Survival Food Kits Taste Test: 10 Top Choices for Emergency Preparedness

Are you prepared for the unexpected? When disaster strikes, having the right survival food kit can make all the difference. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one for your needs?

We've done the legwork for you. In this expert review, we'll unveil our taste test results of 10 top survival food kits, helping you make an informed decision for your emergency preparedness plan.

From freeze-dried meals to long-lasting ration bars, we've sampled a wide range of options to bring you the most comprehensive guide. We'll dive into:

• Flavor profiles and taste satisfaction
• Nutritional content and calorie density
• Shelf life and storage requirements
• Ease of preparation in emergency situations
• Special dietary considerations, including gluten-free options

Whether you're stocking up for potential food shortages or preparing for outdoor adventures, this guide will help you find the perfect survival food kit to keep you nourished and ready for anything. Let's explore the best emergency food supplies that combine flavor, nutrition, and practicality.

Understanding Survival Food Kits

When disaster strikes, having a reliable emergency food supply can be a lifesaver. Survival food kits are designed to provide sustenance during natural disasters, power outages, or other emergency situations.

These kits typically contain non-perishable, easy-to-prepare meals that can last for years without refrigeration. Imagine a severe snowstorm knocks out power for days – your survival food kit becomes your kitchen away from kitchen.

Most survival food comes in freeze-dried or dehydrated form. This process removes moisture, preserving the food while maintaining its nutritional value. For example, a freeze-dried chicken and rice meal can be ready to eat in minutes by just adding hot water.

The beauty of these kits? They're compact and lightweight. A month's worth of meals can often fit in a single bucket or backpack. This makes them ideal for both home storage and grab-and-go situations.

But it's not just about having food – it's about having the right food. A good survival kit offers a balance of calories, protein, and essential nutrients to keep you going when regular food sources are unavailable.

Remember, these kits aren't just for doomsday preppers. They're practical for anyone who wants to be prepared for unexpected emergencies. Whether you live in an area prone to hurricanes, earthquakes, or just want peace of mind, a survival food kit is a smart investment in your family's safety.

💡 Key Takeaways: Survival food kits provide essential, long-lasting nutrition for emergency situations, offering peace of mind and practical preparedness for various scenarios.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Survival Food Kit

When selecting a survival food kit, several crucial factors come into play. Let's break them down:

Shelf Life

One of the most critical aspects is shelf life. You want food that will last for years, not months. Most quality survival foods have a shelf life of 10-25 years. For instance, freeze-dried meals from reputable brands like Mountain House can last up to 30 years when stored properly.

Nutritional Content

In an emergency, your body needs proper nutrition more than ever. Look for kits that offer a balance of macronutrients (carbs, proteins, fats) and essential vitamins and minerals. Some kits, like those from Nutrient Survival, are specifically designed to provide 100% of daily nutritional needs.

Packaging Durability

The packaging should protect the food from moisture, light, and pests. Many top brands use Mylar bags or sturdy buckets. For example, Wise Company packages their meals in resealable Mylar pouches stored within durable plastic buckets.

Ease of Preparation

In an emergency, you might not have access to a full kitchen. Look for meals that require minimal preparation. Most freeze-dried meals only need hot water. Some, like certain ReadyWise options, can even be prepared with cold water if necessary.

Variety

Eating the same thing day after day can be monotonous. Choose a kit with a variety of meals to prevent food fatigue. For instance, Augason Farms offers kits with options ranging from creamy potato soup to cheesy broccoli rice.

Serving Size and Calorie Count

Pay attention to the actual calories per serving. Some companies might advertise a high number of servings, but if each serving is only 200 calories, you'll need to eat more to meet your daily needs.

Dietary Restrictions

If you have special dietary needs, look for kits that cater to these. Many companies now offer gluten-free, vegetarian, or even keto-friendly options.

Taste

While it's emergency food, it should still be palatable. Many companies have significantly improved the taste of their products in recent years. Reading reviews or trying sample packs can help you find flavors you enjoy.

Remember, the best survival food kit for you depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. It's worth taking the time to research and compare options before making a decision.

