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 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: We’re proudly based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
- 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.
- UNPARALLELED EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Elevate your readiness with the ReadyWise Emergency MRE Meal Supply. This life-saving kit, packed in a convenient bucket, boasts 120 servings designed to sustain you for 13 days. When disaster strikes, you'll be equipped with the ultimate nutrient-packed solution.
- SAVOR THE FLAVOR: Don't compromise on taste during emergencies. Our survival kit includes a delectable assortment of lunch and dinner options. Every dish is crafted from real ingredients, ensuring a gourmet experience even in dire circumstances. With a potential 1,800 calories per day, your energy levels will remain robust.
- 25-YEAR SHELF LIFE: Trust in longevity with each food item sealed in durable pouches. These provisions remain fresh for up to 25 years, offering enduring peace of mind. When hunger strikes, all it takes is a pouch, some water, a quick stir, and 15 minutes to savor a nourishing meal.
- DIVERSE CULINARY ADVENTURES: Experience a delightful array of 13 different delicious meal options including hearty soup, pasta, tasty rice, and more. These culinary delights aren't just for emergencies – they also make for fantastic companions on backpacking and camping expeditions.
- READY FOR ANYTHING: Beyond emergencies, ReadyWise shelf-stable food is your go-to solution for hiking, camping, and any adventure that beckons. With our easy-to-prepare meals, drinks, and snacks, you'll be well-equipped to tackle any situation that comes your way.
- 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
- 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
- Long-Term Emergency Food You Can Count On: Packed with 307 hearty servings, this emergency food kit is designed to sustain one adult for 30 days or a family of four for one week. If you’re at home or on the go, reliable nourishment is just a scoop away.
- Extra Protein & Calories for Real Survival: More than just calories this survival food kit delivers 47g of protein and 1,854 calories per day. You’ll be better equipped for tough situations when your food actually fuels you.
- Quick, Hassle-Free Meals Anytime: No need to panic during a crisis. These emergency supplies are easy to prepare by just adding water. Whether it’s a blackout or a snowstorm you’ll have hot meals ready in minutes.
- Lightweight, Stackable and Easy to Store: With a sturdy, portable 5-gallon pail, this dehydrated food kit is perfect for long-term storage or grab-and-go use. Keep it in your pantry, garage or car for instant peace of mind.
- Great for Camping & Off-Grid Living: Planning a hike, camping trip, or stocking a bug-out bag? These prepared foods are compact, shelf-stable and surprisingly delicious ideal for outdoors and survival scenarios alike.
- NUTRIENT-PACKED GOODNESS: Discover a bountiful bucket of vitality with our ReadyWise Emergency Supply. With an impressive 48 servings of premium freeze-dried Chicken, Beef, Pork and 40 servings of rice, this kit ensures that you remain not just nourished but thriving during any unforeseen crisis
- EXCEPTIONAL TASTE GUARANTEED: Say farewell to the uninspiring emergency food you've grown accustomed to. ReadyWise's commitment to excellence means that our freeze-dried Chicken, Beef and Pork are crafted from real, wholesome ingredients, provide an unparalleled taste experience.
- 25-YEAR SHELF LIFE: Trust in the enduring freshness of ReadyWise's Chicken, Beef, Pork and Rice Bucket. With a remarkable shelf life of up to 25 years, you can rest easy, knowing that these meals will remain as nutrient-rich and delicious as the day they were packed.
- VERSATILE VARIETY: Inside this bucket, you'll discover a burst of flavors and nutrients. Our assortment includes instant white rice and 3 delicious varieties like beef crumbles, diced chicken, and sausage crumbles. Beyond providing essential vitamins and minerals, these meats are versatile companions to your other dehydrated meals, elevating both taste and nutrition.
- EFFORTLESS PREPARATION: When the pressure is on, simplicity is key. That's why each food item is meticulously packaged in durable, long-lasting pouches. Preparing a hot and savory meal is as easy as 1-2-3: tear open a pouch, add water, give it a good stir, and cover. In just 15 short minutes, you'll be savoring a delicious, comforting meal.
- 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*
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.