Survival Food Reviews: Taste Test Results

Finding tasty survival food can be a real challenge.

In this post, you'll discover unbiased taste test results for top brands to help you choose foods your family will actually enjoy when it matters most.

We conducted in-depth sensory evaluations on flavor, texture, and overall eating experience across patriot supply, mountain house, augason farms, and other top emergency food kits. You'll get the real scoop on taste from a survivalist perspective.

Introduction to Survival Food Reviews

Survival food reviews provide crucial information for preppers looking to stock up on emergency food supplies. With so many options on the market, taste testing allows consumers to select products that are not only nutritious but also palatable.

The Significance of Survival Food Taste Tests

Taste is one of the most important factors for survival food products. In an emergency situation, morale and mental health are vital - and being able to eat foods that don't make you gag can lift spirits. Additionally, taste impacts consumption rates. If survival food tastes bad, people may not eat enough to get adequate nutrition.

By taste testing various brands and meals, survival food reviewers help consumers choose options they can stomach during a crisis. Favorable taste test results also indicate which companies have prioritized palatability in their product development.

Methodology Behind Survival Food Reviews

Reputable survival food review sites conduct rigorous taste tests on major brands. Products are sampled across a diverse group of testers to get well-rounded opinions. Testers rate flavors, textures, appearance, packaging, preparation requirements, and more using standardized criteria.

The top-rated survival food kits excel in areas like:

Pleasant and familiar flavors
Balanced seasonings
Natural, recognizable ingredients
Not too salty, sweet, or spicy
Smooth textures without grittiness

These taste test insights help consumers select rewarding emergency food options suited to their preferences. Prioritizing palatability leads to better nutrition and morale if disaster strikes.

What is the absolute best survival food?

When it comes to survival food, there's no definitive "best" option that works for everyone. However, there are some key factors to consider when choosing emergency food supplies:

Taste

Taste is hugely important for palatability and morale in a disaster scenario. Our taste test of top brands revealed a few standouts:

Mountain House meals rated highly for flavor and texture. Their beef stroganoff was a crowd favorite.
Augason Farms food kits also tasted great. Their cheesy broccoli rice gets rave reviews.
Good To-Go vegetarian meals feature gourmet flavors like Thai curry and herbed mushroom risotto.

Nutrition

You'll need calories and nutrients to keep your strength up in an emergency. Look for kits with a balance of carbs, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Some brands, like Survive2Thrive, focus specifically on nutrient-dense ingredients.

Shelf Life

Stock up on food with a long shelf life in case you need to rely on your supplies for an extended period. Many companies offer freeze-dried or dehydrated meals with 20-30 year shelf lives if stored properly. Popular picks like Mountain House and Wise Company guarantee their taste and nutrition for decades.

Variety

Consider kits with a diverse mix of entrees, sides, snacks, and drinks so you don't get bored. For example, Augason Farms' 30-Day 1-Person Emergency Food Supply has over 20 different meal options from oatmeal to pasta alfredo.

Affordability

Building a stockpile adds up quickly, so shop sales and bulk options to save. For instance, ReadyWise has a 240-serving bucket for less than $150, a great value for large households.

No matter what you choose, the best emergency food is the kind you'll actually eat. Conduct your own taste tests to find flavors your family enjoys. Sample small pouches before investing in bulk quantities.

Is it worth buying emergency food?

Emergency food kits can provide critical sustenance in a crisis when access to food is limited. However, with so many options on the market, it's important to choose wisely.

When considering an emergency food purchase, here are some key factors to weigh:

Shelf Life

Many emergency food kits offer a shelf life of 10+ years. Opt for kits with the longest viability to get the most value.
Ensure you check expiration dates before purchasing. An expired or short-dated kit defeats the purpose.

Nutritional Value

Seek out kits that offer balanced nutrition with sufficient calories, carbs, protein, vitamins/minerals.
Some kits sacrifice nutrition for extreme longevity. Make sure nutrition meets your needs.

Taste

In an emergency, taste is secondary to nutrition. But choosing decent-tasting food makes the experience less miserable.
Opt for familiar foods you enjoy rather than exotic or gourmet offerings in a kit.

Special Dietary Needs

If you have allergies, diabetes, celiac disease, etc., seek out specialty emergency food kits tailored to your needs.

Value For Money

Calculate cost per meal/calorie to accurately compare kit value across brands.
Buy in bulk for deep discounts, but only if shelf life allows you to fully consume.

