Our Testing Team researched, tested, and ranked the best emergency food companies. Based on extensive in-person testing, we can confidently recommend Augason Farms as the best emergency food company.
Emergencies don’t wait for anyone. Sadly, many preparedness-minded individuals put off purchasing survival food while they spend weeks – even months – researching, uncertain which company would offer the best long-term quality and value.
Let’s face it:
Survival food is expensive, and no one wants to spend hundreds on the wrong thing.
If choosing a reliable emergency food supplier is the only thing between you and a well-prepared pantry, we’re here to help. Our team has carefully researched and taste-tested the top brands, comparing factors like shelf life, nutritional content, and ease of preparation to ensure each recommendation meets the highest standards.
Our top pick is Augason Farms, but we know everyone is unique. In an emergency, you need food you’ll actually enjoy eating, not just survive on.
Below, you’ll find our top emergency food recommendations, along with testing insights on why each one made the list.
Table of Contents
- Best Survival Food Companies
- What We Look For in Survival Food
- Augason Farms: Best Emergency Food Overall
- Ready Project: Runner-Up Survival Food Company
- Nutrient Survival: Most Nutritional Survival Food Company
- Legacy Food Storage
- Mountain House
- ReadyWise
- Valley Food Storage
- Survival Fresh
- How We Test Survival Food
- How to Choose the Best Survival Food Company for You
- Side-by-Side Emergency Food Company Comparison
- Bottom Line
- FAQs
Best Survival Food Companies
What We Look For in Survival Food
We looked for the following features when selecting the best survival food:
Taste & Texture
We meticulously evaluated the taste of each meal. Thanks to our children taste testers, we could determine how functional these foods would be for families. After all, if your children won’t eat it, emergency food won’t be much help!
Nutritional Value
We analyzed the calorie count, protein content, and presence of essential vitamins and minerals in each meal. Survival isn’t just about filling your belly; it’s about giving your body the fuel to recover and rebuild.
Variety
We considered the diversity of meal options offered by each company. Nobody wants to eat the same freeze-dried chili for a week straight!
Value for Money
Emergency preparedness shouldn’t break the bank. We factored in the cost per serving and overall value proposition of each company.
How We Test Emergency Food
See Our Emergency Food Review Methodology for how we test emergency food.
Augason Farms: Best Emergency Food Overall
Discount: Save 10% with code “survivalstoic” at Augason Farms Checkout
We chose Augason Farms as our “Best Emergency Food Company Overall” for its unbeatable value, extensive meal variety, and exceptional shelf life. Known for its high-quality, budget-friendly options, Augason Farms often outperforms pricier brands in taste and nutrition, making it our top pick.
Features
- Price: 5 cents per 100 calories
- Shelf-Life: 25 years
Our Testing Scores
We collected these scores for Augason Farms during our comprehensive testing:
- 5/5 Value
- 5/5 Variety
- 4/5 Taste
- 4.5/5 Ease of Preparation
- 4/5 Nutrition
Our Expert Take on Augason Farms
Augason Farms is the best emergency food company based on our testing. It’s quality and variety quickly surpassed many higher-priced brands. Despite being widely known as a budget-friendly option, it’s more than just affordable; it’s exceptional. Even if Augason Farms cost more, it would still be our top choice for emergency food.
It’s so inexpensive and high-quality that we consider it one of the best budget emergency foods you can purchase, too.
One of Augason Farms’ standout features is its variety. Their meal kits include a diverse range of options, and notably, they avoid loading kits with filler drink mixes.
The brand shines in its #10 cans, offering everything from dried eggs to freeze-dried vegetables. This flexibility allows us to mix single ingredients into their meals to boost taste and nutrition—like adding freeze-dried chicken to pasta or berries to oatmeal.
For those building a pantry, we recommend starting with one of Augason Farms’ meal kits and supplementing with #10 cans of ingredients your family already enjoys. For example, my daughter loves strawberries, so adding their freeze-dried strawberries is a budget-friendly and nutritious addition. Even though we’re technically purchasing more, Augason Farms’ affordable pricing means we save money in the long run.
