Commercial survival food brands offer a range of options, from freeze-dried meals to canned goods and powdered ingredients. These brands promise convenience, nutrition, and long shelf life for those preparing for emergencies or stocking up on long-term food supplies.
However, not all brands are created equal. Here’s an in-depth analysis of key factors when comparing commercial survival food brands, including quality, nutrition, taste, packaging, and cost.
Shelf Life and Storage Conditions
One of the main selling points of commercial survival foods is their extended shelf life, often advertised as lasting 20-30 years. Freeze-dried and dehydrated foods offer the longest shelf life, as removing moisture prevents bacterial growth.
Most brands require storage in a cool, dry place, ideally between 55°F and 70°F, to maintain maximum freshness. Packaging is crucial in shelf life; Mylar pouches with oxygen absorbers are common, as they prevent oxidation and help maintain flavor and nutrients. Some brands package their foods in large, durable buckets for added protection against moisture, pests, and physical damage.
When evaluating brands, look for clear information on recommended storage conditions and shelf life. Leading brands, like Mountain House and Legacy Food Storage, are transparent about storage recommendations and shelf life estimates, making them reliable options for long-term storage.
Mountain House, in particular, is known for its extensive freeze-drying expertise, ensuring that meals retain flavor and texture over decades when stored properly.
Nutritional Quality and Caloric Density
Nutritional quality is essential in survival situations, where balanced meals with adequate calories, protein, and essential nutrients are critical for maintaining energy and health.
Brands vary widely in nutritional profiles; some offer calorie-dense meals ideal for high-energy demands, while others are lighter and may require additional supplementation.
Caloric density is key, as it determines how much food is needed to meet daily requirements. Valley Food Storage is known for its calorie-rich meals, often 300-400 calories per serving, which benefit high-energy situations.
In contrast, some brands may advertise servings that contain only 100-150 calories, which can be misleading if consumers don’t account for additional servings needed to meet daily caloric needs. Always check the caloric content per serving rather than the serving size to ensure adequate sustenance.
Protein content is also a vital consideration. Protein is necessary for muscle maintenance and energy, especially in physically demanding survival situations. Brands like Wise Company and Augason Farms typically offer balanced protein content in their meal options, making them practical choices for those prioritizing protein.
Additionally, some brands provide protein-focused add-ons, like freeze-dried chicken or beef, which can be mixed with other meals to increase nutritional value.
Micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, can vary significantly across brands. In general, freeze-dried fruits and vegetables provide higher levels of vitamins, but some brands also add vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure a balanced intake.
Legacy Food Storage often includes a selection of freeze-dried vegetables and fruits, providing natural sources of essential nutrients without relying solely on synthetic fortification.
Taste and Variety
Taste and variety are important when considering a long-term food supply. Bland or repetitive meals can quickly lead to “food fatigue,” which reduces appetite and satisfaction.
Brands with various flavors and meal types help alleviate this issue. Mountain House is highly rated for taste, offering options like beef stroganoff, lasagna, and scrambled eggs, which are consistently reviewed as flavorful and enjoyable. Their meals are pre-seasoned and ready to eat with minimal preparation, which makes them a popular choice for those who value taste.
Augason Farms provides a range of meal options, including soups, stews, and breakfasts, but also stocks individual ingredients like powdered eggs, butter, and cheese, allowing more flexibility in meal preparation.
This versatility appeals to those who prefer cooking from scratch or customizing flavors. Valley Food Storage focuses on clean ingredients with no artificial flavors, which some consumers find leads to a more natural taste, though it may be less seasoned than other brands.
Ease of Preparation
In survival situations, ease of preparation is crucial, as time, resources, and cooking tools may be limited. Most commercial survival foods require only hot water, with freeze-dried meals rehydrating within 5-10 minutes.
This simplicity makes freeze-dried options, like those from Mountain House and Wise Company, especially popular. Wise Company uses a straightforward “add hot water and wait” method for many of their entrees, minimizing the need for cooking equipment.
Augason Farms and Legacy Food Storage also offer quick-prep meals, but some items, such as pancakes or pasta, may require cooking, which may be less convenient in an emergency setting. If you’re looking for a balance of convenience and meal customization.
Valley Food Storage offers ingredients that can be combined into various meals but may require slightly more preparation effort.
Packaging and Portion Sizes
Packaging quality and portion sizes significantly impact survival foods’ usability and shelf life. Many brands use individual Mylar pouches, which are compact, lightweight, and easy to seal.
Mylar protects against light and air, preserving the contents well over time. Mountain House and Wise Company are known for sturdy Mylar packaging with oxygen absorbers, which increase shelf life and ensure food remains fresh when stored in optimal conditions.
Portion sizes are another consideration, as some brands have small “servings” that may not satisfy an adult’s hunger. Legacy Food Storage offers larger servings than average, making it more suited to individuals with higher calorie needs.
Augason Farms also provides bulk packaging for specific items, allowing you to portion out servings as needed. However, the packaging requires resealing to maintain freshness after opening.
Brands like Wise Company and Mountain House often sell larger, multi-serving pouches, ideal for family-sized portions. However, if only one or two people use them, they may lead to waste. Individual packaging allows for better portion control, which may increase overall cost.
Cost-Effectiveness and Value
Cost is a significant factor for many when selecting survival food brands, and prices vary widely depending on the type, brand, and quantity purchased. Wise Company offers competitive pricing, especially in their multi-bucket packages, which often include enough food to last one person for a month or more.
This can be a cost-effective solution for families or those building a substantial emergency food supply on a budget. Augason Farms and Legacy Food Storage are also competitively priced, emphasizing value packs that include multiple food types and bulk ingredients.
Bulk buying saves money, though it may require additional storage solutions to prevent spoilage after opening. Valley Food Storage tends to be on the higher end in terms of price, but its commitment to natural ingredients without additives may be worth the extra cost for those focused on clean eating.
Consider the price per calorie or meal rather than just the upfront cost. Lower-cost brands may have smaller servings or lower calorie counts, requiring more portions to meet daily needs. Comparing the actual nutritional value and caloric content relative to price helps determine true cost-effectiveness.
Key Takeaways
When comparing survival food brands, your choice will depend on priorities such as taste, ease of preparation, nutritional quality, and shelf life. Mountain House excels in taste and packaging quality, making it ideal for those who value flavor and easy preparation.
Legacy Food Storage offers larger portions and a good balance of nutrition, variety, and cost, while Augason Farms provides flexibility for individual meal options and bulk storage. Although it may be priced higher, Valley Food Storage stands out for its natural ingredient list.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your unique needs. A well-rounded survival food supply may include a combination of brands to balance taste, nutrition, variety, and budget, ensuring you’re prepared with satisfying and sustaining meals.
