The power just went out and you've been notified by the power company that it'll be days before power is restored to the community. There is no need to worry about your stomach rumbling because you're smart and prepared. You've done your research and have food in your fridge that should be eaten first, canned goods in your pantry, freeze dried meals in your emergency storage cabinet, and emergency food ration bars in your emergency kit.
Household Foods
These are the most common foods to store as they're typically every day foods you already have in your home. Ranging from canned soups and vegetables, peanut butter, cereal, nuts, trail mixes, granola, and dried fruits. Generally these household foods are great to stock pile as they have a lengthy shelf life of at least 6 to 12 months.
Pros:- More than likely already in your pantry
- Foods you and your family enjoy
- Easy to store in your pantry
- Hard to pack if you need to evacuate
- May need to cook some items
- Expirations must be checked every month
- Need to replenish pantry every year due to expirations
Freeze Dried Meals
Who doesn't want some of their favorite comfort foods during what could be desperate times? Add in a cup of hot water to the pouches, let sit for 10-20 minutes, and enjoy a great tasting and nutritious meal. Freeze dried meals like Mountain House have the longest shelf life of 30+ years.
Pros:- 30 year shelf life
- Packed with nutrients and taste great
- Easy to store in stackable boxes and buckets
- Just add water
- Variety of flavors
- Hard to carry if you need to evacuate
- Need water
- Take up space in storage closet
Emergency Food Ration Bars
The best option for taking food that is high in calories on the go! These prepackaged food ration bars are broken down in squares that make it easy to ration for at least three days worth of food. They're the perfect addition to keep in your emergency kit as they're easy to eat and have a shelf life of 5 years.
Pros:
- Mylar packaging - withstands storage in temps from -22-149 deg F
- Lightweight - easy to carry in your emergency kit
- Provides quick energy and keeps you full
- Convenient - no water or prep to eat
- 5 year shelf life
- Not many flavors available
- Lack many nutrients
- Very sweet
Our Expert Opinion
Always eat what is in your refrigerator first as it will be first to perish. Household foods are great to have stockpiled as your family probably already enjoys these items and in most circumstances are a staple in your pantry. Just be sure to have on your calendar each month to check expirations and replenish any items that expired. Have a portable stove and stainless steel cup handy so that you can easily heat up canned soups or vegetables.
Freeze dried meals are typically the best option for those that have room to store a box or two in their home. Mountain House provides a taste guarantee of 30 years which means they're a great pick for those that don't want the hassle of checking expirations often. We've chose them as our partner because they're the best in the business for over 50 years! We had a pleasure of spending the day at their facility and indulged in a taste test of eating spaghetti from 1979. There's a wide a variety of flavors like Biscuits and Gravy, Chicken Teriyaki, Pasta Primavera, and Beef Stroganoff means even the pickiest eaters will enjoy their favorite comfort foods. Let's not forget how easy they are to make! Just add in the specified amount of water listed on the pouch, let sit for a few minutes, and then chow down!
Emergency Food Ration Bars are the perfect size and weight to carry in your emergency kit. They come portioned in squares and are ready to eat without the prep work. The mylar packaging helps them to withstand extreme fluctuations in temperatures. They have a 5 year shelf life making them easier to keep than your household foods. Purchase an emergency kit with Redfora and we'll also email you when it's time to replace your emergency food bar and water with a discount! After all you'd be family to us!