Introduction
Survival food kits are a great way to prepare for any emergency situation. With the right supplies and a little bit of knowledge, you can provide yourself and your family with enough sustenance to make it through any crisis.
There are many different types of Survival food kits available, so it's important to compare prices and features to find the best kit for your needs. In this guide, we'll take a look at the cheapest available survival food kits and discuss the features and benefits of each:
Definition of Survival food kits
Survival food kits are a type of food storage solution that is specifically designed to provide reliable and nutritional sustenance during times of disaster or emergencies. These products typically contain a variety of prepared meals and snacks that are ready to eat and require minimal preparation efforts. Survival food kits are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from short-term solutions to those that can provide sustenance for up to 25 years or more. In addition, such kits can often be stored in an easily accessed location like a drawer or pantry shelf for quick access when necessary.
When selecting the best survival food kit, it’s important to consider the various components it contains in order to comprehend its composition as well as the nutritional value of each item within it. While the components may vary from one survival food kit provider to another, they typically include essential items like:
- Canned vegetables, fruits, proteins (e.g., beef, chicken), grains (e.g., rice), pastas (e.g., macaroni and cheese), soups/stews
- Emergency drinking water/purification tablets
- Energy bars/granola confections and/or emergency supplies such as first aid kits or flashlights with batteries included
Additionally—depending on its purpose—long-term storage solutions may offer addition meal options like freeze-dried proteins like beef jerky and tuna packs along with other snacks like trail mixes or freeze-dried fruits & vegetables for use in longer term emergency scenarios.
Benefits of Survival Food Kits
Survival food kits have become increasingly popular in recent years. Providing an array of nutritious meal options, these kits are designed to help individuals survive unforeseen emergencies and natural disasters. By offering an easy-to-prepare and cost-effective alternative to traditional food storage solutions, the benefits of survival food kits are vast. Read on to learn more about why these items are such a beneficial resource in the event of a disaster.
One of the key benefits of survival food kits is their ability to provide essential nutrition during times of hardship and disaster. Whether dealing with loss of power, water shortages, or total evacuation, the nutritional value found in these kits can promote overall health and provide needed energy for those needing to survive unexpected harsh conditions.
In addition, many survival food kit options are designed to be shelf stable for incredibly long periods of time – often 10-25 years or more depending on storage conditions – allowing users to rest assured that their emergency supply will remain safe and ready for consumption when needed. Not only does this provide peace of mind during times of crisis but also ensures that users don’t need to continually repurchase supplies in order achieve reliable storage capabilities.
Finally, survival food kits offer a much more cost effective option for those attempting to build up their emergency reserves when compared with individual grocery purchases; providing large amounts of product with much lower preparation costs than made possible through other means. Additionally they often come as ready-made meals which can be eaten directly out of the package decreasing meal preparation times while adding convenience during chaotic moments when fast action is best suited.
Types of Survival Food Kits
Survival food kits are available in a variety of styles and sizes, ranging from compact and lightweight kits that can be stored in a backpack to full-size kits that can provide enough food to feed a family of four for weeks or even months. Different types of survival food kits are designed to meet different needs, from basic items that provide basic nutrition to more advanced kits that offer variety and convenience.
Let's take a look at some of the different types of survival food kits available:
Freeze-dried Survival Food Kits
Freeze-dried survival food kits are some of the most convenient, durable and affordable solutions for stocking a full pantry in an emergency situation. We recommend freeze-dried options because they eliminate the need for electricity or gas to heat and prepare your food, which makes them perfect for unexpected power outages. In addition, freeze-dried meals come in sealed airtight bags that lock in flavor and vitamins while keeping out moisture. Like all survival food kits, storage is key – store freeze-dried meals at temperatures below 110 degrees Fahrenheit (maybe even lower) and away from direct sunlight.
There is a wide selection of freeze-dried options from several vendors including meal kits, entrees like lasagna and chili macaroni, snacks such as fruit bars or granola bars and beverages like hot cocoa mix. Here is a brief overview of some of our favorite products:
- Meal Kits: Meal kits are all-inclusive packages designed to feed 1 or more people for one meal at a time. Most meal kits come with either freeze-dried or dehydrated foods ranging from breakfast items like oatmeal to sweet treats like apple crisp dessert – but be sure to read your label as ingredients may vary by vendor).
