What Are Emergency Food Bars?

published on 15 November 2023

Introduction to Emergency Food Bars

Emergency food bars are compact, nutrient-dense foods designed to be stored for emergencies when access to regular meals is disrupted or limited. They provide a convenient source of calories, protein, vitamins and minerals when you need fuel but don't have the time or facilities to prepare regular food.

Emergency food bars are lightweight and non-perishable, making them easy to stash in bug out bags, emergency kits, and storage containers. Popular brands like WeLovePrepping's 72-Hour Emergency Food Bars are engineered to stay fresh and edible for years if stored properly. Each bar delivers a substantial dose of nutrition to help sustain you through extended power outages, natural disasters, civil unrest or other catastrophic events that can cut off normal food supplies.

With their prolonged 5+ year shelf lives and their portability, emergency food bars can truly be lifesavers when crisis strikes. Just one compact, durable bar can provide as much nutrition as a full meal, keeping you energized and healthy during an emergency until order is restored.

Key Benefits of Emergency Food Bars

Emergency food bars offer a number of critical advantages over other survival food options:

  • Concentrated Nutrition: Each 50g bar provides a complete 250-300 calorie meal's worth of balanced macronutrients like carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and fiber as well as essential vitamins and minerals. This condensed nutrition in a small, convenient package is ideal for portability.

  • Long Shelf Life: Properly stored bars can last 5-10 years without refrigeration due to advanced moisture-proof foil pouches or vacuum packing. Bars retain their freshness and nutritional value over time.

  • Portability: Lightweight, compact 2 oz bars take up very little space and can be easily tucked into a backpack, glove box, purse, suitcase or emergency kit. No can opener needed!

  • No Preparation Required: Emergency food bars don't require any cooking, prep, or cleanup. Just grab a bar and eat when you need quick, reliable nutrition.

  • Variety: Bars come in a range of flavors including chocolate, strawberry, apple cinnamon, lemon, and more to satisfy different tastes.

  • Affordability: Food bars provide an economical source of survival nutrition compared to freeze dried or MRE options. Buying in bulk brings costs down further.

Ultimate Portability

One major advantage of food bars is their extreme portability:

  • Compact, lightweight 2 oz bars take up minimal space. Easily fit a week's worth into a bug out bag.

  • No can opener or preparation needed like with canned goods. Easy tear wrappers.

  • Individually-wrapped 50g portions make bars easy to handle and distribute as needed.

  • Resealable containers like WeLovePrepping's 72-Hour buckets are ideal for vehicle emergency kits.

Multi-Year Shelf Stability

The 5-10 year shelf stability of emergency food bars is another key benefit compared to homemade bars:

  • Bars are specially processed and packaged to remain edible and fresh for years, unlike homemade granola bars.

  • Vacuum sealing and heavy-duty foil pouches prevent moisture from entering and causing spoilage.

  • The dense consistency and nutrients of food bars allow them to retain nutrients better over time compared to freeze dried or dehydrated foods.

  • WeLovePrepping rigorously tests their food bars across a range of temperatures and humidities in controlled lab conditions, guaranteeing a 5-10 year shelf life after the packing date.

  • Following first-in-first-out practices when rotating stock ensures you always have fresh, non-expired reserves.

Complete Nutrition Profile

In an emergency situation, sustaining yourself with complete, balanced nutrition is vital:

  • Bars provide 250-300 calories and a nutritional mix of 45-65% complex carbohydrates, 10-25% plant-based proteins, 10-15% healthy fats, and 5-10% fiber to supply steady energy and keep you going.

  • Formulations also include at least 10 essential vitamins like Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E and K as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc.

  • No trans fats, artificial preservatives, high-fructose corn syrup or other harmful additives.

  • The calorie density fuels higher activity levels often required in disasters when manual labor is necessary.

  • Specialized bars for paleo, gluten-free, vegan, diabetic and other diets are available from quality brands.

  • WeLovePrepping bars feature recognizable, responsibly-sourced ingredients you can trust.