Based on Our Testing
Who we recommended it for:
- Budget-conscious shoppers
- Variety seekers
- Families
- Long-term preppers
Who we don’t recommend it for:
- Gourmet tastes
- Low-sodium diet
- Minimalist preppers
PROS
Very affordable
Large variety
Not empty calories
Quality packaging
CONS
Taste is about average
Learn more in our complete Augason Farms emergency food review. They are also our top pick in our Best Powdered Milk review.
Ready Project: Runner-Up Survival Food Company
We chose Ready Project as the runner-up because it offers great taste and exceptional value compared to other brands. The wide variety of meals in their kits set them apart during our testing.
Features
- Price: 6 cents per 100 calories
- Shelf-Life: 25 years
Our Testing Scores
We collected these scores for Ready Project during our comprehensive testing:
- 4/5 Value
- 5/5 Variety
- 5/5 Taste
- 4.5/5 Ease of Preparation
- 4.5/5 Nutrition
Our Expert Take on Ready Project
Ready Project scored very well during our testing. It tastes great and is very budget-friendly compared to other brands we tried. The wide variety of meals in their kits sets them apart, making them a solid choice for emergency preparedness.
For example, their 2-week kit includes 13 different meals, while many competing brands offer only four or five, providing significant options.
These meals aren’t just drink mixes, either. Their meals include things like Hobo Stew and Creamy Rice Pudding. Plus, everything tastes good. Every meal we tested received positive feedback from our testers, confirming that taste is a strong point.
Ready Project meals are also notably high in protein, providing 60 grams per day—much more than many competitors. This ensures that your emergency food is not just filling but also nutritious.
Based on Our Testing
Who we recommended it for:
- Shoppers looking for a straightforward solution
- Families wanting variety in emergency meals
- Those seeking flavorful options without customization hassles
Who we don’t recommend it for:
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for the lowest price
- Minimalist preppers who prefer fewer options
PROS
Very high in protein
Inexpensive
Tastes good
Wide variety of meals
CONS
Slightly more expensive
Ready Hour: Best Value Emergency Company
We chose Ready Hour as the best value emergency food company because it offers an unbeatable combination of affordability and variety. With meals priced at just 5 cents per 100 calories and a shelf life of 25 years, Ready Hour provides essential nutrition without straining your budget.
Features
- Price: 5 cents per 100 calories
- Shelf-Life: 25 years
Our Testing Scores
We collected these scores for Ready Hour during our comprehensive testing:
- 5/5 Value
- 4.5/5 Variety
- 4/5 Taste
- 4.5/5 Ease of Preparation
- 3/5 Nutrition
Our Expert Take on Ready Hour
Ready Hour stands out as an excellent value option for emergency food. Our testing found that Ready Hour’s diverse meal options and affordability make it a strong contender for those looking to stock up without breaking the bank. They sell complete kits with enough food for months, and dry ingredients like coffee.
According to one of our testers, “Their coffee is a bit strong, in my opinion, but some of our other testers liked it. They also sell creamer to go with their coffee, though I typically don’t drink creamer in my coffee.”
Their breakfast options are also more varied than other emergency food companies we tested, and their long-term storage kits even include bread ready to bake. Their meals, such as Mac & Cheese, are a hit with our testers, including the kids.
While the food may not be the tastiest, it certainly gets the job done, and our child taste-testers enjoyed most of the meals. If you’re looking for something extraordinary, Ready Hour may not be for you. However, it’s an excellent choice for the average prepper on a strict budget.
Based on Our Testing
Who we recommended it for:
- Budget-conscious shoppers
- Preppers building a foundational pantry
- Those looking for diverse meal options
Who we don’t recommend it for:
- Gourmet meal seekers
- Individuals requiring high-protein options
PROS
Extremely inexpensive
Diverse meal selection
Easy to prepare
CONS
Not particularly high in protein
Nutrient Survival: Most Nutritional Survival Food Company
Discount: Save 10% with code “SS10” at Nutrient Survival Checkout
We chose Nutrient Survival as the most nutritious survival food company because of its commitment to providing complete nutrition in emergency food. Their freeze-dried meals are designed to deliver all 40 essential nutrients required for maintaining health.
