Comparison: Best Sam’S Survival Food (Updated | Dec 3rd)
When disaster strikes or the power goes out, having reliable survival food can make all the difference. That’s why I put Sam’s Club survival food options to the test—because let’s face it, not all emergency meals are created equal. From taste and shelf life to ease of prep and value, I’ve eaten my way through the top contenders so you don’t have to guess. Let’s break down what really matters.
- Best for wild edible guide: Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: of Eastern and Central North America
- Best for 25-year entrees: Ready Hour 120 Serving Entree Bucket-Freeze Dried Emergency Food Supply-Survival Meals with Long Shelf Life-Prepper Essentials for Disaster
- Best for family flavor pack: 4Patriots Emergency Entree Food Kit – 128 Tasty Freeze-Dried MRE Survival Meals
- Best for grab-&-go bucket: ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply – 120 Servings Favorites Sample Bucket
- Best for versatile meal pail: AUGASON FARMS Emergency Food Supply Bucket
- Best for variety meal bucket: Lunch & Dinner Variety Kit Emergency Food Supply
- Best for 45-day survival pack: Augason Farms 45 Day Emergency Food Supply Kit
- Best for beans & rice: Ready Hour Beans Trio with Rice Kit Bucket (100 Servings) Survival Beans and Rice
- Best for high-calorie stockpile: AUGASON FARMS Emergency Food Supply Bucket
- Best for high-energy biscuits: Emergency Food Supply – Chocolate High Energy Bar Bisquit 20 Years Shelf Life
Product Comparison: Best Sam’S Survival Food
Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: of Eastern and Central North America
Ready Hour 120 Serving Entree Bucket-Freeze Dried Emergency Food Supply-Survival Meals with Long Shelf Life-Prepper Essentials for Disaster, Camping, Hiking, or Outdoor Use
- TASTES GREAT: Ready Hour freeze-dried food is designed for emergencies but tasty enough for everyday use.
- BE PREPARED: The world is unpredictable. Be ready for anything with our durable and flood-safe container which features a convenient handle for easy transport. Requires no refrigeration.
- LASTS UP TO 25 YEARS: Includes up to 120 total servings. Can be stored anywhere that offers a cool and dry environment.
- USE ONLY WHAT YOU NEED: Made for multiple uses; includes 22 resealable pouches that let you use only what you need and save the rest for later. Re-sealed pouches last up to a year.
- MADE IN THE USA from domestic and imported goods: We proudly manufacture and pack our foods in Salt Lake City, Utah.
4Patriots Emergency Entree Food Kit – 128 Tasty Freeze-Dried MRE Survival Meals, 25 Year Shelf Life
- 128 EMERGENCY FOOD SERVINGS: Family-favorite recipes like Nonna’s Secret Recipe Spaghetti, Cheesy Chili Mac and NEW Hearty Stroganoff. Each Entree Kit has a total of 31280 total calories. 128 servings designed to last up to 25 years. Get the energy and nutrients you need to survive an emergency situation.
- “DISASTER-RESISTANT” PACKAGING: Triple-layer Mylar pouches help protect your survival food. This packaging works as a barrier to help protect against things that can harm your freeze-dried survival food: air, light and moisture. Then we use a high-tech, high-capacity oxygen absorber to seal your food’s shelf life.
- EASY TO PREPARE, READY IN MINUTES: Tastes better than MRE meals, just add boiling water, simmer and serve. It takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. And with meals like America’s Finest Mac & Cheese, Fireside Stew & Frank’s Favorite Alfredo you’ll have a variety of emergency meals for your family.
- DELICIOUS & READY: Whether it’s for an emergency stockpile, preparing for a bug-out situation, or heading out on a camping trip, this survival food kit has you covered. With 128 tasty, shelf-stable servings, it’s perfect for long-term storage or enjoying at home. Lightweight, disaster-resistant packaging makes it easy to store or take on-the-go.
