In an emergency, having access to calorie-dense, nutrient-rich food can make all the difference in your survival and well-being. Emergency food ration bars are designed for this exact purpose: to provide you with the sustenance you need during a crisis.
According to a study by the Institute of Medicine, nutritional needs can change under stress. Under stressful situations, the body generally requires more calories, fat, and carbohydrates, which are essential for maintaining high energy levels, among other nutrients.
According to the most recent studies, women may need up to 2,400 calories daily, with men requiring up to 3,000 calories daily. This makes it crucial to have high-calorie food sources loaded with macronutrients and micronutrients during emergencies.
Whether you’re facing a natural disaster, an unexpected power outage, or any other situation that disrupts your regular food supply, the right emergency food ration bars can keep you and your family going until the situation improves.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best emergency food ration bars on the market, so you can make an informed decision when stocking your emergency kit. Please keep reading to find the best emergency food ration bars and what to look for when purchasing them.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Emergency ration bars provide essential calories and nutrients to help you stay energized during crises.
- Grizzly Gear Emergency Food Rations are the top pick due to their high calorie content, durability, and dietary inclusiveness.
- When choosing emergency food bars, consider caloric content, nutritional value, shelf life, and dietary needs.
- Non-thirst-provoking formulas are essential for conserving water during emergencies, making certain bars more suitable.
The Best Food Ration Bars for Emergencies: Reviews
We’ve compiled a list of the four best emergency food ration bars to provide you and your family with a steady supply of calories and nutrients during the most challenging times.
Let’s start by looking at our number one pick, the Grizzly Bear Emergency Food Rations.
Grizzly Gear Emergency Food Rations
Grizzly Gear Emergency Food Rations are a solid pick for anyone looking to bolster their emergency food supply with a reliable, nutrient-packed option. At just under $21 per pack, you get nine bars, each with 400 calories, totaling 3600 calories to help sustain you for up to three days.
With a non-thirst-provoking formula and the ability to handle extreme temperatures, Grizzly Gear Rations are built for all kinds of emergency scenarios. Plus, their compact size and Kosher and Halal certifications make them accessible to everyone, no matter the situation.
Let’s find out what makes the Grizzly Gear Emergency Food Rations a solid choice.
Features and Benefits
Here are the main features to consider with the Grizzly Gear Emergency Food Rations:
Rich in Calories
Each pack of Grizzly Gear Emergency Food Rations contains 3600 calories, with each bar providing 400 calories. You’ll get 46 grams of carbs, 21 grams of fat, and 12 grams of sugar per bar, along with substantial amounts of iron, calcium, and key vitamins like D, A, C, E, and B6. This balanced nutrition mix is designed to keep you energized and functioning when needed.
Non-Thirst Provoking
One of the standout features of these rations is their non-thirst-provoking formula, which helps minimize the need for extra water. This is especially useful in emergencies where clean drinking water might be in short supply, allowing you to conserve your water for other essential needs.
Resistant to Temperatures
Grizzly Gear Rations are made to withstand extreme temperatures, so whether you’re dealing with freezing cold or scorching heat, these bars remain stable and ready to eat. This makes them a reliable option for various emergencies, giving you peace of mind knowing your food supply is durable and dependable.
Great Dietary Compatibility
These rations meet Kosher and Halal standards, making them suitable for individuals with specific dietary requirements. This feature is particularly valuable in emergencies, ensuring that people from different backgrounds can rely on these bars when shared resources are necessary.
Compact and Portable
These bars are designed for easy storage and portability and fit perfectly into bug-out bags, emergency kits, or your vehicle. Their compact size means you can have access to a reliable food source wherever you are, whether you’re on the move or hunkered down at home.
Long Shelf Life
With a shelf life of up to 5 years, Grizzly Gear Emergency Food Rations are perfect for long-term storage. You can stash them away, knowing they’ll stay fresh and nutritious, ready to provide sustenance whenever needed.
Pros
- High calorie content (3600 calories per pack) supports up to three days of nutrition.
- Non-thirst provoking.
- Can handle extreme temperatures.
- Kosher and Halal certified.
- Compact and easy to store.
- Packed with essential vitamins and minerals for balanced nutrition.
Cons
- Texture is not the most appealing.
- Limited flavor variety, currently available in lemon vanilla only.
Grizzly Gear Emergency Food Rations offer a great mix of balanced nutrition, durability, and convenience, making them a reliable addition to any emergency food plan. However, if you’re looking for food rations that are more affordably priced and individually packed, the Ready Hour Emergency Food Rations may be a better choice.
