Food Storage

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There are many common sense reasons to store extra food. Sudden unemployment can certainly throw a financial hardship onto any family. Other unplanned financial issues can come up, such as automobile repairs, medical bills, inflation, increasing fuel prices and home repair.

During a financial crisis, it would be extremely valuable if you could find a way to reduce the costs required to feed your family..

Getting started in food storage does not have to be an overwhelming task. By taking just a few simple steps you can increase your food stores dramatically as well as increase your level of preparedness.

Food Storage Philosophy

For those just beginning to look to have extra food on hand, consider the following saying “Store what you eat and eat what you store.” This basic philosophy involves putting back quantities of common foods that already sit in your pantry and are found at your local grocery store.

The idea is to stock up and keep on hand much greater quantities of many of the very same foods that you already consume on a daily and weekly basis. These foods within the new storage system are rotated on a first-in, first-out basis, to make sure that nothing goes to waste.

What Is The Shelf Life of Food Storage?

Foods have varying degrees of storability. Shelf life varies tremendously between different categories of food and sometimes even between brands. Throughout the following “virtual tour”, of a typical grocery store, shelf life ranges are provided.

Please keep in mind that the typical shelf life range, provided is based on observations seen on the packaging. The reality is that most products true expiration date is substantially greater than that which is found on the package.

Now For The Food Storage Grocery Store Tour

OK, we have entered the grocery store, grabbed our shopping cart along with a sale paper and headed to the right side of the store. We are here to supplement our regular grocery shopping with foods that will be good additions to a food storage program.

Let’s go aisle by aisle, and cover some of the most basic, “staple” food storage items that we find:

1. Soup & Stew

Overview: Turning down into aisle #1 brings us to shelves of soup and stews. Canned soup has been a common food found in most homes for decades. Flavorful and nutritious, canned soup is inexpensive and has an excellent shelf life.

There are over 100 varieties of soups to choose from in some grocery stores. Maintaining variety of diet in a survival situation will assist in boosting morale and maintaining mental awareness. Soups are an excellent addition that adds variety to a food storage system.

Many soups can be purchased for as low as .40 cents a can when on sale. Using coupons can also reduce prices.

Shelf Life: Canned soups and stews generally have expiration dates that are two+ years from the date of purchase. In reality the true shelf life has been shown to be many years beyond that which is listed on the can. It is important that you do not dent the can as the protective liner inside can become damaged.

Shopping Cart Notes: This is a great place to start your food storage shopping. Select 3-4 varieties and buy 10 cans each. Beef stew is an excellent addition, mainly due to the higher protein content.

2. Canned Vegetables

Overview: Aisle #2 brings us to an important part of any food storage program – vegetables.

Vegetables provide valuable nutrients needed to maintain health and are an integral part of any diet.

Here we find a huge variety of vegetables to choose from. Although all these vegetables can be eaten by themselves, they can also be mixed and added to other foods to provide more variety to the diet.

Shelf Life: Canned vegetables generally have expiration dates that are 2+ years from date of purchase. In reality the true shelf life has been shown to be many years beyond that which is listed on the can. It is important that you do not dent the can as the protective liner inside can become damaged.

Shopping Cart Notes: Canned vegetables should be a major part of your food storage shopping. Select 2-3 varieties, and buy 10 cans each. Recommended examples are canned potatoes, corn, and green beans.

3. Pasta and Pasta Sauce

Overview: Some of the most inexpensive and easiest to prepare meals are made from the pasta found down on aisle #3.

Pasta can be used to make more than just spaghetti. Available in all different shapes and sizes, pasta can be combined with many other foods to create very flavorful and calorie dense meals. Pasta is high in carbohydrates which provide energy for the human body.

Pasta sauce comes in glass and plastic jars as well as cans.

Shelf Life: Dry pasta generally comes in boxes and has a listed expiration date of approximately 1 year from date of purchase. In reality the true shelf life has been shown to be many years beyond that which is listed on the can. It is important that you do not dent the can as the protective liner inside can become damaged. If the pasta is stored in a cool dry location away from insects, it can be stored for several years.

Pasta sauce in all containers often has expiration dates 2-3 years from date of purchase. Like all canned foods, true shelf life is longer.

Shopping Cart Notes: Pasta is very inexpensive and easy to prepare. Grab 10-20 boxes of what you like and half the quantity of sauce.

4. Canned Fruit

Overview: Aisle #4 brings another food storage basic component – fruit.

Canned fruit is nutritious and full of valuable vitamins. It is also very sweet. During a survival situation your diet will have a direct impact on your physical and mental wellbeing. Having some “sweetness” will be very welcome.

Shelf Life: Canned fruit generally has expiration dates that are 2+ years from date of purchase. High acid varieties tend to have a lower shelf life. In reality the true shelf life has been shown to be many years beyond that which is listed on the can. It is important that you do not dent the can as the protective liner inside can become damaged.

Shopping Cart Notes: Canned fruit tastes great and can be easily rotated using FIFO (first in, first out) as a part of your family’s regular diet. Look to purchase items on sale, select 2-3 varieties, and buy 10 cans each. Recommended examples are: canned peaches, pears and pineapple.

On The Grocery Store End Cap We Find…. boxes of saltine crackers on sale. These crackers go great with the soup found in Aisle #1. They are inexpensive and have a shelf life of at least 1 year. Grab three boxes. They are great with peanut butter, as well.

4. 1 Sugar

Overview: Sugar is a staple in any food storage program and widely used in many recipes.

Shelf Life: Sugar can be stored indefinitely if kept in a cool, dry, place away from insects and rodents. It is recommended that sugar be placed in a secondary airtight container for added protection.

Shopping Cart Notes: Sugar prices have increased over the past few years, so you should try to take advantage of sales when you see them. I recommend having at least six bags in your storage.

