Imagine this: The power’s out, the fridge is silent, and the news reports a looming storm. Your usual grocery run is out of the question. In these moments of uncertainty, a reliable emergency food supply can transform fear into preparedness.
Introduction to Emergency Food Supply
Natural disasters, power outages, or even unexpected supply chain disruptions can leave us feeling vulnerable. But what if you could have peace of mind knowing your family is safe and nourished, no matter what situation arises?
This article dives into the world of emergency food supplies, a growing industry dedicated to providing long-lasting, nutritious, and convenient food options for any crisis. We’ll explore the top 9 emergency food supply companies, each offering unique solutions to fit your specific needs and preferences.
Whether you’re looking for shelf-stable meals with a gourmet touch or basic, easy-to-prepare options, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to choose the perfect emergency food supply for your family.
So, breathe a sigh of relief and let’s get prepared. By the end of this article, you’ll be armed with the information you need to create a customized emergency food plan that ensures your family’s well-being during any unexpected challenge.
The Best Providers for Your Needs
- Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts: Mountain House
- Best Shelf Life: Wise Company (now ReadyWise)
- Best for Large Servings: Legacy Food Storage
- Best for Variety: My Patriot Supply
- Best for Beginners: Emergency Essentials
- Best for Natural Ingredients: Valley Food Storage
- Best for Quick Preparation: ReadyWise
- Best for Canned Meats: Survival Cave
- Best for Everyday Use: Thrive Life
- Best for Compact Packaging: Food4Patriots
- Best for Balanced Nutrition: eFoodsDirect
- Best for Dietary Restrictions: NorthWest Fork
- Best for Bulk Buying: Augason Farms
Mountain House is a prominent brand that provides high-quality, long-lasting, freeze-dried food. This makes them popular for emergency preparedness and camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Here’s a bit more detail about Mountain House:
Products: Mountain House offers various meals, including breakfasts, entrees, desserts, and complete meal kits. Their meals cover a range of cuisines and flavors, including options like beef stroganoff, lasagna with meat sauce, granola with milk and blueberries, and chicken teriyaki with rice, among others.
Shelf Life: Mountain House products typically have a very long shelf life. Many of their pouch products have a 30-year taste guarantee, which means they are meant to still taste good after 30 years of storage.
Preparation: Mountain House meals are freeze-dried, which means they are lightweight and easy to prepare. Typically, you must add hot water to the package and wait a few minutes for the food to rehydrate. This makes the food convenient for situations where cooking facilities may be limited.
Taste: Mountain House is often praised for the taste of its products. While taste can be subjective, many users find that Mountain House meals are more flavorful and less “emergency food”-like than some other options on the market.
Packaging: Mountain House meals come in sturdy, lightweight packaging designed to protect the food inside for its long shelf life. The packaging is also designed to be easy to pack and carry, which is why it’s a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
Mountain House is widely recognized for its high-quality, flavorful freeze-dried meals and long shelf life, making it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency preparedness. With ease of preparation and a broad range of meal options, they provide reliable and convenient solutions for long-term food storage.
Augason Farms is a widespread emergency and survival food company that offers a wide range of freeze-dried and dehydrated foods. Based in Utah, United States, the family-owned business has operated for over four decades.
Here’s a bit more detail about Augason Farms:
- Products: Augason Farms offers a wide range of products to fit almost any emergency food need. They have everything from freeze-dried fruits and vegetables to dehydrated dairy products, meats, grains, and baking essentials. Additionally, they provide ready-to-eat meals and soups, which can be particularly handy during emergencies.
- Shelf Life: One of the standout features of Augason Farms’ products is their impressive shelf life. Many of their items, especially those stored in #10 cans, can last up to 30 years when unopened and stored correctly. This makes them an ideal choice for long-term emergency preparedness planning.
- Preparation: Augason Farms’ products are designed to be simple to prepare, often requiring just adding water. However, some items may require heat, which could pose challenges in specific emergency scenarios where access to power is limited. That said, the overall convenience of their just-add-water meals is a significant benefit.