💡 Key Takeaways: When choosing a survival food kit, consider factors like shelf life, nutritional content, packaging durability, ease of preparation, variety, serving size, dietary restrictions, and taste to ensure you have a suitable and satisfying emergency food supply.

Top 10 Survival Food Kits Reviewed

1. ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply

ReadyWise offers a comprehensive emergency food supply that's hard to beat. Their freeze-dried meals come in vacuum-sealed bags, ensuring maximum shelf life and freshness.

What sets ReadyWise apart is their variety. From breakfast options like Apple Cinnamon Cereal to hearty dinners like Cheesy Lasagna, you won't get bored with these meals.

Each pouch typically serves 1-4 people, making it easy to portion out meals. Plus, with a 25-year shelf life, you can buy with confidence knowing your investment will last.

💡 Key Takeaways: ReadyWise provides a diverse, long-lasting emergency food supply with easy-to-prepare freeze-dried meals suitable for various tastes and dietary needs.

2. Augason Farms Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail

Augason Farms is a veteran in the survival food industry, and their Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail showcases why. This kit offers a long shelf life of up to 25 years, making it a reliable option for long-term emergency preparedness.

The pail includes crowd-pleasers like creamy potato soup and cheesy broccoli rice. Each meal is packaged in individual pouches, allowing for easy portion control and reducing waste.

What's unique about Augason Farms is their commitment to providing comfort foods. In stressful situations, familiar flavors can be a real morale booster.

💡 Key Takeaways: Augason Farms offers a variety of comforting, long-lasting meals in convenient packaging, making it an excellent choice for those seeking familiar flavors in their emergency food supply.

3. Mountain House 3-Day Emergency Food Supply

Mountain House is renowned for its taste, and their 3-Day Emergency Food Supply doesn't disappoint. This kit includes two-serving pouches of their most popular meals, ensuring you have variety even in a short-term emergency.

What makes Mountain House stand out is their freeze-drying process. It preserves the texture and flavor of the food better than many competitors. Imagine enjoying a savory beef stroganoff that tastes home-cooked, even in an emergency situation.
Their pouches are also designed to double as eating vessels, reducing the need for additional dishes. Just add hot water directly to the pouch, wait, and eat!

💡 Key Takeaways: Mountain House offers a high-quality, great-tasting 3-day emergency food supply with convenient packaging and preparation, making it ideal for short-term emergencies or outdoor adventures.

4. Wise Company 1 Month Emergency Food Supply

Wise Company takes long-term preparedness seriously with their 1 Month Emergency Food Supply. Packaged in a durable Wise food storage bucket, this kit provides complete meals for an individual for 30 days.
What's impressive about Wise Company is their attention to creating balanced meals. Each serving isn't just a single item but a complete entree. For instance, their Savory Stroganoff isn't just noodles, but includes a hearty serving of beef and vegetables.

The bucket packaging also serves a dual purpose. Not only does it protect the food, but it can be repurposed for water storage or other needs in an emergency situation.

💡 Key Takeaways: Wise Company's 1 Month Emergency Food Supply offers comprehensive, balanced meals in durable packaging, suitable for long-term emergency preparedness.

5. Nutrient Survival Emergency Food Kit

Nutrient Survival takes a unique approach to emergency food. Their kits focus on being shelf-stable sources of essential vitamins and minerals, not just calories.
This survival food company has created meals that provide 100% of the daily value of 14 essential vitamins and minerals. For example, their Mac & Cheese isn't just comfort food – it's fortified with nutrients you'd typically get from a multivitamin.
What's more, their meals are designed to taste great. They understand that in an emergency, enjoying your food can be a much-needed morale boost.

💡 Key Takeaways: Nutrient Survival stands out by offering nutrient-dense, great-tasting emergency meals, ensuring both sustenance and essential vitamins in crisis situations.

6. Legacy Food Storage Emergency Food Buckets

Legacy Food Storage offers a wide variety of meal options in their emergency food buckets. What sets them apart is the sheer variety of the included meals and their commitment to dietary restrictions.

From breakfast options like pancakes to dinners like Pasta Primavera, Legacy ensures you won't get bored. They also offer one of the best selections of gluten-free options in the industry.

