The 5 Best Survival Foods 2025
A close look at the best survival foods of 2025 — from compact, ready-to-eat MREs to bulk emergency meal kits with a 25-year shelf life. I’ve personally tried several of these kits during camping trips and preparedness drills, and this roundup reflects real-world testing and honest impressions.
Written By: Ian Freng-Meeteer
Last updated 5 April 2025
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links & we may receive a small commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
When it comes to prepping, I’ve learned one thing the hard way—not all emergency food is created equal. In 2025, with supply chains wobbling and uncertainty always lurking, it’s more important than ever to stock up on top emergency food kits that actually taste decent, last a long time, and offer solid nutrition.
After trying (and sometimes choking down) dozens of different kits over the years, I’ve rounded up my top picks for the best survival foods in 2025. These are perfect for long shelf life survival meals, ready-to-eat prepper food options, and making sure you’re covered when the unexpected hits.
Best Survival Foods 2025: My Top Picks for Long-Term Emergency Prep
What to Look for in a Survival Food & Kits
Before I jump into the list, here are a few things I always consider when evaluating survival food:
- Shelf life:
Most of my picks are good for up to 5–30 years without sacrificing quality - Calories per day:
It’s important to take into account how many calories you need under different circumstances. If you’re bugging out on foot you will be burning through a lot more calories than if you’re staying put. - Variety of meals:
(trust me, eating rice and beans for a week straight is soul-crushing) - Ease of preparation:
In high-stress situations where time is of the essence, simplicity is key. - Storage size and packaging
Are you going to be cooking in bulk? Do you want resealable packages? Would it fit in a bug-out bag? These are questions to ask when looking for the best survival food in 2025.
Whether you’re planning for bug-in scenarios, wilderness emergencies, or just peace of mind, this disaster food supply guide should help you make the right choice.
1. Mountain House Classic Emergency Food Bucket – Best Survival Food 2025
- DELICIOUS MEAL ASSORTMENT! Savor your next adventure with this easy to carry bucket consisting of 12 total meal pouches that are loaded with unbelievable flavor. This bucket contains 24 total servings of freeze-dried backpacker favorites.
- NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS OR COLORS – Meals included are (3) pouches of Beef Stew, (3) Beef Stroganoff, (2) Granola with Milk & Blueberries, (2) Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and (2) Chicken Fried Rice.
- QUICK PREP – Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. This pouch is wider and shorter, providing a great bowl-like experience. To prepare all meals in this bucket, 18 cups of water will be needed.
Mountain House is famous in the backpacking world, and they’ve earned their spot in my survival stash too. The Classic Bucket includes fan favorites like beef stew and lasagna. This is hands down the best-tasting freeze-dried meal kit I’ve tried. If you care about quality ingredients and flavor in a pinch, this one’s gold. The best part is the food is tasty and you don’t have to force it down, the packages are resealable and individual packages. This is perfect for long term storage or for putting into bug-out or go bags.
What We Like:
- 30-year shelf life (yes, 30!)
- No refrigeration needed (obviously)
- Individual pouches are resealable
- Highest quality and a very long track record of good food
Cons:
- Honestly, none really, other than the fact you will need a way to boil water.
2. Augason Farms 30-Day Emergency Food Supply
- QSS-certified food supply
- Averages 1,854 calories per day, 46G Protein Per Day, 307 Servings
- 13.51 kg watertight pail is easy to transport
If you’re looking for a comprehensive top emergency food kit for 2025, the Augason Farms 30-Day Emergency Food Supply is a standout option. This one really caught my eye because it offers an entire month of meals in one compact, easy-to-store pail. For me, that kind of all-in-one simplicity is hard to beat.
With 1,800+ calories per day, this kit provides enough energy to sustain one person through a full month of uncertainty—whether that’s a natural disaster, long-term power outage, or just wanting to stay ahead of inflation. It includes a solid mix of freeze-dried meals for preppers, including hearty breakfasts, entrees, and even snacks, all with a 25-year shelf life when stored properly.
I really appreciate the convenience here. The meals are super easy to prepare—just add water—and the packaging makes long-term storage totally hassle-free. It checks all the boxes for me when it comes to a reliable disaster food supply guide pick.
Pros of Augason Farms Emergency Food:
- Great calorie count and variety of meals
- 25-year shelf life
- Compact bucket design for easy storage
- Excellent value per serving
Cons:
- Requires boiling water for prep
- Not individually packaged for single meals
3. Wornick MRE’s – Best For Bug-Out Bags With No Prep Needed
- VERSATILITY: Perfect for emergency preparedness, outdoor activities, camping trips, and long-term food storage needs. Eat like a soldier, trusted by the US military
- CONVENIENCE: Ready-to-eat meals require no refrigeration, cooking, or additional preparation – just heat and serve. Each case has 12 meals inside
- SHELF LIFE: Extended storage capability makes these meals ideal for emergency situations and disaster preparedness. Inspection 2024, 2025 or later This is NOT THE EXPIRATION DATE. Can be consumed for many years after the pack date (which is always 3 years prior to inspection), as long as kept in a dry and cool environment.