Ultimate Convenience

The convenience factor of emergency food bars can't be overstated:

  • No cooking, mixing, measuring, or cleanup. Just grab a bar and eat when needed!

  • They require no water, heat, or refrigeration to prepare or store. Always ready to eat.

  • Individually-wrapped 50g portions allow easy sharing or rationing as needed in an extended crisis.

  • Fun flavors like chocolate and cookie dough provide comfort food when morale is low.

  • WeLovePrepping offers variety sampler packs so you can stock your favorites.

Significant Affordability

Finally, emergency food bars provide one of the most economical ways to add survival rations to your prepper supplies:

  • On a per-meal basis, food bars can be 60-70% cheaper than freeze-dried or MRE options with equal or greater shelf life.

  • Buying value packs with 10-20 bars brings the per-bar cost down substantially.

  • Multi-year shelf stability means buying in bulk makes sense. Stock up now, consume later.

  • WeLovePrepping offers additional discounts up to 20% off for large quantity purchases to maximize savings.

  • For quality nutrition insurance, food bars provide excellent value.

With their stellar combination of complete nutrition, portability, convenience and affordability, it's easy to see why emergency food bars are fast becoming a prepper favorite during these uncertain times. They cover the basics of food, water, and shelter in one handy package.

WeLovePrepping's complete line of food bars delivers all the benefits savvy preppers are looking for. Their bars check all the boxes and provide delicious, nourishing and reliable crisis sustenance.

Types of Emergency Food Bars

There are several varieties of survival food bars on the market, each with their own pros and cons:

  • Meal Replacement Bars - Provide balanced 250-300 calories and a complete nutritional profile.

  • Protein Bars - Include extra protein from whey, nuts, and seeds for sustained energy. May have fewer carbs.

  • Energy Bars - Feature quickly digesting carbs for instant energy during physical exertion. Often have caffeine.

  • Nutrition Bars - Packed with supplemental vitamins, minerals and antioxidant superfoods to fill dietary gaps.

  • Snack Bars - Tasty comfort food mimicking familiar candies and granola bars. Often higher in sugar.

WeLovePrepping offers a full selection including best-selling, nutritionally complete meal replacement bars that deliver steady energy.

Meal Replacement Bars

Meal replacement bars are designed to provide complete, balanced 250-300 calorie nutrition in a convenient emergency ration:

  • Contain a mix of 45-65% complex carbs, 10-25% plant or whey protein, 10-15% healthy fats, and 5-10% fiber.

  • Also supply 100% RDA for vitamins like A, C, D, E, K plus minerals including calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium.

  • No sugar crash like candy. Complex carbs provide 4+ hours of steady energy. More satiating than other bars.

  • WeLovePrepping's top seller provides 2,000 calories daily or 72 hours of substantial nutrition. Also available in 24 Hour and 7 Day kits.

Protein Bars

Extra 15-25% protein content from nuts, seeds, and whey makes protein bars ideal for strength and sustained energy:

  • Vital amino acids rebuild muscle, boost strength, and aid recovery from exertion.

  • Typically contain fewer carbs and sugars than standard meal bars - beneficial for low glycemic diets like keto.

  • Soy-free and whey protein options available for dairy-free diets.

  • WeLovePrepping has Paleo Protein bars with 20g plant-based protein and just 5g net carbs per serving.

Energy Bars

Energy bars excel at providing quick digesting carbs for instant energy:

  • Carb-dense bars with sugars and refined carbs supply fast calorie delivery to muscles.

  • Caffeine, B vitamins, and other stimulants provide an added energy boost.

  • Can improve athletic performance, endurance and stamina during intense activity.

  • WeLovePrepping's Cranberry Energy Bars include 120mg of natural caffeine from green tea.

Nutrition Bars

Nutrition bars help fill dietary gaps that may arise in an emergency:

  • Fortified with at least 100% DV of 15 vitamins & minerals and antioxidant superfoods like berries.

  • Helps address nutritional deficiencies when fresh produce is scarce.

