Surviving disasters requires readiness to face sudden catastrophic events. Adequate preparation can dramatically improve your chances of enduring adverse situations.
The Unpredictable Nature of Disasters
- Sudden Occurrences: Disasters strike without warning, disrupting access to essential resources.
- Outdoor Risks: While initially enjoyable, outdoor adventures can unexpectedly turn perilous, potentially leaving you in dangerous conditions.
The Importance of Emergency Preparedness
- Emergency Nutrition: Keeping emergency food bars within reach ensures sustenance until rescue or safer conditions arise.
- Caloric Needs: It's vital to balance the calories consumed with those burned to prevent starvation, especially during prolonged periods of distress.
Advantages of Emergency Food Bars
Choosing emergency food bars as a part of your preparedness plan offers multiple benefits:
Easy to Store and Carry
- Compact Design: Their small size makes them easy to include in any emergency kit.
- Long Shelf Life: They can last approximately five years and remain viable through extreme temperatures, perfect for long-term storage in various environments.
Ideal for Immediate Nutrition
- Nutrient-Rich: Offering a mix of savory and sweet flavors, these bars are packed with essential nutrients for energy and comfort.
- Quick Energy: Containing nuts and protein, they provide an instant energy boost and are ideal for strenuous activities like hiking or cycling.
Convenient and Kid-Friendly
- No Prep Required: Ready to eat without the need for heating, they are a hassle-free nutritional option.
- Appealing to Children: Their candy-like taste makes them a hit with kids and can boost their morale in stressful situations.
Emergency food bars are an intelligent and cost-effective solution to maintain nutrition during unexpected emergencies, ensuring you and your loved ones have the energy to face and overcome challenges.
Best 20 Emergency Food Bars
Emergency food bars are essential to survival kits, offering a compact, nutrient-rich, and long-lasting food source.
Each of these bars serves as a crucial component of an emergency preparedness kit and aligns with different dietary preferences and environmental values, demonstrating the breadth of options available for maintaining nutrition and energy in challenging situations.
Here are the top 20 picks, each with unique benefits:
1. Mayday Food Bars
Mayday Food Bars are designed for those who understand the importance of emergency preparedness. Their long shelf life and variety of caloric options give you the energy to face any situation.
- Longevity and Reliability: Engineered for survival situations with a shelf life extending up to five years under any climatic condition.
- Caloric Options: Tailored for varying energy needs with options from 400 to 3600 calories per bar.
- Usage: A staple in emergency response, suitable for individual survival kits, institutional preparedness, and as part of comprehensive disaster management plans.
2. Clif Bars
Clif Bars are a favorite among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts for their organic ingredients and balanced nutrition. They're designed to provide sustained energy, making them a reliable source of nutrition during physical activities or emergencies.
- Athletic Support: This product is specifically formulated to meet the high-energy demands of athletes, with a focus on organic, wholesome ingredients.
- Nutrient Density: A powerhouse of nutrition, offering a balanced mix of proteins, fibers, and essential vitamins to support sustained energy release.
- Diverse Flavors: An extensive array of flavors ensures palatability, even in challenging situations.
3. Epic Bars
Epic Bars offers a unique take on the protein bar by focusing on 100% grass-fed animal protein, appealing to those following paleo or high-protein diets. They're minimally processed, providing a clean, digestible energy source and nutrition.
- Unique Protein Source: This product stands out with its use of 100% grass-fed animal protein, providing a savory alternative to traditional energy bars.
- Clean Eating: Free from gluten, soy, and dairy, these bars cater to those with dietary restrictions while ensuring essential nutrient intake.
- Digestibility: The minimal processing aids in easier digestion and better nutrient utilization than heavily processed bars.
4. Millennium Energy Bars
Millennium Energy Bars are designed for disaster preparedness. They feature a five-year shelf life and are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. They're perfect for emergency kits, providing essential nutrients and energy when needed most.
- Emergency Certification: These bars, which have U.S. Coast Guard approval, are verified for emergency readiness and have a significant shelf life.
- Portion Control: Formulated to facilitate easy rationing in survival scenarios, ensuring balanced calorie intake across prolonged periods.
- Comprehensive Nutrition: Each bar is fortified to provide a substantial portion of daily nutritional requirements in a compact form.
5. Pemmican Bars
Pemmican Bars draw inspiration from a traditional energy source used by explorers and indigenous peoples, updated with modern nutritional science. These bars are dense in nutrients and energy, offering a balanced solution for long-term sustenance in emergencies.
- Historical Roots: Inspired by traditional concentrated energy sources, these bars combine modern nutritional science with proven survival food concepts.
- Nutrient Balance: This product offers a robust blend of carbohydrates, proteins, and fibers to support energy needs in taxing conditions.
- Versatile Flavors: Despite their compact nature, they maintain an enjoyable taste profile, making them an appealing choice for all ages.
6. Power Bars
Power Bars are engineered for those who push their limits. They offer a nutritional boost tailored for high-intensity activities and recovery. Their formulation provides a dual energy source to support muscle endurance and recovery, making them a favorite among athletes.
- Designed For: Serious athletes needing dual-source energy from a 2:1 glucose-to-fructose blend.
