1. How much food do you need?
People
Days to cover
Rough guide of 2,000 calories per adult per day. Kids, active people and cold weather change this. Pets: keep at least the same number of days of their normal food, sealed, plus any medication. See the pet plan.
Your top pick
Build in layers
Days 1 to 3: use fresh food first
Use perishables first. A closed fridge stays cold for a limited time, so plan to eat fresh food early, then shelf stable food.
Days 3 to 14: pantry
Canned meals, rice, pasta, oats, peanut butter, crackers, dried fruit, shelf stable milk. Things your family will actually eat.
Back up: emergency food
Freeze dried and long life meals that only need hot water, or none. Check the label for storage life and cooking needs.
Do not forget
- A manual can opener
- A safe way to heat food and water. Camp stoves and barbecues are for outdoors only.
- Infant formula, pet food and special diet items
- Disposable plates and utensils to save water
Emergency food brands to compare
When comparing, look at servings per kit, calories per serving, cooking requirements, allergens and the storage life stated on the product page. Compare price per serving, not just price per kit.
Emergency food kits and individual meals. Check what each kit includes and the stated storage life.
- Kits sized by days and people
- Compare calories per kit, not servings
- Check allergens and shelf life
Freeze dried meals and bulk food storage. Compare serving counts and preparation needs.
- Freeze-dried meals and bulk items
- Compare calories, water needed and shelf life
- Confirm shipping to your country