- HAND-PACKED IN THE USA: Proudly packed in American facilities, supporting U.S. jobs and local businesses. Each batch undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure long-lasting freshness, flavor, and nutritional value when you need it most.
ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply – 120 Servings Favorites Sample Bucket, Survival Food Kit, Freeze Dried Prepper Food & Dehydrated Meals for Camping Essentials & Backpacking, up to 25 Year Shelf Life
- THE ULTIMATE SURVIVAL ESSENTIAL: With 120 servings of entrées meals, ReadyWise Grab & Go Bucket is the perfect starting point for anyone serious about preparing for the future. Stay ready for anything, from power outages to outdoor adventures!
- STORED FOR THE FUTURE: Our bucket offers up to 25 years of shelf life, ensuring your emergency food supply stays fresh. Plus, its stackable design fits conveniently in your pantry, car, or backpack, making it ideal for long term food storage.
- ULTRA CONVENIENT: The split bucket lid is a game changer! It gives you quick access to your emergency food pouches and doubles as a tray and food holder for your servings. Just add water and enjoy a delicious premade meal! Yes, it’s that easy!
- ENJOY NUTRITIOUS MEALS: Our emergency supplies offer convenience and tasty, nutrient rich options, including Cheesy Macaroni, Lasagna, Teriyaki Rice, and Chicken Flavored Noodle Soup! Perfect for travel necessities, as well as home and kitchen use.
- OUTDOOR & HOME EMERGENCY: Our meals are your new ally for backpacking supplies or easy freeze dried food storage to keep you fueled during unexpected events or satisfy your craving for a delicious meal. Prepper with READYWISE!
AUGASON FARMS Emergency Food Supply Bucket, 200 Servings, Dehydrated Meal Kit, Variety Pail, Long Shelf Life Just-Add-Water Meals for Prepping, Disaster Survival, Camping, Hiking, and More
- BUILT TO LAST, READY WHEN YOU NEED IT – Packed in a sturdy, watertight pail, this emergency food kit is made for long-term storage. Even if you’re planning ahead or facing the unexpected, it’s easy to transport, stash and store anywhere life takes you.
- REAL MEALS THAT ACTUALLY TASTE GOOD – Forget bland survival food this kit brings comfort to the table. From cheesy rice and hearty soups to pancakes and oatmeal, every meal is warm, filling and full of flavor.
- JUST ADD WATER AND COOK – Meal prep gets easier with our dehydrated food. All it takes is water and a little heat to whip up these ready-to-cook dishes. No complicated instructions or extra ingredients required.
- STAY ORGANIZED WITH A 30-DAY MEAL PLANNER – Forget the guesswork. The included meal planner helps you stay on track, so you know exactly what to eat and when. Makes survival situations or outdoor adventures more manageable with premade meals.
- DESIGNED FOR VERSATILITY – From power outages to hiking trips, this survival kit is built for flexibility. It’s a go-to solution for home emergencies, car trunks, bug-out bags or any grab-and-go scenario.
Lunch & Dinner Variety Kit Emergency Food Supply, 113 Servings, 25 Year Shelf Life – Dehydrated Meals, Survival Food Camping Essentials, 4 Gallon Bucket
- LONG SHELF LIFE CAMPING COOKING ESSENTIALS – Designed for long term storage in your kitchen, camping supplies, or earthquake emergency kit, this bucket of dehydrated prepared meals ready to eat has 113 servings and a 25-year shelf life.
- EASY MEALS WITH LOTS OF VARIETY – Spanning 13 meal varieties and providing approximately 22,940 total calories inside a convenient 4 gallon bucket, these emergency supplies for instant meals are great for making quick, healthy lunches and dinners.
- JUST ADD WATER AND COOK – Just add water and heat on a stove to prepare these ready to eat meals, no advanced cooking equipment or skills needed.