Features
- Price: 15 cents per 100 calories
- Shelf-Life: 15 years
Our Testing Scores
We collected these scores for Nutrient Survival during our comprehensive testing:
- 3/5 Value
- 3/5 Variety
- 3/5 Taste
- 4/5 Ease of Preparation
- 5/5 Nutrition
Our Expert Take on Nutrient Survival
Nutrient Survival stands out for its commitment to complete nutrition in emergency food. Their freeze-dried meals provide all the 40 essential nutrients needed to stay healthy. It does come at a higher price point compared to competitors, making it less suitable for strict budgets.
The taste can be hit or miss. While some meals, particularly the egg options, received positive feedback, others, like their milkshakes, left much to be desired. One of our testers reported, “Their milkshakes are particularly unappetizing (and we tried both flavors).”
With only six main meal types, variety is limited, which may not appeal to everyone looking for a wide selection.
One key benefit is their bug-out bag meal kit, which our testers reported was “pretty cool.” See our guide on the best bug out bag food for more on this kit. Our experts also liked the individual serving the packaging, which they found beneficial when cooking options were limited.
Based on Our Testing
We recommended it for:
- Those prioritizing nutrition in their emergency food
- Health-conscious individuals wanting more nutrient-dense meals
- Preppers needing lightweight, individual-serving meals for portability
We don’t recommend it for:
- Budget-conscious shoppers due to higher price points
- Those seeking a wide variety of meal options
- Consumers focused on taste rather than nutrition completeness
PROS
Nutritionally complete
Several size meals available
Easy to prepare
CONS
Expensive
Not the tastiest
Limited variety
Learn more in our Nutrient Survival review. They are also our favorite powdered eggs!
Heaven’s Harvest – Best Tasting Survival Food
Discount: Save 10% with code “survivalstoic” at Heaven’s Harvest Checkout
We chose Heaven’s Harvest as the best tasting survival food because it delivers flavorful meals without the hefty price tag common in premium brands. While it may not be the absolute best-tasting option available, it stands out as the most enjoyable choice for budget-conscious preppers.
Features
- Price: 8 cents per 100 calories
- Shelf-Life: 25 years
Our Testing Scores
We collected these scores for Heaven’s Harvest during our comprehensive testing:
- 4.5/5 Value
- 3/5 Variety
- 4/5 Taste
- 4/5 Ease of Preparation
- 4/5 Nutrition
Our Expert Take on Heaven’s Harvest
Heaven’s Harvest is the answer for those who prioritize taste in their survival food. According to our testing team, their meals are easy to prepare, requiring water and short simmering times.
With a 25-year shelf life, we feel confident storing this food long-term, too.
Our main disappointment:
The variety of meals in their kits is limited. Most kits include drink mixes that offer little nutritional value and only three to five meals, which can lead to monotony. For example, their one-week kit features only five recipes, including an “orange drink mix.” To mitigate this, our testers recommend opting for their entree bucket, which contains 12 meals and significantly increases variety.
Based on Our Testing:
We recommended it for:
- Taste enthusiasts
- Budget-conscious preppers
- Casual preppers
We don’t recommend it for:
- Variety seekers
- Gourmet foodies
- Strict dietary needs
PROS
Tasty meals
Easy to prepare
Some grab-and-go options
CONS
Shorter shelf life of some items
Limited variety
Learn more in our Heaven’s Harvest emergency food review.
Also See our guide on How to grow a survival garden for our thoughts Heaven’s Harvest Survival Seeds.
Legacy Food Storage
Features
- Price: 10 cents per 100 calories
- Shelf-Life: 25 years
Our Testing Scores
We collected these scores for Legacy Food Storage during our comprehensive testing:
- 4/5 Value
- 4/5 Variety
- 5/5 Taste
- 4.5/5 Ease of Preparation
- 4/5 Nutrition
Our Expert Take on Legacy Food Storage
Legacy Food Storage stands out in the emergency food sector with its wide range of ready-made kits and individual ingredients. According to our research, it is slightly pricier than the competition, but its quality is top-notch.
During our testing, Legacy Farms performed similarly to Augason Farms in terms of taste. According to one of our testers: “I also found that they taste about as good as Augason Farms. Therefore, it just makes more sense to me to purchase Augason Farms instead. Don’t get me wrong; I did like Legacy Food Storage. However, I just didn’t find the extra price worth it!”