5. Baking Goods – Flour, Oils

Overview: Continuing down Aisle #5, you will find a variety of baking and cooking supplies, including a variety of flours and oils.

Flour is needed for making bread. Cooking oils are a common ingredient in recipes and also used for used for coating pans. You should review your typical recipes to determine which kind should be stored in extra supply.

Shelf Life: Flour comes in many different types. Consult the packaging for realistic expiration dates. Flour such as All Purpose and Bread varieties that are stored in air tight containers along with special oxygen absorbers can be stored for five years of more.

Shopping Cart Notes: Throw an extra 5 bags of All-Purpose and/or Bread Flour in the cart along with 3 bottles of vegetable or canola oil.

6. Powered Milk

Overview: Powdered milk can be found down aisle #6.

This is another excellent addition to any food storage program. It can be consumed itself after proper mixing and also can be used in the completion of many recipes. Due to its versatility powered milk can be looked at as a “boost” to any food storage program.

Shelf Life: Powered milk generally does not store well past one or two years. The packaging is often just a cardboard box with some type of liner. If repackaged into an airtight container, the shelf life can be lengthened.

Shopping Cart Notes: Throw a couple boxes in the shopping cart for now.

6.1 Pancake Mix & Syrup

Overview: Pancake mix is located a little further down Aisle #6. There are several varieties of pancake mix which require only water to make. This is super simple and easy.

Shelf Life: Similar to powered milk, the shelf life is one to two years. If repackaged into an airtight container, the shelf life can be lengthened.

Shopping Cart Notes: Throw several bags or boxes in the shopping cart. Practice FIFO.

Grab a couple bottles of pancake syrup while you’re at it.

7. Ramen Noodles

Overview: Aisle #7 brings a food item that many people who put themselves through college lived on – ramen noodles.

They are super inexpensive and store well. Easy to prepare, they require only water. They are also very high in sodium so they should be part of a food storage program, but not consumed too often.

Shelf Life: Stored in a cool, dry, location the shelf life can be in excess of two years.

Shopping Cart Notes: Throw a few cases of beef and chicken varieties in the cart.

8. Peanut Butter

Overview: Aisle #8 contains one of the best survival foods – peanut butter. Peanut butter is dense in calories and high in protein. It can be eaten straight out of the container, as well as spread on bread and crackers. Peanut butter can be easily included in a food storage program, as at it is often part of most people’s regular diets already.

Shelf Life: Expiration dates vary greatly from brand to brand so check around. Peanut butter generally carries a shelf life in excess of 2 years. Remember first in, first out.

Shopping Cart Notes: Find a variety with a longer shelf life that is on sale and add six jars to your cart.

9. Instant Potatoes

Overview: Aisle #9 has an invaluable food storage item – instant potatoes.  These are simple to prepare (you will need that powered milk from Aisle #6) .

Shelf Life: Expiration dates on packages generally run about a year from date of purchase. If stored in an airtight container, it is possible to keep them much, much longer.

Shopping Cart Notes: Grab a couple boxes for home and an extra six boxes to put back as part of your food stores. Use and replace as needed using FIFO.

9.1 Canned Ham, Chicken & Tuna

Overview: Aisle #9 offers canned ham, chicken, and tuna. Meat is one of the more difficult items to find in a storable form. Canned ham can be delicious, and is an excellent source of protein. Canned chicken is great to combine with other food items to make complete meals. Tuna is another source of protein. Also found in this aisle is SPAM. SPAM is considered a “meat”, and is high in protein as well as salt.

Shelf Life: Expiration dates on packages generally run two or more years from date of purchase. True shelf life is known to be much longer.

Shopping Cart Notes: Throw five to six canned hams in the cart along with the same of chicken ad tuna. Also, go ahead and pick up a few cans of SPAM. Use and replace as needed using FIFO.

10. Water

Overview: You cannot live for more than three days without water. Aisle 11 provides a basic solution to your water needs.

Shelf Life: Bottled water will last for years although the taste may change due to the plastic container. It is best to store it where light cannot reach, as ultraviolet light can break down the polymer container over time.

Shopping Cart Notes: Grab a second shopping cart and add 20 gallons of spring water  along with 6 cases of 24 bottles of purified drinking water. It’s a start and that shopping cart is heavy!

11. Canned Beans

Overview: Canned beans come in a variety of flavors and companies. Beans contain high level of nutrients, like fiber and protein. Dump some in a pot, heat and serve. Prices have risen over the past few years, however canned beans are still a good value.

Shelf Life: Expiration dates on packages generally run two or more years from date of purchase. As with other canned products, the true shelf life is much longer.

Shopping Cart Notes: Look for what is on sale and stock up now. Buy 10-20 cans depending on what you can afford.

12. Rice and Dry Beans

Overview: Rice and dry beans can be found down the last aisle. Typically found and purchased in bags, rice and beans are VERY inexpensive. When combined with each other and other food, it is very easy to put together nutritious and complete meals.

Shelf Life: If stored in a dry, cool place, the shelf life is just about forever. Many people will store large quantities of these components in special Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers.

Shopping Cart Notes: Throw 20 pounds of rice in the cart along, with 25 pounds of various beans. Read up on how to prepare.

That completes our tour.  

Summary Of The Best Food Storage Staples At A Grocery Store

The carts are checked out, order paid for, and the food transported home to be organized. What has been put together is a good beginning food storage program.

