The Best 72-Hour Food Kit

When disaster strikes, access to food is one of the most significant issues you’ll face. Therefore, you want to be prepared with a reliable 72-hour food kit that provides the sustenance you need to ride out the worst of the storm.

However, with so many available options, choosing the right 72-hour food kit for your needs can take time and effort.

That’s why we’ve researched and tested many options to bring you the best 72-hour food kits, ensuring you’re ready for any emergency.

We’ve compiled a list of the four best 72-hour food kits, each with unique offerings and features, so you can choose the one that suits your needs.

Continue reading to find the best 72-hour food kit to keep you alive when times are tough.

Key Takeaways

• A good emergency food kit should provide at least 1,500-2,000 calories per day per person, ensuring adequate energy and balanced nutrition to sustain you through a crisis.
• Products like the 4Patriots 72-Hour Survival Food Kit and Augason Farms 72-Hour Food Kit offer up to 25 years of shelf life, allowing for long-term storage without worrying about food spoilage.
• Kits like the Survival Frog 72-Hour Emergency Food Kit are designed for quick preparation, often requiring just water, making them ideal when resources and time are limited.
• Many kits, including the Ready Hour 72-Hour Food Kit, are packaged in lightweight, durable containers, making them easy to transport and store in different locations, from homes to vehicles.
• Choosing high-quality, comprehensive food kits that include a variety of meals, such as those from 4Patriots and Augason Farms, ensures you are better prepared to handle diverse emergency scenarios, keeping you both nourished and at ease.

Best 72-Hour Food Kits: Reviews

Here, we have a selection of four 72-hour food kits, each designed to provide the nutrients and caloric intake required to keep you alive. Let’s start by looking at the Survival Frog 72-Hour Emergency Food Kit.

Survival Frog 72-Hour Emergency Food Kit

The Survival Frog 72-Hour Emergency Food Kit is the number one choice for a 72-hour food kit. It is a valuable addition to any emergency preparedness plan and is designed to provide reliable nutrition and peace of mind in critical situations.

This kit is ideal for anyone looking to ensure they have a dependable food source during emergencies, whether you’re preparing for natural disasters, road trips, or unexpected events.

With over 2,000 calories per day, 16 servings, and an impressive 25-year shelf life, the Survival Frog kit is both tasty and convenient. Its compact, grab-and-go packaging makes it perfect for home storage and portability.

Let’s find out why the Survival Frog 72-Hour Emergency Food Kit is ideal for emergencies.

Features and Benefits

Here are the best features of the Survival Frog 72-Hour Emergency Food Kit:

2,000+ Calories Per Day / 6,400 Total Calories

The Survival Frog 72-Hour Emergency Food Kit provides over 2,000 calories per day, for 6,400 calories for 72 hours. This high-calorie content ensures you have the energy to manage stressful situations and emergencies without worrying about running low on fuel.

25-Year Shelf Life

One of the standout features of this emergency food kit is its impressive 25-year shelf life. The food is packaged in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers, and then carefully stored in a sturdy bucket to protect it from sunlight and pests. This extended shelf life allows you to store the kit for long-term emergency preparedness, ensuring your food remains fresh and safe to consume when needed.

Variety of Tasty Meals

The kit includes four delicious foods packed in Mylar bags: crunchy banana chips, maple brown sugar oatmeal, mushroom rice pilaf, and creamy chicken-flavored rice. The combination of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks provides various food options and allows you to maintain a regular meal routine as you usually would.

Easy to Prepare – Just Add Water

The meals are designed for simplicity, requiring only water for preparation. This ease of use ensures you can quickly and efficiently prepare meals even in challenging conditions, saving time and effort when it matters most.

Compact and Portable Packaging

This emergency food kit is packaged in a sturdy and convenient stackable bucket with handles. It is easy to store and transport. Its compact, grab-and-go design makes it ideal for various emergencies, whether sheltering in place, packing it in your car, or moving.

Handpacked in the U.S.A.

The Survival Frog 72-Hour Emergency Food Kit is handpacked in the U.S.A., ensuring a high standard of quality and attention to detail in its preparation. This feature adds to the food kit’s reliability and trustworthiness.

