The Best Emergency Food Kits, Recommended by Disaster Relief Experts
Here’s how to make sure you’re ready for when the unexpected happens.
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This summer has been an unfortunate reminder that you truly can’t predict the weather. Especially if you live in a region where weather events — such as earthquakes, floods, wildfires or hurricanes — can disrupt access to food, knowing you have an emergency kit and food supply on hand that will support your family for at least a few days can give you peace of mind.
Gathering emergency food supplies is no longer just something doomsday preppers are doing; it’s something everyone who is kept up at night worrying about the wild weather can do to be prepared. We asked disaster relief experts for recommendations on the best emergency food supplies that are practical and tailored to different household needs. Here’s what they suggest stocking up on, including vegetarian options and food for young children.
One of the easiest ways to stock up on food is with a food kit specifically made for emergencies. (They are popular among campers, too.) “Generally speaking, complete food kits can be convenient, but if your family has any specific nutritional needs, you may have to gather additional supplies,” says Jason Pack, a retired FBI supervisory special agent and FEMA external affairs officer.
When looking for complete food kits, Pack recommends choosing one that contains nutrient-rich meals that don't require cooking or refrigeration. He also recommends food kits in plastic containers to protect them from moisture, debris and other environmental elements.
More than 5,000 Amazon shoppers have bought and rated this food kit, with the vast majority giving it a perfect five-star rating. It includes 14 days' worth of food for one person, and everything is vegetarian. It includes instant oatmeal, instant white rice, barbecue beans, macaroni and cheese, and pasta alfredo, among other meals.
Amazon shoppers who bought this food kit and left reviews mentioned how sturdy the bucket is, which keeps the food well-protected from water damage. They also like how easy everything is to prepare — just add water. (You don't need the stress of figuring out how to make your meals during a disaster.)
As for the taste of the food, reviews are mixed, but Pack says not to get too hung up on that. What's most important, he says, is that the food is nutrient-dense, filling and has a long expiration date. This food kit checks all three of those boxes.
| Number of servings | 150 |
| Shelf life | 25 years |
Augason Farms Breakfast and Dinner Variety Kit
Another Amazon top-rated food kit, the Augason Farms food kit has 13 different entree options for breakfast and dinner, including chicken noodle soup, macaroni and cheese, and creamy potato soup. Breakfast options include six-grain cereal with freeze-dried bananas and maple brown sugar oatmeal. To prepare any of the meals, simply add water.
There's a reason why meals like chicken noodle soup and macaroni and cheese are so popular in food kits. Ryan Majewski, the general manager at Certified Water and Fire Restoration, says eating familiar, comforting foods is essential during a crisis when everything else seems out of your control.
The long shelf life of this food kit is another reason to consider it. Everything inside can last between 10 and 25 years.
| Number of servings | 106 |
| Shelf life | 10–25 years |
Inside this food kit, you'll find comforting meals like chili beans and mac, creamy risotto and cheesy broccoli soup, all freeze-dried in resealable pouches. Like the others, it doesn't require any refrigeration and is protected by substantial plastic. However, the entrees do require heat from a stove or camp stove to make, which is something to keep in mind.
Amazon shoppers who bought and reviewed this food kit like how easy it is to move around; the handle makes it easy to carry, even though it's moderately heavy. Everything is also well-labeled, so it's easy to find a meal you'd like to eat; there's no guessing what anything is.
In terms of taste, some reviewers enjoyed the meals, while others found them a bit bland. However, as Pack said, no emergency food kit is going to taste as good as home-cooked food, but what's most important is that it will help you survive a disaster.
| Number of servings | 120 |
| Shelf life | 25 years |
Other emergency food supplies to consider
- Protein bars: Suzi Berrios, the vice president of marketing at DollarDays, which provides emergency supplies to nonprofits and schools, says that protein bars can be a handy option for breakfast or snacks. “They’re one of the most convenient and energy-rich items,” she says. Choosing a variety pack, like this one from Clif Bar, will prevent you from getting sick of the flavors.
- High-protein snacks: In addition to protein bars, Majewski says to include other high-protein snacks in your food kit, such as these Wagyu beef steak strips, which are a step above beef jerky. Individual nut butter packs also top the experts’ list because they're high in protein, satiating, something both kids and adults love and don't take up much space. Trail mix is another shelf-stable, high-protein snack that's a good addition.