Let’s review what has been “put back” so far (some of this stuff is just as cheap, and way more convenient to grab on Amazon–links provided here):

• canned soup and stew  (30-40 cans)
• canned vegetables (20-30 cans)
• pasta and sauce (10-20 boxes / 5-10 jars of sauce)
• canned fruit (20-30 cans)
• boxes of saltine crackers (3)
• sugar (6 bags)
• All-Purpose and/or Bread Flour (5)
• Cooking oil (3)
• powered milk (2 boxes)
• pancake mix (3 bags/boxes)
• Ramen noodles (6 cases)
• peanut butter (6 jars)
• instant potatoes (6 boxes)
• canned ham (5-6 cans)
• canned chicken (5-6 cans)
• canned tuna (5-6 cans)
• SPAM (3)
• water, spring (20+ gallons)
• water, cases of 24 bottles (6+)
• canned beans (10-20)
• bags of rice (20 pounds)
• bags of beans (25 pounds)

This is a decent start, but a far cry from what is ideal. Again – the philosophy is to store what you eat and eat what you store. You should make lists for future shopping trips and purchase more items to add to your stores..

Here are examples of additional items to consider:

• chili
• oatmeal & grits
• cocoa mix
• peanuts
• stuffing, boxes
• coffee
• tea and other flavored mixes or water
• pasta, canned
• pickles
• scalloped potatoes
• spices
• candy and other treats for kids
• pizza making kits
• apple sauce
• salt
• macaroni and cheese
• fruit juice
• nutrition bars

Starting a food storage program is not a sign of being paranoid. It is just being a responsible person. Take care all and prepare now, while you still can. Here’s a few final thoughts to consider:

• Develop a routine to make sure you are using a “first in, first out” usage system. This will reduce waste and costs involve in replacing expired food.
• Keep in mind that whatever food is stored may have to be prepared without power. Do you have an alternate means of cooking (like this simple DIY solar oven) to last the duration of the situation?
• “Comfort foods” will be great morale boosters, especially for kids should a survival situation occur. Having some candy, hot cocoa, or fruity drink on hand will help provide some sense of normalcy depending on what is going on.
• A water purification system is an excellent addition to any food storage system, as stored water supplies will only last so long. The Berkey line of filtration systems carried by are excellent.
• When shopping in grocery stores, pay attention to expiration dates. The closest expiration dated products are supposed to be at the front of the shelf. It is worth it to take a few moments and reach to the back and compare to the front to get the freshest product possible.

I went to a food storage class a while back and someone there had packed routine shelf stable food – enough for one week – into a bucket.  I thought it was such a great idea.  A 7-day emergency food cache, with ready-made daily menus of “regular” grocery food.

I am imagining: Immediately after the bad thing happens and I’m all out of sorts, I can grab the convenient bucket and execute easy to prepare meals without using any brain cells. After we eat, the bucket may come in handy for …well … the other things that happen after you eat…

And, although it would be too heavy to carry in a bug-out situation, it would be a great grab-n-throw-in-the-car bucket.  Anyway, I don’t know the person or how to contact them, so I am attempting to re-create her idea using my food items.

My goals – feed 2 people for 7 days. 2,000 calories per day with some basic nutrition and variety. Everything must fit into a 6 ½ gallon plastic bucket with a gamma lid.  (I’m not planning to pack in a Mylar bag.)

Here’s what I have so far, but I’m nowhere near my 2,000 calories.

For the sake of this project, I assume that I have the ability to supply water, cooking and cleaning requirements separately. And oh by the way, if you decide to do something similar, I found that I can stuff the underside of the gamma lid with small items.  (tea, coffee, crystal light, P38 can opener, etc.)

p.s. if you are looking for more ideas, check out our complete survival food list. 

Breakfast	Total Calories	Water Required?
Oatmeal, Quaker, individual packets (12 total)	1560	yes
Pancake mix, 5.5 oz.	660	yes
Syrup, Aunt Jemima, 8 oz.	400
Beef Jerky sticks (2 each)	100
Snacks
4 Trail Mix Bar, Nature’s Valley	720
4 Peanuts, Salted Planters, 2 oz.	680
4 Oats & Honey Bars, Nature’s Valley	720
4 Snack Bars, Misc. Flavors, Nature’s Valley	720
Starlight Peppermints – handful	100
Tootsie-Pops chocolate candy – handful	200
Drinks
14 Coffee, Folgers, Instant Individual, Packets	0	yes
8 Lemonade Drink Mix, Crystal Light	0	yes
8 Raspberry Drink Mix, Crystal Light	0	yes
8 Wild Strawberry Drink Mix, Crystal Light	0	yes
8 Cherry Pomegranate Mix, Crystal Light	0	yes
Lunch
Double Stuffed Ravioli, Chef Boyardee (2)	800
Raisins, Sun Maid (2 each)	50
Tuna, 5 oz can (2)	200
Tuna Helper, Box 7.5 oz.	700	yes
Powdered Milk Packet
Mac & Cheese, Kraft box 7.25 oz	780
Powdered Milk Packet
Beef Stew, Dinty Moore Cans 15 oz. (2)	800
Protein Bars, Nature Valley (2)	360
Peanut Butter, Jiff, crunchy, 18 oz.	510
Saltine crackers, 2 columns	200
Chicken, SAM’S Member’s Mark, 13 oz	350
Manwich Can 15.5 oz.	210
Baked Beans, Bush’s Can 16.5 oz.	490
Chicken Noodle Soup Can + Lipton Envelope	300
Protein Bars, Nature Valley (2)	360
Dinner
Beef with Gravy, Hormel Cans, 12 oz. (2)	520
Baked Beans, Bush’s Can 16.5 oz.	490
Green Beans, Can 14.5 oz	70
Chicken Chow Mien Dinner, LA Choy, 28 oz	540
Spam, Can 12 oz.	840
Sweet Potato Casserole, Glory 15 oz.	250
Cooked Ham, DAK, 16 oz. Can	800
Instant Mashed Potatoes, Idahoan 4 oz.	240	yes
Green Beans, Can 14.5 oz	70
Spaghetti Dinner, Kraft Box 8 oz.	800	yes
Tomato Paste, Hunts Can 6 oz.	150
Chicken, SAM’S Member’s Mark 13 oz.	350
Rice Package, Knorr 5.7 oz.	600	yes
Corn, Can 12 oz.	245
Corned Beef, Hormel Can 12 oz.	720
Instant Mashed Potatoes, Idahoan, 2 oz.	440	yes
Carrots, 12.5 oz.	158
Total Calories in Bucket	19,253
Total Calories per day for 2 people	1,375

Flour is a food “staple”, and has been since the beginning of time. It makes an appearance on virtually every survival food list in existence.