- IDEAL FOR TRAVEL AND CAMPING MEALS – This shelf stable dehydrated food survival kit is stored in a durable 4 gallon pail that is portable, convenient, and perfect for outdoor camping food meals or at-home meal prep.
- QUICK MEALS AND PREPARED FOODS – Augason Farms Lunch & Dinner meals ready to eat include lasagna marinara, fettuccine alfredo, creamy rice & vegetables, macaroni and cheese, stroganoff pasta, cheesy broccoli rice, Spanish rice, creamy potato soup, cheesy broccoli soup, vegetable stew, black bean burger mix, instant mashed potatoes, and chocolate pudding.
Augason Farms 45 Day Emergency Food Supply Kit, Dehydrated Meal Survival Food Bucket for 1 Person – 281 Servings
- LONG SHELF LIFE FOOD – Designed to sustain 1 adult for 45 days or a small group for shorter duration, this dehydrated food stock for emergency situations has 281 servings and a 25-year shelf life
- LOTS OF VARIETY AND NUTRIENTS – Spanning 14 meal varieties and providing approximately 1,218 calories and 35 grams of protein per day, these emergency supplies are great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- JUST ADD WATER AND COOK – Just add water and heat on a stove to prepare these ready to eat meals, no advanced cooking equipment or skills needed
- EASY STORAGE AND TRAVEL – This shelf stable food survival kit is stored in a durable 8.5 gallon pail that is portable, compact, and ideal for prepping supplies for long term use
- CAMPING FOOD SURVIVAL KIT – Augason Farms emergency food kits with 45 days of meals ready to eat include lasagna marinara, pancakes/waffles, fettuccine alfredo, creamy rice & vegetables, macaroni and cheese powder, broccoli and cheese rice, Spanish rice, creamy potato soup, cheesy broccoli soup, vegetable stew, oatmeal, creamy wheat, chocolate pudding, and whey milk drink
Ready Hour Beans Trio with Rice Kit Bucket (100 Servings) Survival Beans and Rice, Survival Food Storage, Emergency Preparedness Food, Prepper, Easy Prep, 30-Year Shelf Life
- YOUR EMERGENCY FOOD FOUNDATION: Beans and rice are essential staples in any long-term food supply. In addition to being hearty and filling foods, they can be combined with just about anything to make a delicious, balanced meal.
- REAL, FLAVORFUL FOODS: This kit includes five different foods, all real and full of flavor. Dig into our Long Grain White Rice, Southwest Rice, Black Beans, Red Beans, and Pinto Beans.
- CONVENIENT COOKING: In an emergency, time is of the essence! These foods are easy to prepare. Just boil water, pour in the contents of each pouch, then cook. Your beans and rice will be ready to eat in under 30 minutes!
- ROBUST PACKAGING: These foods are sealed inside quadruple-wrapped, resealable pouches. The pouches are packed into a rugged, water-resistant bucket with a collapsible handle designed for grab-and-go transport.
- LONG SHELF LIFE: These foods are preserved and packaged to last up to 30 years in storage. They will be ready for you whenever you need them, be that tomorrow or decades away!
AUGASON FARMS Emergency Food Supply Bucket, 176 Servings, Dehydrated Meal Kit, Variety Pail, Long Shelf Life Just-Add-Water Meals for Prepping, Disaster Survival, Camping, Hiking, and More
- 176 Servings
- 26,440 Total calories
- 2,203 Calories Per Day
- (16) Pouches with (7) Food Varieties
- Up to a 20 Year Shelf Life.
Emergency Food Supply – Chocolate High Energy Bar Bisquit 20 Years Shelf Life, Mre Meals Military 2024 Rations Survival Food – Survival 1-Day Ration Camping Hiking Supplies
- 🏕️ High Energy Biscuits – Is a compressed type biscuit in vacuum package, it is supplemental bar containing cereals and other high energy foods targeted at people who require quick energy but do not have time for a meal.
