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10 Best Foods to Stock in Your Disaster Preparedness Kit
Stock your disaster preparedness kit with high-calorie foods that have long shelf lives. We’ve found these essentials work well:
- S.O.S. Rations Emergency Food Bars (3600 calories).
- Emergency Food Supply Variety Kit (113 servings).
- ReadyWise 30 Day Emergency Food Supply (296 servings).
- Augason Farms 45-Day Emergency Food Supply Kit (281 servings).
- Ration Bars (Chocolate flavor, 12 count).
Pro Tip: Focus on options with 22,000+ calories and simple prep. For more details on each, keep exploring.
Key Takeaways
- Include long-term food supply kits with 22,000+ calories to sustain energy over time, such as the Augason Farms 45-Day Emergency Food Supply Kit.
- Stock emergency food bars like S.O.S. Rations, providing high-calorie content with a shelf life of up to 5 years.
- Ensure meal variety with options from different brands, such as ReadyWise and Mountain House, to prevent meal fatigue during emergencies.
- Opt for lightweight, portable packaging that can be easily stored, accessed, and transported during crises.
- Consider dietary restrictions and allergies by choosing certified options, ensuring inclusivity and nutrition for all family members.
| S.O.S. Rations Emergency 3600 Calorie Food Bar (Cinnamon + Coconut 2 Pack) |  | Best Emergency Snacks | Shelf Life: 5 years | Serving Size: 9 bars | Preparation Method: No-cook meals | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Emergency Food Supply Variety Kit – 113 Servings |  | Ultimate Variety Kit | Shelf Life: 25 years | Serving Size: 113 servings | Preparation Method: Add water and heat | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| ReadyWise 30 Day Emergency Food Supply (296 Servings) |  | Most Nutritional Value | Shelf Life: 25 years | Serving Size: 296 servings | Preparation Method: Add water | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Augason Farms 45-Day Emergency Food Supply Kit |  | Longest Shelf Life | Shelf Life: 25 years | Serving Size: 281 servings | Preparation Method: Add water | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Augason Farms Breakfast and Dinner Emergency Food Supply |  | Breakfast and Dinner Combo | Shelf Life: 25 years | Serving Size: 119 servings | Preparation Method: Add water | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Mountain House Emergency Meal Assortment Kits | Best Freeze-Dried Meals | Shelf Life: 30 years | Serving Size: 3 days (for 72 hours) | Preparation Method: Add hot water | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis | |
| ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply – 120 Servings Bucket |  | Ideal for Preppers | Shelf Life: 25 years | Serving Size: 120 servings | Preparation Method: Just add water | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Emergency Food Ration Bars (12 Count Chocolate Flavor) |  | Best Portable Bars | Shelf Life: 20 years | Serving Size: 12 bars | Preparation Method: Ready to eat | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| ReadyWise 7 Day Emergency Food Supply (60 Servings) |  | Quick Prep Option | Shelf Life: 25 years | Serving Size: 60 servings | Preparation Method: Just add water | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply – 72 Hour Kit |  | 72-Hour Essential Kit | Shelf Life: 25 years | Serving Size: 30 servings | Preparation Method: Add water | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
S.O.S. Rations Emergency 3600 Calorie Food Bar (Cinnamon + Coconut 2 Pack)
When it comes to disaster preparedness, the S.O.S. Rations Emergency 3600 Calorie Food Bar is a fantastic choice. Each pack contains nine fortified bars in delicious cinnamon and coconut flavors. We can rely on these bars for energy, as they provide 410 calories each, and total 3682 calories per pack.
Key Benefits:
- Shelf Life: 5 years
- US Coast Guard Approved: Suitable for all climates
- Non-Thirst Provoking: Minimizes water consumption while maximizing survival capacity
Pro Tips:
– Store three bars per person, per day in your emergency kit for effective sustenance.
- Shelf Life:5 years
- Serving Size:9 bars
- Preparation Method:No-cook meals
- Nutritional Content:3682 Kcal/package
- Portability:Compact packaging
- Meal Variety:2 flavors (Cinnamon, Coconut)
- Additional Feature:Non-Thirst Provoking Formula
- Additional Feature:US Coast Guard Approved
- Additional Feature:Fortified Food Bars
Emergency Food Supply Variety Kit – 113 Servings
The Emergency Food Supply Variety Kit from Augason Farms stands out as a reliable choice for those preparing for unforeseen circumstances. With 113 servings packed in a sturdy 4-gallon bucket, it’s an excellent option for long-term storage.
Key Features:
- Shelf Life: Lasts up to 25 years.
- Meal Options: 13 varieties, including lasagna marinara and chocolate pudding.
- Nutritional Value: Approximately 22,940 total calories for balance.
- Preparation: Just add water and heat—simple and user-friendly method.
Pro Tips:
- Great for camping or emergency situations.
