Portuguese Prepper
Best 72-Hour Food Kits: What to buy for a short-term emergency
The “72-Hour Kit” is the foundational unit of food preparedness. It is designed to sustain one person for three days during a short-term power outage, storm, or evacuation.
While dozens of companies sell these buckets, many are misleading. They often advertise high calorie counts that come from sugary drink mixes rather than substantial meals.
The best kits focus on high-protein, savory entrees that keep your energy stable during a crisis.
Look for 1,800–2,000 calories per day (minimum).
Avoid kits that are 50% oatmeal and orange drink mix.
Shelf life should be 25 years for “just in case” storage.
The “Real Food” Choice: Mountain House
The Mountain House 3-Day Emergency Food Supply is widely considered the gold standard. It contains 9 pouches of their most popular lunch and dinner entrees (like Beef Stroganoff and Chicken & Dumplings).
Crucially, it does not use filler items. You get real, freeze-dried meat and vegetables. The box is compact, stackable, and the food actually tastes good enough to eat when you aren’t in an emergency.
The “Budget Bulk” Choice: ReadyWise
ReadyWise (formerly Wise Food) offers significantly cheaper kits. You get more servings for your dollar, but the menu relies heavily on pasta, rice, and creamy soups rather than whole meats.
If you are buying for a large family and need to keep costs down, ReadyWise is a viable calorie source. However, be aware that the texture and taste are generally rated lower than Mountain House.
Which kit is right for your family?
Preparation Requirement
Remember: All of these kits require boiling water to rehydrate the food. If the power is out, your electric stove will not work. You must have a camping stove (like a Jetboil or Coleman) stored alongside these boxes.
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