- Water: “FEMA and the CDC recommend that you plan for a three-day water supply, with at least one gallon of water per day per person. This accounts for drinking water, food preparation and sanitation needs. So, if you are a family of four, plan to store at least 12 gallons of water,” Berrios says.
- Canned goods: Canned foods are known for their long shelf life and can be great additions to an emergency food stash. For vegetarians and vegans, canned lentils are a versatile protein option. If possible, look for high-protein canned foods that don't require a can opener, such as Wild Planet's ready-to-eat tuna salad.
- Kid-friendly food and drinks: Especially if you have kids, all of the experts agree that shelf-stable milk is a good emergency kit staple because it doesn't require refrigeration (unless it's been opened). They recommend opting for individual-sized servings, which are easier to travel with if you do need to leave your home. For food options, Majewski recommends having a kid-friendly canned pasta on hand, as it is something familiar.
- Pet food: If you have any furry family members, you'll want to aim for a three- to seven-day supply of pet food and water on hand. Dry kibble in airtight, waterproof containers can work, and be sure to rotate what's inside regularly. Canned pet food with pop-top lids is also a good idea to have accessible.
How much food should you have and how long should it last?
Pack says that your emergency food kit should have enough food and water to last 72 days. “The power might be out, roads could be blocked and help could take days to arrive. Having an emergency food and water supply is one of the most important ways you can protect your family,” he says.
GH's registered dietitians recommend planning for roughly 2,000 calories per adult per day, with adjustments made for children and older adults. They also advise checking expiration dates regularly and rotating supplies as needed. Setting aside key utensils, such as a manual can opener, and even pet food if needed, can be a smart move.
What type of items should my food kit have?
Pack and Majewski both say that what’s most important is to stock your emergency kit with familiar foods that you and your family will eat under stress. Think about what’s comforting to you and your kids. Then, look for shelf-stable, freeze-dried versions that don’t require cooking or refrigeration.
All of the experts agree that it’s essential to find ready-to-eat meals that are both nutrient-rich and satisfying. That means choosing foods with a high protein content. Berrios says that ideally, the food will be ready-to-eat right out of the packaging and doesn’t require a can opener. (The fewer barriers between you and your food, the better.)
What should my emergency food kit contain if I have kids?
When it comes to preparing ready-to-eat meals for your kids, all three experts agree that familiarity is key. Berrios says that sweet treats can go a long way in terms of a morale boost, so be sure to include some along with the more nutrient-rich foods. Taking into account any specific allergies or nutritional needs is also important. Some kid-friendly, non-perishable items may include:
- Applesauce cups or pouches
- Fruit cups in 100% juice
- Dried fruit
- Whole-grain crackers
- Instant oatmeal packets
- Granola bars
- Shelf-stable milk
- Nut butter packets
- Canned pasta and soup
- Baby food jars and pouches
Pack says not to forget about diapers, formula, medications or anything else specific to your child’s needs.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emily Laurence has been reporting on wellness, lifestyle and social justice for more than a decade. Before becoming a freelance journalist, she worked at Well+Good, Seventeen magazine and ELLE.com, among other publications. In addition to regularly writing about health, she is also a certified health coach.
Jason Pack is a retired FBI supervisory special agent and FEMA external affairs officer. He has spent more than 30 years in public safety, responding to major disasters including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the Boston Marathon bombing and numerous floods and hurricanes across the country.
Ryan Majewski is the general manager at Certified Water and Fire Restoration. His team is responsible for disaster response after floods, fires and major storms. Being among the first people in the home once immediate danger has passed provides Majewski with a unique perspective of what really holds up in an emergency kit, especially when power, water or gas are out for days.
Suzi Berrios is the vice president of marketing at DollarDays, which provides emergency supplies to nonprofits and schools.
Emily is a freelance writer and certified health coach who specializes in writing about mental health, fitness, healthy food, and social justice issues. Emily spent six years as an editor and writer at Well+Good, covering everything from food trends to serious issues like the opioid crisis in America and gun violence. She has also worked at Seventeen, Elle, and Twist magazines. She regularly writes for publications including Forbes, Parade, Shape, and The Huffington Post. Emily lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her cat Evie.
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