If a natural disaster or other event forced your family to live without electricity or other utilities for an extended period of time, you’d need a supply of food that doesn’t require refrigeration or cooking—something easy to eat cold, or even straight out of the package.
Here, we researched the best emergency food supplies, evaluating each product on calorie count, shelf life, and taste.
Our top pick, 30-Day Emergency Food Supply, has a long shelf life, is nutritionally balanced, and contains plenty of variety.
Here are the best emergency food supplies.
Best Emergency Food Supplies: Editor Recommended
Our Editor’s Best Emergency Food Supplies Reviews
- LONG SHELF LIFE CAMPING COOKING ESSENTIALS - Designed for long term storage in your kitchen, camping supplies, or earthquake emergency kit, this bucket of dehydrated prepared meals ready to eat has 113 servings and a 25-year shelf life.
- EASY MEALS WITH LOTS OF VARIETY - Spanning 13 meal varieties and providing approximately 22,940 total calories inside a convenient 4 gallon bucket, these emergency supplies for instant meals are great for making quick, healthy lunches and dinners.
- JUST ADD WATER AND COOK - Just add water and heat on a stove to prepare these ready to eat meals, no advanced cooking equipment or skills needed.
- IDEAL FOR TRAVEL AND CAMPING MEALS - This shelf stable dehydrated food survival kit is stored in a durable 4 gallon pail that is portable, convenient, and perfect for outdoor camping food meals or at-home meal prep.
- QUICK MEALS AND PREPARED FOODS - Augason Farms Lunch & Dinner meals ready to eat include lasagna marinara, fettuccine alfredo, creamy rice & vegetables, macaroni and cheese, stroganoff pasta, cheesy broccoli rice, Spanish rice, creamy potato soup, cheesy broccoli soup, vegetable stew, black bean burger mix, instant mashed potatoes, and chocolate pudding.
- BUILT TO LAST, READY WHEN YOU NEED IT - Packed in a sturdy, watertight pail, this emergency food kit is made for long-term storage. Even if you're planning ahead or facing the unexpected, it’s easy to transport, stash and store anywhere life takes you.
- REAL MEALS THAT ACTUALLY TASTE GOOD - Forget bland survival food this kit brings comfort to the table. From cheesy rice and hearty soups to pancakes and oatmeal, every meal is warm, filling and full of flavor.
- JUST ADD WATER AND COOK - Meal prep gets easier with our dehydrated food. All it takes is water and a little heat to whip up these ready-to-cook dishes. No complicated instructions or extra ingredients required.
- STAY ORGANIZED WITH A 30-DAY MEAL PLANNER - Forget the guesswork. The included meal planner helps you stay on track, so you know exactly what to eat and when. Makes survival situations or outdoor adventures more manageable with premade meals.
- DESIGNED FOR VERSATILITY - From power outages to hiking trips, this survival kit is built for flexibility. It’s a go-to solution for home emergencies, car trunks, bug-out bags or any grab-and-go scenario.
- TASTES GREAT: Ready Hour freeze-dried food is designed for emergencies but tasty enough for everyday use.
- BE PREPARED: The world is unpredictable. Be ready for anything with our durable and flood-safe container which features a convenient handle for easy transport. Requires no refrigeration.
- LASTS UP TO 25 YEARS: Includes up to 120 total servings. Can be stored anywhere that offers a cool and dry environment.
- USE ONLY WHAT YOU NEED: Made for multiple uses; includes 22 resealable pouches that let you use only what you need and save the rest for later. Re-sealed pouches last up to a year.
- MADE IN THE USA from domestic and imported goods: We proudly manufacture and pack our foods in Salt Lake City, Utah.
- LONG SHELF LIFE FOOD - Designed to sustain 1 adult for 45 days or a small group for shorter duration, this dehydrated food stock for emergency situations has 281 servings and a 25-year shelf life
- LOTS OF VARIETY AND NUTRIENTS - Spanning 14 meal varieties and providing approximately 1,218 calories and 35 grams of protein per day, these emergency supplies are great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- JUST ADD WATER AND COOK - Just add water and heat on a stove to prepare these ready to eat meals, no advanced cooking equipment or skills needed
- EASY STORAGE AND TRAVEL - This shelf stable food survival kit is stored in a durable 8.5 gallon pail that is portable, compact, and ideal for prepping supplies for long term use
- CAMPING FOOD SURVIVAL KIT - Augason Farms emergency food kits with 45 days of meals ready to eat include lasagna marinara, pancakes/waffles, fettuccine alfredo, creamy rice & vegetables, macaroni and cheese powder, broccoli and cheese rice, Spanish rice, creamy potato soup, cheesy broccoli soup, vegetable stew, oatmeal, creamy wheat, chocolate pudding, and whey milk drink
- TASTES GREAT: Ready Hour Freeze dried fruits and veggies are made for emergencies but tasty enough for everyday use.
