Emergency Food Storage Comparison
Having a reliable food supply is essential for any emergency preparedness plan. This comparison examines the most popular emergency food storage options, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and best use cases to help you make an informed decision for your specific needs.
| Feature | Mountain House | Augason Farms | ReadyWise | Valley Food Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelf Life | 30 years | 10-25 years | 25 years | 25 years |
| Taste Quality | Excellent | Good | Good | Very Good |
| Preparation | Add water directly to pouch | Add water to pouch or container | Add water to pouch or container | Add water to pouch or container |
| Packaging | Pouches, #10 cans, buckets | Pouches, #10 cans, buckets | Pouches, buckets | Pouches, #10 cans, buckets |
| Calories/Day | 1,800-2,000 | 1,800-2,000 | 1,500-1,800 | 1,800-2,000 |
| Ingredient Quality | Good (some additives) | Moderate (more additives) | Moderate (more additives) | Excellent (fewer additives) |
| Dietary Options | Some gluten-free | Limited | Some gluten-free, vegetarian | Gluten-free, dairy-free options |
| Variety | Good (40+ meal options) | Excellent (60+ options) | Good (35+ meal options) | Good (30+ meal options) |
| Cost (30-day) | $300-400 | $150-200 | $180-230 | $250-300 |
| Cost Per Serving | $8-12 (pouches) $3-5 (bulk) | $1.50-3.00 | $2.00-3.50 | $2.50-4.00 |
| Availability | Widely available | Widely available | Moderate availability | Limited (mostly online) |
| Our Rating | 4.6/5.0 | 4.2/5.0 | 4.0/5.0 | 4.4/5.0 |
Key Differences
Taste and Preparation
Mountain House consistently ranks highest for taste quality, with meals that closely resemble their fresh counterparts. Their unique pouch design allows for direct preparation without additional cookware, which is a significant advantage in emergency situations with limited resources. Valley Food Storage offers the next best taste experience with more natural ingredients, while Augason Farms and ReadyWise provide acceptable but less impressive flavor profiles that often benefit from additional seasoning.
Value and Cost Efficiency
Augason Farms stands out as the clear value leader, offering the lowest cost per serving while still maintaining a respectable shelf life and acceptable taste. Mountain House commands a premium price that reflects its superior taste and industry-leading 30-year shelf life guarantee. ReadyWise positions itself as a mid-range option, while Valley Food Storage justifies its higher price point with cleaner ingredients and fewer preservatives. When calculating long-term value, consider both the upfront cost and the likelihood of rotation and actual consumption.
Packaging and Storage
All four companies offer their products in various packaging options, but with notable differences. Mountain House's pouch design is optimized for direct preparation, reducing the need for additional cookware. Augason Farms excels in bulk storage options with their #10 cans and bucket systems that maximize space efficiency. ReadyWise focuses on grab-and-go solutions with their pouch-heavy lineup, while Valley Food Storage offers perhaps the most durable packaging materials for long-term storage integrity.
Ingredient Quality and Dietary Considerations
Valley Food Storage leads in ingredient quality with fewer preservatives, artificial flavors, and additives. They also offer the most comprehensive selection for those with dietary restrictions. Mountain House provides good quality ingredients with some additives for flavor enhancement and preservation. Augason Farms and ReadyWise contain more artificial ingredients and preservatives, which contributes to their lower price point but may be a concern for those prioritizing clean eating even in emergency situations.
Variety and Customization
Augason Farms offers the widest variety of products, including individual ingredients in #10 cans that allow for customized meal preparation. This approach provides flexibility for those who want to create their own recipes or enhance pre-made meals. Mountain House focuses on complete meals with fewer individual components. ReadyWise and Valley Food Storage fall somewhere in between, offering both meal kits and some individual components, though not to the extent of Augason Farms' selection.
Best For Scenarios
Mountain House
Best For:
- Bug-out bags and evacuation kits
- Camping and outdoor adventures
- Those prioritizing taste and simplicity
- Situations where cooking equipment is limited
- Those willing to pay premium for quality
Augason Farms
Best For:
- Budget-conscious preppers
- Large families needing substantial supplies
- Those wanting individual ingredients for customization
- Long-term home storage solutions
- Bulk preparedness on a limited budget
ReadyWise
Best For:
- Entry-level preppers
- Those seeking balanced cost and quality
- Grab-and-go emergency kits
- Smaller storage spaces
- Those who value simplified meal options
Valley Food Storage
Best For:
- Health-conscious preppers
- Those with dietary restrictions
- Families concerned about additives and preservatives
- Those seeking better nutrition in emergency food
- Mid to long-term storage needs
Building a Comprehensive Food Storage Plan
For optimal emergency preparedness, consider implementing a layered approach to food storage:
Layer 1: Short-Term Emergencies (0-2 weeks)
For immediate emergencies lasting days to a couple of weeks, Mountain House pouches provide the ideal combination of convenience, taste, and simplicity. Their direct-in-pouch preparation method requires minimal resources and provides satisfying meals during the high-stress initial phase of an emergency.
Layer 2: Medium-Term Needs (2 weeks-3 months)
As an emergency extends beyond the initial phase, incorporate more economical options like ReadyWise or Valley Food Storage meal kits. These provide good nutrition and variety at a more sustainable price point, while still offering relatively simple preparation.
Layer 3: Long-Term Sustainability (3+ months)
For extended emergencies, Augason Farms' bulk storage options and individual ingredients allow for the most economical and flexible meal planning. Their #10 cans of basic ingredients enable you to create varied meals and avoid food fatigue over extended periods, while their lower price point makes stocking deep supplies more affordable.
Conclusion
Each emergency food storage option offers distinct advantages for different scenarios:
- Mountain House excels in taste, simplicity, and convenience, making it ideal for short-term emergencies and situations where cooking resources are limited.
- Augason Farms provides exceptional value and versatility, perfect for budget-conscious preppers looking to establish deep supplies for extended emergencies.
- ReadyWise offers a balanced middle-ground approach with reasonable prices and acceptable quality, suitable for those just beginning their preparedness journey.
- Valley Food Storage delivers cleaner ingredients and better dietary options for those unwilling to compromise on food quality even in emergency situations.
Rather than relying exclusively on one brand, consider building a diversified food storage plan that leverages the strengths of each company. This approach provides maximum flexibility and ensures you're prepared for emergencies of any duration while balancing budget constraints with quality considerations.
For more detailed information on each emergency food option, be sure to read our comprehensive individual reviews.