- Taste: As with any long-term storage food, taste can be subjective. Generally, Augason Farms receives positive reviews for its food quality and taste. Some customers have noted that their products, particularly soups and ready-to-eat meals, are more flavorful than comparable items from other companies. But, as with any food product, individual preferences can vary.
- Packaging: Augason Farms products come in various packaging types, including cans, pails, and pouches. Their #10 cans are sturdy and designed for long-term storage, while their pails are handy for larger quantities and easy transport. The packaging is clearly labeled with the product’s name, preparation instructions, and expected shelf life, making it easy for consumers to use and store their products effectively.
Augason Farms is a well-regarded company in the emergency food supply industry and is known for its quality products and emphasis on long-term food storage. However, as always, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing an emergency food supply provider.
Wise Company is another emergency food supply industry leader, well-known for its long-lasting, easy-to-prepare meals. They provide various options for outdoor activities, emergency preparedness, and long-term storage.
Here are some key points about Wise Company:
Products: Wise Company offers various emergency food supply options, including freeze-dried and dehydrated meals. These range from meats and vegetables to fruits, desserts, and drinks. They provide different meal categories, such as breakfasts, entrees, milk, and eggs. They also offer “grab-and-go” food kits for emergencies.
Shelf Life: Wise Company meals are generally known for having a long shelf life. Their freeze-dried food can last up to 15 years or more when stored properly.
Preparation: Wise Company meals are designed to be easy to prepare, typically requiring only the addition of hot water. This makes them a convenient option during emergencies or outdoor activities when access to cooking facilities may be limited.
Taste: Reviews on taste can be subjective and vary widely. However, many customers have reported that Wise Company meals are generally palatable, especially considering their long shelf-life and the context in which they are often used (i.e., emergencies or outdoor activities).
Packaging: The company’s meals are packed in Mylar pouches and sold in stackable, interlocking bins for easy storage. These packaging methods are designed to protect the meals over their shelf life and make storage more convenient.
Variety Packs: Wise Company also provides various packs, which include various meals, helping to prevent “menu fatigue” during prolonged use.
Wise Company is a significant player in the emergency food supply industry. It offers various meals, including meats, vegetables, fruits, desserts, and drinks. Its products have a long shelf life (up to 15 years or more when properly stored) and are conveniently packaged in durable Mylar pouches and stackable, interlocking bins for easy storage.
Legacy Food Storage is another reliable option for those looking for long-term emergency food storage. Here is a general summary of their offerings:
Products: Legacy Food Storage offers a wide array of options including breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals, as well as side dishes and drinks. They focus on high-calorie meals to provide maximum energy in emergency situations.
Special Dietary Options: Legacy is known for offering a range of products to suit different dietary needs, including gluten-free and GMO-free options.
Shelf Life: Legacy Food Storage products typically have a long shelf life. Most of their meals have a claimed shelf life of up to 25 years when stored properly, making them a good option for long-term food storage.
Preparation: Like many other companies in the emergency food space, Legacy’s meals are easy to prepare – generally, you just need to add water.
Packaging: Meals are packaged in Mylar bags with an oxygen absorber and a nitrogen flush to extend shelf life. The meals are then packed into heavy-duty, resealable plastic buckets for convenient storage.
Legacy Food Storage stands out for its focus on high-calorie meals and a wide variety of options including meals for special dietary needs. With a shelf life of up to 25 years for most meals and easy-to-prepare recipes, they offer a solid option for long-term emergency food storage.
My Patriot Supply is a company that specializes in long-term food storage, water filtration, and emergency survival supplies. Here is a summary of their offerings:
Products: My Patriot Supply offers various emergency food options, including individual ingredients, ready-to-eat meals, and meal kits. Their selection includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
Shelf Life: Many food options have a long shelf life – up to 25 years in some cases when stored properly. This makes them an excellent choice for long-term emergency preparedness.
Preparation: Like many emergency food suppliers, their meals are designed to be easy to prepare, typically only requiring the addition of hot water.
Supplemental Products: My Patriot Supply offers a range of other emergency supplies, including food filtration and air purification systems, survival gear, and heirloom seeds.