- BE PREPARED: The world is unpredictable. Be ready for anything with our durable and flood-safe container which features a convenient handle for easy transport. Requires no refrigeration.
- 30 YEAR SHELF LIFE: Includes 56 total servings. Can be stored anywhere that offers a cool and dry environment.
- USE ONLY WHAT YOU NEED: Made for multiple uses; includes seven resealable pouches that let you use only what you need and save the rest for later. Re-sealed pouches last up to a year.
- MADE IN THE USA from domestic and imported goods: We proudly manufacture and pack our foods in Salt Lake City, Utah.
- Contains 9 pre-measured 400 calorie rations, to last one person up to three days. Natural Lemon taste.
- USCG approved for 5 year shelf life within its durable, air sealed Mylar packaging to ensure preservation under all climatic conditions
- These emergency food bars are non-thirst provoking, with a pleasant vanilla poundcake flavor. Kosher and it meets the dictates for Halal
- Enriched with vitamins and minerals exceeding the RDA requirements this product does not contain cholesterol or tropical oils
- Withstands extreme conditions and temperatures (-22F to 149F); use for flood, hurricane, disaster preparedness.
- READY WHEN YOU ARE: At home, out camping, or caught up in the day-to-day rush - when disaster strikes, READYWISE Grab & Go Emergency Food Supply has you covered with 30 servings of freeze dried meals ready to support you in any situation.
- PREPARED FOOD STORAGE: Compact and easy to tuck away in your pantry, car, or go bag supplies emergency kit. With “just add water” convenience, you can enjoy it anytime and anywhere!
- LONG TERM RELIABILITY: With up to a 25 year shelf life, READYWISE Emergency Food Supply keeps you and your family secure during unexpected events, giving you peace of mind and ensuring you're always prepared and protected for the long haul.
- NUTRITIOUS & YUMMY: READYWISE protein packed disaster preparedness kit delivers bold, savory & satisfying flavor in every portion. Enjoy quick meals or to boost your emergency food kit with options like Cheesy Macaroni, Whey Milk Alternative & more.
- EXTREME SITUATIONS (OR NOT): From power outages to packed schedules on busy weekdays, our camping essentials emergency supplies offer prepared meals you can count on. Nutritious, tasty, and made to save time when you need it most!
- 192 EMERGENCY FOOD SERVINGS: 11 delicious survival food recipes like Grammy's Sweet Oatmeal and America's Finest Mac & Cheese. This freeze-dried food has about 7 servings a day. Your Emergency Food Supply has an average of 36,480 calories (~1,302 a day - you may want or need more). Perfect prepper supplies with a 25 year shelf life.
- LONG-TERM PEACE OF MIND: With a 4-Week supply of survival food on hand, you’ll be better prepared to handle an emergency situation. From dangerous storms and blackouts to supply chain disruptions, this long-lasting food store could be a lifesaver in a crisis.
- “DISASTER-RESISTANT” EMERGENCY FOOD: Triple-layer Mylar premium packaging acts as a barrier to protect your survival food against things that harm your food: air, light & moisture. We use a high-tech, high-capacity oxygen absorber to suck OUT any excess air. So your emergency food supply can keep an amazing 25 year shelf life. (longer than MREs).
- DESIGNED FOR SURVIVAL OR ADVENTURES: Whether you're rounding out your survival stockpile, bugging out, or taking the family camping, this survival food will help keep you prepared. The lightweight, disaster-resistant packaging is perfect for stashing away or to bring on-the-go.
- EASY TO PREPARE SURVIVAL MEALS: Your prepper food is easy to make & tastes better than MREs. Just add boiling water, simmer and serve. It takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. In an instant, you'll have tasty emergency food to get you through a crisis. With 11 unique survival meals, you get delicious variety in your emergency food supply.