Pros 

• Provides 2,000 calories per day for 72 hours
• Contains a variety of 16 servings of easy-to-prepare meals
• 25-year shelf life, suitable for long-term storage
• Compact, grab-and-go packaging for portability
• Packaged in a sturdy and stackable bucket with handles

Cons

• Some meals require substantial amounts of water to prepare

The Survival Frog 72-Hour Emergency Food Kit stands out for its excellent balance between nutrition and convenience. It is a versatile and practical choice for various situations and an excellent emergency food kit to keep in your car.

If the foods included here don’t suit your tastes, you might enjoy the selection in the following 72-hour emergency food kit better.

Ready Hour 72-Hour Food Kit

The Ready Hour 72 Hour Food Kit is an excellent choice for anyone looking to prepare for emergencies with a reliable food supply. Designed to provide an average of 2,000 calories per day for three days, this kit is perfect for those who need to stay energized and alert during challenging emergencies.

It features four delicious meal options, like homestyle potato soup and creamy chicken-flavored rice, ensuring you don’t have to sacrifice taste for convenience. With a 25-year shelf life and lightweight, portable packaging, the Ready Hour kit offers long-term storage without worrying about food spoilage.

Let’s discuss why the Ready Hour 72-Hour Food Kit makes for an ideal 72-hour emergency food kit.

Features and Benefits

Here are the best features of the Ready Hour 72 Hour Food Kit:

Calorie-Dense Nutrition

The Ready Hour 72-Hour Food Kit provides an average of 2,000 calories per day for three days. This high-calorie density ensures you have enough energy to navigate emergency situations effectively without the risk of running out of nourishment.

Tasty Meal Options

This kit includes four delicious and easy-to-prepare meals: homestyle potato soup, creamy chicken-flavored rice, Maple Grove oatmeal, and mac and cheese. These options provide a variety of flavors, making sure that even in emergencies, you can enjoy satisfying and comforting meals. It’s certainly one of the best-tasting emergency food kits out there.

Long-Term Storage

Thanks to its 25-year shelf life, the Ready Hour Food Kit is built for long-term storage. The meals are carefully packaged and sealed to prevent spoilage or loss of quality over time, allowing you to store them for years without concern.

Portable Packaging

The Ready Hour Food Kit comes in lightweight, portable packaging that is easy to store in your home, vehicle, or bug-out bag. It weighs just over 3lbs, with dimensions of 10” x 14.2” x 3”. This makes it versatile and ensures you’re always prepared, whether on the move or staying put.

Pros

• Provides an average of 2,000 calories per day for 72 hours
• Includes four flavorful meal options
• 25-year shelf life, making it a reliable option for long-term storage
• Lightweight, portable packaging ideal for home, car, or bug-out bags

Cons

• Requires a good deal of water to prepare

If you’re looking for a good mix of convenience and taste, then the Ready Hour Kit is worth considering,

Augason Farms 72-Hour 4-Person Emergency Food Supply

The Augason Farms 72-Hour 4-Person Emergency Food Storage Kit is a comprehensive solution for families and groups looking to prepare for emergencies with a reliable and nutritious food supply.

Designed to provide four individuals with 2,230 calories each day for three days, or one person for up to 12 days, this kit is perfect for emergency preparedness, camping, or any situation where a quick and easy meal solution is needed.

The kit features a variety of tasty meals, including soups, entrées, and a low-fat powdered milk

alternative. It is both easy to prepare and highly portable, packaged in a watertight 4-gallon pail.

Let’s find out why the Augason Farms 72-Hour 4-Person Emergency Food Storage Kit is a great 72-hour emergency food storage kit.

Features and Benefits

Here are the best features of the Augason Farms 72-Hour 4-Person Emergency Food Storage Kit:

High Caloric Content

The kit provides an average of 2,230 calories per person daily, ensuring that each person has the energy needed for survival. With 176 servings and 26,440 total calories, this kit is enough to nourish four people for three days or one person for 12 days.

Variety of Nutritious Meals

The kit offers a balanced nutritional profile with seven meal choices, including soups, entrées, and a low-fat powdered milk alternative. The individually packed meals contain wholesome ingredients like rice, dehydrated vegetables, and delicious dry soup mix flavoring, making them both tasty and satisfying during emergencies.