Portion Sizes

Purchase kits with portion sizes suited to your household size - buying too much can lead to waste.

Overall, emergency food delivers vital insurance against disasters disrupting normal access to sustenance. While taste is not paramount, choosing decent-tasting foods you can actually enjoy eating makes sense for morale. Seek out high-quality kits tailored to your household's nutritional needs and dietary restrictions.

How long do survival food kits last?

Survival food kits are designed to provide nutritious meals during emergencies when access to fresh food is limited. However, the shelf life of these kits can vary depending on the type of food and storage method:

Emergency Food Rations: These compact, calorie-dense foods like energy bars or freeze-dried meals typically last around 5 years when stored properly. They offer portability but limited variety.
Freeze-Dried Food: With an airtight seal and cool, dry storage, freeze-dried ingredients can last up to 10 years. Rehydrating adds water for a meal. More variety than rations.
MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat): MRE entrees and sides last around 3 years when stored at room temperature. The military-developed meals offer convenience but can be bland in flavor.
Canned Food: Properly stored canned goods last 1-5 years on average. A heavy option lacking in portability, but cans allow for budget-friendly stockpiling of staple ingredients.

No matter what type of survival food you choose, be sure to check expiration dates, safely store kits, and rotate stock to maximize shelf life. Kits with a mix of foods will provide the best nutrition and variety over an extended emergency.

How long does wise survival food last?

Wise Company offers high-quality survival food with an impressive 25-year shelf life. This exceptionally long lifespan makes their products a reliable, long-term addition to any emergency preparedness kit.

A few key reasons Wise food lasts so long:

Careful ingredient selection
Low-moisture dehydration process
Oxygen absorbers in packaging
Mylar pouches block light and moisture

With proper storage in a cool, dark place, unopened Wise pouches will remain edible for up to 25 years from the packaging date. Their foods are carefully manufactured and tested to maintain optimal flavor, texture, and nutritional value over two and a half decades.

Once opened, the food lasts much less time - around 1 year from the date you break the seal. So the 25-year lifespan only applies to sealed, unopened pouches stored appropriately.

The exceptional shelf stability gives you confidence that your emergency food supply will be there when you need it - even if you stash it away and don't touch it for 10 or 20 years. Wise makes it easy to get prepared and stay prepared. Their tasty, nutritious meals will see you through tough times whenever they may arise.

In-Depth Reviews of Top Survival Food Companies

Survival food companies provide critical resources to help families prepare for emergencies and disasters. As part of our ongoing prepper education efforts, we tested some of the most popular survival food brands to provide you with real user reviews focused on taste, texture, and ease of preparation.

Patriot Food Supply Review: A Taste of Preparedness

Patriot Food Supply offers freeze-dried and dehydrated foods with a 25-year shelf life. Their food kits contain staples like eggs, milk, fruits, vegetables, and meats aimed at providing well-rounded nutrition. In our tests, we found:

Most meals had a decent flavor profile but some sides were bland. The beef and chicken dishes were quite tasty.
Rehydration times were longer than some other brands, so advanced planning is needed for meals.
The freeze-dried fruits and vegetables had a nice crunch but the texture of meats was a bit spongy.

Overall, Patriot Food Supply provides good tasting options for your emergency food reserves. Just be prepared for longer prep and rehydration times.

ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply: Flavor Meets Functionality

ReadyWise offers a wide variety of individual entrees, fruits, veggies, and breakfast foods. We tried several of their most popular kits. Our key findings:

Most meals have a homemade, comfort food taste. The chili mac, in particular, was a hit.
Rehydration and cooking was faster than many competitors, adding to ease of use.
Freeze-dried textures retained more crunch and freshness compared to other methods.

ReadyWise makes tasty, easy-to-prepare survival food perfect for stocking your emergency pantry. Their products rehydrate quickly when you need to eat.

Mountain House Essential Bucket: A Culinary Adventure in Survival

Mountain House has set the industry standard for great tasting survival food for decades. Their Essential Bucket provides a variety of crowd-pleasing options. Our taste test revealed:

Most entrees and sides were delicious with a homemade flavor. The beef stroganoff was a universal favorite.
Meals rehydrated quickly and were easy to prepare with just hot water.
Freeze-dried textures were not as crunchy as others but had a nice fluffy texture.