Legacy Food Storage promotes larger serving sizes, but it’s crucial to focus on calorie content rather than subjective serving sizes. They offer unique options, such as entree buckets with freeze-dried meats, which can enhance meal variety.
Additionally, their single-ingredient packs, like refried beans and dried pineapple chunks, are excellent for those looking to supplement their emergency food supply.
Based on Our Testing
We recommend it for:
- Individuals wanting familiar and tasty meals
- Those who want diverse recipe selections
- Those looking to tailor their emergency food supply
We don’t recommend it for:
- Budget-conscious shoppers
- Minimalist preppers
- Families with specific dietary needs
PROS
Familiar flavors
Many single-ingredient options
Large variety of recipes
CONS
More expensive than similar options
Mountain House
Features
- Price: 16 cents per 100 calories
- Shelf-Life: 25 years
Our Testing Scores
We collected these scores for Mountain House during our comprehensive testing:
- 2/5 Value
- 5/5 Variety
- 5/5 Taste
- 5/5 Ease of Preparation
- 4/5 Nutrition
Our Expert Take on Mountain House
Mountain House is renowned for its incredible taste. It is easily the best-tasting emergency food available. The meals don’t resemble typical survival food, according to our taste-testing. However, this quality comes at a premium, as Mountain House products are more than twice the price of many other emergency food brands.
Each Mountain House meal comes in its own pouch, allowing for convenient cooking by simply adding hot water. This feature is especially practical for families, as one package served two to three people during our testing.
According to one tester, “When my family eats Mountain House, we make two entrees and share.”
There are many types of Mountain House meals, too. You can find tons of different recipes, and this company also sells several emergency kits.
Based on Our Testing
We recommend it for:
- Picky eaters
- Families
- Food enthusiasts
We don’t recommend it for:
- Budget-conscious shoppers
- Minimalist
- Long-term preppers
PROS
Very tasty
Cooks directly in the package
Many meals available
CONS
Extremely expensive
ReadyWise
Features
- Price: 6 cents per 100 calories
- Shelf-Life: 25 years
Our Testing Scores
We collected these scores for ReadyWise during our comprehensive testing:
- 3/5 Value
- 5/5 Variety
- 4/5 Taste
- 4/5 Ease of Preparation
- 4/5 Nutrition
Our Expert Take on ReadyWise
ReadyWise offers various kits and buckets, including everything from individual 72-hour kits to larger family-sized buckets. Their unique offerings, such as #10 cans, make it easy to stock up on single ingredients like powdered eggs, ensuring you have everything you need for long-term preparedness.
They even have #10 cans like “Cosmic Berries,” which are basically freeze-dried Skittles.
Our Testing Team tasted several ReadyWise meals and found them decent. One tester described the taste as: “I wouldn’t mind eating their meals in an emergency, but many other companies had better-tasting food.”
Their dehydrated meats, especially the seasoned beef patty crumbles, are noteworthy and often priced lower than similar products from other brands.
Based on Our Testing
We recommend it for:
- Those interested in specialty items like freeze-dried candy
- Meat lovers
- Variety seekers
We don’t recommend it for:
- Budget-conscious shoppers
- Those who prioritize taste
- Minimalists
PROS
Unique freeze-dried products
Affordable, tasty freeze-dried meats
Variety of meals in each kit
CONS
Not much value for the added price
Valley Food Storage
Features
- Price: 11 cents per 100 calories
- Shelf-Life: 25 years
Our Testing Scores
We collected these scores for Valley Food Storage during our comprehensive testing:
- 3/5 Value
- 5/5 Variety
- 4/5 Taste
- 4/5 Ease of Preparation
- 3/5 Nutrition
Valley Food Storage is a very popular emergency food company, which raised our expectations for their food. Many of our testers had heard of Valley Food Storage previously. While they do provide some high-quality meals, the cost is significantly higher compared to many other brands, and we found limited added benefits for the price.
Our Testing Team tried several of their freeze-dried meals, and many rated them high in the taste category. We particularly liked the Irish Pub Cheddar Potato Soup.
