Long-Term Emergency Food
Freeze-dried and dehydrated food packed for storage measured in decades rather than months, sold as pouches, buckets or cans.
Specifications are manufacturer-published figures compiled in August 2026. We have not independently tested this equipment. A dash means the figure could not be confirmed with the manufacturer.
Choose by brand
5 brands make long-term emergency food. Each brand page lists only that brand's models.
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Mountain House
US freeze-dried maker; states a 30-year shelf life across its range.
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ReadyWise
Bucket-packed entrées and breakfasts at high serving counts.
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Augason Farms
Bulk staples and long-duration buckets; the highest calories per dollar in the category.
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Nutrient Survival
Fortified freeze-dried meals formulated around micronutrient content.
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4Patriots
Direct-to-consumer kits sold by duration rather than serving count.
Every model compared
A "serving" is not a standard quantity and varies widely between brands, which is what makes serving counts a poor basis for comparison — total calories is the figure that compares. Every stated shelf life assumes cool, dry storage; sustained warmth shortens it substantially.
| Model | Format | Servings | Total calories | Stated shelf life | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain House Just In Case 3-Day | Pouches | 12 | ≈4,700 kcal | 30 years | Single person, three days |
| Mountain House Just In Case 14-Day | Pouches | 46 | ≈22,000 kcal | 30 years | Single person, two weeks |
| Mountain House Classic Bucket | Bucket of pouches | 24 | ≈7,000 kcal | 30 years | Stackable bucket |
| ReadyWise 5-Day Survival Backpack | Pouches in a pack | 32 | ≈5,400 kcal | 25 years | Carried, not stored |
| ReadyWise 120-Serving Entrée Bucket | Bucket | 120 | — | 25 years | Entrées only |
| ReadyWise 240-Serving Breakfast & Entrée | Two buckets | 240 | — | 25 years | Mixed meals |
| Augason Farms 30-Day 1-Person Supply | Pails | ≈307 | ≈36,000 kcal | 25 years | Highest calories per dollar in this table |
| Augason Farms 72-Hour 1-Person Kit | Pail | — | — | 25 years | Short-duration kit |
| Nutrient Survival 14-Day Food Supply | Cans and pouches | — | — | 25 years | Fortified with added vitamins and minerals |
| 4Patriots 3-Month Survival Food Kit | Sealed pouches in totes | — | — | 25 years | Sold by duration |
A dash means the figure could not be confirmed with the manufacturer. Compiled August 2026.