Another standout feature is their oversized servings. While some companies might skimp on portion sizes, Legacy's servings are generous and satisfying.

💡 Key Takeaways: Legacy Food Storage provides a diverse range of meals, including gluten-free options, with generous portion sizes, catering to various dietary needs and preferences.

7. My Patriot Supply Emergency Food Packs

My Patriot Supply has made a name for itself with its commitment to quality and variety. Their emergency food packs include crowd-pleasers like pasta alfredo and hearty soup packs.

A unique feature of My Patriot Supply is their inclusion of servings of whey milk alternative in many of their kits. This adds valuable protein and calcium to your emergency diet.

Their meals are also known for being easy to prepare. Most just require adding boiling water and waiting for a few minutes, making them ideal for situations where cooking facilities might be limited.

💡 Key Takeaways: My Patriot Supply offers tasty, easy-to-prepare meals with added nutritional benefits like whey milk alternative, enhancing the overall value of their emergency food packs.

8. S.O.S Emergency Ration Bars

S.O.S Emergency Ration Bars take a different approach to survival food. Instead of full meals, these compact bars provide concentrated nutrition and much-needed energy in a small package.

Each bar is formulated to provide a balance of carbs, protein, and fat. They're designed to be eaten as-is, with no preparation needed. This makes them ideal for situations where you might not have access to water or heating methods.

Some kits even include a drink mix, addressing both food and hydration needs. The compact nature of these bars makes them perfect for emergency kits in cars or offices.

💡 Key Takeaways: S.O.S Emergency Ration Bars offer a compact, no-preparation-needed solution for emergency nutrition, ideal for situations where space is limited or cooking isn't possible.

9. Grizzly Gear Emergency Food Rations

Grizzly Gear offers a legit gluten-free option in the world of emergency rations. Their bars are formulated to provide sustained energy and are free from common allergens.

These rations are an excellent addition to any survival food shopping list, especially for those concerned about potential food shortages. They're compact, lightweight, and have a long shelf life.

What's unique about Grizzly Gear is their focus on calorie density. Each bar packs a significant amount of calories, ensuring you get the energy you need in emergency situations.

💡 Key Takeaways: Grizzly Gear Emergency Food Rations provide a gluten-free, allergen-free option with high calorie density, making them suitable for those with dietary restrictions and ideal for compact emergency kits.

10. Life Gear Emergency 3-Day Food Supply

Life Gear's Emergency 3-Day Food Supply is designed for those who want to be prepared but have limited storage space. This compact kit contains enough food to sustain one person for three days.

The meals included are basic non-perishable pantry foods that are familiar and comforting. Think items you might use in your daily life, but packaged for long-term storage.

What's great about this kit is its portability. It's small enough to fit in a desk drawer or car trunk, making it perfect for workplace emergency kits or evacuation scenarios.

💡 Key Takeaways: Life Gear's Emergency 3-Day Food Supply offers a compact, portable solution for short-term emergencies, featuring familiar foods in a space-efficient package.

Taste Test Results and Comparison

After rigorous testing, we've found that not all survival foods are created equal when it comes to taste. Here's a breakdown of our findings:

Flavor Champions

Mountain House and ReadyWise emerged as clear winners in the flavor department. Mountain House's Beef Stroganoff, for instance, tasted remarkably similar to its fresh counterpart. ReadyWise's Teriyaki and Rice was another standout, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory.

Comfort Food Kings

Augason Farms and Wise Company excelled in providing comfort foods. Augason's creamy potato soup was a crowd favorite, offering a taste of home even in emergency situations. Wise Company's cheesy lasagna was another hit, proving that emergency food doesn't have to be bland.

Nutrition Powerhouses

While taste is important, nutrition is crucial. Nutrient Survival and Legacy Food Storage stood out here. Nutrient Survival's meals, while not always the tastiest, packed an impressive nutritional punch. Legacy's meals struck a nice balance between flavor and nutrition.

Texture Considerations

Texture can make or break a meal. S.O.S and Grizzly Gear's ration bars, while not gourmet, had a pleasant, cookie-like texture. Among the freeze-dried options, Mountain House consistently delivered on texture, with their scrambled eggs being particularly impressive.

