Imagine a sudden emergency – a fire, a power outage, or something more serious. You have minutes to grab your Go Bag and leave. But is your Go Bag ready? Does it have food that will actually keep you going and taste good?
Choosing the right food for your Go Bag can feel overwhelming. You want food that lasts a long time, is easy to prepare, and gives you the energy you need. But what if you pick food that spoils quickly, needs a lot of cooking, or just tastes terrible? That’s a problem when you’re already stressed.
This post will help you solve that problem. We’ll explore the best food options for your Go Bag, making it easy to pack smart. You’ll learn what to look for, what to avoid, and how to build a Go Bag food supply that gives you peace of mind.
Let’s dive in and make sure your Go Bag is ready for anything, starting with delicious and reliable food.
Top Go Bag Food Recommendations
- 72 HOUR EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLY Provides 3600 total calories designed to help support short-term emergency preparedness needs during disasters, evacuations, hurricanes, floods, storms, and unexpected emergencies.
- LONG 5 YEAR SHELF LIFE Sealed for long-term storage with durable packaging designed to help maintain freshness and readiness. Ideal for emergency kits, bug out bags, vehicles, boats, and home preparedness supplies. Products in this category are commonly designed for multi-year storage durability.
- READY TO EAT VANILLA POUNDCAKE FLAVOR No cooking or preparation required. Features a mild vanilla poundcake flavor designed for emergency situations while remaining easy to store and transport.
- NON-THIRST PROVOKING FORMULA Specially formulated emergency ration bars designed to help minimize thirst during survival situations where access to water may be limited. This is a common feature highlighted in emergency ration products.
- Contains 9 pre-measured 400 calorie emergency food rations, to last one person up to three days
- USCG approved for 5 year shelf life within its durable, air sealed Mylar packaging to ensure preservation under all climatic conditions
- These emergency bars are non-thirst provoking, with a pleasant blueberry flavor. Kosher and it meets the dictates for Halal
- These food bars provide sustenance for 72 hours, or 3 days at 1200 calories per days
- SURVIVAL ESSENTIAL: With 60 servings of freeze dried breakfasts & entrées, the READYWISE Survival Backpack is a dependable bug out bag for staying prepared during outages, natural disasters, unexpected emergencies, or for your outdoor adventures!
- FUTURE-READY: Our go-to bags offer up to 25 years of shelf life, ensuring your food supply stays fresh. Plus, its tactical-inspired design keeps your survival gear and supplies organized, making it ideal for long term food storage & quick access too.
- ULTRA CONVENIENT: The adjustable strap of READYWISE Survival Grab Bag makes it easy to carry and is a game changer in making long term food storage simple. It also gives you quick access to your pouches for protein meals whenever you need them!
- EASY MEALS: Our go bag also offers the “just add hot water” convenience with quick, nutrient rich meal options, just like our Cheesy Macaroni, Creamy Pasta & Vegetables, the Crunchy Granola, & more to enhance your outdoor meals reliably.
- Each Packet Contains 9 Fortified Food Bars Providing 3682 Kcal (15, 460 Kj)
- Us Coast Guard Approved For 5 Year Shelf Life Under All Climatic Conditions
- Country Of Origin : United States
- Designed To Sustain Life Until Rescue Or Additional Food Is Available
- 20 SERVINGS OF EMERGENCY FOOD: This emergency food supply doesn't compromise on taste. Enjoy a variety of delicious recipes like Grammy’s Sweet Oatmeal & America’s Finest Mac & Cheese. Enjoy about 6 servings/day for breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks. 72-Hour Kit has an average of 4,800 total calories (approx. 1,600 per day - you may want or need more+) for energy & nutrients to survive an emergency.
- “DISASTER-RESISTANT” PACKAGING: Triple-layer Mylar premium packaging works as a barrier to help protect against things that can harm your survival food: air, light & moisture. We use a high-tech, high-capacity oxygen absorber to suck OUT any excess air.
- DESIGNED FOR SURVIVAL OR ADVENTURES: Whether you're rounding out your survival stockpile, bugging out, or taking the family camping, this survival food will help keep you prepared. The lightweight, disaster-resistant packaging is perfect for stashing away or to bring on-the-go.
- EASY TO PREPARE, READY IN MINUTES: Tastier than MRE meals, just add boiling water, simmer and serve. It takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. With meals like Creamy Rice & Vegetable Dinner, you have a delicious variety of emergency food for your family.
- THE ULTIMATE SURVIVAL ESSENTIAL: With 120 servings of entrées meals, ReadyWise Grab & Go Bucket is the perfect starting point for anyone serious about preparing for the future. Stay ready for anything, from power outages to outdoor adventures!
- STORED FOR THE FUTURE: Our bucket offers up to 25 years of shelf life, ensuring your emergency food supply stays fresh. Plus, its stackable design fits conveniently in your pantry, car, or backpack, making it ideal for long term food storage.
- ULTRA CONVENIENT: The split bucket lid is a game changer! It gives you quick access to your emergency food pouches and doubles as a tray and food holder for your servings. Just add water and enjoy a delicious premade meal! Yes, it's that easy!
- ENJOY NUTRITIOUS MEALS: Our emergency supplies offer convenience and tasty, nutrient rich options, including Cheesy Macaroni, Lasagna, Teriyaki Rice, and Chicken Flavored Noodle Soup! Perfect for travel necessities, as well as home and kitchen use.
- TASTES GREAT: Ready Hour Freeze dried fruits and veggies are made for emergencies but tasty enough for everyday use.