Packaging: Meals are packed in Mylar pouches and shipped in sturdy, stackable buckets for easy storage and increased shelf-life.
My Patriot Supply offers a broad range of long-lasting emergency food options, making it an excellent choice for long-term preparedness. With a diverse selection of meals and additional offerings such as water filtration systems and survival gear, they present a comprehensive solution for those preparing for emergencies.
Emergency Essentials is another company known for providing emergency food supplies and survival gear.
Products: Emergency Essentials provides various emergency food options, including freeze-dried and dehydrated meals. These include individual ingredients, ready-to-eat entrees, and complete meal kits.
Shelf Life: Many of their products have a long shelf life, some up to 25-30 years, when stored properly, which makes them a practical option for long-term emergency preparedness.
Preparation: Their meals are designed to be easy to prepare, typically requiring only the addition of water.
Supplemental Products: Apart from food, Emergency Essentials also offers a range of other survival and emergency supplies. These include water filters, fire starters, first aid kits, and emergency preparedness kits.
Packaging: The food is usually packed in robust, resealable Mylar pouches and cans, and they offer “SuperPails” for bulk items, which are intended for easy, long-term storage.
Emergency Essentials provides a wide array of long-lasting emergency food options and survival gear, making it a reliable choice for emergency preparedness. Their easy-to-prepare meals, long shelf life, and supplemental emergency supplies offer comprehensive solutions for long-term readiness.
Valley Food Storage is a company that specializes in long-lasting, natural emergency food supplies. Here’s a brief overview of their offerings:
Products: Valley Food Storage offers a variety of emergency food options, including freeze-dried meals, dehydrated food, and bulk food supplies. They focus on providing high-quality, natural foods without artificial flavors, preservatives, or fillers.
Shelf Life: Many of their products have a long shelf life of up to 25 years when stored correctly, making them a good option for long-term emergency preparedness.
Unique Dietary Options: Valley Food Storage offers products suitable for various dietary needs, including gluten-free and dairy-free options.
Preparation: The company’s meals are typically easy to prepare, often only requiring the addition of water.
Packaging: Their food is packaged in durable, resealable bags designed to keep the product fresh and protect against pests, moisture, and light.
Valley Food Storage offers high-quality, all-natural, long-lasting emergency food options, focusing on eliminating artificial flavors, preservatives, and hydrogenated oils. With a 25-year shelf life for many products and a range of choices, including gluten-free and dairy-free options, they provide a valuable choice for long-term food storage with a healthier slant.
ReadyWise, formerly known as Wise Food Storage, is a company that specializes in providing emergency food and outdoor meals designed for long-term storage and survival situations. Their product offerings emphasize quality, taste, affordability, and convenience.
Products: ReadyWise offers various emergency food options, including freeze-dried and dehydrated meals. These meals cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including drinks and snacks.
Shelf Life: ReadyWise products have a substantial shelf life. Their outdoor meals typically have a 7-year shelf life, while their long-term storage options can last up to 25 years when properly stored.
Preparation: ReadyWise meals are designed to be easy to prepare, often require the addition of water, and do not require any cooking.
Supplemental Products: Besides meals, ReadyWise sells emergency supplies, survival kits, and fuel sources, which can heat food or provide warmth in survival situations.
Packaging: ReadyWise foods are packed in durable Mylar pouches designed to withstand rough conditions and keep food safe and fresh. These pouches are then packed in sturdy, stackable buckets for easy storage.
In conclusion, ReadyWise, with its focus on convenience, variety, and long shelf life, provides comprehensive solutions for long-term emergency food storage and outdoor meal needs. Their easy-to-prepare meals and additional survival gear offer a solid choice for emergency preparedness.
Survival Cave is a company that primarily focuses on providing canned meats that are suitable for long-term storage. They are a popular choice for survivalists and those preparing for potential emergencies or long-term food needs.
Products: Survival Cave is best known for its canned meats, available in various options, including beef, chicken, turkey, and pork. They offer these in both single cans and bulk packages.
Shelf Life: One of the key selling points of Survival Cave’s products is their long shelf life. They claim that their canned meats can last for decades without refrigeration, which makes them an ideal choice for long-term emergency food storage.
