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
- Pail color shown is subject to change
- Emergency food supply averages over 1,200 calories per day
- 200 tasty servings for up to 30 days of hearty food
- Convenient 30-Day Meal Planner included
- Easy to prepare survival food, just add water and cook
- 11 Varieties Of Entrées And Soups (Including Dessert)
- 92 Servings, 21,170 Calories, And 557 Grams Of Protein
- 4-Gallon Watertight Pail For Easy Transportation
- Great For Home, Cabin, Motorhome, And Office
- Easy To Prepare, Ready In Minutes
- 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.
- COMPREHENSIVE 30-DAY EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLY: Ensure your family's safety with our ReadyWise 30-Day food kit. Packed with 298 servings, it's perfect for emergency preparedness, providing essential nutrition during unforeseen disasters.
- 25-YEAR SHELF LIFE: Our freeze-dried food supply is designed to last. With a remarkable 25-year shelf life, you can trust that your emergency food will be ready whenever you need it, no matter the circumstances.
- DELICIOUS VARIETY FOR EVERY PLATE: From hearty soups to tasty oatmeal and more, our food buckets offer a diverse range of 10 mouthwatering meal options. Enjoy great-tasting, real ingredients even in emergency situations.
- EASY-TO-PREPARE & READY IN MINUTES: When the unexpected strikes, our food is your ally. Simply add water, stir, and cover – in just 15 minutes, you'll have a hot, satisfying meal ready to eat. No hassle, no worries.
- PERFECT FOR ADVENTURE & SURVIVAL: Whether you're camping, hiking, or prepping for doomsday scenarios, our survival food is a must-have. Lightweight, compact, and individually packaged, it's easy to take on any adventure.
- 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.
- 688 EMERGENCY FOOD SERVINGS: 24 delicious survival food recipes like Grammy's Sweet Oatmeal and America's Finest Mac & Cheese. This freeze-dried food has about 7.6 servings a day. Your Emergency Food Supply has an average of 135,840 calories (~1,509 a day - you may want or need more). Perfect prepper supplies with a 25 year shelf life.
- LONG-TERM PEACE OF MIND: With a 3-Month 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.
- PACKED IN USA, NO ADDED MSG: At a family-owned facility in Utah using the best ingredients from the US & around the world. The folks that make your emergency food are experts in their field; nutritionists, chefs, engineers, & quality control inspectors. Our facility is SQF certified & registered with the USDA and FDA.
- 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 24 unique survival meals, you get delicious variety in your emergency food supply.
- DESIGNED WITH A 25 YEAR SHELF LIFE: Storage conditions impact 25 year shelf life of your prepper supplies. For best results, protect food from heat, air & moisture. Avoid temps above 75 F°. Keep emergency food sealed until ready to eat. Shelf life varies based on storage conditions.You may want or need more calories. See below for more info.
- 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: We’re proudly based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
- QSS-certified food supply
- Averages 1,854 calories per day, 46G Protein Per Day, 307 Servings
- 13.51 kg watertight pail is easy to transport
- Shelf life of up to 25 years*
- Lid color may vary based on availability
- 162 servings
- 17 food pouches
- 20, 360 total calories
- 6 breakfast varieties
- Up to a 30 year shelf life
- 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.