Even so, very few people know these interesting and helpful kitchen tips on storing flour:

Flour Storage Tip #1: Use Potatoes To Reverse or “Save” Flour Going Rancid

You go to use your pre-ground flour and discover it has a slight “off” smell, or you tried it and it made your baked product taste “funny”. What do this mean? It usually means the flour has gone rancid, which grain does fairly quickly once it’s ground.

Can you save it?

Well, according to this tip, peel a raw potato and cut it in half; place the potato halves in the flour and keep it in the refrigerator or a cool pantry or basement overnight. Next morning, compost the potato halves and use the flour. I have not tried this, so, I’ll be anxious to know whether it works, but, picked it up from an LDS prep site, so, it probably does!

Flour Storage Tip #2: Use Bay Leaves To Keep Bugs Away

Tuck a dried bay leaf into flour before storing away and it will keep “critters” out (this is a time-tested method of keeping pre-ground flour bug-free).

Flour Storage Tip #3: Store at a Temperature of 75 Degrees or Less

Did you know that canned flour (#10 cans for long-term storage) may or may not last as long as you are told? If kept in a cool, dark place below 75 deg. F, it can last up to 10 years, as I understand it – we’re talking about pre-ground flour here – unground grain, properly stored, can last up to 30 years.

For every 10 degrees above 75 deg. F, however, the pre-ground, canned  flour loses strength and begins to deteriorate much more rapidly. You can easily cut shelf-life in half by storing your flour over 75 deg. F; even a short period of time over this temp will reduce shelf life.

Flour Storage Tip #4: Keep Your Flour in Mylar Bags (not paper sacks from the store)

Pre-ground flour in paper bags such as you buy off shelf should IMMEDIATELY be placed in mylar bags with OA’s (Oxygen Absorbers) and properly marked, then rotated in use according to expiration date, of course. They STILL need to be stored in a cool, dark place for longest life, even packed in mylars with OAs. Pre-ground flour can also be stored in freezers, which add about six (6) months to storage life.

Emergency food bars make a useful companion for anyone planning to go at least a couple of days without easy access to food. Unlike more long term food storage that you keep in your house, food bars are small and easy to store in your backpack, and they don’t require any cooking. Just open the packaging and eat.

As a result of the density in calories and nutrients, emergency food bars are also easy to share amongst a group of people. This efficient source of energy will keep your body functioning, until you can get to other food.

In this article, we’ll review the best emergency food bars available on Amazon. We judged these products based on a matrix of factors, such as caloric & nutrient density, price as it relates to the value, shelf life, size, and flavor.

The Short Answer

In a rush? Here’s out pick for the best emergency food bar available on market.

1. S.O.S 3,600 Generic Emergency Food Ration

S.O.S.’s emergency ration bar made the top of our list, in part because the nine 400-calorie bars consistently set the industry’s highest standards. Approved by the Coast Guard, S.O.S. Food Lab’s emergency food bar becomes a key to survival in all conditions.

If you’re in a water-restricted area, this food bar’s ideal recipe helps your body to avoid any increased need for water. Prepper’s love this product because the five-year shelf life means you can store these rations and forget about them. S.O.S.’s packaging and ration bar can withstand stressful environments, and hold up regardless of the temperature.

Other Great Emergency Food Bars

2. Grizzly Gear 3,600 Emergency Food Bar

Grizzly Gear’s emergency food bars come precut into nine 400-calories bars to help someone survive for three days, or until help arrives. At 24 ounces, backpackers or disaster refugees can store more than one package in any weather condition. This ration bar won’t provoke thirst, which makes it ideal for when access to clean drinking water becomes precarious.

This specific emergency ration finds wide appeal because it meets the standards of both Kosher and Halal, making mass-dispersal a reasonable solution for governments and relief organizations like the Red Cross and branches of the U.N.

The vitamins and minerals exceed universal standards in providing the healthiest meal replacement. The United States Coast Guard has approved Grizzly Gear’s ration bar, as it meets the standards we’ve listed below the review. With a five-year shelf life, this product endures any temperature between the range of -22º F to 149º F.

3. Survival Tabs 8-Day Food Supply

The Survival Tabs packets provide for 8 days of continuous nutrition for a single person. All four pouches contain 24 20-calorie tablets in different flavors (Butterscotch, Vanilla, Strawberry, and Chocolate) for a total of 92 tablets.

Each tablet is condensed to provide 100% of only 15 vitamins and minerals. The exact formula is a total concentration of 60% carbohydrates, 10% proteins, 5% vitamins, minerals, and fibers, and 25% fats. This is a great option for anyone spending time outdoors because each pouch weighs only ten ounces.

You can easily store this in your pack full of essentials before the next overnight hunting trip or hurricane season. Whether you’re preparing for a natural disaster or food shortage, The Survival Tabs packets will sustain you long enough to find help outside your immediate surroundings.

4. DATREX 2,400 Emergency Food Bar (4-Pack)

Hikers and campers in particular rave about DATREX’s emergency food rations. On top of that, the U.S. Coast Guard’s endorses the product as suitable for its lifeboat rations. Each package means two more days-worth of coconut flavored emergency food.

There’s no preparation needed when it comes to DATREX’s ration bars, unlike similar MREs and freeze-dried foods. Instead, the all-natural ingredients of minerals and vitamins are ready to eat whenever the occasion arises. Extreme heat and cold does nothing to diminish the quality since these products initially served the needs of besieged soldiers.

