Being prepared for the unexpected is not paranoia, but smart, sound thinking. Whether a manmade emergency strikes or Mother Nature displays her power, the norm of everyday living can get disrupted quickly. With such crises, the food supply chain can be broken with many people left scavenging for whatever they can find. Don’t be these people. Instead, prepare well ahead of any problems. The survival food listed below is a great starting point. They offer needed calories, durable packaging, and an incredibly long shelf-life that will go the distance until things get back to the status quo, whenever that may be.

Survival Food

MREStar Case of 12 Complete Meals

Want fast and easy survival food prep? Then look no further than this case of tasty MRE meals. This case of twelve offers two meals each of six tasty varieties. Possible meals include pork, chicken, beef, and vegetarian options (randomly selected.) Additionally, these complete meals include snacks, drink mix, coffee, candy, and a whole slew of condiments and accessories. Each MRE comes packaged in a durable container, sporting an incredible five-year shelf life. Great taste, no refrigeration, and ready-to-consume straight out of the packet, these MREs definitely are go-to emergency food!

Specifications

12 Single complete MRE meals
Six exciting varieties
No refrigeration required
Up to five year shelf-life
Fully cooked, ready-to-eat hot or cold

MSRP: $109.95; MREStar.com

Datrex Emergency Food Ration 3600 kcal

No emergency kit should be without this musty-have food ration. Designed for maximum palatability, this survival food product offers all natural ingredients, high energy value, a non-thirst provoking recipe, and no preservatives. Additionally, each vacuum sealed packet is tabletized and subpackaged for easy rationing and calorie intake calculating. Datrex rations are baked and packaged in the USA with no GMOs and are peanut-free and vegan-friendly. Pack several for long-term emergency food prep for home or when on the move.

Specifications

Five year shelf-life
Non-thirst provoking, natural ingredients
Eat solid or mix with water
18 Individually wrapped 200 calorie biscuits
Baked and packaged in the USA

MSRP: $173.08; Datrex.com

Mountain House Classic Meal Assortment Bucket

Don’t want to overthink survival food prep? Then let Mountain House and this bucket assortment do the work. Contained within this sturdy vessel are twelve ready-to-eat (just add hot water) meals for you and your family. Enjoy such favorites as chicken and rice, beef stroganoff, spaghetti with beef, and hearty beef stew. All contain no artificial flavors or colors, guarantee optimal taste for 30 years (yes, years), and all are made in the USA. The sealed buckets are storable and stackable in almost any location within your home, while its integrated handle makes it easy to carry your life-sustaining food when you’re on the go.

Specifications

Contains twelve pouches (24 total servings)
30 year taste guarantee
Rehydrates in minutes with hot water
No artificial flavors or colors
Made in the USA since 1969

MSRP: $134.49; MoutainHouse.com

Mountain House Freeze-Dried White Chicken Meat

No matter if you’re camping under the stars or under full survival conditions, having tasty, real chicken meat is an absolute treat. This large #10 can offers twenty-four servings and rehydrates in only minutes using hot water, or slightly longer with room temperature water. The all-white meat is pre-sliced, pre-seasoned, and delicious on its own or when added to salads, casseroles, stir fry, tacos, or just about anything. The sealed can offers a 30-year taste guarantee and is fresh up to one week after opening. Don’t forget to add this tasty item when stocking your emergency food pantry or bugout location.

Specifications

24 Servings per container
30 Year taste guarantee
Sliced for easy portioning and serving
Just add hot water, ready in ten minutes
Seasoned for taste

MSRP: $94.99; MoutainHouse.com

Survival Cave Foods Canned Meat Assortment

Canning has been around for quite a long time and there’s a reason for it, it keeps food preserved, it keeps taste consistent, and its great to store for emergency use. This meat assortment contains twelve, 14.5 ounce cans of beef, turkey, chicken, pork and ground beef, all with no preservatives, no additives, and just a slight trace of salt for optimal flavor. Just think, while others are eating dry survival rations, you’ll be enjoying tasty meats to keep your energy and spirits way up. All the meat is produced from USDA-approved farms with no fat or grizzle like store-bought versions. Stock up today and enjoy tasty meats when the you-know-what hits the fan!

Specifications

Easy-to-portion, 14.5 ounce cans
Beef, turkey, chicken, pork, and ground meat assortment
No preservatives, additives, or chemicals
No water added
Low in sodium, cholesterol and fat

MSRP: $223.99; Photo courtesy of SurvivalCaveFood.com

Harmony House Vegetable Sampler

When you’re under survival conditions or in the dead of winter, vegetables were not an option, until now. This vegetable sampler contains fifteen varieties ranging from broccoli florets to sliced celery, to diced jalapeno to spinach flakes, and everything in-between. Each items is packaged in clear, see-through resealable pouches for fast identification and optimal freshness. To rehydrate, just add water as instructed and enjoy fresh tasting produce without any harmful additives. All pouches come in an easy-to-store containment box.

Specifications

Resealable, one-cup zip pouches
Best way to find all your favorites
Yields 40 cups (10 quarts) after rehydration
Non-GMO, Gluten-free, and Kosher OU
Premium grade dehydrated products

MSRP: $53.96; HarmonyHouseFoods.com

Harmony House Dehydrated Vegetable Soup Mix

This long-life food item makes comforting vegetable soup without the time-consuming work. This fantastic mix of ingredients include carrots, onions, tomatoes, peas, celery, green peppers, and parsley, just add your own seasoning and soup will be served in no time. All dried ingredients are gluten-free, non-GMO, and Kosher OU, with one full cup yielding an incredible six cups of rehydrated product. The vegetable soup dried blend comes in a see-through, resealable jar for optimal freshness and long-term storage.

Specifications

Premium dehydrated vegetable soup blend
Full 9.0 ounce canister
No additives or preservatives
Non-GMO
OU Kosher certification

MSRP: $17.95; HarmonyHouseFoods.com

New Millenium Energy Bars 9-Pack

Need a quick burst of energy or something to fill an empty spot in your stomach? If so, then turn to these tasty snacks to get your body going again. The New Millenium combo pack includes nine bars, each sporting a different and exciting flavor. Enjoy such favorites as vanilla, lemon, or orange, or choose more obscure varieties such as apricot or tropical mix. All are U.S. Coast Guard approved, have a five-year shelf life (from manufactured date), and contain a full four-hundred calories to curb your hunger fast. All bars are sealed in durable packaging to withstand harsh, in-the-field condition.

Specifications