  • Dried fruits, nuts, seeds, whey, and other wholesome ingredients provide supplemental nutrition.

  • WeLovePrepping has a delicious Superfood Nutrition bar with 2 billion probiotics for immunity.

Snack Bars

Snack bars provide comfort food and a morale boost in stressful times:

  • Mimic the taste and texture of familiar candy bars, cookies, granola for a sense of normalcy.

  • Higher in sugar at 20-30g per serving. Satisfy cravings when morale is low.

  • Varieties include chocolate chip, brownie, peanut butter, and more.

  • WeLovePrepping stocks nostalgic favorites like Salted Caramel and Mint Fudge snack bars.

With so many options available, be sure to stock a variety of emergency bar types to cover all your nutritional needs no matter the situation. WeLovePrepping has you covered with the best selection.

Situations Where Emergency Food Bars Excel

During certain disaster scenarios, emergency food bars really shine above other survival food options:

  • Natural disasters - hurricanes, floods, blizzards, tornadoes

  • Power grid failures leaving you without utilities

  • Economic collapse or supply chain disruptions

  • Political/civil unrest making access to stores difficult

  • Pandemic quarantines and isolation

  • Wilderness emergencies like getting lost while hiking

  • Post-disaster relief and humanitarian aid

Their unique advantages allow them to fill an important niche in your emergency preparedness plans.

Natural Disasters

When catastrophe strikes, you want non-perishable food that's impervious to the chaos:

  • Food bars can sustain you through power outages caused by severe storms, flooding, fires or other acts of nature without refrigeration or cooking.

  • Lightweight, compact bars and resealable containers make them easy to take with you if you must evacuate quickly.

  • No meal prep needed if utilities like water and gas service are disrupted.

  • WeLovePrepping food bars provide 3 substantial 250 calorie meals per day for 72 hours - ideal insurance if trapped at home.

Grid Failures

Without electricity, fuel or water, most foods become useless. But food bars' versatility shines:

  • No refrigeration, cooking, or even water needed for preparation. Ready to eat anytime, anywhere.

  • Unaffected by fuel and grocery shortages. Store bars for emergencies.

  • Individually sealed in sanitary packaging, staying safe without refrigeration for years.

  • WeLovePrepping bars tolerate temperature swings. Lab tested to remain edible after grid failures.

Economic Collapse

In a societal breakdown, having personal food reserves avoids desperation:

  • Stockpiling bars now provides price stability regardless of hyperinflation.

  • Multi-year shelf life ensures your stockpile will be there when needed most.

  • If evacuating, the lightweight bars are easy transport without sacrificing nutrition.

  • WeLovePrepping offers volume discounts for group/community buying to maximize savings.

  • Personal reserves protect against commerce breakdowns and supply chain disruptions.

Civil Unrest

When violence and chaos erupt, mobility and discretion become key:

  • Avoid dangerous trips to stores and stay safely home. Rely on your stockpiled food bars.

  • If bugging out, the compact, lightweight bars are easy to take on the go discreetly.

  • Low-profile plain foil pouches don't attract attention like bulky canned goods.

  • WeLovePrepping packets are portion-controlled for easy, inconspicuous transport.

  • No cooking required if utilities are compromised.

Pandemic Isolation

Isolation from contagious diseases makes home food supplies critical. Food bars can sustain you for extended quarantines:

  • Minimize exposure risks by eliminating trips to crowded stores during outbreaks.

  • Personal stockpiles allow for self-isolation for months instead of 2 weeks if needed.

  • If sick, the grab-and-go bars require no prep or refrigeration.

  • WeLovePrepping's direct home delivery right to your door avoids exposure.

  • Individually wrapped bars minimize disease transmission if sharing with family members.

Emergency food bars provide versatile, reliable nutrition across many disaster scenarios from natural catastrophes to civil unrest. Make them a key part of your preparedness plans.

Choosing the Best Emergency Food Bars

With many products on the market, choose wisely by considering:

  • Calorie counts and complete nutritional information. Calculate ideal daily rations.