- Store in a cool, dry place to maximize shelf life.
This kit guarantees you’re ready for anything.
- Shelf Life:25 years
- Serving Size:113 servings
- Preparation Method:Add water and heat
- Nutritional Content:Approximately 22,940 Kcal
- Portability:Durable bucket
- Meal Variety:13 meal varieties
- Additional Feature:13 Meal Varieties
- Additional Feature:Dehydrated Meals
- Additional Feature:Durable 4-Gallon Bucket
ReadyWise 30 Day Emergency Food Supply (296 Servings)
For those of us prioritizing long-term food security during emergencies, the ReadyWise 30 Day Emergency Food Supply stands out as an essential choice.
- Total Servings: 296 servings across 2 buckets
- Preparation: Just add water
- Shelf Life: Up to 25 years
- Variety: 4 breakfast options, 5 gourmet entrées, 2 drink choices
This food supply is stackable, making it easy to store in your pantry or vehicle. The meals are nutritious, ensuring you get the energy needed during emergencies. We found that it’s perfect for both extreme situations and quick meals at home—convenience at its best.
Pro Tip: Store in a cool, dry place for ideal shelf life.
- Shelf Life:25 years
- Serving Size:296 servings
- Preparation Method:Add water
- Nutritional Content:High in nutritional value
- Portability:Stackable buckets
- Meal Variety:4 breakfast, 5 entrées
- Additional Feature:4 Breakfast Options
- Additional Feature:Stackable Storage Buckets
- Additional Feature:Gourmet Entrées Included
Augason Farms 45-Day Emergency Food Supply Kit
Looking for a reliable food supply option during emergencies? The Augason Farms 45-Day Emergency Food Supply Kit is worth considering. Here’s what we found:
- Servings: 281 servings provide ample nutrition for one person over 45 days or a small group shorter.
- Calories: It delivers about 1,218 calories daily, with 35 grams of protein.
- Meal Variety: Enjoy 14 meal types like lasagna, creamy potato soup, and oatmeal.
Pro Tip: This dehydrated food kit lasts 25 years in a sturdy 8.5-gallon bucket, making it great for long-term storage and easy to prepare—just add water!
- Shelf Life:25 years
- Serving Size:281 servings
- Preparation Method:Add water
- Nutritional Content:1,218 calories/day
- Portability:8.5-gallon pail
- Meal Variety:14 meal varieties
- Additional Feature:14 Meal Varieties
- Additional Feature:Requires Stove for Cooking
- Additional Feature:35 Grams of Protein Daily
Augason Farms Breakfast and Dinner Emergency Food Supply
When preparing for unexpected emergencies, families seeking reliable and nutritious options will find the Augason Farms Breakfast and Dinner Emergency Food Supply to be an excellent choice. Here’s what you should know:
- Variety: It offers 13 meal varieties, including creamy stroganoff and oatmeal, with a total of 119 servings.
- Nutrition: This pail packs 22,880 calories, ensuring you have sufficient energy.
- Shelf Life: With a 25-year shelf life, it’s ideal for long-term storage.
Pro Tip: Just add water and heat—no cooking skills required! The durable pail is compact, making it easy to store and transport.
- Shelf Life:25 years
- Serving Size:119 servings
- Preparation Method:Add water
- Nutritional Content:22,880 calories
- Portability:Durable pail
- Meal Variety:13 meal varieties
- Additional Feature:13 Meal Varieties
- Additional Feature:Portable Pail Design
- Additional Feature:User-Friendly Preparation
Mountain House Emergency Meal Assortment Kits
Mountain House Emergency Meal Assortment Kits stand out as a reliable choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts preparing for unforeseen disasters.
- Caloric Content: Each kit provides 1,706 calories per day for 72 hours, ensuring energy during emergencies.
- Meal Variety: You’ll find tasty options like Biscuits & Gravy and Beef Stroganoff.
- Quick Prep: Just add hot water, and meals are ready in under 10 minutes.
Pro Tip: You can still prepare meals with room temperature water, but hydration time doubles.
We appreciate that these kits are lightweight and boast a shelf life of up to 30 years, backed by a Taste Guarantee.
- Shelf Life:30 years
- Serving Size:3 days (for 72 hours)
- Preparation Method:Add hot water
- Nutritional Content:1,706 calories/day
- Portability:Compact kit
- Meal Variety:Various meals
- Additional Feature:30-Year Taste Guarantee
- Additional Feature:Lightweight and Compact
- Additional Feature:No Artificial Ingredients
ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply – 120 Servings Bucket
The ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply with its 120 servings bucket is an exceptional choice for families and individuals serious about emergency preparedness. It’s ideal for power outages or outdoor adventures.
Key Features:
- Long Shelf Life: Stays fresh for up to 25 years.
- Convenient Access: The split lid design allows easy access and can serve as a tray.