The five-year shelf life means you can store these rations away until you need them. And despite the conditions, the packaging and contents of your DATREX endure well past the 5-year expiration date. Still, it’s wise to replace your ration supply every five years to optimize the value of your worst-case scenario source of energy.

5. S.O.S. 3,600 Emergency Food Bar (Cinnamon & Coconut)

The S.O.S. brand’s 3,600 emergency food bar comes in two different flavors: cinnamon and coconut. With each package containing 3,600 calories, the nine food bars will keep you sustained until someone can come to your rescue.

At $20 per packet, this is an affordable option for hiking and camping groups, as well as hunting trips into remote areas. Compared to similar products, this sits about in the middle when it comes to price. However, the quality far exceeds the competitive price.

S.O.S.’s non-thirst provoking formula ensures you can survive in areas with limited access to clean drinking water. The packaging and contents endure both extremes of weather, and the five-year shelf life ensures this ration is ready when you need it most (not to mention that the new coconut flavor is delicious).

6. DATREX 3,600 Emergency Food Bar

DATREX also sells a 3,600 emergency food ration with the same 5-year guaranteed shelf-life. And like most emergency food rations, this time frame is the minimum amount of time the ration can last. As long as the packaging and contents don’t experience too much stress, this ration can easily last ten to fifteen years.

While the contents don’t look too appealing in appearance, the coconut flavor makes it so you can eat the 18 food bars even if you’re seasick. Even more, the Coast Guard approved DATREX’s product for its lifeboats, meaning you can trust this ration to help you endure regardless of the circumstances.

With precut bars, rationing has never been easier, and at $15 you can purchase in bulk for the entire family. Even if your area experiences a food shortage, you’ll be prepared to survive for as long as needed.

7. Mainstay Emergency Food Bars

With a total calorie-count of 3,600, Mainstay precut their individual food bars into nine individual 400-calorie meals. And, this puppy boasts a longer shelf life than many–6 years.

Part of this has to do with the durability of the food and packaging, and the contents of Mainstay’s emergency food bars endure a temperate range of 40º F t0 300º F. The contents themselves consist of lean vitamins and minerals presented on a lemon-tasting bar.

Mainstay’s formula also ensures their rations don’t force your body into needing even more water, making it ideal for those stranded or exploring in water-scare regions. This product is ideal for everyone, regardless of your religious and cultural background, because Mainstay’s emergency rations are Kosher and meet the standard for Halal.

8. S.O.S 5-Pack Emergency Food Bars

At $40, the 5-pack deal for S.O.S.’s emergency ration bars is so good it’s borderline monopolistic. If you have a large family and a limited budget, without a doubt, this is the option for you. It’s the same industry-standard formula that prevents you from needing even more drinking water in an emergency event.

The Coast Guard’s approval, compounded with the 5-year shelf life means you can account for your entire family. The pre-cut bars make it easy for to ration for an extended amount of time, meaning less headaches and you figure out what to do.

9. S.O.S. Food Labs Millennium Assorted Emergency Food Bars: Best Emergency Bar for Kids

S.O.S. designed its Millenium series of ration bars for those consumers worried about the taste of the food. This is why we designated this as the best food bar for kids, with a spectrum of flavors including lemon, raspberry, cherry, tropical fruit, and orange-flavored bars.

These food bars are non-perishable and won’t diminish in flavor over time. This endurance in taste, partly, has to do with the mylar vacuum packaging that resists damage, heat, and the cold. Because of this durability, this is a great meal replacement option when planning for natural disasters, food shortages, camping, boating, hiking, hunting, and more.

What To Look for In Your Emergency Food Bars

Preppers love emergency food bars because they’re relatively inexpensive when compared to other emergency measures that eat at your budget. What’s more is that emergency food bars sport an average five-year shelf life, and their contents and packaging can withstand almost any stress.

Before you go stocking up however, here’s what you need to know about emergency food bars:

The Ration Bar’s Nutrients are Essential

Emergency food bars feature with complex carbohydrates, relatively low protein, and rich vitamins and minerals. Most products feature a perfect balance of these ingredients, combined in such a way to resemble the texture of a dense cake. The recipes were chosen by various companies to ensure that the contents will not spoil in the heat of a Sahara, and won’t deteriorate in the cold of the Arctic.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s Approval is a Solid Baseline

The U.S. Coast Guard developed a series of guidelines for it to choose requitable emergency ration bars. Members of the Coast Guard need durable emergency food sources because they encounter searing heat and bone-chilling temperatures. As a result, the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) has served as a baseline for determining high-value ration bars.

First, the emergency food bars need to withstand extreme temperature at both ends of the spectrum, and not experience any significant deterioration to the contents or packaging.

Then, the food bars need to find the perfect balance between not increasing someone’s need for water, while also providing enough salt and protein to sustain a person without them needing to burn their fat reserves.

Furthermore, the emergency food bars must be small enough in size and lightweight to not impose any significant burden to the Coast Guard’s lifeboats. The food bars must also meet a standard of taste so even ill-passengers can scarf down enough calories to survive. They must also not cause diarrhea or constipation in survivors.

Pick Ration Bars Designed to Withstand All Conditions

One of the reasons emergency food bars found the fancy of preppers from all backgrounds has to do with durability. Both the ingredients and the actual food bar itself must withstand any condition.

The United States Coast Guard approved of the products we’ve listed in this article, in part because they’ve demonstrated the ability to resist damage to both the packaging and contents. Armed forces across the globe rely on emergency food bars to sustain themselves during critical battles when access to standard food supplies dries up, and survival becomes the only goal.

FAQs

What is a ration bar?

Ration bars provide enough calories to help you survive in a prolonged emergency. The bars don’t “provoke thirst,” as most companies advertise, because often your access to clean drinking water is eliminated amid a crisis.