- BE PREPARED: The world is unpredictable. Be ready for anything with our durable and flood-safe container which features a convenient handle for easy transport. Requires no refrigeration.
- 30 YEAR SHELF LIFE: Includes 56 total servings. Can be stored anywhere that offers a cool and dry environment.
- USE ONLY WHAT YOU NEED: Made for multiple uses; includes seven resealable pouches that let you use only what you need and save the rest for later. Re-sealed pouches last up to a year.
- Amazing Taste - No longer do you need to compromise taste for convenience! Our Biscuits & Sausage Gravy contains high quality ingredients to ensure an appetizing and nutritious meal while on the trail. What you eat matters and we have gone to great lengths creating a meal with non-GMO ingredients so you can experience a flavorful just add water backpacking meal whether on the mountain or at your favorite campsite.
- 34 Grams Protein/Pouch - This meal contains 100% real meat, with no meat fillers! We provide a meal loaded with protein required to conquer any adventure. Our meats are sourced from trusted suppliers and inspected by the USDA. This results in a superior quality you can enjoy. Pro Tip: Before adding water, break apart biscuits into smaller pieces if desired.
- Premium Freeze-Dried - The freeze-drying process locks in important nutrients offering a meal with a natural taste and texture, just like it came straight from your house. So whether you are camping deep in the backcountry or on a day hike along your favorite trail, enjoy a delicious and easy to prepare meal loaded with important nutrition.
- Specs: 6.77 oz net wt. Preps in 10 mins with 10.5 oz boiling water. Prepare and eat in pouch. MRE
Your Go-Bag Food: Ready for Anything!
When disaster strikes, having a go-bag is super important. This bag has everything you need to survive for a few days. Food is a big part of your go-bag. You need food that stays good for a long time and gives you energy. This guide will help you pick the best food for your go-bag.
What to Look For: Key Features of Go-Bag Food
- Long Shelf Life: This is the most important thing. Your food should last for years without going bad. This means you can pack it and forget about it until you need it.
- Nutritious: Go-bag food needs to give you energy and keep you healthy. Look for foods with protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
- Easy to Prepare: In an emergency, you won’t have fancy kitchens. Your food should be easy to make. Many go-bag foods just need water and a little heat, or no cooking at all.
- Lightweight and Compact: Your go-bag needs to be easy to carry. So, the food inside should not be too heavy or take up too much space.
- Taste: While survival is key, food that tastes good makes a big difference. You’ll be more likely to eat it if you enjoy it.
Important Materials: What Makes Go-Bag Food Great
Go-bag foods use special packaging and ingredients to stay fresh. You’ll often see:
- Mylar Bags: These shiny bags keep out air and moisture. This stops the food from spoiling.
- Oxygen Absorbers: Small packets that soak up extra oxygen inside the bag. Less oxygen means food lasts longer.
- Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated Ingredients: Water is removed from these foods. This makes them light and prevents spoilage.
- Sturdy Packaging: Food comes in cans, pouches, or buckets. This protects it during storage and transport.
What Makes Food Better or Worse for Your Go-Bag?
Quality Boosters:
- High-Quality Ingredients: Foods made with real fruits, vegetables, and meats are usually tastier and more nutritious.
- Variety of Meals: Having different kinds of meals, like breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, keeps things interesting.
- Added Vitamins and Minerals: Some foods have extra nutrients added. This is great for your health.
Quality Reducers:
- Lots of Fillers: Foods with too much sugar, salt, or cheap fillers are not the best for survival.
- Poor Packaging: If the bags or containers are weak, they might let in air or get damaged.
- Very Short Shelf Life: If you have to replace the food often, it’s less convenient and can be more expensive.
User Experience and Use Cases: How You’ll Use Your Go-Bag Food
Go-bag food is designed for emergencies. Think about:
- Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, or wildfires can disrupt food supplies. Your go-bag food is ready.
- Power Outages: If the power goes out for a long time, you can’t cook or keep food cold. Your go-bag food is a lifesaver.
- Camping and Outdoor Adventures: This food is also great for trips where you need lightweight, long-lasting meals.
- Bug-Out Situations: If you need to leave your home quickly, your go-bag food is already packed and ready to go.
The experience should be simple. Open the package, add water if needed, and eat. It should provide comfort and sustenance when things are tough.
Go-Bag Food: Your Top Questions Answered
Q: What is the most important feature of go-bag food?
A: The most important feature is its long shelf life. It needs to stay good for many years.
Q: What kind of packaging is best for go-bag food?
A: Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers are excellent. They keep the food safe from air and moisture.
Q: Does go-bag food need to be cooked?
A: Many go-bag foods do not need cooking. Some just need hot water, while others are ready to eat.
Q: How long can go-bag food last?
A: High-quality go-bag food can last 20 to 30 years or even longer.
Q: Is go-bag food expensive?
A: It can vary. Buying in bulk or for longer periods can sometimes save money in the long run.
Q: What are some common types of go-bag food?
A: Common types include freeze-dried meals, dehydrated fruits and vegetables, energy bars, and canned goods.
Q: Should I taste my go-bag food before storing it?
A: It’s a good idea to try a meal to make sure you like the taste. This way, you know you’ll eat it when you need it.
Q: How much food should I store for my go-bag?
A: A good rule is to have at least three days’ worth of food per person in your household.
Q: Can I store regular canned food in my go-bag?
A: Yes, regular canned food can be stored, but it is often heavier and may not last as long as specialized go-bag food.
Q: What are some signs that go-bag food has gone bad?
A: Signs include bulging cans, leaks, strange smells, or mold. If you see any of these, throw the food away.
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