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
- 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.
- COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLY - Augason Farms all-in-one 4-gallon meal prep containers provide 92 satisfying servings with a total of 21,170 calories and 557 grams of protein to support daily energy needs in emergencies. It’s a dependable solution for shelter-in-place orders, natural disasters, or unexpected evacuations at home or on the road.
- 11 COMPLETE MEAL VARIETIES - Enjoy a comforting selection of 11 great-tasting meals with our camping essentials, including Italiano Marinara Pasta, Creamy Stroganoff, Hearty Vegetable Soup, Mac & Cheese, Chicken-Flavored Rice, Chocolate Pudding and more. Designed to offer variety, nutrition, and convenience, these meals satisfy both taste and dietary needs.
- LONG-LASTING SHELF LIFE - Each meal is packaged to retain freshness and flavor with shelf lives ranging from 10 to 25 years*. This makes our survival kit ideal for emergency kits, preparedness planning, or long-term storage, giving you peace of mind whether you’re preparing for natural disasters or remote living.
- CONVENIENT STORAGE AND PORTABILITY - This compact, space-saving food storage pail is made for grab-and-go convenience and safe storage. Its secure lid and watertight seal protect contents from moisture and pests, perfect for storing in garages, basements, cabins, or vehicles.
- QUICK AND EASY MEAL PREPARATION - Each meal is simple to prepare with our meal prep pail—no cooking experience needed. Just add water, stir, and enjoy a hot, comforting dish in minutes. Perfect for power outages, emergencies, busy schedules, or outdoor adventures where time and resources are limited.
- 106 nutritionally balanced servings
- 15 Food Pouches
- 19, 810 Total Calories
- 13 varieties of entrées and soups, plus chocolate pudding and milk
- Shelf life ranges from 10 to 25 years*
- 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.
- 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.
- VERSATILITY: Perfect for emergency preparedness, outdoor activities, camping trips, and long-term food storage needs. Eat like a soldier, trusted by the US military
- CONVENIENCE: Ready-to-eat meals require no refrigeration, cooking, or additional preparation - just heat and serve. Each case has 12 meals inside
- SHELF LIFE: Extended storage capability makes these meals ideal for emergency situations and disaster preparedness. Inspection 2024, 2025 or later This is NOT THE EXPIRATION DATE. Can be consumed for many years after the pack date (which is always 3 years prior to inspection), as long as kept in a dry and cool environment.
- Genuine military surplus MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat). Made in the USA
- NUTRITION: Complete meals packed with essential proteins, carbohydrates, and nutrients for sustained energy. Each meal is packed with essential nutrients and has 1,250 calories to sustain you during emergencies, camping and hiking trips. Please see below for meals content
- BE READY TO GO: At home, out camping, or caught in a day to day rush when disaster strikes, ReadyWise 2 Bucket Bundle Survival Kit has you covered with 296 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 1 Month 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 4 breakfast options, 5 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!
- 🏕️ High Energy Biscuits - Is a compressed type biscuit in vacuum package, it is supplemental bar containing cereals and other high energy foods targeted at people who require quick energy but do not have time for a meal.
- 🏕️ Energy Value - 1 block of at least 1125 kcal (4700 kJ). One block contains 4 biscuits, each weighing 62.5 grams.
- 🏕️ Shelf Life and Storage Conditions - The shelf life of biscuits in the original packaging is 20 years. We recommend storing in a dry, dark place. If you removed the original packaging, but did not remove the transparent film from the biscuits, you must use them within 6 months. If you have removed the transparent film from the biscuits, they should be consumed within 2 months if stored in a dry, dark place.
- 🏕️ Indispensable - Any hike: from climbing the mountains to a simple trip to nature with tents. But the bisquit is truly indispensable if you are a climber, hunter, hiker or long hiker when there is no way to camp or cook.
- 🏕️ Nutrition Facts - This is not a complete daily diet for an adult. Biscuits is an emergency food ration. It contains the necessary elements and vitamins to maintain the vital activity of your body in extreme situations. Also, for survival, it is imperative to consume fresh water.
- 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.
- 42 servings
- 2, 667 calories per day & 8, 000 total calories
- 5 meal varieties
- Easy to Prepare. Just add water!
- Up to a 25 year shelf life!
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.