Easy to Prepare

All meals in the kit are designed for simplicity and convenience. Just add water and simmer for a few minutes. This easy preparation makes it an excellent choice for limited cooking facilities.

Long Shelf Life

The Augason Farms emergency food kit has an unopened shelf life of up to 20 years. The food is packaged in individual pouches, each sealed in a watertight four-gallon pail, ensuring long-term storage without compromising quality. This makes it ideal for long-term disaster preparedness.

Portable and Easy to Store

The food pail is designed for easy transport and storage, whether at home, in a cabin, motorhome, office, or student dorm room. The watertight four-gallon pail ensures the food remains safe from moisture and pests, providing peace of mind for emergencies.

Pros

• Provides an average of 2,230 calories per day for four people over three days
• Includes a variety of seven meal options and a powdered milk alternative
• 20-year shelf life when stored properly, suitable for long-term storage
• Easy to prepare
• Packaged in a watertight 4-gallon pail for easy transport and storage

Cons

• May not cater to specific dietary restrictions or preferences

Being able to sustain up to four people makes the Augason a prime choice for families who need peace of mind regarding emergency preparedness. However, if you’re looking for an emergency food kit for just a single person, the 4Patriots 72-Hour Survival Food Kit might be better for you.

4Patriots 72-Hour Survival Food Kit

The 4Patriots 72-Hour Survival Food Kit is an excellent choice for anyone looking to stay prepared for emergencies with a reliable and nutritious food supply. Designed to provide 20 servings of freeze-dried meals, this kit is perfect for individuals or families seeking a lightweight and durable food option that can be stored for the long term.

With comforting meal options like creamy oatmeal, mac and cheese, and more, the kit offers a variety of delicious flavors while providing essential nutrients and energy for survival situations. Its 25-year shelf life and compact packaging make it a valuable addition to any emergency preparedness plan.

Let’s find out why the 4Patriots 72-Hour Survival Food Kit makes for a good 72-hour emergency food kit for any emergency.

Features and Benefits

Here are the standout features of the 4Patriots 72-Hour Survival Food Kit:

20 Servings of Freeze-Dried Meals

The 4Patriots 72-Hour Survival Food Kit includes 20 servings of comforting freeze-dried meals, such as America’s Finest Mac & Cheese, Creamy Rice & Vegetables, and Grammy’s Sweet Oatmeal. These meals are carefully crafted to provide essential nutrients while still being delicious, ensuring that you have satisfying meal options to look forward to even in emergencies.

25-Year Shelf Life

This kit is designed to last, with each emergency food pouch built to withstand time and adverse conditions. With a shelf life of up to 25 years, the 4Patriots Survival Food Kit offers long-term peace of mind, allowing you to safely store it and rely on it whenever disaster strikes.

Durable and Compact Packaging

This survival food kit is packaged in lightweight, space-efficient pouches, making it easy to store and transport. The compact design ensures that your emergency food supply will only take up a little space, making it perfect for storing at home, in your car, or a bug-out bag.

Nutrient-Rich, Health-Conscious Meals

The freeze-drying process used in the 4Patriots kit preserves the nutritional value of each meal better than traditional dehydration methods. This makes the kit ideal for health-conscious individuals who want to maintain a balanced diet even during emergencies.

Pros

• Provides 20 servings of freeze-dried meals
• 25-year shelf life, built to withstand various conditions
• Durable and compact packaging
• The freeze-drying process preserves more nutrients compared to dehydration

Cons

• Freeze-dried meals may not appeal to everyone
• Some meals require more water for preparation than dehydrated options

The 4Patriots 72-Hour Survival Food Kit stands out for its balance of nutrition, variety, and durability, making it an ideal choice for emergency preparedness. With its carefully selected meals and convenient packaging, this kit ensures you have enough fuel in the tank, no matter the situation.

Now that we’ve reviewed the top four 72-hour food kits for emergencies, let’s discuss what to look for when choosing one.

What to Look for in a 72-Hour Food Kit

Selecting a high-quality 72-hour food kit is crucial for effective emergency preparedness, providing you with essential nutrition, energy, and peace of mind during unexpected situations. Here’s an in-depth guide on what to look for, with key stats and insights to ensure your kit is comprehensive, reliable, and well-suited for any emergency.