Ready Hour Emergency Food Rations
Ready Hour Emergency Food Rations are a great choice to increase emergency preparedness with a reliable, calorie-packed food source.
For just over $10, each pack offers an affordable way to get through the day, providing 2400 calories to keep you going in any situation.
Each pack contains 12 bars, each delivering 200 calories, making it easy to stay energized.
These bars are compact, easy to stash away, and have a solid five-year shelf life, making them perfect for bug-out bags, car kits, or just keeping on hand at home. With only six all-natural ingredients, you get essential nutrients without unnecessary additives.
Let’s find out what makes the Ready Hour Emergency Food Rations an excellent choice for emergencies.
Features and Benefits
Here are the main reasons to consider Ready Hour Emergency Food Rations:
Calorie-Dense Nutrition
Each Ready Hour Emergency Food Ration bar contains 200 calories, totaling 2400 calories per pack, which is designed to keep you fueled for a full day. With a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, these bars provide essential nutrients to keep your energy levels up during emergencies. This nutrient-dense formula is designed to help you stay focused and feel full, even when options are limited.
Long-Term Storage
With a five-year shelf life, these bars are made for long-term storage. Each bar is individually wrapped, adding an extra layer of protection and making it easy to grab just one bar when needed. The packaging is designed to handle a variety of storage conditions, whether they’re in your pantry, basement, or even your vehicle. You can rest easy knowing these bars will hold up and be ready when you need them most.
Convenient and Portable
Their compact size makes Ready Hour Emergency Food Rations incredibly easy to store and carry. You can toss a few packs in your bug-out bag, keep them in your car, or stash them in any small space at home, ensuring you always have a reliable food source nearby. Whether at home, on the road, or exploring the outdoors, these bars are an easy and convenient way to stay prepared.
Pros
- Provides a full day’s worth of calories.
- Affordable at just over $10, making it an economical daily survival option.
- Five-year shelf life with individually wrapped bars for convenience.
- Compact and portable, ideal for bug-out bags, cars, or emergency kits.
- Balanced mix of carbs, proteins, and fats to keep energy levels steady.
- Stores well in various environments, from your pantry to your vehicle.
Cons
- Not suitable for specific dietary restrictions (e.g., Kosher, Halal).
- Each pack is only designed to last for a day.
Ready Hour Emergency Food Rations are convenient, portable, and easy to store. They’re loaded with a balance of nutrients and are dense in calories, enough to get you through a difficult day. That said, if you need more calories in your system, the S.O.S Rations Emergency Bar is likely a better choice.
S.O.S. Rations Emergency 3600 Calorie Food Bar
S.O.S. Rations Emergency 3600 Calorie Food Bars are a practical and tasty solution for emergency food needs. Priced just under $25, each pack includes nine pre-scored bars, each providing 400 calories, making it simple to portion your daily intake.
Available in two flavors, cinnamon and coconut, these bars help avoid taste fatigue and add a little morale boost during challenging times.
They’re packed with essential nutrients and are Coast Guard-approved with a five-year shelf life, so you can rely on them to stay fresh. Compact, durable, and easy to store, S.O.S. Rations are ideal for everything from hiking and camping to long-term emergency preparedness.
Let’s look at the main features of these S.O.S Rations.
Features and Benefits
Here are the main reasons to consider S.O.S. Rations Emergency Food Bars:
High in Calories
Each S.O.S. Rations pack contains 3600 calories, with each bar providing 400 calories. These bars are rich in nutrition, containing 6 grams of protein, 53 grams of carbs, 18 grams of fat, and 31 grams of sugar per bar.
They also deliver substantial amounts of iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, making them a balanced option to keep you fueled in emergencies. This mix of nutrients helps maintain energy levels and physical well-being when access to food is limited.
Non-Thirst Provoking
A standout feature of S.O.S. Rations is their non-thirst-provoking formula, which helps reduce the need for extra water. This is particularly valuable when drinking water is restricted or not readily available. You can conserve your water supply while maintaining energy levels, making these bars a smart choice for emergencies.
Coast Guard Approved Five-Year Shelf Life
S.O.S. Rations Emergency Food Bars are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for their five-year shelf life, ensuring durability and reliability under various climatic conditions. Each bar is designed to sustain life until rescue or additional food becomes available, giving you peace of mind that they’ll be ready when you need them most.
Flavor Variety
Available in cinnamon and coconut flavors, S.O.S. Rations help combat taste fatigue, a common issue with emergency food. The variety lets you switch things up and keep morale high when facing long-term emergencies or extended reliance on rations.