- 🏕️ Energy Value – 1 block of at least 1125 kcal (4700 kJ). One block contains 4 biscuits, each weighing 62.5 grams.
- 🏕️ Shelf Life and Storage Conditions – The shelf life of biscuits in the original packaging is 20 years. We recommend storing in a dry, dark place. If you removed the original packaging, but did not remove the transparent film from the biscuits, you must use them within 6 months. If you have removed the transparent film from the biscuits, they should be consumed within 2 months if stored in a dry, dark place.
- 🏕️ Indispensable – Any hike: from climbing the mountains to a simple trip to nature with tents. But the bisquit is truly indispensable if you are a climber, hunter, hiker or long hiker when there is no way to camp or cook.
- 🏕️ Nutrition Facts – This is not a complete daily diet for an adult. Biscuits is an emergency food ration. It contains the necessary elements and vitamins to maintain the vital activity of your body in extreme situations. Also, for survival, it is imperative to consume fresh water.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I prioritize when choosing an emergency food supply?
Focus on shelf life, calorie density, and variety of meals to ensure you have balanced nutrition over time. Look for products with easy‑to‑prepare meals that only require water and heat. Also consider packaging durability and whether the kit includes resealable pouches for portion control.
How does the Ready Hour 120‑Serving Bucket compare to the ReadyWise 120‑Serving Bucket?
Both offer 120 servings and a 25‑year shelf life, but Ready Hour emphasizes great taste and includes 22 resealable pouches for flexible use. ReadyWise adds a split‑lid design that doubles as a tray, making meal prep quicker, and lists specific menu items like Cheesy Macaroni and Lasagna. Pricing and brand preference may tip the balance.
Is a larger serving count always better value?
Not necessarily; larger kits like the Augason Farms 200‑Serving Bucket provide more meals per purchase, but they also require more storage space and upfront cost. Smaller kits such as the Ready Hour Beans Trio (100 servings) focus on staple items like beans and rice, offering a lower price per serving for core nutrition. Evaluate your storage capacity and how many people you need to feed.
What are the advantages of triple‑layer Mylar packaging?
Triple‑layer Mylar pouches, used by the 4Patriots kit, protect food from air, light, and moisture, extending shelf life and preserving flavor. This “disaster‑resistant” barrier also works with high‑capacity oxygen absorbers to keep meals fresh for up to 25 years. It adds a premium cost but offers peace of mind for long‑term storage.
Do these kits provide enough protein for an adult’s daily needs?
Most kits aim for around 2,000‑2,500 calories per day, with protein levels ranging from 30‑35 grams per day, as seen in the Augason Farms 45‑Day Supply. While sufficient for short‑term emergencies, you may need to supplement with additional protein sources if you have higher requirements. Check the nutrition label for each meal to confirm protein content.
Which kit offers the most meal variety?
The Lunch & Dinner Variety Kit (113 servings) includes 13 distinct meals, from lasagna to chocolate pudding, providing the broadest menu selection. The 4Patriots kit follows with several family‑favorite entrees, while the ReadyWise and Ready Hour buckets have fewer, but still diverse, options. Variety can reduce menu fatigue during prolonged emergencies.
How important is the ease of preparation in an emergency situation?
Ease of preparation is critical; most kits require only water and heat, but some add conveniences like ReadyWise’s split‑lid tray for quick serving. Look for clear instructions, short cooking times (typically 10‑15 minutes), and minimal equipment needs. Simpler meals reduce stress and conserve limited resources during a crisis.
Are high‑energy biscuits a good supplement to a freeze‑dried meal kit?
High‑energy biscuits, such as the Chocolate High Energy Bar Bisquit, provide a compact source of calories (about 1,125 kcal per block) and are useful for quick energy boosts. They are not a complete daily diet but complement freeze‑dried meals by offering convenient snacks when cooking isn’t possible. Store them in a dry, dark place to maintain their 20‑year shelf life.