Best Emergency Food Options for Long-Term Preparedness

When it comes to emergency food, it‘s important to have a plan in place to ensure that you and your family have enough to eat during an emergency. The amount of food you need will depend on the number of people in your home, as well as the length of time you expect to be without power or access to grocery stores. In this blog post, we‘ll discuss some of the best choices for emergency food and how they can be used to keep your family fed during an emergency. First, it‘s important to consider the nutritional value of the food you choose for your emergency supply. Your family will need a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats to stay healthy and energized during a crisis. It‘s also important to choose foods that can be stored for a long time without spoiling, such as canned goods, dehydrated foods, and freeze–dried meals.  

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Canned Goods – Tried and True

One of the best options for emergency food is canned goods. Canned fruits, vegetables, and meats are a great source of nutrition and can be stored for long periods of time. They also require no refrigeration or cooking, making them a convenient option in a power outage. When selecting canned goods for your emergency supply, it‘s important to choose those with low sodium content and no added sugars.

Dehydrated Foods

Dehydrated foods are another good option for emergency food. Dehydrated fruits and vegetables can be stored for up to a year and can be rehydrated with water when needed. Dehydrated meals, such as soups and stews, can also be a good source of nutrition and can be stored for several months. These meals are also lightweight and easy to transport, making them a good option for evacuation situations.

Freeze Dried Foods

Freeze–dried meals are another option for emergency food. These meals are lightweight, easy to store, and have a long shelf life. They can also be rehydrated with water and cooked quickly, making them a convenient option during an emergency. However, they can be more expensive than other options, and some people find the taste to be less than ideal.

MREs

Another option for emergency food is MREs (Meals Ready–to–Eat). These are pre–packaged meals that are designed for military use but are also used by emergency responders and civilians. MREs are high in calories and can provide a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. They also have a long shelf life, and many come with a self–heating element that allows you to cook them without a stove or fire. However, they can be expensive and may not be suitable for long–term use.

Things to Consider

When choosing emergency food, it‘s important to consider the number of people in your home and how that will impact the quantity of food you need. The general rule of thumb is to have at least three days’ worth of food for each person in your home. This should include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. If you have infants or young children, you will also need to consider their specific nutritional needs. It‘s also important to rotate your emergency food supply on a regular basis. Canned goods and other non-perishable items should be rotated every six months to ensure that they are still safe to eat. You should also check expiration dates and replace any items that have expired. In addition to having an emergency food supply, it‘s also a good idea to have a way to cook and prepare food during an emergency. A camp stove or portable grill can be a good option, as long as you use them in a well–ventilated area. You should also have plenty of fuel on hand, such as propane or charcoal..

Emergency Food Meal Kits

There are a number of brands that offer emergency food options, but in this comparison, we will focus on the top 4 brands that offer a range of options to suit different dietary needs and preferences. These brands include Mountain House, Wise Company, Augason Farms, and Legacy Food Storage.

1. Mountain House

Mountain House is one of the most popular brands when it comes to emergency food, and for good reason. They offer a wide range of options, including freeze–dried meals, snacks, and even desserts. Their products have a long shelf life, with many options lasting up to 30 years, making them a great option for long–term emergency preparedness. Mountain House meals are also very easy to prepare – simply add hot water and wait a few minutes. They are also known for their delicious taste and high–quality ingredients. However, the price point for Mountain House products can be higher than other brands.

2. Wise Company

Wise Company is another well–known brand when it comes to emergency food. They offer a variety of options, including freeze–dried meals, snacks, and survival kits. Wise Company products are known for their affordability, making them a great option for those on a budget. They also have a long shelf life, with many products lasting up to 25 years. Wise Company products are easy to prepare, with most meals requiring only hot water. However, some users have reported that the taste and quality of Wise Company products is not as high as other brands.

3. Augason Farms

Augason Farms is another popular brand when it comes to emergency food. They offer a wide range of options, including dehydrated and freeze–dried meals, as well as baking mixes and other food items. Augason Farms products have a long shelf life, with many lasting up to 25 years. They are also known for their affordable prices and high–quality ingredients. However, some users have reported that the taste and texture of Augason Farms products is not as good as other brands.

4. Legacy Food Storage

Legacy Food Storage is a newer brand when it comes to emergency food, but they are quickly gaining popularity. They offer a variety of options, including freeze–dried meals, snacks, and survival kits. Legacy Food Storage products have a long shelf life, with most lasting up to 25 years. They are also known for their high–quality ingredients and great taste. However, some users have reported that the price point for Legacy Food Storage products is higher than other brands.

Organic Options

1. Numanna

Numanna is an organic emergency food brand that offers a variety of options, including freeze–dried meals, snacks, and bulk food items. They use only organic ingredients, and their products are free from GMOs, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. Numanna products have a long shelf life, with many lasting up to 25 years. They are also known for their great taste and high–quality ingredients however, can be more expensive than other brands.

2. Thrive Life

Thrive Life is another organic emergency food brand that offers a variety of options, including freeze–dried meals, snacks, and bulk food items. They use only organic ingredients, and their products are free from GMOs, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. Thrive Life products have a long shelf life, with many lasting up to 25 years. They are also known for their great taste and high–quality ingredients, however as with Numanna, Thrive Life products are higher than other brands.

Which option is right for you?

Overall, each of these brands offers its own unique advantages and disadvantages when it comes to emergency food. Mountain House and Legacy Food Storage are known for their high–quality ingredients and great taste, but their products can be more expensive. Wise Company and Augason Farms are more affordable, but some users have reported that the taste and quality of their products is not as high as other brands. Numanna and Thrive Life are two great brands to consider if you are looking for organic options however, tend to be more expensive.  Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences, as well as your budget.