When it comes to long shelf life survival meals, I always want something I know has been tested under real pressure. That’s why I was excited to include Wornick MREs in this roundup. These are the same kinds of meals used by the U.S. military, so they’re built for durability, efficiency, and nutrition in extreme conditions.
Each Wornick MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) comes fully self-contained—no water, stove, or extra gear needed. Inside, you’ll find an entrée, side dish, snack, dessert, and even utensils and a flameless ration heater. For me, the convenience alone makes this a top pick for any disaster food supply guide.
Pros of stocking MRE’s
- Good balance of calories and macros in each pack
- Perfect for bug-out bags or keeping in your vehicle (somewhere dark and away from sun of course)
- Five year shelf life on average
Cons:
- It’s an MRE (joke)
- Eating this type of food is an experience and I’d recommend, even though the quality is good, that you try one out before buying 10 cases of these things.
4. Peak Refuel Survival Food
- AMAZING TASTE & QUALITY – If you wouldn’t eat it at home, why take it into nature? What you eat matters and we have gone to great lengths creating a flavorful just add water backpacking meal for whatever adventure you are on, whether on the mountain or at your favorite campsite.
- 100% REAL MEAT & 2X THE PROTEIN – Peak Refuel will never use TVP or any other filler in the meat we use. Our meals will always contain 100% USDA inspected meat with nearly double the amount of protein per serving than most outdoor meals on the market.
- PREMIUM FREEZE-DRIED INGREDIENTS – Our meals are premium freeze-dried which locks in important nutrients, so your meal maintains its natural texture and flavor and tastes like it came straight from your house. We only source the highest quality, non-GMO ingredients. Never any junk or artificial preservatives.
I take these hiking all the time. While Peak Refuel is more expensive it is the best tasting I have had. The reason it is number 4 however is, like I said earlier, it’s EXPENSIVE. If you aren’t worried about budget though I would highly recommend this kit.
When I’m preparing for emergencies or planning extended outdoor adventures, I prioritize meals that are both nutritious and delicious. The Peak Refuel Bucket stands out in this regard. It offers 24 servings of premium freeze-dried meals, all made with 100% real meat, ensuring I get the protein and energy needed during demanding situations.
What I appreciate most is the quality of ingredients. There’s no use of TVP or fillers—just wholesome, satisfying meals that taste great. The meals are easy to prepare; just add hot water, and they’re ready in minutes. This convenience is invaluable, especially when resources are limited.
The bucket’s compact design makes storage straightforward, whether I’m keeping it in my pantry for emergencies or packing it for a camping trip. Plus, with a long shelf life, it’s a reliable addition to any disaster food supply guide.
Pros of Peak Refuel
- Made with 100% real meat; no fillers or TVP
- High protein content to sustain energy levels
- Quick and easy preparation—just add hot water
- Compact and durable packaging for easy storage
- Long shelf life suitable for emergency preparedness
Cons:
- Premium quality comes at a higher price point
- Requires access to hot water for meal preparation
5. Backpacker’s Pantry 3 Day Emergency Survival Meal Kit
- BE READY. Our 3-day meal kit with meat is ideal for backpacking & busy lifestyles, too. Includes: Granola w/ Bananas & Milk, Cinnamon Apple Oats, Summit Breakfast Scramble, Pad Thai w/ Chicken(2), Lasagna, Fettuccine Alfredo w/ Chicken (2), Chana Masala.
- READINESS GOES GOURMET. This 72-Hour Emergency Survival Kit with mixed protein for one person is essential for any emergency situation. It comes with enough meals to last an individual for up to three days.
- MULTI-USE MEALS. Enjoy freeze-dried meals packed with nutrients and flavor that are both healthy and convenient. This bundle provides great meal options whether you’re planning a hike in the mountains, or you find yourself in need of a quick meal.
If you’re looking for lightweight, high-quality meals with gourmet-level flavor, Backpacker’s Pantry really delivers. I’ve used their meals on backcountry hikes and was honestly surprised by how satisfying they were after a long day. This kit is designed for emergencies but clearly benefits from the brand’s experience in the outdoor industry. You get a mix of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners—all freeze-dried, packed with calories, and easy to prepare with just hot water.
From a prepping standpoint, this kit checks a lot of boxes: long shelf life (up to 25 years), compact packaging, and ingredients that are free of preservatives and artificial flavors. It’s definitely one of the more premium options in terms of taste.
Pros of this 3 Day Emergency Survival Meal Kit
- Delicious, chef-crafted recipes (even the breakfast!)
- Up to 25-year shelf life
- Freeze-dried meals = lightweight and compact
- Just add boiling water—no extra gear needed
- Great variety of meals across multiple days
Cons:
- Higher price point than more basic emergency food kits
- Not ideal for large families or long-term food storage
Final Thoughts Regarding The Best Survival Food Available in 2025
The last few years have proven how fragile our systems really are. Whether it’s wildfires, blackouts, or supply chain chaos, being ready isn’t about paranoia—it’s about peace of mind. Stocking up on freeze-dried meals for preppers and top emergency food kits for 2025 is one of the smartest decisions I’ve made, and I hope this guide helps you do the same.
If you’ve got a favorite kit I didn’t mention, let me know in the comments—I’m always up for trying something new.