Mountain House makes survival food you can enjoy eating - not just tolerate. Pick up one of their Essential Buckets for reliable, great tasting emergency rations.

Augason Farms Emergency Supply Food Kit: Homestyle Taste in Crisis

Augason Farms provides a wide range of individual ingredients, full meals, and food kits for emergency preparedness. We sampled their 30-day supply kit which contained a variety of breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks. Key notes:

Most foods were quite tasty with a nice homemade flavor, especially the cheesy potato soup.
Individual ingredients took more prep but allowed for customization and versatility.
Some freeze-dried items were overly dry but flavors were still good.

Augason Farms emergency food kits offer flexibility plus quality ingredients and flavors for reliable nutrition when you need it most. The ability to customize your meals is a nice bonus.

Testing popular survival food brands revealed decent flavors and good nutrition is available, even for long term emergency reserves. Each brand has strengths and weaknesses so sample different options to find your favorites. Building a stockpile of tasty survival food helps ensure you can safely nourish your family during unexpected events.

Consumer Perspectives: Survival Food Reviews from Amazon and Reports

Survival food reviews provide crucial real-world feedback on the quality, taste, and overall satisfaction of different emergency food products. By analyzing reviews from sources like Amazon and Consumer Reports, we can identify the standout options based on actual customer experiences.

Amazon Customer Favorites: Top-Rated Survival Foods

Amazon reviews offer insights into the most popular and top-rated survival foods available. According to Amazon, some of the highest rated products include:

Augason Farms 30-Day Emergency Food Supply: With over 4,000 reviews and a 4.6/5 star rating, this comprehensive 30-day supply receives consistent praise for its variety of meals and long shelf life. Customers describe the food quality as "better than expected" and "very tasty for this type of product."
Mountain House Essentials Bucket: This bucket provides a diverse assortment of freeze-dried meals tailored for emergencies. It earns a 4.7/5 star rating, with customers highlighting the convenience, lightweight portability, and surprisingly good flavors. One review states: "These meals are easy to prepare and taste fresh - perfect for my emergency preparations."
Wise Food Company 60-Serving Entrée Only Grab and Go Food Kit: Scoring 4.5/5 stars with ample positive reviews, this grab-and-go kit offers easy-to-prepare entrees for emergencies. Customers love the gourmet flavors and say it "tastes much better than typical survival food."

The positive Amazon reviews for these top products suggest they offer quality ingredients, good taste relative to competitors, and reliable nutrition to get through emergencies.

Consumer Reports Insights: Trustworthy Survival Food Feedback

Beyond Amazon, survival food reviews from trusted publications like Consumer Reports provide credible feedback on major brands. Key insights from their assessments include:

Mountain House earns top marks: In a recent taste test, Mountain House meals outperformed most competitors on flavor and texture. The high quality of their freeze-dried ingredients results in meals described as "quite good" compared to alternatives.
Wise Company offers best value: While not rating as highly for taste, Wise Company provides very affordable survival food that still satisfies. Their huge variety of meals aim to meet any dietary needs in an emergency.
Legacy Premium supplies gluten-free options: For those with specialty diets, Legacy Premium offers entirely gluten-free and vegan survival food. Despite higher costs, their meals rate well for taste and meet strict dietary standards.

By spotlighting key brands and products that rate well across credible sources, we can narrow down the best emergency food options currently available to today's preparation-minded consumers.

The Long Haul: 25-Year Emergency Food Supply Options

Evaluating emergency food designed to last 25 years requires considering taste, texture, nutritional value, storage, and overall quality. As we make long-term emergency plans, having food reserves that will outlast temporary disruptions is prudent preparation.

Legacy Premium Gluten-Free 72-Hour Emergency Food Kit: A Taste Test

The Legacy Premium Gluten-Free Emergency Food Kit provides 72 hours of meals free from gluten, dairy, and soy. Taste-testing reveals the oatmeal and brown sugar squares have a pleasant flavor reminiscent of homemade oatmeal cookies. The gluten-free pasta meals are hearty and filling but tend to be bland without added seasonings. The kit meets specialty dietary needs while providing essential nutrition if one is unable to shop or cook for several days.

Valley Food Storage Freeze Dried Fruit Bucket: Snackable Survival

Valley Food Storage offers bulk freeze-dried fruits designed to last 25 years when properly stored. The fruit pieces retain much of their original shape, though they are lighter and crispier in texture. Most fruits have a naturally sweet flavor profile that satisfies cravings for a sweet treat during an extended crisis. The only drawback is the fruits lack the juice and moisture of fresh options. But the freeze-dried versions allow long-term storage of nutritious, tasty fruits.

