up to 25 years of shelf life. Their food stays fresh and appetizing thanks to nitrogen packing and resealable pouches. With gluten-free and vegetarian options, they accommodate most diets. For example, their 3-month supply provides over 900 calories per day.

4Patriots Survival Food Options

4Patriots creates convenient survival food kits that require only water. Their meals feature tasty comfort foods like mac and cheese, scrambled eggs, and apple cinnamon oatmeal. Their 1-week kit includes 84 servings with 2,000 calories per day for one person.

Meat Survival Food Kits

For high protein, look for survival food kits packed with beef, chicken, pork, and fish options. These freeze-dried and dehydrated meat meals provide a hearty nutrition source when refrigeration isn't available. Just add hot water for a warm, filling meal.

Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Survival Meals

Many companies now cater to vegetarians, vegans, and those with food allergies. For example, SurvivalFood offers plant-based and gluten-free survival meals, using ingredients like textured vegetable protein, lentils, brown rice, and buckwheat. These kits last 10-25 years.

Comparing Shelf Life and Servings

When deciding on an emergency food kit, examine shelf life, total servings, and daily calories. For example, a 3-month supply for one person from My Patriot Supply contains over 270 servings with 1,200+ calories per day. Compare across brands to suit your household's unique needs.

Patriot Survival Meals Recipes and Preparation

Simple Preparation Methods

Patriot survival meals are designed for convenience, often only requiring the addition of water. Many meals come in ready-to-eat pouches, while others are packaged as compact freeze-dried ingredients. To prepare the freeze-dried varieties, simply add boiling water and let sit for 5-10 minutes before enjoying. These preparation methods make patriot survival meals an easy solution when time and resources are limited.

Enhancing Flavor and Variety

While convenient, eating the same survival meals every day can cause palate fatigue. To enhance flavor and variety:

  • Add your own spices, herbs, hot sauce, etc. based on personal tastes
  • Mix and match entree pouches with different side dishes
  • Supplement with home-preserved fruits, vegetables, or meat
  • Bake survival meal ingredients into casseroles, breads, etc. for a change of texture

Getting creative with preparation is key to keeping survival food enjoyable over time.

Canning & Preserving Additional Food

Canning and preserving your own meat, produce, dairy, etc. provides a tasty way to supplement survival meal supplies. Home-preserved foods add welcome variety and nutrients to emergency rations. Most importantly, DIY food storage allows you to customize ingredients to suit your household's unique dietary needs and restrictions. Useful items to stockpile through canning and preserving include:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Soups, stews, and chili
  • Meats
  • Dairy products

When combined with survival meal kits, home-preserved foods help comprise a well-rounded emergency food supply.

Creating a Balanced Diet with Survival Meals

For long-term reliance, survival meals should be part of a diverse emergency food supply. To maintain health, create a balanced diet using a mix of survival food kits, home-preserved ingredients, and fresh food sources. Key considerations for a balanced, nutritious diet include:

  • Sufficient proteins, fruits and vegetables
  • Whole grains and fiber
  • Adequate vitamins and minerals
  • Oils and healthy fats
  • Dairy or dairy alternatives
  • Safe drinking water

Eating a variety of survival meals and foodstuffs is key to maintaining health in an emergency situation. Meal planning and strategic rationing can help your food supplies last.

Practical Storage Solutions for Survival Meals

Optimizing Storage Conditions

When storing patriot survival meals for emergencies, it's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for ideal storage conditions. Generally, a cool, dark, and dry location between 50-70°F is best. Avoid temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight exposure which can compromise shelf life. Consider investing in purpose-built storage containers or rooms specifically for your food supply.

Utilizing Food Rotation Systems

Using a first-in-first-out (FIFO) rotation system helps ensure your survival meals remain fresh and safe over long periods. Label packages with purchase dates and store new inventory behind existing stock. Plan meals around older food first before tapping into newer reserves. Take inventory every 6-12 months, using up opened foods and checking unopened packs for damage or expiration concerns.