Many in the prepper community invest in ration bars because they have a long shelf-life, so the emergency food bars are always ready when you need them most. Unlike MRE’s, emergency food bars don’t require boiling water or any other preparations.

Emergency food bars and MRE’s as we know them today began out of a need in the military during the fifties and sixties. When soldiers engaged in long, intense battles, the military would drop food rations from an airplane to keep the soldiers alive until more troops could move in to help. However, these rations cost a lot and tasted worse than dirt.

So the government contracted private companies to develop alternatives, and eventually, the civilian population took notice. The companies developing emergency food bars formulate their products with the ideal balance of carbs, salts, proteins, fats, other vitamins, and minerals.

However, it’s essential to keep in mind that these products shouldn’t replace conventional meals whenever possible. Emergency food bars provide only the baseline amount of calories you need to function in a disaster.

What do ration bars taste like?

Taste depends on the product and the company, but many companies try to mix up their flavors to avoid the fatigue associated with eating food bars from earlier times. Some companies include options like cinnamon or lemon, raspberry, raspberry, cherry, tropical fruit, and orange.

What are the benefits of an emergency food bar?

Emergency foods bars are extremely calorie dense, designed to provide the most amount of energy in as small a size as possible—which frees up space in your storage areas and gear for camping or hunting, for example.

Another benefit to emergency food bars has to do with its ability to stave off thirst. Food bars don’t require water to digest, a critical feature when your access to sterile drinking water becomes precarious. This feature also means you don’t need any water to prepare the meals, unlike MRE’s or Mountain House’s freeze-dried entrées.

What are the drawbacks of emergency food bars?

It’s almost unfair to apply the label of “drawbacks” to any emergency food bar, because these products serve a very specific, niche role. Food bars provide just enough calories to keep you alive until help arrives.

They won’t give you the optimal strength needed to complete day to day activities like hunting or fishing. As a result, the nutritional value of food bars doesn’t make them a long-term solution. That’s where supplementing your supply with some of the foods listed below will become useful.

Lastly: these blocks might be compact and great for long-term storage, but that doesn’t mean they’re lightweight. If you’re preparing a bug out bag to evacuate your home, you might not want to pack more than a couple in your travel bag. Also, food bars are a little boring eat–though many brands have made strides concerning taste.

How long do emergency rations last?

The extensive shelf-life for high-value emergency food bars is five years, give or take a year from brand to brand. However, in reality, most ration bars last far beyond their official expiration date.

Manufacturers include this date as a baseline to help you determine when the added ingredients are fresh and optimal. But you should still consider updating your emergency food storage after the expiration dates just to be safe.

What is the best survival food?

Emergency food bars and MRE’s exist for those worst-case scenarios, so it’s best to prepare with other foods as well.

My personal favorites are, in no particular order:

• Canned…
  • Alaskan Wild Salmon
  • Fruit (berries, apples)
  • Soup
  • Fish & Poultry (tuna, salmon, chicken, and other meats)
• Brown Rice
• Dried Beans
• Shelf-stable, non-dairy milk
• Bulk Nuts & Seeds
• Peanut Butter
• Trail mix
• Granola
• Protein Bars
• Energy bars
• Chocolate Bars
• Beef Jerky
• Instant Coffee
• Canned Peaches

See my complete survival food list here.

How many emergency food bars should I store for emergencies?

That ultimately depends on your situation in regard to your distance from grocery stores, the number of people dependent on you, the size of your budget, and more. Most packages come in blocks of approximately 3,600 calories, which allots around 1,200 calories a day for three days.

Using this baseline, consider the threat most likely to strike your home, city, or country, and determine how long you and your loved ones might have to go without food. Emergency food bars only provide the bare essential amount of energy to survive, so supplementing your supply with the foods listed above will go a long way.

How do I store emergency food bars?

Companies like S.O.S. designed their products to withstand the elements in nature’s quiver so that you can store emergency food bars in almost any condition. However, if it’s possible, you should try and save the food bars in a dry place around 60º F.

Bottom Line

In this article, we’ve covered the different factors you need to consider before investing in an emergency food ration product. Various features, such as shelf-life, temperature-resistance, and the amount of time your meals buy you, play a factor in deciding which product is the best fit for you.

Our recommendation is S.O.S.’s emergency food bars. A single package can help someone survive for three days until help arrives. And at a total of 24 ounces, anyone can carry more than one package on their person or in their backpack.

As we mentioned, S.O.S. designed their specific emergency bars to avoid any increased need for water, making a great and reasonable solution for governments and relief organizations like the Red Cross and branches of the U.N.

Emergency food bars are one of the best tools when preparing for violent storms, political & economic upheaval, food shortages and more.

Putting together a vegan emergency food supply is a unique undertaking. For starters, emergencies are something that many of us don’t like to think about. And if you are somebody that eats a vegan or plant-based diet, food storage can be even more difficult. Even so we’ve had people reach out to us about vegan options for emergency food storage.

Even if you’re not a vegan, you might become one by necessity. In many areas, prepared meat products like steak and chicken breast virtually disappear in an emergency. In those cases, grains, beans, seeds, and other plant-based products then replace prepared meat products.

For example, when Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, many refugees were forced to sustain themselves with plant products until help arrived. Luckily, there are some outstanding vegan food supply options.

The Short Answer:

1. Food Storage Guys Vegan 6-Month Food Supply

The Food Storage Guys produced a diverse array of meals that will last the average adult 180 days. This vegan food supply is an excellent option that boasts a 25-year shelf life. As long as you keep the #10 cans at room temperature, the meals will be there when you need them most.

In terms of the meal options this vegan emergency food supply includes dried dehydrated and freeze-dried foods. Fruits, vegetables, pasta, beans, rolled grains, seeds, and more.

It’s also important to remember that many long-term food storage products can start to taste really similar, and get dull after a couple of weeks. Because of this, the Food Storage guys include seasonings, baking, and cooking supplies. They also include cooking supplies like baking powder, sugar, and salt. You should also supplement this purchase, which comes out to $1,100, with cooking gear and oil.