1. Caloric Content: Fuel Your Body for Survival

Calories are the fundamental measure of energy, so an ideal 72-hour food kit should provide enough to sustain your activity levels and well-being. Look for kits supplying 1,800-2,400 calories per person per day. While the average adult typically requires around 2,000 calories per day, emergency situations can increase calorie needs by 10-50% due to heightened physical and mental stress, according to FEMA. Kits should ideally cover this increased demand to help maintain strength and endurance.

2. Nutritional Balance: Covering All Essential Macronutrients

In addition to calories, a 72-hour food kit should offer a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats for sustained energy and physical resilience. Aim for kits with meals that provide around 45-65% carbohydrates, 10-35% protein, and 20-35% fat to align with general dietary guidelines. This balance supports muscle function, mental clarity, and immune health. Look for kits featuring nutrient-dense ingredients such as freeze-dried meats, beans, rice, pasta, and vegetables for a comprehensive mix of nutrients.

3. Shelf Life: Long-Lasting Stability

A long shelf life is essential for a reliable emergency food supply. Top-quality kits offer a shelf life of 5 to 25 years, with a minimum recommendation of at least 5-10 years for standard emergency preparedness, per USDA guidelines. Opt for kits using airtight, moisture-resistant packaging to preserve freshness and nutritional value, as these minimize the need for frequent replacement.

4. Ease of Preparation: Simple and Quick in a Pinch

During an emergency, ease of preparation is crucial. Choose kits with “just-add-water” options, which require minimal effort and no cooking appliances. In situations where water or heat may be scarce, these kits enable rapid access to meals. FEMA recommends selecting kits that can be prepared with cold water if necessary, as heating methods may be limited in a crisis.

5. Portability and Packaging: Compact and Transport-Ready

Portability is key if evacuation becomes necessary. Opt for lightweight, compact kits that can be easily carried or stored. Kits packaged in resealable, sturdy containers—such as stackable buckets or Mylar pouches—ensure food safety and resist punctures or moisture damage. Look for kits under 20 pounds with grab-and-go handles for easy transport, a critical feature for quick evacuations.

6. Meal Variety and Taste: Boosting Morale with Palatable Options

While nutrition and calories are essential, the taste and variety of meals are also significant. In stressful situations, enjoyable meals can provide comfort and improve morale. Look for kits that offer a variety of meals, including savory main dishes, breakfasts, and snacks. Freeze-dried or dehydrated foods often retain their flavor and texture after rehydration. Studies have shown that enjoyable food options during emergencies can reduce stress levels and improve mental resilience.

7. Special Dietary Needs: Inclusivity for All Diets

When selecting a 72-hour food kit, ensure it accommodates any special dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, or allergen-free options. Many leading brands now offer kits tailored to dietary restrictions to cater to a wide range of dietary needs. The CDC advises ensuring emergency food supplies meet these requirements, as lack of suitable options can lead to health issues in a crisis.

8. Durability and Climate Resilience: Withstanding the Elements

Finally, select kits with packaging capable of enduring extreme weather conditions, such as fluctuations in heat, cold, and humidity. Food kits that use heavy-duty, waterproof packaging and are stored in temperature-resistant materials have a lower risk of spoilage. Kits rated to withstand temperatures from -20°F to 120°F offer added security, ensuring your food supply remains intact in varying conditions.

If you’re still having trouble deciding what to put in your survival kit, this Nutrient Survival Review might provide you with some more insight.

Although these are all important considerations, remember that you’ll also need water for drinking, food preparation, and basic hygiene. So, let’s discuss how much water you should have for an emergency, along with your food kit.

How Much Water Do You Need for a 72-Hour Food Kit?

When preparing your 72-hour food kit, it’s essential to consider an adequate water supply. Water is crucial not only for drinking but also for preparing meals and maintaining hygiene in an emergency.

Here’s a breakdown of how much water you need and what to consider:

General Water Requirements

A good rule of thumb is to plan for at least one gallon of water per person daily. This amount covers drinking water and basic hygiene needs, such as washing hands and face. For 72 hours, this equates to at least three gallons of water per person. Having enough water is critical to staying hydrated and healthy during an emergency.

