There are many different types of ready-to-eat survival food on the market these days. They’re all designed to give you the vitamins, minerals and nutrients you need to stay healthy in an emergency situation. But not all prepared food is created equal. Some of it has a longer shelf life, while other products have more calories and protein. So how do you know which pre-packaged meals are the best bet for your particular needs? A quick read of any nutrition facts label or information pamphlet should tell you most of what you need to know about a food product before buying it. However, there are a few things that might be less obvious when looking at packaged foods. Here are some tips to help you choose the best ready to eat survival food for your needs:

Check the Ingredients

This is always the first thing you should do when you’re checking out a food product. After all, if you have an allergy or sensitivity to one of the ingredients, it would be silly to buy it. While most of the ingredients in these foods are probably safe for most people, it’s important to know what you’re eating in an emergency situation. This is especially true if you have dietary restrictions or allergies. There are a few key ingredients to look for when purchasing survival food. These include salt, sugar, protein and fibre. Salt and sugar are important because they help to preserve foods and prevent spoilage. Protein helps you to feel full longer, which is especially important if you’re trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet. Fibre helps you to feel fuller longer. It also helps to keep your digestive system running smoothly.

Expiration Dates

If you’re going to store these foods long-term, make sure to check the expiration dates on the packages.  Most of these products should also come with a “Best Before” marking that gives you a general idea of when you should eat them. While “Best by” dates are more focused on the taste and quality experience, ‘Use By’ dates are referring to food safety and are only required for short-life food products that aren’t really ideal as survival food. Survival food is usually sold in sealed packages to keep them fresh, but you’ll need to cook them before you eat them.

Serving Sizes

You’ll need to make sure to check the serving size on the package before you buy. This will let you know how many servings are in the bag and how much of the product you’re getting. This information is key to knowing how much of the food you’ll need to feed your entire family. You might think that one bag of mac and cheese will be enough to feed your whole family, but if you have five kids, you’ll need more. Packaged survival food isn’t just a quick snack or a side dish. It’s meant to be a full and filling meal. You should also check the calories and protein per serving. The higher the numbers, the better. While most of these foods are designed to be balanced and nutritious, some products have more calories and protein than others. This is especially important if you’re trying to lose weight or are trying to gain muscle.

Watch Out for Additives

Make sure to check the ingredients list for any additives in the product. Some of these products come with added vitamins and minerals, which can be a bonus for some people. However, others have additives you might prefer to avoid. If you have a particular sensitivity or allergy, you’ll want to avoid these foods. For instance, some products have added salt, which is something you’ll want to avoid if you have high blood pressure. Others have artificial sweeteners or preservatives. While these might be safe for most people, you’ll want to avoid them if possible. Your best bet is to read the ingredients list carefully.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when choosing the best ready to eat survival food for your needs. It’s important to do your research and to shop around so you can find the products that best fit your dietary needs and tastes. Once you find the right survival food, it’s a good idea to buy several bags. This way, you’ll have enough calories and protein to last you several days.