Versatile Use and Portability
These bars are compact, easy to transport, and versatile enough for various situations. Whether hiking, camping, or preparing for long-term emergencies, their small size and durable packaging make them easy to store in your backpack, vehicle, or emergency kit. They’re designed for easy rationing, making them a good fit for individual and group scenarios.
Cost-Effective Solution
At just under $25 per pack, S.O.S. Rations provide a budget-friendly way to ensure you have a reliable food source in emergencies. With a high calorie-to-weight ratio, these bars are an economical choice compared to other emergency food options like freeze-dried meals or MREs.
Pros
- High calorie content (3600 calories per pack) with nine pre-scored 400-calorie portions.
- Available in two flavors, cinnamon and coconut.
- Coast Guard-approved five-year shelf life, reliable in all weather conditions.
- Compact and portable.
- Non-thirst-provoking formula minimizes the need for additional water.
- Cost-effective with a good calorie-to-weight ratio.
Cons
- May not be suitable for those with specific dietary restrictions.
With two flavors available, a good deal of calories and nutrients, and a long shelf life with the ability to withstand harsh conditions, these S.O.S. Rations make for a great investment. However, if you’re looking for a more lively vanilla and lemon-flavored food ration bar, the below option could be right for you.
Mainstay Emergency Food Rations Review
Mainstay Emergency Food Rations are dependable for anyone looking to build their emergency food stash with a practical and long-lasting food source. At just under $23, each pack contains nine 400-calorie bars, totaling 3600 calories.
Loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, these rations are designed to provide crucial sustenance when you need it most. Built to withstand extreme temperatures from -40°F to 300°F, they’re ideal for storage in various settings like vehicles, boats, or emergency kits.
Plus, with Kosher and Halal certifications, they’re ideal for a broad range of dietary needs. The non-thirst-provoking formula and a five-year shelf life make Mainstay Emergency Food Rations a reliable go-to for emergency preparedness.
Let’s look at them to find out what they bring to the table.
Key Features and Benefits
Here’s why Mainstay Emergency Food Rations might be the right fit for your emergency kit:
High-Calorie Nutrition
Each pack delivers a total of 3600 calories, with each bar packing in 400 calories. The bars provide a balanced mix of 46 grams of carbs, 14 grams of sugar, 2 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of protein per serving.
They’re also fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, including 50% of your daily vitamin A, 60% of vitamin C, and 50% of calcium. This nutrient-rich profile ensures you get the energy and nutrients needed to keep going when times get tough.
Keeps You Hydrated Longer
One standout aspect of Mainstay Rations is the non-thirst-provoking formula, which helps minimize your need for extra water. This is a crucial benefit in scenarios where water access is limited, letting you conserve your supply while still maintaining your energy and focus.
Coast Guard Approved Longevity
The U.S. Coast Guard approves these rations, and they meet SOLAS 74/83 standards, along with a five-year shelf life. This seal of approval means they’re built to last in a wide range of environments, so you can store them confidently in your emergency kit, knowing they’ll be ready when needed. This makes emergency ration bars ideal for your hurricane emergency preparedness kit.
Extreme Temperature Resilience
Mainstay Rations are designed to handle extreme temperatures, from frigid -40°F cold to scorching 300°F heat. Whether you store them in a hot car, a freezing boat, or a survival shelter, these bars remain stable and ready to eat, making them perfect for emergencies.
Inclusive Dietary Certifications
Mainstay Emergency Food Rations cater to diverse dietary requirements, being certified Kosher and Halal. This makes them a versatile choice for emergency situations where shared food resources are necessary, ensuring that everyone can benefit.
Easy to Carry and Store
Compact and lightweight, these rations are easy to stash in your bug-out bag, emergency kit, or car. Their durable packaging means you can always have a reliable food source on hand, wherever you are.
Pros
- Nine 400-calorie bars per pack, easy to portion and share.
- Five-year shelf life; withstands extreme temperature ranges.
- Packed with essential vitamins and minerals for added nutrition.
- Non-thirst-provoking to help manage water needs.
- Certified Kosher and Halal, accommodating various diets.
Cons
- Limited flavor options, which might lead to taste fatigue.
- Texture is not fantastic.
These Mainstay Rations are a great option if you need a dependable, affordable, and nutrient-packed emergency food supply. However, if none of these options suit your needs and require something that will keep you going for several weeks, this 14-Day Emergency Food Supply Kit is perfect.
Now that we’ve covered the four best emergency food ration bars, let’s examine what you need to pay attention to when purchasing any such product.
How to Choose the Best Emergency Ration Bars
Although emergency ration bars are an essential part of any prepper’s kit, not all bars are created equal. Some are packed with more nutrients, while others are better for specific dietary needs.
