What Is Emergency Survival Food?
Emergency survival food is non-perishable food that has a long shelf life and can be stored for an extended period without refrigeration. It is designed to provide essential nutrients and calories during an emergency situation or natural disaster when access to fresh food and water is limited. Emergency survival food usually comes in the form of pre-packaged meals or ration bars, and it is an essential component of any emergency preparedness plan.
Importance of Having Emergency Survival Food
Having an emergency survival food supply is an essential step in preparing for natural disasters or emergencies. In times of crisis, supermarkets and stores may be inaccessible due to damage or overcrowding, and access to fresh food and water may be limited. Emergency survival food is designed to provide essential nutrients and calories to keep you and your family nourished during these situations. Having an emergency food supply can also reduce the risk of food shortages and prevent the need to rely on unhealthy or unsafe food options.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Emergency Survival Food
When choosing emergency survival food, it's essential to consider several factors. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:
Calorie Count
The calorie count is one of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing emergency survival food. According to Outdoor Life, the recommended calorie intake varies based on age, gender, and activity level, but the average adult requires between 1,600 and 2,400 calories per day.
Nutritional Value
In addition to calorie count, it's important to consider the nutritional value of the food you choose. Look for food that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep you healthy during an emergency. According to Primal Survivor, you want to look for food that contains a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.
Shelf Life
Shelf life is another crucial factor to consider when choosing emergency survival food. Look for food that has a long shelf life and can be stored for an extended period without refrigeration. According to Forbes, you want to look for food that has a shelf life of at least five years.
Preparation Time
Emergency survival food should be easy to prepare, as you may not have access to a stove or other cooking equipment during an emergency. Look for food that can be prepared with just hot water, as this will make it easier to cook. According to Your Best Digs, efficient preparation is an important feature to consider when shopping for emergency food.
Taste
While taste may not be the most important factor in an emergency situation, it's still important to consider. Look for food that you and your family will enjoy eating, as this will make it easier to stick to your emergency survival food plan. According to Primal Survivor, taste is one of the factors they considered when reviewing the best emergency food supply companies.
Variety of Meals
Finally, consider the variety of meals available when choosing emergency survival food. Look for food that offers a range of meal options, as this will help prevent boredom and ensure that you and your family get a balanced diet. According to Outdoor Life, variety of meals is one of the factors they considered when evaluating the best survival food options for emergency situations.
Types of Emergency Survival Food
There are several types of emergency survival food options available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common types of emergency survival food:
Pre-Packaged Meals
Pre-packaged meals are a popular choice for emergency survival food. They come in a variety of options, including freeze-dried, dehydrated, and canned. According to Primal Survivor, pre-packaged meals are convenient and easy to store, with a long shelf life of up to 25 years. They provide a good balance of nutrients and calories and come in a variety of meal options.
Meal Replacement Bars
Meal replacement bars are another popular choice for emergency survival food. They are compact and easy to store, making them ideal for emergency situations. According to Outdoor Life, meal replacement bars are high in calories and provide a good balance of nutrients. However, they may not be as satisfying as a full meal and can be expensive compared to other options.
Canned Food
Canned food is a traditional option for emergency survival food. It has a long shelf life and is easy to store, making it a popular choice for those preparing for emergencies. According to Practical Self Reliance, canned food is also affordable and widely available. However, it can be heavy to transport and may not provide a good balance of nutrients.
Military MREs
Military MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) are another option for emergency survival food. They are designed to provide essential nutrients and calories to military personnel in the field. According to Your Best Digs, MREs are convenient and easy to store, with a long shelf life of up to five years. They provide a good balance of nutrients and come in a variety of meal options. However, they can be expensive and may not be as tasty as other options.
Home Preserved Food
Home preserved food is another option for emergency survival food. It involves preserving food at home through methods such as canning, dehydrating, or fermenting. According to Your Best Digs, home preserved food can be affordable and allows for more control over the ingredients. However, it can be time-consuming and requires special equipment and knowledge to do correctly.
Freeze-Dried Food
Freeze-dried food is a popular choice for emergency survival food. It is lightweight and easy to store, making it ideal for emergency situations. According to Outdoor Life, freeze-dried food has a long shelf life of up to 25 years and provides a good balance of nutrients. However, it can be expensive compared to other options and may not be as tasty as fresh food.
Top Emergency Survival Food Brands
There are several emergency survival food brands on the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here are some of the top emergency survival food brands:
Valley Food Storage
Valley Food Storage is a popular emergency survival food brand. According to Practical Self Reliance, Valley Food Storage offers high-quality food with a long shelf life of up to 25 years. They use real, whole ingredients and avoid artificial preservatives and additives. Their food is also easy to prepare, requiring only hot water.
Wise Company
Wise Company is another well-known emergency survival food brand. According to Primal Survivor, Wise Company offers a variety of meal options, including gluten-free and vegetarian options. Their food has a long shelf life of up to 25 years and is easy to prepare. However, some reviewers have noted that the taste can be hit or miss.
Legacy Food Storage
Legacy Food Storage is a popular choice for those looking for emergency survival food. According to Primal Survivor, Legacy Food Storage offers high-quality food with a long shelf life of up to 25 years. They use whole, real ingredients and avoid artificial preservatives and additives. Their food is also easy to prepare, requiring only hot water.