Protecting Against Pests and Contaminants

To guard against insect/rodent infestations, store sealed survival food packs in airtight plastic bins or metal cans with tight lids. Use oxygen absorbers to remove oxygen pests need. Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic pest deterrent. Ensure storage areas are clean, cool, and dry. Consider adding mousetraps as an extra precaution.

Emergency Planning with Your Food Supply

Factor your survival food reserves into broader emergency plans. Calculate supply quantities needed for your household size and likely scenarios. Map out rationing plans for extended grid-down situations. Cross-reference storage locations with evacuation routes. Set reminders to cycle and replace food as needed. Share details with household members.

Regular Inventory and Quality Checks

At minimum, examine your entire food supply once yearly for damage, pests, or expiration date concerns. Ensure all survival meals remain well-sealed and undamaged. Watch for signs like bulging packs or leaking. Sniff spot checks of older inventory for spoilage. Keep detailed logs of items and purchase dates. Replace questionable products immediately to keep reserves fresh.

Where to Find Patriot Survival Meals for Sale

Patriot survival meals provide critical nourishment when disasters strike. When purchasing these emergency food supplies, buyers should consider factors like price, selection, storage, and more. This guide explores the best places to buy quality patriot survival meals.

Patriot Survival Meals on Amazon

Amazon offers unbeatable convenience when buying patriot survival meals. With fast shipping and a huge selection, customers can easily find supplies tailored to their household's unique needs. However, some buyers prefer more guidance selecting emergency food from specialized retailers.

Direct Purchases from My Patriot Supply and 4Patriots

Ordering directly from preparedness brands like My Patriot Supply and 4Patriots ensures customers get reputable products designed for emergencies. These companies often have better prices when buying in bulk. Their websites also provide resources to determine ideal food reserves. However, online-only businesses can't offer hands-on product inspections.

Local Retailers and Emergency Supplies Stores

Supporting local emergency supply shops helps the community. Customers can inspect products firsthand while getting personalized advice. However, selection is limited and costs may be higher. These smaller retailers likely won't match online discounts.

Online Marketplaces and Specialty Shops

Various online marketplaces and specialty sites sell patriot meals. Compared to Amazon, these channels may have fewer options but better deals, especially for bulk orders. Vetting individual sellers on open marketplaces does require more effort. Reputable specialty shops cater specifically to preppers.

When selecting where to purchase patriot survival meals, buyers must weigh factors like cost, selection, storage solutions, and trust in suppliers. Getting guidance from preparedness experts can help households build emergency food reserves tailored to their situation. With some research, most families can find reliable patriot meal kits at reasonable prices.

Conclusion: Finalizing Your Emergency Food Plan

Review of Key Takeaways

When selecting patriot survival meals for your emergency food supply, keep these key takeaways in mind:

  • Focus on nutritionally balanced, long-shelf life meals tailored for emergency situations. Prioritize calories, protein, nutrients.
  • Consider portion sizes and nutritional needs of all members of your household. Have supplies for at least 3 days per person.
  • Choose meals with a variety of flavors and ingredients to support morale and avoid food fatigue.
  • Look for meals made with quality ingredients without artificial flavors/colors.
  • Ensure your selection includes options accommodating various dietary needs and restrictions.
  • Properly store unopened meals in a cool, dark place to maximize shelf life of 25+ years.

Next Steps in Emergency Preparedness

Now that you've secured your emergency food supply, here are some recommended next steps:

  • Create an emergency evacuation plan detailing meeting places, contacts, routes.
  • Assemble evacuation go-bags for each family member including supplies, documents.
  • Check other emergency equipment like flashlights, radios, first aid kits. Replace as needed.
  • Review water storage and purification plans. Have at least 1 gallon per person per day.
  • Continue building skills like first aid, fire starting, and survival tactics. Consider taking classes.

Maintaining and Updating Your Food Supply

To keep your emergency meals ready for use:

  • Set calendar reminders to routinely cycle and replace food at least every 5 years.
  • Audit current supplies against needs as household changes over time.
  • Incorporate new food items to account for developing dietary restrictions.
  • Check storage conditions and packaging integrity during each replacement cycle.

Following proactive maintenance practices for your survival food ensures it stays fresh and nutritious when you need it most.

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