Before you stock up, consider key factors such as caloric content, nutritional value, shelf life, and whether the foods meet your dietary requirements.
Here’s what you need to know to make the best choice:
Caloric Content
When it comes to emergency rations, calories are key. The average woman needs between 1,600 to 2,400 calories daily, while men typically require between 2,000 and 3,000, depending on factors like age, activity level, and health.
Your emergency bars should ideally provide a significant portion of these daily needs to keep your energy up when it matters most.
For instance, Grizzly Gear Emergency Food Rations deliver 400 calories per bar and 3,600 calories per pack, giving you enough to last up to three days. Mainstay and S.O.S. Rations offer similar calorie counts, making them solid choices for longer emergencies.
Nutritional Value
You also need a balanced mix of carbs, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. Carbs and fats are your primary energy sources, while proteins are crucial for muscle maintenance and immune support. Essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, and D help keep your body functioning at its best, even in stressful situations.
Grizzly Gear Rations, for example, pack 46 grams of carbs, 21 grams of fat, and 3 grams of protein per bar, along with a solid dose of key vitamins and minerals. This balance is designed to keep you fueled and focused, helping you stay sharp when food options are limited. Make sure your chosen bars have the right mix to keep you feeling strong and healthy.
Shelf Life and Long-Term Storage
Shelf life is a big deal when it comes to emergency food. Ideally, you want bars that last at least five years so you can stash them away and forget about them until you need them.
Most bars, like S.O.S. and Mainstay, have a five-year shelf life and can handle extreme temperatures, from freezing cold to blistering heat. This makes them versatile enough to store in your car, boat, or emergency kit.
Packaging is also key. Individually wrapped bars, like those from Mainstay, offer extra protection from moisture and other elements, making them more durable in tough conditions such as for flood-related emergencies. Look for bars that are built to last, so you can count on them staying fresh and ready to eat.
Dietary Needs
Everyone has different dietary needs, and it’s important to choose bars that accommodate them. Some options, like Mainstay and Grizzly Gear, are Halal and Kosher certified, making them suitable for a wide range of diets. It’s also essential to check for allergens, like peanuts or gluten, especially if you have specific restrictions.
Inclusive options can be crucial, particularly in emergency scenarios where resources must be shared.
Non-Thirst Provoking Formula
One standout feature of many emergency ration bars is their non-thirst-provoking formula. This is a game-changer in emergencies where water is scarce, as these bars are designed to minimize the need for extra hydration.
Options like Grizzly Gear and Mainstay bars are formulated this way, allowing you to conserve water for other essentials while still keeping your energy levels up. To ensure that you’re well hydrated during emergencies, this six-pack of AquaBrick Water Storage Containers makes a great addition to your emergency food rations.
Taste and Variety
While taste might not seem a top priority, it can make a huge difference during extended emergencies. Bars like S.O.S. Rations, which come in cinnamon and coconut flavors, help break up the monotony and keep morale high when relying on them daily. A little variety can go a long way in making tough times more bearable.
Texture matters too, as some bars can be dense or hard to chew, which might be a deal-breaker for some. Try a sample first to see if the taste and texture work for you before committing to a larger purchase.
The Number One Best Emergency Food Ration Bar: Final Thoughts
Emergency food ration bars are essential for any preparedness plan, providing critical sustenance during unexpected situations. Our top pick, Grizzly Gear Emergency Food Rations, stands out due to their balanced nutrition, non-thirst-provoking formula, and versatility in extreme temperatures.
With 3600 calories per pack, they offer a reliable energy source lasting up to three days, making them perfect for extended emergencies. Their compact size, durable packaging, and dietary inclusiveness (Kosher and Halal certifications) make them an excellent choice for diverse needs.
Whether you’re preparing for a natural disaster or simply stocking your emergency kit, investing in quality emergency food rations like Grizzly Gear ensures you’re ready to face any challenge confidently. That said, Batten Safe has plenty of other food and water supply options and great survival kits for when times get tough!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Look for in Emergency Ration Bars for Children?
Choose bars with appropriate calorie content for children, ensure they meet dietary restrictions, and use a non-thirst-provoking formula to help conserve water.
Can I Eat These Bars If I Have Food Allergies?
Check the ingredient list carefully. Many bars are free from common allergens like peanuts and gluten, but always verify to ensure they meet your specific dietary needs.
How Should I Store Emergency Food Rations?
Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Most bars are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, making them suitable for vehicles and emergency kits.
How Often Should I Rotate My Emergency Food Supply?
Emergency food rations typically have a five-year shelf life, but it’s a good idea to check them annually to ensure the packaging remains intact and the food hasn’t been compromised.