Valley Food Storage also boasts a wide variety of individual meals. However, the high price tag means it wouldn’t be feasible for many to rely solely on their products for an entire prepper pantry.
Our expert recommends: “I opted to fill the bulk of my pantry with more affordable brands, supplementing it with a few unique entrees from Valley Food Storage.”
Based on Our Testing
We recommend it for:
- Those interested in high-quality meals with rich flavors
- Individuals who want lots of variety
- Those wanting to supplement their pantry
We don’t recommend it for:
- Budget-conscious shoppers
- Long-term preppers
- Those preferring more cost-effective prepping
PROS
Interesting entree options
High-quality packaging
Huge variety of meal options
CONS
Expensive
Survival Fresh
Features
- Price: 7 cents per 100 calories
- Shelf-Life: 25 years
Our Testing Scores:
We collected these scores for Survival Fresh during our comprehensive testing:
- 3/5 Value
- 3/5 Variety
- 4/5 Taste
- 4/5 Ease of Preparation
- 3/5 Nutrition
Our Expert Take on Survival Fresh
Survival Fresh is Survival Frog’s emergency food brand. If Google knows that you’re interested in prepping, you’ve probably seen their canned meat commercials dozens of times.
Obviously, they’re trying to push their canned meat heavily. But they do sell other emergency foods, including 4-week emergency kits. Their kits aren’t our favorite, as they’re very heavy on the oatmeal.
According to one of our testers, “I can purchase better-tasting and cheaper instant oatmeal from the grocery store.”
Unfortunately, Survival Fresh has limited offerings beyond their canned meats, which means you’re not getting much diversity in your emergency food choices.
Based on Our Testing:
We recommend it for:
- Those looking for canned meat
- Anyone looking for easy-to-pack protein sources
We don’t recommend it for:
- Those looking for substantial meals
- Value-focused shoppers
- Long-term preppers
PROS
Sells canned meats
CONS
Expensive
Very limited variety
How We Test Survival Food
At Survival Stoic, we understand that selecting the right survival food is vital for long-term preparedness. To provide you with thorough and reliable reviews, we employ a comprehensive testing process that includes the following criteria:
Taste Testing
We sample a variety of meals from each brand, evaluating flavor, texture, and overall satisfaction. Taste is a key factor in ensuring that you will actually enjoy the food when it matters most.
Nutritional Analysis
Each product is examined for its nutritional content, including calorie count, protein, fats, and carbohydrates. We consider the balance of macronutrients to ensure the meals provide adequate energy and nutrition during emergencies.
Variety Assessment
We review the range of meals offered by each brand. A good emergency food supply should include a variety of options to prevent meal fatigue.
Ease of Preparation
We evaluate how simple it is to prepare each meal. Emergency food should be easy to cook, just requiring just hot water or minimal cooking time.
Shelf Life
We check the shelf life of each product, noting how long it can be stored without compromising quality. Longer shelf lives are beneficial for long-term preparedness.
Value for Money
We calculate the cost per serving and assess whether the price reflects the quality and quantity of food provided. Budget-friendly options should not compromise on taste or nutrition.
How to Choose the Best Survival Food Company for You
Selecting the right survival food company depends on your unique needs, budget, and the types of emergencies you’re preparing for. Here’s what to consider when making your choice:
1. Taste and Meal Satisfaction
Flavor may seem secondary in an emergency, but satisfying meals can make all the difference in stressful situations. Look for brands with high taste scores or purchase a few recipes to try before committing to a larger supply. Consider others in your family, too, especially children. Kits tend to get pickier in stressful situations, not less.
2. Nutritional Balance
Check the nutritional content to ensure the food will actually sustain you and your family. Look for meals with balanced macronutrients (protein, carbs, fats) and essential vitamins and minerals. Your caloric intake and nutritional needs may go up during an emergency, too, so keep that in mind when stocking up.
3. Shelf Life
A long shelf life is a must. Most emergency foods last from 10 to 25 years, according to our research, but that doesn’t mean the food will actually last that long. Look for companies with airtight packaging to ensure food stays fresh and safe over time.