- Entrees: These single entree items might include lasagna, chili macaroni or enchilada stackers – just add boiling water!
- Snacks: Survival snack items can range from fruit bars to energy bites, granola bars, trail mix packs and even cookies.
- Beverages: Hot cocoa mix and other instant beverages are great ways to add flavor to your emergency pantry with just hot water. Plus they’re tasty enough that you don’t need milk if you’re not able to access it during an evacuation or power outage.
Dehydrated Survival Food Kits
Dehydrated survival food kits are typically lightweight and portable, making them the perfect option for hikers, campers and people who may be facing an emergency situation in the wilderness. These kits contain a variety of foods that have been dried in a controlled environment to preserve nutritional content while reducing moisture. Dehydrated meals offer more options than canned alternatives and come in a range of flavors, as well as breakfast items.
The dehydration process ensures that all available nutrients remain intact and the convenience means you’ll always be prepared with enough food to last until you can find an alternative source. Depending on the brand you choose, these individual packs – typically for one or two servings – can provide enough energy for an entire day or even multiple days if necessary.
Look for items like:
- Cereal, granola bars, trail mix, instant potatoes or rice entrees, hot cocoa mix with marshmallows
- Other sweet treats like freeze-dried fruit snacks or shakes
All are designed to maintain freshness and nutritional integrity while being light enough to carry along on your outdoor adventures or stash away for an emergency situation.
MRE Survival Food Kits
MREs, or Meals Ready to Eat, are fast entrees specially prepared for disaster relief and long-term food storage. These kits are convenient and lightweight, allowing you to travel with ease while still being able to access nutrition quickly. MREs come fully cooked, meaning that all you have to do is serve them. They provide enough calories for an entire day of meals and come in a variety of flavors. Many of the meals can be eaten cold or heated, making it easy for you to have a meal on the go without having to stop for cooking equipment.
MRE survival food kits generally contain several entrees (like chili macaroni and cheese or beef stroganoff), side dishes (mashed potatoes or chips), desserts (apple crisp), breakfasts (pancakes with syrup) and snacks (crackers). Most kits also include several drink mixes like lemonade, sweet tea, hot cocoa or fruit punch. All of these items come together in one compact kit so you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything important!
Cost Comparison of Survival Food Kits
When it comes to selecting the right survival food kits, cost is an important factor to consider. There are a variety of survival food kits available on the market, from basic one-person kits to large kits for entire families. The good news is that there are options to meet the different needs and budgets of customers.
This section will compare the various costs of different survival food kits to help you make an informed decision.
Freeze-dried Survival Food Kits
Freeze drying involves rapidly freezing the food, then reducing the surrounding pressure and adding heat to allow the water in the food to transform it directly from a solid state into a gaseous state. This process removes 98% of the water content within this food while still preserving its taste, texture, and nutritional value.
Freeze-dried foods will provide you with up to 25 years of shelf life which is one of the longest shelf lifes among survival food kits.
The cost of freeze-dried survival food kits can vary depending on what kind of meal kit you are looking for and how many days’ worth of supplies it would cover. For example:
- An individual four day survival food kit can cost around $49
- An 8-day freeze-dried meal kit for two people could range anywhere from $229-$319.
These prices can also be dependent on whether or not these meals come with additional items such as water filters or emergency medical supplies. There are several online retailers where you can purchase survival food kits for less than $100 as well!
Dehydrated Survival Food Kits
Dehydrated food kits are some of the most cost effective options for emergency preparedness and storing food for long-term use. While not as nutritious as freeze-dried foods, they are more affordable and have a much longer shelf life- up to 25 years or more, depending on the product. Dehydrated survival food kits come in a variety of sizes and prices, so it’s important to research your options carefully before making a purchase.
When comparing prices of survival food kits, there are several factors to consider. First, look at the nutritional value in terms of calories per serving and look for those with an appropriate balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Also check if any extra vitamins or minerals have been added. It’s also important to find out how many servings come in each kit – this will determine how long the supply will last–you can order different sized packages based on personal needs. Finally you should make sure that expiration dates are clearly indicated – expired foods may have lost nutrients that could be crucial during an emergency situation.
