A food storage kit gives a family a ready supply of meals for emergencies, power cuts or tight times. The best long term food storage kits are easy to store, simple to prepare and made for a long shelf life.
The six kits below cover freeze-dried buckets, pouch assortments and larger supplies. We have not used these kits ourselves, so confirm serving counts, contents and allergen details on the current listing before you buy. Think about storage space, since a kit for several people can take up a shelf or two.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Servings | Check the number of servings and how many days they cover |
| Shelf life | Long shelf life is the point, so read the maker’s claim |
| Prep | Most need only hot water, but some need cooking |
| Allergens | Read the contents for gluten, soy, dairy and nuts |
| Packaging | A bucket or tote keeps the kit tidy and protected |
| Calories | Compare the calories per day, not just the number of servings |
Specs at a Glance
| Kit | Format | Prep | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain House Just In Case Bucket | Freeze-dried pouches in a bucket | Add hot water | Well-known brand |
| Augason Farms Emergency Food Supply | Mixed pouches and cans | Mostly add water | Large-supply options |
| ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply Bucket | Freeze-dried pouches in a bucket | Add hot water | Easy-store bucket |
| Wise Company Emergency Food Supply | Pouches in a bucket or bag | Add water | Long-running emergency brand |
| My Patriot Supply Emergency Food Supply | Pouches in a bucket | Add hot water | Family-sized options |
| Legacy Premium Food Storage Kit | Pouches and cans | Add water or cook | Meal variety |
The 6 Best Long-Term Food Storage Kits
1. Mountain House Just In Case Bucket
A bucket of freeze-dried meals from a trusted outdoor brand. The pouches mainly need hot water, which keeps prep simple in an emergency.
Suits: emergency meals. Strengths: a recognized name and easy prep. Weaknesses: limited variety by bucket. Skip it if you want bulk staples.
View Mountain House Just In Case Bucket on Amazon
2. Augason Farms Emergency Food Supply Kit
A mix of staples and meals from a long-time food storage brand, sold in several sizes. Some options include grain, beans and ready meals for stretching a supply.
Suits: large household supplies. Strengths: a range of kit sizes. Weaknesses: more cooking in some kits. Skip it if you want ready-to-eat only.
View Augason Farms Emergency Food Supply Kit on Amazon
3. ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply Bucket
A freeze-dried food kit in a stackable bucket, meant for easy storage in a closet or garage. It covers breakfasts, entrees and sides.
Suits: compact storage. Strengths: an organized bucket. Weaknesses: check serving sizes. Skip it if you want fresh variety.
View ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply Bucket on Amazon
4. Wise Company Emergency Food Supply
A well-known emergency food brand with buckets and bags of freeze-dried meals and snacks. The pouches are meant for long shelf life.
Suits: long shelf life. Strengths: an established prepper brand. Weaknesses: some meals are heavy on grains. Skip it if you want specialty diets.
View Wise Company Emergency Food Supply on Amazon
5. My Patriot Supply Emergency Food Supply
A family-oriented kit of freeze-dried and dehydrated meals sold in several sizes. The packaging is designed for storage and the meals mostly need water.
Suits: families building a supply. Strengths: several kit sizes. Weaknesses: check allergens. Skip it if you want single-serve packs.
View My Patriot Supply Emergency Food Supply on Amazon
6. Legacy Premium Food Storage Kit
A kit of pouches and cans with a variety of entrees, breakfasts and sides. Legacy sells in sizes suited to different household needs.
Suits: meal variety. Strengths: a broad menu. Weaknesses: some prep needed. Skip it if you want the lightest option.
View Legacy Premium Food Storage Kit on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Store in a cool, dark, dry place.
- Keep kits off the floor and away from heat.
- Label with the date you bought them.
- Plan water and a stove or kettle too.
- Open and taste a pouch so you know what to expect.
- Review your kits once or twice a year and note any that need replacing.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Counting calories without checking serving sizes.
- Storing kits in a hot attic or garage.
- Ignoring dietary needs.
- Forgetting to plan for water.
- Buying once and never rotating.
- Assuming one kit will cover every dietary need.
Food Storage Kit FAQ
How much food does a family need?
It depends on size and activity, so compare serving counts to your household.
How long do these kits last?
Makers state long shelf lives, but storage temperature matters.
Do they need cooking?
Many only need hot water, but check each kit.
Are kits enough on their own?
They are a starting point, so add staples, water and comfort foods.
Can kids eat them?
Most are fine for children, but check the ingredient list and any allergens first.
Should I add other foods?
Yes. Add comfort foods, spices and any dietary needs that the kit does not cover.
What if I have food allergies?
Read each ingredient list closely, and consider building your own supply from single-ingredient staples.
The Short Version
For a trusted name, the Mountain House. For large supplies, the Augason Farms. For easy storage, the ReadyWise. For a classic brand, the Wise Company. For family sizes, the My Patriot Supply. For variety, the Legacy.