4. Variety of Options
Variety is important to prevent “meal fatigue,” especially if you’re relying on your food supply over several weeks. Brands that offer a wide selection of meals, single ingredients, and snacks allow you to customize your kit to match your tastes and dietary needs.
5. Packaging and Portability
Sturdy, compact packaging is essential, especially if you’re low on storage space or need to be mobile. Look for food in resealable pouches or stackable buckets that are easy to organize and transport.
6. Value for Money
Cost per calorie is an important metric to determine if you’re getting good value. Lower-cost options often provide fewer calories or basic ingredients, while premium brands may offer gourmet options but at a higher price. You might need to do some research to find the right balance between affordability and quality.
7. Special Dietary Options
If you or your family members have dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten-free, vegan, or low-sodium diets), check to see if the company can meet those needs. Many companies now offer speciality items designed to accommodate various dietary needs.
Side-by-Side Emergency Food Company Comparison
I get it. All the information about each brand can be very overwhelming. I’m the one who ate all the food and wrote this article, and it still overwhelms me. To help you pick the best emergency food company for you, here’s a comparison table with the most important features:
| Company | Variety | Cost per 100 Calorie | Taste | Nutrition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Survival | So-So | 0.15 | So-So | Fantastic |
| Mountain House | Fantastic | 0.16 | Fantastic | Good |
| Survival Fresh | So-So | 0.07 | Good | Good |
| Valley Food Storage | Fantastic | 0.11 | Good | Good |
| Heavens Harvest | So-So | 0.08 | Fantastic | Good |
| Augason Farms | Fantastic | 0.05 | Good | Good |
| Ready Project | Fantastic | 0.06 | Good | Fantastic |
| Ready Hour | Fantastic | 0.05 | Fantastic | Good |
| Readywise | Fantastic | 0.06 | Good | Good |
| Legacy Food Storage | Fantastic | 0.10 | Good | Good |
Bottom Line
After weeks of taste-testing and surviving on emergency meals, we can confidently recommend Augason Farms as the best all-around emergency food company. It delivers on taste, affordability, and variety – everything you need to weather any storm.
Here’s why Augason Farms stands out:
- Delicious and Diverse: Their meals are far from bland, offering a wide selection to prevent taste fatigue during an emergency.
- Budget-Friendly: Augason Farms offers the most bang for your buck, allowing you to stock your pantry without breaking the bank.
- #10 Can Power: Their extensive selection of #10 cans lets you customize your emergency food supply and add variety to pre-made meals.
Very few people have enough money to purchase weeks of emergency food for their whole families, but that shouldn’t stop you from purchasing something. It is best to work up to a complete prepper’s pantry by slowly purchasing emergency food.
Now, also check out our other food articles in our How to Start Prepping Guide. We have a guide on the Best Emergency Food Kits, and well as How to Store Food Long Term.
FAQs
What company has the best tasting emergency food?
Mountain House and Heaven’s Harvest consistently performed as the best tasting emergency food, based on our taste testing. Mountain House is renowned for its exceptional flavor and variety, offering a premium freeze-dried food experience. However, they tend to be on the pricier side. For a more budget-friendly option, Heaven’s Harvest provides surprisingly tasty emergency food with a decent variety of freeze-dried meals.
What is the best food to stock up on for emergencies?
When it comes to the best food to stock up on for emergencies, a combination of non-perishable staples and long-lasting emergency food supplies is ideal. For non-perishable staples, consider items like canned tuna, beans, soups, and vegetables. For long-lasting emergency food, freeze-dried meals are a popular choice. Augason Farms performed well in our testing and offers a wide range of delicious and nutritious freeze-dried meals with a long shelf life.
Is survival food a good idea?
Yes, stocking up on survival food is a prudent decision for anyone who wants to be prepared for unexpected emergencies. Freeze-dried survival food has a long shelf life, requires minimal preparation, and is easy to store. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, it’s a small investment for nutrition in an emergency.
Should we stockpile food?
Yes, stockpiling food is important to ensure you’re prepared for unexpected emergencies. While it isn’t necessary to hoard excessive amounts, having a well-stocked pantry can keep your family fed in an emergency. Consider a long-lasting, freeze-dried food.
For more on the possibility of a food shortage, see our alarming Is a Food Shortage Coming article.