When researching emergency food supplies and meal kits, here are a few popular brands that offer cost-effective pre-packaged dehydrated meals:
- Mountain House Freeze Dried Foods
- Backpacker's Pantry
- MayDay Emergency Food Ration Bar
- Chef Family Freeze Dried Foods
- Augason Farms Emergency Food Storage Kit
MRE Survival Food Kits
MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) survival food kits are an excellent option for the prepper on the go. Besides being very affordable and convenient, these MREs are lightweight, durable and do not require any refrigeration or water for storage.
What's more, there is an array of MREs available with variety as well as in single meal servings depending on how much you need. The shelf life for these emergency foods can last up to ten years when stored at regular household temperatures or upwards of thirty years when frozen.
When comparing cost and emergency preparedness packages from different retailers it's important to consider quality as well as quantity while calculating overall value. Prices can vary a lot depending on the source so always make sure to do some research first before making a purchase.
Here is a breakdown of some popular MRE survival food kits available:
- Mountain House 14 Day 1 Person Emergency Food Kit - $72 (Includes 196 servings of freeze dried meals)
- Erin Meals Freeze-Dried Meal Kit - $125 (Includes 84 Servings of prepper meals)
- Augason Farms Emergency Food Supply - $140 (Includes 102 Servings of long term food storage)
- Blanket America 50 Serving Meal Bucket - $50 (Includes essentials such as large cans of fruit, beans and personal hygiene products)
Where to Buy Survival Food Kits
When preparing for a possible emergency or disaster, having the right survival food kits is essential. There are plenty of options available on the market, from pre-made kits to individual items that you can purchase to assemble your own survival food kit. Whether you’re looking for short-term food storage or something that can last for extended periods, there are many options available.
Let's take a look at where you can buy the cheapest survival food kits:
Local Stores
Shopping for survival food kits at local stores can be a convenient and cost-effective way to stock up on essential items. Commonly found items include non-perishable canned or packaged foods, such as dried fruits, nuts, pasta and beans. Other options may include freeze-dried meals or pre-packaged emergency meal kits. Many stores offer discounts when purchasing in bulk and some will even give coupons with purchase. Prices vary depending on the quantity purchased and the type of food stored.
It’s important to remember that buying locally doesn't guarantee freshness or superior quality. Survival food kits can be bought at different times throughout the year, including when seasonal items become available. Be sure to certify the expiration dates before purchasing and make sure to read labels for nutritional information and ingredients used in preparation of each item. It’s also a good idea to consider storing multiple types of food kits from various locations in order to ensure you have a safe and secure supply of food that won't expire quickly or cause health issues if consumed.
Local stores are usually a safe bet since they are usually more regulated than online sources when it comes to proper storage conditions, handling, shipping and pricing of these products.
Online Stores
When stocking up on survival food kits, online stores can offer you a greater selection of options than traditional outlets. With just a few clicks of the mouse, you'll be able to compare different brands, check reviews and read specifications for the items in stock. Online retailers generally have lower overhead costs, so prices may be more competitive too.
Popular sites that carry survival food kits include Amazon, Web Emergency Supplies and Survival Warehouse. All these sites offer a range of styles and sizes to meet your particular needs. Prices may vary depending on the brand, number of items included in the kit and size of the portion servings. Most online stores also provide detailed information about expiration dates and nutritional content so that shoppers can make informed decisions about the items they purchase. In addition, some websites will also provide a comparison chart featuring multiple brands so consumers can easily find their best buys at a glance.
It's important to take into account shipping fees when selecting an online store so that you don't end up paying more for your order than necessary. And always read through payment terms carefully as well before making any final purchases as some companies might have additional requirements like minimum orders or membership fees to participate in their shopping rewards programs or discounts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the cheapest survival food kit. The best choice will depend on your needs, budget, and preferences. Consider researching different survival food brands and comparing the features and cost to decide which one is right for you. Additionally, some kits provide added benefits such as:
- multi-day meal plan options
- a variety of flavor choices
Once you’ve settled on a kit or two that meets your needs, it’s important to stock up on the chosen product before an emergency strikes so you have ample supplies ready in the event of an emergency situation.