3 Best Food Choices To Make Your Own Survival Kit

Emergencies don’t come calling. From floods to blizzards, one can only survive as long as you have access to food and water. While that sounds scary, it’s not that difficult to build a stockpile if you pick things right. Here’s a look at the three best food choices that can help you make your own survival kit. 

Beef Jerky

Lightweight and nutrient-dense, beef jerky is often among the first choices for survival food that also benefits your body. FEMA says every individual needs at least 72 hours of stock food (worth 6000 calories) and water (approx. 3 gallons) as a part of their survival kit. Mostly, the food items preferred should be high in energy, non-perishable, and ready to eat. Being ready to brave disasters takes a whole lot of preparation, and beef jerky is a vital part of a survival meal. Simply Google “beef jerky order online,” and you can choose from a range of different flavors.

From ancient Egyptians to Native Americans, beef jerky has a proud history as a mainstream survival food for several reasons.

• Amazing shelf life – Most beef jerky can last up to a year from its production, and some even beyond that with proper storage.

• Lightweight, portable, and tasty – Beef jerky contains almost zero moisture thanks to the dehydration process that takes away the excess weight of the meat. That’s why backpackers and campers often prefer to carry beef jerky as a go-to diet companion on their adventures.

• Highest protein per calorie ratio – Compared to other go-to foods like granola, almonds, and oats, beef jerky has the highest protein per calorie ratio (18%). Protein is the essence of survival food kits, and beef jerky has the highest amount.

• No cooking or special handling needed – Cooking and special storing during a crisis is always tricky. Luckily, beef jerky doesn’t require cooking. You can consume it as it is; All you need is an airtight container to store it away from direct sunlight.

• Nutrient-dense and filling – Dehydration is an age-old technique to preserve food for longer periods. And it is the same technique that makes beef jerky nutrient-rich. A one-ounce serving of beef jerky contains almost over ten grams of protein, which is in line with the CDC’s recommendations for high-quality protein as part of a family emergency survival kit. Besides, it also has Vitamin B12, sodium, and Choline that refuel your body and keep you full for longer.

Grains

Undeniably one of the most stable pantry foods of all time, grains are an ideal choice for survival food kits. They are filled with essential nutrition and can be stored for up to 25 years in airtight containers. 

Broadly classified, there are two primary grain types, namely soft and hard grains. The former comprises rye, oats, and quinoa, whereas the latter includes corn, buckwheat, flax, and more. Soft grains, on average, can be stored for eight to nine years. Under ideal conditions, their lifespan can be extended to twenty years. In comparison, hard grains are known to last anywhere between 12-30 years easily!

When building a stockpile, it is necessary that you avoid grains that take a long time to process, like barley and brown rice. They also become inedible in over six months and hence don’t qualify as good choices for survival food. 

Beans

Dry beans are another excellent choice of food for a survival kit. When stored under the right conditions, one can extend their life beyond ten years. Beans and legumes are a storehouse of proteins, nutrients, fibers, and essential calories.

However, not all beans are equal. Some are high in oil content, like soybeans, and won’t last long. Thus, when it comes to creating survival food kits, pinto, kidney, and black beans are most preferred. 

As a pantry item, they offer at least 10-15 gms of protein in every cup. Besides, when you mix them with grains, it can additionally bring out the goodness of amino acids. Other bean types that can be stockpiled for soups and curries include garbanzo beans, split peas, and adzuki beans.

Wrap Up 

Building a survival food kit is easy if you keep your focus on picking items that have maximum protein. While options like beef jerky, beans, and grains are often the first choices, one can also consider other options like granola, protein bars, and canned foods. Although protein is essential for survival, avoid easily perishable items like meat or milk. 

Also, canned items are generally safe and are preferred by campers on adventure trips. However, always watch out for leaking or rusted cans, as they can be potentially contaminated with bacteria. Those who like to stockpile items like pasta or crackers can also add some oxygen absorbers to keep them fresh.