Here’s some truth: Long-term survival food is expensive. Period. I am talking freeze-dried “survival food”. These products are marketed by numerous companies and a few I have relationships with. I’ve tried almost every brand and have a few thoughts I’ll share:
First, Mountain House has been in the long-term food storage business for several decades. Way back in the 80’s I remember seeing their ads in the magazines. They have been around long enough that there is solid proof their food will last three decades – or longer. They are also probably the most expensive brand. I’ve eaten lots of Mountain House and have – so far – not found any of their offerings that I did not like. Quality is excellent and I have several cases of Mountain House in cans myself. I can wholeheartedly recommend Mountain House completely.
All the other survival food suppliers are certainly options and some do better than others. I’ll cover my experience and your mileage may vary:
Augason Farms – The most economical and variety-filled option I’ve come across. Taste for what I have had has been pretty good. Not all Augason Farm products are freeze-dried and many options have a shelf life of well less than 30 years. It is important to look at the details when ordering and make sure shelf life is known prior to ordering.
One of the best food storage options are the buckets that Augason offers. They have 4 person 72-hr buckets and up to 30-day buckets. I have several of their 30-day buckets and for the money they can’t be beat.
WISE/ReadyWise – They have pretty good sales, however, taste is less than ideal. I’ve had a few soup options that were good but beyond that….kinda gross. Cold, hungry, and in need of calories? Absolutely ReadyWise will fit the bill. I have a few of their small multi-day packs in my truck.
MyPatriotSupply.com/Ready Hour – I purchased several of their 2-week totes when the company Patriot Pantry first started. This was a while ago so I don’t know if things have changed. Customer service was fantastic. I called to order their special deal and was on the phone with customer service for about 10 minutes. Low pressure – the guy asked me if I wanted to hear about their current special offers and I said, “Yes.” I didn’t buy anything else and the rep said he appreciated the order and that was it. Taste and prep for the few I’ve tried were good.
They are much more expensive than Augason Farms, however, there are more calories and the offerings are higher quality. Comparing the Ready Hour 30-day bucket to Augason Farms the difference is clear: Calories, flavor, and variety. Don’t get me wrong Augason is a great choice and well worth the money. Same goes for Ready Hour.
Options are good.
Legacy Food Storage – Expensive. I would choose Mountain House if I were to fund a purchase to this level. I’ve had ONE entree and it was pretty good. Simply too expensive. Check out one deal here.
So – the final truth ends just how it started: Mountain House. Mountain House is the best choice, HOWEVER, budget and other factors may dictate another company’s product as ideal for you.
Options are good.
Rourke
I also have tried ordering different prepackaged foods from different sources. In a SHTF scenario, any food will be desirable in lieu of grass and twigs. I always liked the C-Rations and MRE’s in the Army, but they are cost prohibitive and have a limited storage value.
Agreed James. I’ve never had C-Rations but numerous MRE’s and still have a few. Yup – they are fairly expensive and shelf life fairly limited. Having a couple cases is pretty good.
I’m in the midst of writing an article for those just getting started in food storage. Putting together a 2-week food supply from local sources is the goal to get started.
Thx for the support James!