- Nutritious Options: Includes freeze-dried fruits like blueberries and apples, providing healthy meals.
Pro Tips:
- Store the bucket in your pantry or vehicle for easy access during emergencies.
- Use as both quick meals and camping snacks for versatility.
With its reliable storage and nutritious meals, it’s indispensable for preppers.
- Shelf Life:25 years
- Serving Size:120 servings
- Preparation Method:Just add water
- Nutritional Content:Various nutritious meals
- Portability:Stackable bucket
- Meal Variety:Variety of freeze-dried fruits
- Additional Feature:Split Bucket Lid
- Additional Feature:Variety of Freeze-Dried Fruits
- Additional Feature:Long-Term Food Storage
Emergency Food Ration Bars (12 Count Chocolate Flavor)
For anyone looking to bolster their emergency preparedness, the Emergency Food Ration Bars (12 Count, Chocolate Flavor) stand out as a smart choice.
- Nutritional Value: Each 120g pack contains 475 kcal, providing essential nutrients to maintain energy levels during high-intensity activities.
- Packaging: These bars are individually wrapped in tin foil, making them portable and easy to consume on-the-go.
- Shelf Life: With a remarkable shelf life of 20 years, they remain fresh when stored properly.
Pro Tip: These bars are perfect for emergencies like natural disasters, and they also make great snacks for outdoor adventures.
- Shelf Life:20 years
- Serving Size:12 bars
- Preparation Method:Ready to eat
- Nutritional Content:6840 Kcal total
- Portability:Independent packaging
- Meal Variety:Chocolate bars only
- Additional Feature:Independent Tin Foil Packaging
- Additional Feature:High-Calorie Content
- Additional Feature:Vacuum Packaged for Freshness
ReadyWise 7 Day Emergency Food Supply (60 Servings)
When considering long-term food storage, the ReadyWise 7 Day Emergency Food Supply stands out due to its impressive shelf life of up to 25 years, making it an essential choice for anyone looking to prepare for emergencies. We found this kit provides 60 servings of freeze-dried meals, weighing 8.03 pounds and measuring 18.86 x 14.13 x 6.93 inches.
Key Features:
- Convenient Preparation: Just add hot water.
- Nutritious Options: Includes meals like Cheesy Macaroni and Crunchy Granola.
- Versatile Use: Great for both emergency situations and camping trips.
Pro Tip:
Store in a cool, dry place for ideal durability.
- Shelf Life:25 years
- Serving Size:60 servings
- Preparation Method:Just add water
- Nutritional Content:Varied nutrient-rich options
- Portability:Designed for easy carrying
- Meal Variety:Varied meals
- Additional Feature:60 Servings Total
- Additional Feature:Tactical-Inspired Design
- Additional Feature:Quick-Access Storage Solutions
ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply – 72 Hour Kit
ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply – 72 Hour Kit stands out as a top choice for anyone looking to prepare for unexpected situations, whether it’s a natural disaster or a busy week.
Here’s why we find it beneficial:
- 30 Servings: Includes a variety of freeze-dried meals, perfect for different tastes and nutritional needs.
- Easy Storage: Its compact design makes it fit seamlessly in your pantry, car, or emergency kit.
- Long Shelf Life: Lasts up to 25 years, ensuring you have food when you need it most.
- Quick Preparation: Just add water, and you’re ready to eat.
Pro Tip: Rotate your supplies regularly to keep them fresh!
- Shelf Life:25 years
- Serving Size:30 servings
- Preparation Method:Add water
- Nutritional Content:Protein-packed meals
- Portability:Compact design
- Meal Variety:Variety of meals
- Additional Feature:Compact Design for Storage
- Additional Feature:30 Servings in Kit
- Additional Feature:Versatile for Everyday Use
Factors to Consider When Choosing Food for Disaster Kits
When choosing food for disaster kits, we should consider several key factors to guarantee we’re prepared. Shelf life, nutritional value, and ease of preparation all play essential roles in selecting the right items. Additionally, we must be aware of storage, portability, and any dietary restrictions to create a well-rounded emergency supply.
Shelf Life Considerations
Choosing food for disaster kits requires careful consideration of shelf life, especially since we’re preparing for potential emergencies that could last long periods. Here are some essential tips regarding shelf life:
- Opt for foods with a 25-year shelf life or more, ensuring safety and nutrition in storage.
- Vacuum-packed or freeze-dried products typically last longer due to reduced moisture compared to canned goods.
- Select items labeled for up to 30 years for added peace of mind during preparations.
- Regularly check expiration dates in your kit to replace foods nearing their shelf life.
- Pick supplies maintaining freshness and integrity, as some items may lose quality over time.
Nutritional Value Importance
Nutritional value plays an essential role in our disaster preparedness food choices, as it directly impacts our ability to sustain energy and remain healthy during emergencies.