Specialty Survival Food Kits: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, and More

As interest in specialized diets grows, so too does the market for tailored emergency food kits. We tested vegetarian, gluten-free, and other specialty survival meals to help you find the best options for your needs.

Survive2Thrive Vegetarian Preparedness Pail: Plant-Based Taste Review

The Survive2Thrive Vegetarian Preparedness Pail provides 100% plant-based ingredients, making it a great choice for vegetarians and vegans. Our testers found the texture and flavor of dishes like the three bean chili and southwest quinoa blend to be quite tasty and satisfying. The addition of nuts, seeds, and textured vegetable protein in many meals gives them a "heartiness" that is often missing from vegetarian options. We did find spice levels to be relatively mild across all meals, but adding your own hot sauce easily fixes that. Overall, an excellent emergency food kit for non-meat eaters.

Good To-Go Emergency Food Kit: Gourmet Survival Meals

For those with more discerning palates, the Good To-Go Emergency Food Kit offers gourmet recipes and high-quality ingredients rarely found in survival food. Meals feature chef-inspired dishes like Thai curry, herbed mushroom risotto, and southwest chicken & rice. Our testers found the flavors vibrant and textures far closer to fresh food compared to typical freeze-dried or dehydrated survival meals. At $13 per meal, it sits at the premium end for emergency food, but worth it for foodies who still want restaurant quality in an emergency. Just don't expect large serving sizes equal to those from cheaper brands.

Bulk Buying for Emergencies: Costco Survival Food and Beyond

Bulk buying emergency food can provide peace of mind and cost savings when disaster strikes. Retailers like Costco offer a variety of tasty survival food options in bulk sizes. Let's explore the pros and cons of stocking up on food for emergencies.

Costco Survival Food Taste Test: Value Meets Variety

Costco offers bulk sizes of popular brands like Mountain House and Augason Farms. I taste tested several options:

Mountain House Essentials Bucket: Offers hearty staples like chili mac, rice & chicken, and sweet & sour pork. Flavors were rich and complex. Rice and pasta had a nice al dente texture. Great value for a 30-day supply.
Augason Farms 30-Day Kit: Good variety with breakfasts, entrées, veggies, and snacks. Most flavors were tasty, especially the cheesy broccoli soup. Some items were bland like the powdered milk and potato flakes. Good basic ingredients to supplement.
Wise Company 60-Serving Entrée Variety: Very convenient individually packaged meals. Flavors were average and somewhat repetitive. Best paired with additional fruits, veggies, and starches.

Costco's kits provide good taste and nutrition at bulk discount pricing. For more variety, augment with extra proteins, produce, grains, and seasonings.

The Best Bulk Survival Food Kits: Savoring Savings and Security

Here are my top picks for tasty bulk survival food supply kits:

ReadyWise: They offer a huge selection of gluten-free and vegetarian options. Flavors like teriyaki rice and southwest beans are delicious and satisfying.
Thrive Life: Their freeze-dried veggies, fruits, proteins, and grains retain nutrients and texture wonderfully. Great quality ingredients.
Valley Food Storage: Taste and quality meets affordability. Their 72-hour kits have generously sized servings of favorites like chicken teriyaki and rice.

Buying bulk pallets online can save up to 55%. Prioritize higher calorie proteins and carbs. Supplement with canned goods and home-preserved foods to customize taste and nutrition. Rotating and replenishing inventory annually helps ensure freshness.

Investing in bulk emergency food packs value, variety, and peace of mind into every tasty bite. Disaster preparedness on a budget is possible thanks to retailers offering quality ingredients, better pricing, and great taste.

Practical Considerations: Preparing and Storing Survival Foods

Preparing and storing survival foods properly is critical for maintaining taste, texture, and nutritional value over time. Here are some key considerations:

The Role of a Camp Stove in Survival Food Preparation

A camp stove allows you to heat and cook survival food, improving palatability. Features to look for include:

Portability - Lightweight and packs down small
Fuel efficiency - Gets the most out of your fuel source
Adjustable heat - Simmer foods or boil water
Stable design - Balances pots without tipping

With a camp stove, you can prepare foods like:

Freeze-dried meals - Just add hot water
Canned goods - Heat contents thoroughly
Dehydrated ingredients - Rehydrate before eating

This makes survival foods far more appetizing.

