When buying long term food storage, most people choose to buy a pre-built package of freeze-dried or dehydrated meals through a preparedness store online.
You can get some great deals on packages that will last you from 3 months up to a year's worth of food.
This can save you money and time. But there are a few things to keep in mind before buying. Here they are:
Please Note: While every effort is made to stay up to date, products mentioned and terms of partner offerings may change at any time. We do not sell, ship or otherwise guarantee any products on offer at other websites mentioned on this page.
#1 How Much Food Are You Getting Per Day?
For example, one package may give you 2000 calories per day per person and another will give you 1200 calories per day per person. Some packages may includes snacks and fruits and vegetables whereas some packages may only give you 2 or 3 main meals a day.
Usually more calories per day will cost you more - so it really depends on how much you think you'll need. It also depends on if you have kids and if you're planning on 3 meals a day, 2 meals a day, snacks etc.
I personally like Wise Foods' food storage calculator to help you calculate what you'll need for both adults and children
#2 Do You Want Freeze Dried or Dehydrated Food?
Freeze dried meals generally taste better and are more nutritious than dehydrated foods - so they can be more expensive. They are also easier to prepare - which is what you may want in times of emergency and stress.
Dehydrated foods however can give you more variety. You can find packages with all freeze dried foods (most expensive), all dehydrated foods (least expensive) or a mix of both (less expensive).
#3 Do You Want Ready-Made-Meals - or Do It Yourself?
Some packages include all ready made meals - where you just add water and stir. Others will include flour, baking soda, salt, sugar and other essentials where you will have to do more than add water. You will have to actually cook and prepare the food.
So it depends on what you want. Most people prefer ready made freeze dried meals since they require no prep. Others like the variety of having baking mixes, flour, beans, sugar etc to whip up meals on their own.
Remember however that you won't suddenly turn into Martha Stewart in an emergency and be able to whip up pancakes or blueberrry muffins for breakfast. Simple is usually better.
Final Note:
So those are 3 questions to consider when buying your long term storage food. For some of the best places to purchase emergency long term packages see our long term food storage page.