To effectively prepare, we should focus on:
- Calories and Nutrients: Some kits offer over 22,000 calories, guaranteeing we have enough energy.
- Balanced Diet: Look for items with around 1,218 calories and 35 grams of protein daily to support strength and alertness.
- Variety of Meals: Diverse food options enhance palatability and help avoid meal fatigue during extended survival situations.
- Long Shelf Life: Foods with up to 25 years of storage maintain their nutritional content for long-term preparedness.
- Non-Thirst Provoking Options: These guarantee we get maximum nutrition without consuming excess water, which can be scarce during emergencies.
Pro Tip: Regularly rotate your supplies to guarantee freshness.
Ease Of Preparation
While maintaining good nutritional value is important, ease of preparation plays a crucial role in selecting food for disaster kits. We found that meals requiring just water and minimal cooking equipment allow for quick setups during emergencies. This means we can focus on safety instead of complex cooking.
Consider these options:
- Ready-to-eat meals: Ideal for immediate consumption without any preparation.
- Freeze-dried foods: These can be made in under ten minutes, promoting efficiency.
- “Just add water” options: Perfect for those with limited cooking skills.
Quick preparation not only saves time but also conserves essential resources like water and fuel. Choosing simplified meals guarantees everyone, including families, can access nutritious food without needing extensive cooking knowledge or equipment.
Pro Tip: Always test meals before an emergency to ascertain familiarity.
Storage And Portability
When considering food for disaster kits, it’s essential to prioritize storage and portability to guarantee you can quickly access what you need in an emergency. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Durable Packaging: We recommend selecting items in stackable and sturdy packaging to maximize pantry or bag space.
- Long Shelf Life: Aim for foods with a shelf life of 25 years or more, ensuring they’re ready when needed.
- Lightweight Meals: Choose compact meal packs for easy transport during evacuations or outdoor adventures.
- Simple Preparation: Opt for food that only requires adding water to simplify meal prep in stressful situations.
- Easy Access: Look for resealable pouches or buckets, providing quick and efficient access during emergencies.
Pro Tip: Regularly check expiration dates!
Dietary Restrictions Awareness
Dietary awareness plays an essential role in effectively preparing food for disaster kits. When selecting items, we must consider different dietary restrictions like vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free needs. This inclusivity guarantees everyone can access necessary food during emergencies.
Pro Tips:
- Always check for allergies; alternative options prevent severe reactions.
- Balance macronutrients to maintain energy levels for all dietary needs.
- Look for certified dietary claims such as USDA Organic or Gluten-Free to match requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Emergency Food Supplies Typically Last?
Emergency food supplies typically last anywhere from 2 to 25 years, depending on their packaging and ingredients. We’ve tested various options in our kits, and here’s what we found:
- Freeze-Dried Meals: Last up to 25 years.
- Canned Foods: About 3 to 5 years if stored properly.
- Dry Goods: Often 1 to 2 years, unless vacuum-sealed.
Pro Tip: Always check expiration dates and rotate supplies regularly for freshness!
Are These Foods Suitable for Children and Infants?
Yes, many emergency foods are suitable for children and infants, but not all. Here are some considerations:
- Check Labels: Verify foods meet age-specific nutritional standards.
- Texture: Select softer options for infants and toddlers to prevent choking.
- Allergies: Be aware of common allergies like peanuts or dairy.
Pro Tip: We’ve tested various foods and found that freeze-dried fruits and grains work well for kids while providing essential nutrients without additives.
What Is the Recommended Storage Temperature for Emergency Food?
To keep emergency food safe, store it between 50°F and 70°F. We’ve tested various foods and found that higher temperatures can shorten their shelf life.
Pro Tips:
- Avoid direct sunlight; it can heat up storage areas.
- Use a thermometer to monitor temperature regularly.
- For long-term storage, consider a cool, dark space.
Following these guidelines, you can greatly extend the viability of your emergency supplies.
Do Emergency Food Supplies Require Cooking or Water to Prepare?
Many emergency food supplies don’t require cooking or water for preparation. Here’s what we found during our testing:
- Ready-to-eat meals: These can be eaten straight from the pack.
- Dehydrated options: Some require only water; check packaging.
- High-energy bars: These need no prep at all.
Pro Tip: Always read the labels to determine specific requirements. This guarantees you’re prepared without unnecessary hassle during an emergency situation.
Can I Include Pet Food in My Disaster Preparedness Kit?
Yes, you can and should include pet food in your disaster preparedness kit. It’s essential to guarantee your pets have food during emergencies. Here’s what we recommend:
- Choose non-perishable options: Canned or dry food works best.
- Store enough for at least two weeks: Calculate based on your pet’s daily needs.
- Include water: Keep a supply that matches your pet’s hydration needs.
Pro Tip: Rotate your pet food regularly to maintain freshness!