Augason Farms
Augason Farms is a well-known emergency survival food brand. According to Primal Survivor, Augason Farms offers a variety of meal options, including gluten-free and vegetarian options. Their food has a long shelf life of up to 25 years and is easy to prepare. However, some reviewers have noted that the taste can be hit or miss.
Mountain House
Mountain House is a popular choice for those looking for emergency survival food. According to Outdoor Life, Mountain House offers a variety of meal options with a long shelf life of up to 30 years. Their food is easy to prepare, requiring only hot water, and is tasty and nutritious. However, their food can be expensive compared to other options.
Nutrient Survival
Nutrient Survival is a newer emergency survival food brand. According to Outdoor Life, Nutrient Survival offers nutrient-dense, whole food options with a long shelf life of up to 25 years. They avoid artificial preservatives and additives and use real, whole ingredients. Their food is also easy to prepare, requiring only hot water. However, their food can be expensive compared to other options.
How to Choose the Best Emergency Survival Food
Choosing the best emergency survival food can be a daunting task. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best emergency survival food for your needs:
Nutritional Value
The most important factor to consider when choosing emergency survival food is nutritional value. According to Forbes, emergency survival food should provide a balance of nutrients and calories to keep you healthy and energized during an emergency. Look for foods that are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and avoid foods that are high in sodium, sugar, and preservatives.
Shelf Life
Another important factor to consider when choosing emergency survival food is shelf life. Look for foods that have a long shelf life, such as freeze-dried or dehydrated foods, that can last for up to 25 years. According to Outdoor Life, canned foods and MREs have a shorter shelf life of up to five years.
Taste
While nutritional value and shelf life are important factors to consider when choosing emergency survival food, taste is also important. According to Primal Survivor, taste can be a make or break factor for many people when it comes to emergency survival food. Look for brands that offer a variety of meal options and have good reviews for taste.
Ease of Preparation
When choosing emergency survival food, ease of preparation is also an important factor to consider. According to Practical Self Reliance, look for foods that are easy to prepare and require minimal equipment. Freeze-dried and dehydrated foods usually only require hot water, while MREs come with their own heating element.
Cost
Cost is also an important factor to consider when choosing emergency survival food. According to Primal Survivor, emergency survival food can be expensive, with some meal options costing up to $10 per serving. Look for brands that offer good value for money and consider buying in bulk to save money.
Tips for Storing Emergency Survival Food
Storing emergency survival food properly is just as important as choosing the right food. Here are some tips for storing emergency survival food:
Store in a Cool, Dry Place
According to Your Best Digs, emergency survival food should be stored in a cool, dry place that is away from direct sunlight. Heat and moisture can cause food to spoil more quickly.
Rotate Your Food
To ensure that your emergency survival food is always fresh, it is important to rotate your food on a regular basis. According to Your Best Digs, a good rule of thumb is to rotate your food every six months.
Use Oxygen Absorbers
Oxygen absorbers can help to extend the shelf life of emergency survival food by reducing the amount of oxygen in the packaging. According to Practical Self Reliance, most emergency survival food brands come with oxygen absorbers included, but you can also purchase them separately.
Label Your Food
Labeling your emergency survival food can help you keep track of when it was purchased and when it needs to be rotated. According to Outdoor Life, you should label your food with the date of purchase and the expiration date.
Store Water Separately
According to Forbes, it is important to store water separately from your emergency survival food. Water can cause food to spoil more quickly and can also damage the packaging.
Consider a Storage Container
To keep your emergency survival food organized and easily accessible, consider storing it in a storage container. According to Outdoor Life, a storage container can also protect your food from moisture and pests.
Ensure Your Survival with the Best Emergency Survival Food
Emergency survival food is an essential component of any emergency preparedness plan. By choosing the right food and storing it properly, you can ensure that you and your family will have the nutrition you need to survive during an emergency.
Remember these key points when selecting and storing your emergency survival food:
- Choose emergency survival food with a balance of nutrients and a long shelf life.
- Consider taste, ease of preparation, and cost when selecting emergency survival food.
- Store emergency survival food in a cool, dry place and rotate it regularly.
- Use oxygen absorbers and label your food to keep it fresh and organized.
- Store water separately from your emergency survival food.
- Consider using a storage container to protect your food from moisture and pests.
At EmergencyPreparedness.cc, we are committed to helping you and your family stay safe during an emergency. Check out our other great content for more tips on emergency preparedness, survival gear, and more.
Questions and Answers
Who should read emergency survival food reviews?
Anyone who wants to prepare for emergencies and ensure their survival.
What are the best brands for emergency survival food?
Wise Company, Legacy Food Storage, Mountain House, Augason Farms, and Valley Food Storage.
How long does emergency survival food last?
It depends on the type and brand, but emergency survival food can last up to 25 years.
What if I don't like the taste of emergency survival food?
Look for brands that offer a variety of meal options and have good reviews for taste.
How should I store emergency survival food?
Store emergency survival food in a cool, dry place and rotate it regularly.
What if I'm on a tight budget?
Look for brands that offer good value for money and consider buying in bulk to save money.
What if I run out of emergency survival food?
It's important to have a variety of emergency food and water options and to restock your emergency supplies regularly.
