Augason Farms Emergency Food Supply Review

Augason Farms has established itself as one of the most accessible and budget-friendly emergency food storage options on the market. After extensive testing of their various product lines, we've found that while they may not offer the gourmet experience of some premium competitors, they provide reliable, calorie-dense nutrition at a price point that makes comprehensive emergency preparedness achievable for most families.

The company offers three main product categories: complete emergency kits (ranging from 72-hour to 1-year supplies), individual entrées in pouches, and #10 cans of single ingredients. This versatility allows preppers to either purchase complete solutions or build customized stockpiles based on their family's preferences and nutritional needs. All products are manufactured in the United States at their Salt Lake City, Utah facility, which has been producing emergency food since the company's founding in 1972.

The emergency kits represent the most straightforward approach to preparedness. These come in sturdy, stackable buckets containing sealed Mylar pouches of various meals. The 30-day supply, one of their most popular options, provides approximately 1,800-2,000 calories per day—sufficient for maintaining energy during emergency situations. Our testing found the packaging to be robust and well-designed for long-term storage, with clear labeling and easy-to-follow preparation instructions. The buckets themselves serve as valuable storage containers after the food is consumed, adding to their utility in emergency scenarios.

Taste testing revealed that Augason Farms meals are generally acceptable but not exceptional. The Italiano Marinara scored highest among our testers with a 4/5 rating and was particularly popular with children. The Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal and Strawberry Flavored Creamy Wheat both received 3/5 ratings, with testers noting that while they provided good nutrition, they benefited significantly from additional sweeteners or mix-ins. The Morning Moo's Milk Alternative divided opinion—it doesn't taste like milk but rather has a vanilla milkshake flavor that some enjoyed while others found off-putting.

One of the most appreciated features across multiple products was the separate packaging of components in meals like the Elbow Macaroni, which received a 4/5 taste rating and was a favorite among child testers. The separate cheese and pasta packets allowed for better portion control and maintained better texture than pre-mixed alternatives. This thoughtful packaging approach was consistently highlighted as a practical advantage by our testing team.

The #10 cans offer excellent versatility for those who prefer to create their own meals or supplement the pre-made options. These cans contain everything from powdered eggs and cheese to freeze-dried vegetables and fruits, with most offering a 25-year shelf life when unopened. Once opened, contents typically remain usable for up to a year when properly stored. Our testers found these individual ingredients particularly valuable for enhancing the flavor and nutritional profile of the pre-made meals, effectively addressing the bland taste that was the most common criticism.

In terms of preparation, all Augason Farms products are designed to be simple to make, requiring only the addition of water. While hot water produces the best results, our testing confirmed that cold water preparation is possible in situations where heating isn't an option—though texture and taste are somewhat compromised. Most meals rehydrate within 10-15 minutes, making them practical for emergency situations where time and resources may be limited.

Value is where Augason Farms truly distinguishes itself from competitors. Their 30-day supply typically costs between $150-200, significantly less than comparable options from brands like Mountain House or Valley Food Storage. This price advantage becomes even more pronounced when considering the 25-year shelf life, which brings the effective annual cost of emergency preparedness down to just a few dollars per year. For budget-conscious preppers looking to establish a comprehensive food storage program, this value proposition is compelling.

Nutritionally, Augason Farms products provide adequate calories and basic nutrition for survival situations, though they aren't formulated with the same attention to complete nutritional profiles as some premium competitors like Nutrient Survival. The focus is clearly on providing filling, calorie-dense options that will sustain energy rather than delivering optimal nutrition. For long-term emergency situations, supplementing with multivitamins or additional nutrient sources would be advisable.