  • Any specialized dietary needs like diabetes, paleo, or vegan to accommodate.

  • Manufacturing quality certifications and food safety reputation.

  • Trusted brand reputation - read reviews and comparisons.

  • WeLovePrepping bars offer complete nutrition, great taste and excellent value.

Calorie Density

For a survival food, higher caloric density in a small package is crucial:

  • Look for bars with 200-300 calories each to replace a meal.

  • Account for higher activity levels potentially requiring 2500+ calories daily.

  • More calories per bar means more total nutrition in your limited storage space.

  • WeLovePrepping food bars contain a substantial 250 calories each.

Nutritional Balance

The overall nutritional profile and quality of ingredients also matter:

  • Seek bars with a mix of complex carbs, plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats - avoid ones high in sugars.

  • Check for at least 100% DV of all essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

  • Bars with superfoods like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits are most nutritious.

  • WeLovePrepping bars deliver balanced macronutrients and micronutrients for optimal health.

Specialized Diets

If you have dietary restrictions, look for bars that accommodate them:

  • Many bars are made paleo, vegan/vegetarian, gluten-free, peanut-free or dairy-free.

  • Seek allergy-friendly options if you have common food allergies.

  • Bars with recognizable, pronounceable ingredients tend to be more natural and wholesome.

  • WeLovePrepping can meet most dietary needs - just contact them.

Manufacturing Quality

For survival rations, safety and quality control are paramount. Seek brands who:

  • Use careful, sanitary manufacturing processes in modern North American facilities.

  • Make bars from natural, minimally processed ingredients where possible.

  • Hold third-party quality certifications like SQF, HACCP or GMP.

  • WeLovePrepping's factory follows strict safety protocols and small batch processes.

Packaging

Advanced packaging preserves freshness and shelf life:

  • Look for well-sealed moisture-proof foil pouches or vacuum packing.

  • Opaque, durable wrappers prevent light exposure and rancidity.

  • Ability to tightly reseal containers after opening ensures freshness.

  • WeLovePrepping uses innovative multi-layered food packaging technology.

When an emergency hits, you want proven nutritious food you can rely on. WeLovePrepping's food bars deliver on all criteria, at a fair price point. Rest assured they've got you covered!

Storing Your Emergency Food Bars

To maximize shelf life, be sure to store your emergency food bars properly:

  • Keep bars in a cool, dry, dark place around 70°F if possible. Avoid temperature extremes.

  • Check expiration dates periodically and rotate stock using oldest first.

  • Reseal containers tightly after opening to prevent pests from contaminating them.

  • Repackage open bars in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers to maintain freshness.

  • WeLovePrepping offers helpful tips for proper food storage on their website.

Climate Control

Storing bars where temperatures are stable optimizes shelf life. Some tips:

  • A basement, closet or interior room away from exterior walls provides natural climate control.

  • Ideal temperatures are 65-75°F. Avoid extremes under 55°F or over 80°F. Fluctuations shorten shelf life.

  • WeLovePrepping bars are engineered to better withstand some temperature variability if needed.

Pest Protection

One enemy of your survival rations is tiny pests. Effective deterrents include:

  • Inspect containers periodically for any signs of insects or larvae. Catch problems early.

  • Use tightly sealed plastic buckets or Mylar bags to prevent pest entry. Add diatomaceous earth for added protection.

  • Oxygen absorbers create an uninhabitable environment for insects and extend shelf life.

  • WeLovePrepping packages include integrated pest deterrents like diatomaceous earth.

Expiration Monitoring

Closely tracking expiration dates prevents wasting expired food:

  • Label containers with purchase dates. Set phone reminders to check stock annually.

  • Consume and replace items before they expire using the first-in, first-out system.

  • WeLovePrepping guarantees their bars will retain freshness for at least 5 years in proper conditions.

Container Integrity

A breach in packaging can lead to rapid spoilage. Be diligent:

  • Ensure container seals, lids and

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