Preparation: The canned meats are fully cooked, so they can be eaten straight from the can or heated up, providing flexibility in preparation methods.
Supplemental Products: In addition to canned meats, Survival Cave also sells a variety of other emergency food supplies, though their primary focus remains on their meat products.
Packaging: The company packages its meats in cans designed to keep the product safe, fresh, and ready to eat even after many years.
In conclusion, Survival Cave offers a specialized solution for long-term emergency food storage, focusing on canned meats. They provide an appealing option for those seeking high-quality, long-lasting protein sources that require minimal preparation.
Thrive Life is a company that specializes in providing high-quality, freeze-dried and dehydrated foods designed for both everyday use and long-term storage. Their approach focuses on convenience, nutrition, and taste.
Products: Thrive Life offers a wide range of freeze-dried and dehydrated food options, including fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, grains, beans, and even bakery items. They also offer pre-prepared meals and recipes using their products.
Shelf Life: Unopened cans of Thrive Life’s freeze-dried products have a shelf life of 25 years, while their dehydrated products have a shelf life of 15 years. Once opened, the products can last for a year if properly sealed and stored.
Preparation: Preparation of their foods varies but is generally simple and quick, often only requiring rehydration with water. The freeze-dried foods can also be consumed as-is for a crunchy snack.
Supplemental Products: While Thrive Life primarily focuses on food products, they also offer a variety of accessories and tools, such as food rotation systems and shelving, to help store and organize their products effectively.
Packaging: The food products come in sturdy, sealed cans for long-term storage. They also offer “pantry cans” for everyday use, which are smaller and easier to store in standard kitchen cabinets.
In conclusion, Thrive Life stands out for its wide array of freeze-dried and dehydrated food options and its focus on nutrition, taste, and convenience. They offer a unique solution for both everyday cooking and long-term food storage needs.
Food4Patriots is a company that specializes in providing long-term food storage solutions designed for survival situations. They focus on quality, taste, and convenience, emphasizing patriotic branding.
Products: Food4Patriots offers a range of emergency food kits, which include a variety of meals such as soups, oatmeal, powdered milk, and dinner entrees. Their kits are designed to provide nourishment for 72 hours, four weeks, or three months, depending on the kit size.
Shelf Life: The company promises a long shelf life of up to 25 years for emergency food products, making them a good option for long-term emergencies.
Preparation: Food4Patriots’ meals are easy to prepare, typically requiring boiling water. This makes them convenient to use when time and resources are limited.
Supplemental Products: In addition to their food kits, Food4Patriots also sells fruit and veggie kits, meat and protein kits, and survival coffee.
Packaging: The meals come packed in Mylar pouches, which help to protect them from heat, air, and moisture and increase their shelf life. These pouches are packed in waterproof, stackable totes for easy storage and transport.
In conclusion, Food4Patriots, with its long shelf life and easy-to-prepare meals, offers comprehensive solutions for those preparing for potential long-term emergencies. Their patriotic branding and commitment to quality and convenience make them unique in the emergency food supply market.
NorthWest Fork is a company that specializes in providing emergency food options that are vegan, non-GMO, and kosher-certified. They focus on quality, taste, and meeting dietary restrictions.
Products: NorthWest Fork offers a selection of vegan and kosher meals, including soups, oatmeal, and pasta dishes. Its focus on plant-based nutrition is unique in the emergency food market.
Shelf Life: Their products typically have a shelf life of up to 10 years, which, while shorter than some competitors, is still substantial for long-term storage.
Preparation: The meals offered by NorthWest Fork are easy to prepare, generally only requiring the addition of hot water. This convenience can be crucial in emergencies.
Supplemental Products: While their primary focus is on food, they also sell a small selection of survival gear, such as multi-function tools and first-aid kits.
Packaging: NorthWest Fork uses sturdy, sealable Mylar bags for their food products, which protect the food and help maintain its shelf life. These bags are then packed into buckets for easy, compact storage.