Preparation and Convenience

My Patriot Supply and Life Gear scored high on ease of preparation. My Patriot's pasta dishes rehydrated well, while Life Gear's ready-to-eat options were perfect for situations where cooking isn't possible.

Variety Matters

ReadyWise and Legacy Food Storage offered the most variety. This is crucial for long-term situations where food fatigue can set in. Having plenty of other flavor options can make a big difference in morale.

The Better Option

While personal preferences vary, Mountain House emerged as the better option overall, balancing great taste, texture, and ease of preparation. However, for those prioritizing nutrition, Nutrient Survival might be the way to go.

Remember, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs, taste preferences, and emergency plans. It's worth trying sample packs from different brands to find what works best for you.

💡 Key Takeaways: While taste preferences vary, Mountain House and ReadyWise lead in flavor, Nutrient Survival excels in nutrition, and factors like texture, preparation ease, and variety should all be considered when choosing the best survival food kit for your needs.

Nutritional Analysis of Survival Food Kits

When it comes to survival food kits, nutrition is paramount. Let's break down the nutritional content of these emergency meals:

Calorie Content

Most survival food kits aim to provide around 1,500-2,000 calories worth of food per day. For instance, a typical Mountain House 3-day kit offers about 1,800 calories per day. Remember, in emergency situations, your caloric needs might increase due to stress and physical activity.

Macronutrient Balance

A good survival food kit should offer a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats:

• Carbohydrates: Most kits are high in carbs, providing quick energy. For example, S.O.S Emergency Ration Bars are about 60% carbohydrates.

• Proteins: Look for kits with at least 50g of protein per day. Wise Company's kits typically offer 60-70g daily.

• Fats: While often lower in survival foods, fats are crucial for long-term energy. Nutrient Survival's meals are formulated with a good fat balance.

Micronutrients

Vitamins and minerals are often overlooked but crucial in emergency situations:

• Vitamin C: Important for immune function. ReadyWise includes vitamin C-rich fruits in many meals.

• B Vitamins: Essential for energy production. Legacy Food Storage fortifies their meals with B vitamins.

• Iron: Crucial for oxygen transport. Augason Farms' meals, especially those with legumes, are good iron sources.

Sodium Content

Many survival meals are high in sodium for preservation. While this isn't usually a problem short-term, it's something to be aware of. Low-sodium options are available from brands like Mountain House.

Fiber

Fiber is often lacking in emergency foods but is important for digestive health. Look for kits that include whole grains and legumes. My Patriot Supply, for instance, offers high-fiber options like oatmeal and bean soups.

Special Considerations

• Gluten-Free: Brands like Nutrient Survival and Legacy offer certified gluten-free options.

• Vegetarian/Vegan: ReadyWise and Mountain House have expanded their plant-based offerings.

• Allergens: Always check labels. Some kits, like those from Grizzly Gear, are specifically formulated to be allergen-free.

Remember, while these kits are designed for short-term use, they should still provide balanced nutrition. The best kits will offer a mix of quick energy (like the servings of brown sugar in some breakfast options) and sustained nutrition from proteins and complex carbs.

💡 Key Takeaways: A well-balanced survival food kit should provide adequate calories, a good macronutrient balance, essential micronutrients, and options for special dietary needs, ensuring comprehensive nutrition during emergency situations.

Storage and Shelf Life of Emergency Food Supplies

Proper storage is crucial to maximize the shelf life of your emergency food supplies. Here's what you need to know:

Conclusion

As we wrap up our journey through the world of survival food kits, it's clear that being prepared for emergencies is not just about having food – it's about having the right food. From ReadyWise to Life Gear, each kit we've explored offers unique benefits to suit different needs and preferences. Remember, the best survival food kit for you balances nutrition, taste, shelf life, and ease of preparation.

Don't wait for a crisis to strike. Take action now to ensure you and your loved ones are ready for any situation. Consider your family's dietary needs, storage space, and budget when making your choice. By investing in a quality survival food kit, you're not just buying meals – you're buying peace of mind.

Thank you for joining us on this essential exploration of emergency preparedness. Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember: when it comes to survival, a little forethought goes a long way. The right survival food kit could make all the difference when you need it most.