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.
- 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.
- 176 Servings
- 26,440 Total calories
- 2,203 Calories Per Day
- (16) Pouches with (7) Food Varieties
- Up to a 20 Year Shelf Life.
- 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.
- THE ULTIMATE SURVIVAL ESSENTIAL: With 120 servings of entrées meals, ReadyWise Grab & Go Bucket is the perfect starting point for anyone serious about preparing for the future. Stay ready for anything, from power outages to outdoor adventures!
- STORED FOR THE FUTURE: Our bucket offers up to 25 years of shelf life, ensuring your emergency food supply stays fresh. Plus, its stackable design fits conveniently in your pantry, car, or backpack, making it ideal for long term food storage.
- ULTRA CONVENIENT: The split bucket lid is a game changer! It gives you quick access to your emergency food pouches and doubles as a tray and food holder for your servings. Just add water and enjoy a delicious premade meal! Yes, it's that easy!
- ENJOY NUTRITIOUS MEALS: Our emergency supplies offer convenience and tasty, nutrient rich options, including Cheesy Macaroni, Lasagna, Teriyaki Rice, and Chicken Flavored Noodle Soup! Perfect for travel necessities, as well as home and kitchen use.
- OUTDOOR & HOME EMERGENCY: Our meals are your new ally for backpacking supplies or easy freeze dried food storage to keep you fueled during unexpected events or satisfy your craving for a delicious meal. Prepper with READYWISE!
- 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!
- 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!
- 20 SERVINGS OF EMERGENCY FOOD: This emergency food supply doesn't compromise on taste. Enjoy a variety of delicious recipes like Grammy’s Sweet Oatmeal & America’s Finest Mac & Cheese. Enjoy about 6 servings/day for breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks. 72-Hour Kit has an average of 4,800 total calories (approx. 1,600 per day - you may want or need more+) for energy & nutrients to survive an emergency.
- “DISASTER-RESISTANT” PACKAGING: Triple-layer Mylar premium packaging works as a barrier to help protect against things that can harm your survival food: air, light & moisture. We use a high-tech, high-capacity oxygen absorber to suck OUT any excess air.
- 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, READY IN MINUTES: Tastier than MRE meals, just add boiling water, simmer and serve. It takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. With meals like Creamy Rice & Vegetable Dinner, you have a delicious variety of emergency food for your family.
- SURVIVAL FOOD DESIGNED TO LAST 25 YEARS: This emergency food supply is designed for long-term storage. Storage conditions impact shelf life. For best results, protect food from heat, air & moisture. Avoid exposure to temps above 75 degrees F. Keep food sealed until ready to eat. Shelf life varies based on storage conditions.
- FEED YOUR FREEDOM: Enjoy Nutrient Survival creamy, non-fat vitamin milk warm or cold. Just add water to the milk powder to get the instant milk ready to use. Nutrient dense powdered milk, a great go-to for both everyday and emergency situations
- SPECIAL OPS GRADE NUTRITION: Our soy & gluten-free non-fat dry milk powder is packed with 21 nutrients in each serving. The powdered milk includes 13 essential vitamins, 7 minerals & 6g protein and is a staple survival food for every prepper’s pantry
- UP TO 25 YEAR SHELF LIFE: Nutrient Survival makes snacks and ready to eat meals that last for years without losing their taste. The freeze-drying process locks in nutrients, preserving the natural taste. No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- PRIME YOUR PREP: Our ready to eat meals make great prepper food and emergency food supplies. For natural disasters, military combat and earthquakes, camping supplies, hiking or any challenging situation, we ensure optimal nutrition during times of crisis
- GO-TO NUTRITION WHEN NEEDED: Nutrient Survival foods are American born and made, ensuring the best, healthiest and supremely delicious nutrition. Perfect for times of stress, a quick snack, elevating performance, travel, prepper supplies or living off-the-grid
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.