In conclusion, NorthWest Fork provides a unique solution for those seeking emergency food supplies that are vegan, non-GMO, and kosher. Their focus on these dietary needs and easy preparation makes them a noteworthy choice in the emergency food supply market.
Guide to Emergency Food Supply
Have you ever thought about putting together an emergency food supply? It may not be something you’ve considered before, but having a well-stocked pantry filled with non-perishable, nutrient-dense foods can be a real lifesaver during times of crisis, like natural disasters or unforeseen events.
This article will help you start by offering great advice on building your emergency food supply. It suggests choosing foods that cater to specific dietary needs and preferences, prioritizing longevity and diversity, and avoiding low-quality emergency food kits.
Plus, it offers tips on storing your provisions so they stay fresh for when you need them the most. The recommended amount of food to have on hand is at least a month’s worth, but you can adjust based on your individual needs. So why not take a few minutes to read this article and prepare yourself and your loved ones for the unexpected?
Review of Emergency Food Supply Kits
Regarding emergency food supply kits, numerous options are flooding the market. Sorting through the claims of various companies can be challenging for consumers who take preparedness seriously. Taste, shelf life, storage requirements, and variety are all crucial factors to consider when evaluating these kits.
One common issue with emergency food kits is their lackluster taste and texture, making consuming the essential nutrients they provide challenging. It is essential to examine reviews and sample products before making a decision.
Shelf life and storage requirements are other critical aspects to consider. Some products claim an unrealistically long shelf life, only to be reduced once opened or exposed to fluctuating temperatures. Bulky containers can also take up valuable space in storage areas.
Furthermore, the variety within these kits must be assessed. Many kits prioritize quantity over quality, leading to monotonous meals during an emergency.
To ensure that your emergency food supply meets your needs, it is essential to scrutinize these factors before purchasing. Settling for mediocrity in such a critical aspect of preparedness is not an option. Remember, nourishing both body and soul is crucial during times of crisis.
How to Rotate and Maintain Your Emergency Food Supply
Properly rotating and maintaining your emergency food supply is vital to ensure freshness and efficacy when needed. Neglecting this aspect can render your preparations useless during a crisis.
Expiration dates hold great significance; regularly check them and discard any expired or soon-to-expire items. Adhere to the “first in, first out” principle, using the oldest items before the newer ones.
Embrace variety and avoid relying solely on canned foods. Include dehydrated fruits, vegetables, and freeze-dried meals to add flavor and nutritional value.
Neglecting the rotation and maintenance of your emergency food supply is a significant oversight. By respecting expiration dates, adhering to the “first in, first out” principle, and embracing variety, you can ensure that your emergency food supply remains fresh and palatable when needed.
Preparing Emergency Food: Recipes and Cooking Tips
Emergency food doesn’t have to be bland and uninspiring. Versatile recipes and cooking tips can make emergency meals palatable and delicious.
Consider making hearty vegetable stews, one-pot meals with grains like rice or quinoa, and mouthwatering desserts like campfire banana boats using ingredients from your emergency food supply.
By being creative and selecting the right ingredients, you can transform survival rations into flavorful dishes that nourish both body and soul during challenging times.
Conclusion: Peace of Mind Through Preparation
Preparation is the key to peace of mind, especially regarding the emergency food supply. Building a well-stocked pantry of the best emergency food supplies ensures survival during crises and enhances our sense of security and resilience.
We can confidently face uncertainty by thoughtfully selecting the right emergency food supplies and maintaining well-organized storage. Preparedness empowers us to weather the storm with nutritious meals that fortify our bodies and spirits.
Investing in a reliable emergency food supply is an act of self-care and foresight. Knowing we have taken steps to safeguard ourselves and our loved ones in crisis brings solace like nothing else.
Whether choosing pre-packaged supplies or assembling a collection over time, prioritizing quality and considering our unique circumstances ensures the best possible preparation. Let’s embark on this journey together, knowing that we have done our best to prepare for whatever challenges.
Disclosure: Our website contains affiliate links, which means we may receive compensation if you purchase from websites we recommend. We test and review these products independently, and we do not accept free products or incentives in exchange for positive reviews. Any opinions expressed here are our own.