Creating and Storing an Emergency Water Supply

Water is essential for preparing survival foods. Store an emergency supply using:

Bottled water - Keeps for years if unopened
Water storage containers - Seal tightly after filling
Water filtration system - Removes contaminants from found water sources

Rotate stock to keep it fresh. Have at least 1 gallon per person daily.

Maintaining a Backstock of Single Ingredients for Versatility

Stockpile versatile ingredients like:

Freeze-dried chicken - Adds protein to meals
Rice - Mixes with other ingredients
Freeze-dried veggies - Nutritious addition to foods

With a variety on hand, you can combine ingredients to create more varied and appetizing meals from your survival food supply.

Key Takeaways from Survival Food Taste Tests

Top Picks for Palatable Survival Foods

When it comes to taste, these survival foods stood out from the pack:

Wise Company Cheesy Lasagna Bucket - With its savory tomato sauce, al dente noodles, and gooey cheese, this meal tasted nearly indistinguishable from homemade lasagna. Testers agreed it was the tastiest freeze-dried entree.
Good To-Go Pad Thai - The authentic Thai flavors like lemongrass, chilies, and lime came through beautifully in this vegetarian pad thai. It was a favorite thanks to its complex, craveable flavor.
Mountain House Beef Stroganoff - Testers loved the tender beef chunks and mushrooms in a tasty sour cream sauce over egg noodles. It was rich, hearty comfort food.

Nutritionally Balanced Survival Foods: The Health-Conscious Choice

These survival foods deliver balanced nutrition in addition to great taste:

Augason Farms 30-Day Food Supply - With a variety of grains, proteins, fruits, and vegetables, this kit provides complete daily nutrition. It meets all USRDA requirements.
Legacy Premium 72-Hour Gluten-Free Kit - For those with dietary restrictions, this kit has tasty gluten-free and vegetarian options as well as nutrient-dense entrees.
Wise Company 60-Serving Fruit & Veggie Bucket - In addition to entrees, having fruits and vegetables is important. This bucket offers tasty dehydrated produce like apples, carrots, spinach and more.

Best Value Survival Foods: Quality Meets Affordability

You don't have to sacrifice taste or nutrition for affordability. These options deliver quality at a reasonable price:

Augason Farms Breakfast Favorites - At just $8 per hearty serving, this bucket of pancakes, scrambled eggs and more makes a tasty, thrifty breakfast option.
Mountain House Essentials Bucket - Costing less than $3 per serving, this bucket still delivers delicious, satisfying meals like beef stew, chicken teriyaki and more.
S.O.S. Food Bars - Providing nearly 500 calories of carbs, protein and nutrients, these compact rations are an affordable way to pack extra nutrition in a bug out bag.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Survival Food

Choosing the right survival food ultimately comes down to personal preference. When disaster strikes, your food supplies will be a crucial part of your preparation. You'll want foods that are nutritious and filling, but also palatable enough to enjoy over an extended period.

The taste test results highlighted in this article offer insights into the flavor, texture, and ease of preparation of some top-rated survival food brands. Keeping these factors in mind as you stock your emergency pantry can help ensure you select foods aligned with your tastes.

The Importance of Personal Preferences in Survival Food Selection

Consider your usual diet and the types of foods you find most appetizing on a daily basis when selecting survival rations. Choosing familiar flavors and textures can provide comfort in stressful times.
Think about any dietary restrictions, allergies, or intolerances your family members may have as you review survival food options. Accommodating special needs ensures health and nourishment.
Sample single-serving pouches of various survival food products before investing in bulk quantities. Find options that you can enjoy eating even when appetites are suppressed during emergencies.

Summarizing the Taste Test Results for Informed Decisions

In general, the taste test panel found Mountain House and Good To-Go meals to be the best-tasting freeze-dried and dehydrated options.
For canned proteins, Scout Smoked Salmon and Mountain House Ground Beef received high marks for flavor and texture from our testers.
In the snacks and bars category, Momofuku Ramen Variety Pack, Protekt Hydration Supplements, and S.O.S. Rations were rated as palatable choices requiring little preparation.

Keeping personal preferences at the forefront alongside expert taste test feedback allows for making informed survival food purchases best-suited for you and your family. Choose wisely and stay nourished through any emergency situation.