The meals are a truly high-value option for anyone living in urban areas since food deserts often form during emergencies.

Other Great Vegan Emergency Food Supply Options

2. Ready Hour Beans Trio With Rice (100 servings, 14 pk.)

Ready Hour’s Bean and Rice kit is a vital addition to your vegan emergency food supply. The 30-year shelf life means you can store these buckets away for easy storage. The entire bucket includes black beans, red beans, pinto beans, long-grain white rice, and southwest rice. Altogether, the 14 pouches have 100 servings for average adults.

These Ready Hour food buckets don’t require much work to prepare, since you only need low heat for rehydration. Another benefit of this rehydration method is that it keeps in the flavor and nutrients. Regarding nutritional value, all the food included in this bucket is low in fat and high in fiber (a category that many mainstream emergency food supplies lack in).

As we already mentioned with the Food Storage Guys/ product, as long as you store this food bucket in a dry, cool place, you can expect this bucket to last you at least 30 years. However, in the event of a flood, the bucket’s waterproof design will keep your food fresh and secure.

3. Augason Farms Fruit Variety Pail

Another great supplement is Augason Farm’s fruit pail. The pouches include strawberries, apples, raspberries, blueberries, bananas, and 113 servings of Spiff-E-Whip Dessert Topping. Augason Farms conveniently packages their food individually. 

Another reason Augason’s fruit pail is an excellent option for when water is scarce because you don’t need to wash, peel, slice, or dice the contents. While this shouldn’t be the only food you store for an emergency, they’re an affordable addition at only $157. As long as you keep these products in a cool and dry place, you can count on this product for 30 years.

In total, this pail boasts just under 6,000 calories. It weighs under 3 pounds, meaning it won’t take too much effort to carry, while still containing a load of essential nutrients.

Luckily, with this vegan emergency food supply is ready to eat right out of the packages. The fruit pouches also make great additions to oatmeal, cereal, and yogurt, a great way to add variety during any emergency.

4. Food Storage Guys Vegan 1-Year Food Supply (2,000 calories per day)

The Food Storage Guys also provide an incredible 1 year vegan food supply. Like their half-year choice, this one year supply of dried, freeze-dried, and dehydrated plant products provide 2,000 calories a day for at least a year. You’ll want to supplement this product with a makeshift water supply, such as the WaterBob bathtub bladder or emergency water barrels.

In these uncertain times, it’s always ideal for you to have a well-balanced diet. With an abundant supply of fruits, vegetables, pasta, beans, rolled grains, and seasonings, you won’t grow bored with the meal options during a long-term crisis.

You also won’t spend the days hungry and rationing food, since the Food Storage Guys allotted nine total servings a day for a single adult. If you’re expecting to take care of another person, this supply will last you for half a year. And for four people, this supply lasts for about three months.

The single problem with this vegan emergency food supply is the price. At $2,100, the FSG vegan emergency supply is not exactly budget-friendly. If you’re able to make this much of an investment, you should consider the one year or the half-year vegan options from FSG. However, if this price doesn’t work for you, we have more budget-friendly options below in the product list.

5. Augason Farms Freeze Dried Fruit & Veggie Variety Combo

If you’re not satisfied with only the fruit pail, Auguson Farms offers fruit and vegetable buckets as one item. This deal is excellent for anyone looking for the most affordable way to stock up on essential foods, but with a vegan bent.

Many gluten-free fruits and vegetables are an excellent option for snacks since you can eat the fruit right out of the package. One reason this feature is so valuable is it helps conserve water, which is an ideal feature because most MRE’s require warm or boiling water. Boiling water also wastes vital resources besides water, such as gas and cooking oil.

Finally, like all the products we’ve listed in this article, this fruit and vegetable emergency food will last you throughout the years. Both pails boast a shelf-life of up to 30 years, so long as you store them in a dry and cool place. What’s more, is that all the food includes is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. Even while you’re surviving a crisis, you’ll have the energy and strength to persist through the harshest conditions.

6. Food Storage Guys 16-Day Vegan Organic Food Storage

Here’s the Food Storage Guy’s short term vegan food solution to emergency. For 16-days, you’ll have the fuel to keep you going until you’re safe. This product is excellent for areas where hurricanes frequent since chances are you’ll reach help before your vegan emergency supply runs out.

The contents are rolled oats, white rice, millet, garbanzo beans, green lentils, black beans, pinto beans, quinoa, green superfood powder, chia seeds, fermented miso powder, and cajun spice mix. All of these ingredients have high vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant content. On average, this will provide the average adult with at least 1,000 calories a day.

This supply is also an excellent option for anyone operating within a budget since the total cost comes out to $289 per food supply shipment. Averaged out, this will cost you $6 per day, and you’ll thank yourself when you need this supply most. In terms of daily nutrition, this FSG product provides 13 grams of fat and 43 grams of protein every day. In totality, this provides just under 32,300 calories for any crisis you might encounter.

Every shipment with the food storage guys is free for orders over $100. 

Here Are Some Other Great “A La Carte” Vegan Food Storage Options

7. Augason Farms #10 Can Tomato Powder Emergency Food Storage

The tomato powder from Augason Farms is a great, all-around tool to keep with your long-term food supply. You can make delicious tomato soup from just warm water, adding in your grains like crackers, or use it as a base for your pasta sauce.

It’s a great way to change up your food options whenever you find yourself in an emergency. Whether that crisis is a food shortage, hurricane, or anything else nature can throw in our direction this year. All you need to do is add water, and you’re ready.

8. Augason Farms #10 Can Dehydrated Potato Slices

This #10 can of dehydrated potato slices holds 28 total servings, equal to just under 2,000 total calories. This product is listed here as supplementary because you can use potato slices in various meals to make your extended vacation from civilization a little more comfortable.

