Comparison: Best Emergency Rations Kit (Updated | Dec 3rd)

Dehydrated meal kits, like Augason Farms’ 200‑serving bucket or ReadyWise’s 120‑serving bucket, provide full‑course meals that require water and heat to prepare, offering variety and a more familiar dining experience. High‑calorie food bars, such as the 3600‑calorie 72HRS bars or the sugar‑free mocha bars, are ready‑to‑eat, require no water, and are lighter to carry, making them ideal for short‑term survival or backpacking. Choose meal kits for longer stays where cooking is possible, and bars for compact, quick energy when space or time is limited.

Shelf life determines how long you can store the food without loss of nutrition or taste; buckets from Augason Farms and ReadyWise boast up to 25 years, while many bars are Coast Guard approved for a 5‑year life but still last many years when kept cool and dry. Longer shelf life reduces the need for frequent rotation and ensures the food remains safe during extended storage. Consider your storage conditions and how often you’re willing to rotate supplies when choosing.

Bulk meal kits generally deliver more calories per dollar because they contain hundreds of servings; for example, Augason Farms offers 200 servings with a variety of meals, while ReadyWise provides 120 servings of entree‑style dishes. Food bars tend to be higher in cost per calorie but excel in portability and convenience, making them valuable for specific scenarios like bug‑out bags. Evaluate how many people you need to feed and the length of time you expect to rely on the supply to determine the most cost‑effective choice.

Meal kits are designed with families in mind, offering a range of flavors and portion sizes that can feed multiple people over weeks, and many include meal planners to help organize daily intake. Individual bars, such as the 9‑bar 3600‑calorie packs, are perfect for single‑person emergency kits or for supplementing a family’s larger food stash. A combination of both—bulk meals for the household and bars for each family member’s personal kit—often provides the most comprehensive coverage.

Taste and variety are crucial for morale during prolonged emergencies; kits like Augason Farms and ReadyWise include dishes ranging from cheesy rice to lasagna, which can make long‑term storage feel less like a punishment. Food bars prioritize nutrition and shelf stability over flavor, though many brands now add appealing tastes like vanilla cookie or mocha to improve palatability. If you anticipate needing food for more than a few days, opting for a varied meal kit can help maintain appetite and mental well‑being.

A well‑rounded emergency plan includes a first‑aid kit, water purification tools, and basic shelter items; the Family Emergency Kit backpack combines food bars, water, and a 121‑piece first‑aid set for a compact solution. Survival bags like the 268‑piece kit add fire‑making tools, LED lighting, and a tactical cross‑body bag for organized storage. Pairing food with these essentials ensures you’re prepared for both nutrition and safety needs during a disaster.

Bulk meal kits are stored in large, watertight buckets or 4‑gallon pails that are sturdy but require space, while food bars come in vacuum‑sealed, resealable pouches or individual foil packs that fit easily into pockets or backpacks. The split‑lid design of the ReadyWise bucket doubles as a tray, adding convenience, whereas bar packs often feature bite‑size portions that can be eaten on the go without any preparation. Choose packaging based on your storage space and whether you need a quick grab‑and‑go solution.