- 15 servings
- No washing, peeling or slicing
- Certified gluten-free
- Emergency food storage and everyday meal prep
- Up to a 25 year shelf life
- BE READY TO GO: At home, out camping, or caught in a day to day rush when disaster strikes, ReadyWise 1 Bucket Bundle Survival Kit has you covered with 132 servings of ready to eat meals, keeping you fueled for any unexpected emergencies!
- PREPARED FOOD STORAGE: Stackable and easy to store in your pantry, car, or emergency kit. With “just add water” convenience, the bucket’s split lid doubles as a handy tray or small table to support your food. Enjoy anytime and anywhere!
- LONG TERM RELIABILITY: With up to a 25 year shelf life, READYWISE Emergency Food Supply keeps you and your family secure during unexpected events, giving you peace of mind and ensuring you're always prepared and protected for the long haul.
- NUTRITIOUS & YUMMY: Our protein meals are high in nutritional value and ideal for a quick emergency meal. Enjoy 3 breakfast options, 8 gourmet entrées, and 2 drink choices, including Cheesy Macaroni and our Whey Milk Alternative.
- EXTREME SITUATIONS (OR NOT): Whether for unexpected situations or just a quick, nutritious meal at home, our emergency food buckets are the perfect solution to save your day with all the nutrients you need to stay fueled!
Best Emergency Food Supplies Buying Guide
Before choosing the right emergency food supplies you should consider the following options:
1. Meals Ready to Eat (MRE): MRE is the most popular form of emergency food supply. It is a self-contained kit that contains all the essential food items in a ready-to-eat form.
These foods have a long shelf life and require no preparation. You can eat them either hot or cold. MREs are easy to carry and can be transported anywhere.
2. Ready-to-cook food kit: This includes all the essential ingredients for preparing a meal such as rice, spices, beans, etc.
You need to add water and cook them for few minutes. These food kits have a longer shelf life. They can last up to 30 years.
3. Freeze-dried foods: Freeze-dried foods are light in weight and easy to carry. They have a long shelf life of up to 30 years.
You need to add water and then boil them. They are the most expensive option.
4. Dehydrated foods: Dehydrated foods are very light in weight and easy to carry. They have a long shelf life of up to 25 years.
You need to add water and then boil them. They are an affordable option.
5. Ready-to-eat canned foods: These canned foods have a shorter shelf life of up to 5 years. They have the least weight and are easy to carry.
6. Ready-to-cook canned foods: These canned foods have a shorter shelf life of up to 5 years. They have the least weight and are easy to carry.
They have to be cooked for some time before eating. They are an affordable option.
7. Freeze dried fruits and vegetables: These foods have a shorter shelf life of up to 5 years. They are light in weight and easy to carry.
8. Dehydrated fruits and vegetables: Dehydrated fruits and vegetables have a shorter shelf life of up to 5 years. They are light in weight and easy to carry.
They need to be boiled in water for some time before eating. They are an affordable option.
9. Multipurpose kit: This includes all the essential food items such as canned foods, dried foods, and MRE.
What else you should know about the best emergency food supplies
1. What are the best emergency food supplies to have on hand?
The best emergency food supplies to have on hand are canned goods, non-perishable items, and water.
2. What are the best ways to store emergency food supplies?
The best ways to store emergency food supplies are to keep them in a cool, dark, and dry place.
3. How long do emergency food supplies last?
Most emergency food supplies will last for at least three days.
4. What are the best emergency food supplies for specific disasters?
Some suggested emergency food supplies include non-perishable items such as canned food, dry goods, and water; as well as items that do not require cooking or refrigeration, such as granola bars, nuts, and trail mix.
5. How can I make sure my emergency food supplies are safe to eat?
There are a few things you can do to make sure your emergency food supplies are safe to eat. First, you should check the expiration dates on all of your food and make sure it is still good. If you have any doubts, you can always err on the side of caution and throw it out.
Second, you should make sure your food is properly stored. This means keeping it in a cool, dry place away from light. Third, you should inspect your food for any signs of spoilage before you eat it. If you see any mold, discoloration, or strange smells, it is best to throw the food out.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best emergency food supplies. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best emergency food supplies will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.