You can store this product with the rest of your emergency food supply and forget about it. Augason guarantees at least a lifetime of 25 years. Also, if you’re not a great cook, Augason Farms included a couple of recipes that might come in handy, especially for vegan meals.

9. Augason Farms Freeze Dried Sliced Strawberries

Augason Farm’s #10 Can provides a fantastic boost to your vegan emergency food supply. While this shouldn’t be your sole option for any food crisis, the freeze-dried strawberries make for a great on-the-go snack, as well as an excellent addition to meals such as breakfast and oatmeal.

And, like most emergency meal supplies, as long as you keep your storage in a cool and dry place, each shipment comes with a 30-year guarantee. Part of this has to do with their #10 cans, which Augason Farms produces with high-quality stainless steel. As a result, the cans are water-resistant and keep out any oxygen that would hurt their contents’ quality.

Here’s a quick account in the wild:

What to Look for in Your Vegan Emergency Food Supply

Certified Vegan & Plant-Based Ingredients

The products we’ve listed here are certified vegan, created with 100% plant-based products. For most vegan emergency food supply options, animal-based products weren’t even in the same building.

However, there are countless other options out there, and you must check to see if they’re certified vegan. Many companies will try to pass off ingredients, hoping you won’t notice. So always make sure to do your research, especially if you’re buying something that didn’t make our list.

Shoot for A 15 -30 Year Shelf-Life

Most of the products we’ve listed in this review boast a shelf-life of 15-30+ years. However, these time forecasts rely on the fact that your store your vegan emergency food supply in a cool and dry place.

Many companies will make their containers––whether they’re #10 cans or pails––water-resistant. So in the event of a flood, your food will stay safe, but these measures are baseline. You should also ensure that they are stored somewhere cool and dry, like a basement or garage, to maximize lifespan.

Amount of Food Included

The products we’ve listed in this article range from a supply that sustains you for about a month to an entire year.

Deciding which product to invest in depends on a couple of factors, such as how long you expect to live without fresh food access. For example, suppose you live in an area prone to hurricanes. In that case, you might only need approximately a month’s worth of a vegan emergency food supply.

Another factor is your budget since some of the products listed here cost upwards of $1,000. However, you also have the advantage of buying products over time, since most emergency food supplies last upwards of 15 years.

Nutrients

The transition from a typical diet to a vegan lifestyle, you’ll need to supplement nutrients previously derived from animal products. When you’re putting together your vegan emergency food supply, you’ll need to make sure the products have enough protein, calcium, iron, zinc, and antioxidants.

Most emergency food supply companies list these out in their advertising, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find the nutrient content. However, if you’d like some additional ideas for incorporating certain nutrients into your diet, here’s some starters:

• protein
• calcium
• iron
• zinc
• vitamin A
• omega-3 fats
• vitamin B12
• vitamin D
• iodine

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Vegan Emergency Food Supply Cost Less?

Overall, meat products will cost you more than plant-based foods. While individual products will fluctuate, following a couple of simple steps so your wallet is the only thing that isn’t losing weight.

For example, make sure you buy the raw materials in bulk because this will save you both time and money since you won’t need to keep stopping by the produce section.

Another tip is to buy seasonally since something like apples or watermelons will cost more when purchased out of season. Many grocery stores, especially places like Whole Foods, advertise which of their fruits, vegetables, and plant-based products are in season.

What are the best options for water storage?

When it comes to storing water in an emergency, a reliable and sanitary method is vital. Recent events like Hurricane Laura or Hurricane Maria testify to this fact. Some options, such as bathtub storage systems, have a good track record with hurricane victims. You can also take advantage of water bricks or just straight barrels of water.

What are the best fruits & vegetables to store long-term?

According to Peta, some great fruits you can store long term are pretty much anything you can find canned in juice. There are also some dry fruit options with raisins, mandarins, mangoes, and pineapples. You can also store canned green beans and spinach, carrots, corn, tomatoes, peas, and mushrooms.

What is a #10 Can?

Large, No. 10 cans are an incredibly useful container for storing stable shelf food. Not only are they made from high-grade steel, but they are also airtight and made to survive just about any emergency or disaster. They are pest-proof and will keep their contents safe from the elements and any external contamination. And, unopened cans will even float.

#10 Cans are particularly useful because many preppers use them as bases to start their crop grows. The size, capacity, and steel components make them perfect for growing herbs, storing water, and valuables.

Bottom Line

At the end of the day, the Food Storage Guys’ 6-month vegan food supply is the best option out there (full details here). Unlike the company’s year-long supply, this is the most budget friendly vegan option available right now. 

With a 25-year shelf-life, you can store this vegan food supply and forget about it. Meanwhile, the bounty of nutrients––such as fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, seeds, seasonings, baking & cooking stables––will keep you healthy and energized while you survive whatever nature throws our way.

Don’t remember where we saw this, but it “stuck’ and we did it for ourselves.

We call them “rice tubes.”

If you’ve ever vacuum sealed rice, dehydrated potatoes or pasta’s you’ve learned that they puncture tiny little holes in the bags (even Mylar eventually) and it’s a goner for long-term storage.  That’s why using “tubes” made sense to us.

We made a visit to our local Dollar Tree and purchased several packages of ankle high socks and several “hair bands”.

While wifey held the sock and the funnel, hubby poured several cups of instant white rice (or whatever type rice you want to store) until it was about 3 inches from the top of the sock.

Then he shook the sock to settle the rice, gave the sock a “twirl” to tighten the top of it, and wrapped the hair band (like a rubber band) around top several times, bent the top part of the sock over, and again wrapped the hair band.

We then put them tall side up into a 5-gallon food safe bucket with a gasket sealed lid, and with a rubber mallet, hammered the lid in place.

You can get a WHOLE BUNCH of rice tubes in a bucket!