Water for Meal Preparation

Many emergency food kits, such as the Survival Frog 72-Hour Emergency Food Kit, contain dehydrated or freeze-dried meals that require water for rehydration. It’s essential to check the instructions on your specific kit to determine the additional water needed for meal preparation.

Water for Sanitation

Maintaining proper hygiene is vital in an emergency to prevent the spread of illness. Set aside extra water for sanitation, such as handwashing, cleaning dishes, and other hygiene needs.

Aside from water, there are a few other essentials to include in your 72-hour emergency kit, as listed below.

What Else Should You Include in Your 72-Hour Emergency Kit?

While a high-quality food kit is a critical component of your emergency preparedness plan, it’s not the only item you should include in your 72-hour kit. To ensure you’re fully prepared, consider adding first aid supplies, water purification means, lighting, and communication.

Here’s what else you should include in your 72-hour emergency food kit:

First Aid Supplies

Pack a well-stocked first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications you or your family require. The Surviveware Large First Aid Kit is a comprehensive option that covers a wide range of potential medical needs.

Water and Water Purification

In addition to the water you’ll need for your food kit, include extra drinking water and purification methods like water filters or purification tablets. The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is a compact, easy-to-use option providing safe drinking water in an emergency.

Lighting and Communication

Pack a reliable flashlight and extra batteries to ensure you have sufficient light for navigating in low-light conditions or during nighttime emergencies. Additionally, include a hand-crank or battery-powered radio to stay informed about weather updates, emergency broadcasts, and important news.

Shelter and Warmth

Include essential items such as emergency blankets, ponchos, and hand warmers to protect yourself from the elements and retain body heat in cold or wet conditions. Emergency blankets are lightweight, compact, and effective at preventing heat loss.

Ponchos can provide protection against rain and wind, while hand warmers help keep extremities warm in freezing temperatures. These items ensure you stay comfortable and protected in adverse weather conditions.

Multi-Tool and Other Essentials

A high-quality multi-tool can be invaluable in an emergency, allowing you to handle various tasks. Don’t forget to include other essentials like cash, copies of important documents, and a map of your local area.

By combining a top-rated 72-hour food kit with these additional emergency supplies, you’ll be well-equipped to face any challenge that comes your way. Remember to regularly review and update your kit to ensure it remains relevant to your needs and that all items are within their expiration dates.

A Nutrient Survival review can help you understand the importance of choosing emergency food kits that prioritize balanced nutrition and high-quality ingredients to keep you healthy and energized during a crisis.

Final Thoughts on the Best 72-Hour Food Kit

Emergency food kits are a crucial component of any 72-hour survival plan. They provide essential nutrition and energy during a crisis. The right food kit ensures you and your family have enough calories, balanced nutrients, and various meal options to stay healthy and alert.

Kits like the Survival Frog 72-Hour Emergency Food Kit and Ready Hour 72-Hour Food Kit offer high-calorie content and easy preparation with minimal water and effort, which is critical when resources are limited.

The 4Patriots and Augason Farms kits provide peace of mind for both short-term emergencies and long-term storage with their long shelf lives and diverse meal options. Food kits help maintain morale and comfort in an emergency through familiar and satisfying meals.

They are designed to be compact, portable, and easy to store, making them practical for any situation, whether you need to evacuate quickly or shelter in place. Ultimately, investing in a high-quality 72-hour food kit ensures that you are prepared to face any emergency with the confidence that you have a reliable, nutritious, and easy-to-use food supply ready when you need it most.

Visit Batten Safe for all of the best emergency and survival kits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Best Foods for a 72-Hour Kit?

Focus on calorie-dense, non-perishable items like energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits. Include easy-to-prepare meals like instant oatmeal and freeze-dried entrees. Choose foods that suit your personal tastes and dietary needs for variety.

How Much Food Do You Need per Person for 72 Hours?

Aim for 1,500-2,000 calories per person per day. Consider individual factors like age, gender, and activity level. If necessary, include food for pets.

What Are the Best Containers for a 72-Hour Food Kit?

Choose durable, airtight containers, such as food-grade plastic buckets or resealable bags. Label them with their contents and expiration dates for easy organization.

How Do You Cook Food in a 72-Hour Kit?

Most kits include meals that only need boiling water. A portable stove and heat-safe container are essential. Practice using your equipment beforehand to ensure you’re prepared.