- Ease of Use: Soft, chewy, and mess-free, even when consumed during activities.
- Nutrition Facts: Contains 240 calories, 3.5g fat, and 8g protein per bar, along with essential vitamins and minerals.
7. The Survival Tabs
The Survival Tabs offer a futuristic approach to emergency nutrition, providing essential nutrients in a compact tablet form. These tabs are designed to sustain life in extreme conditions, offering a convenient and lightweight option for disaster preparedness kits.
- Concept: Bite-sized nuggets are nutritional supplements in emergencies, each with only 20 calories.
- Packaging: Portable pouches designed to sustain a person with the nutritional equivalent of a 2000-calorie diet.
- Ingredients: The formula includes non-fat dry milk solids, sucrose, and a variety of vitamins and minerals for comprehensive nutritional support.
8. Raw Revolution Bars
Raw Revolution Bars are for those who seek a clean, organic snack without sacrificing taste or texture. These vegan, gluten-free bars are packed with superfoods, providing a healthy, satisfying option for on-the-go snacking or emergency sustenance.
- Flavor Variety: Features unique combinations like Spirulina Dream and Chocolate Coconut Bliss.
- Health Benefits: Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and rich in organic superfoods.
- Nutritional Content: It is high in protein and fiber but low in sugar, offering a balance of healthy fats and nutrients.
9. Soldier Fuel Bars
Designed with the demands of the most elite military personnel in mind, Soldier Fuel Bars deliver steady energy without crash. Their exceptional taste and balanced nutrition profile have made them a preferred choice in taste tests against other leading energy bars.
- Performance: Engineered for elite athletes and military personnel, providing steady energy without spikes or crashes.
- Taste Tests: Outperformed competitors in taste tests, favored for its balanced nutrition and good taste.
- Storage Warning: Sensitive to high temperatures, affecting the bar's shelf life and texture.
10. KIND Nut & Spice Bars
KIND Nut & Spice Bars stand out for their all-natural ingredients and lower sugar content, making them a healthier snack. Their unique flavors and satisfying texture make them a great choice for a nutritious and tasty snack.
- Features: All-natural, gluten-free, high in fiber and protein with only 5g of sugar or less.
- Unique Flavors: Includes intriguing options like Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt.
- Healthier Alternative: Contains real fruit and nuts, offering a nutritious snack option with fewer sweeteners.
11. Larabar
Larabars are celebrated for their simplicity and natural ingredients, offering a clean, wholesome snack or meal replacement. They are an excellent choice for anyone seeking a minimally processed bar made from fruits, nuts, and spices without added sweeteners or flavors.
- Simplicity: This recipe boasts a minimal ingredient list, focusing on raw foods to provide energy in its most natural form.
- Allergen-Free: They are free from common allergens like dairy, gluten, and soy, making them a safe option for nearly anyone.
- Flavor Range: This product provides a variety of flavors to cater to different tastes, ensuring that dietary restrictions don't mean sacrificing enjoyment.
12. Solo Low Glycemic Nutrition Bar
Solo Low Glycemic Nutrition Bars are designed for sustained energy release, making them a perfect snack for managing blood sugar levels and supporting long-lasting physical activity. They cater to those seeking a delicious, health-conscious bar that balances taste with nutritional benefits.
- Glycemic Control: This product is designed to have a low glycemic index, supporting steady blood sugar levels and sustained energy.
- Delicious Options: It offers a broad range of flavors, blending taste with nutritional value to cater to athletes and casual consumers.
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: This product incorporates a mix of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins into its formulation to support overall health.
13. barkTHINS
barkTHINS are for those who desire a snack that marries the indulgence of chocolate with the nutritional benefits of superfoods. These snacking chocolates are a delightful way to satisfy sweet cravings while getting a dose of antioxidants and iron.
- Indulgent Yet Healthy: Strikes a balance between indulgence and health, incorporating dark chocolate with superfoods for a nutrient-packed snack.
- Iron Fortified: Each serving contributes significantly towards daily iron requirements, supporting energy levels and overall health.
- Flexible Snacking: Designed for anytime consumption, providing a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional chocolate bars.
14. Earnest Eats Cran Lemon Zest Baked Bars
Earnest Eats Cran Lemon Zest Baked Bars offer a unique combination of flavors and nutrients baked into a hearty and delicious bar. These bars are perfect for those seeking a nutritious snack that doesn't compromise on taste, offering a refreshing blend of tart cranberry and zesty lemon.
- Nutrient-Dense: Offers a substantial nutritional profile within a baked bar format, merging the benefits of a granola bar with the taste of a gourmet treat.
- Refreshing Taste: The unique cranberry and lemon zest flavor provides a tangy and invigorating taste experience distinct from other bars.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Combines oats, nuts, and fruits for a satisfyingly chewy texture and rich nutrient content.
15. Thunderbird Cashew + Fig +Carrot Real Food Bar
Thunderbird Cashew + Fig + Carrot Real Food Bars bring a novel approach to snacking, combining unexpected ingredients for a flavor reminiscent of carrot cake. These bars are an excellent option for those looking for a nutritious, plant-based snack that doesn't skimp on flavor.
- Unique Composition: Delivers an unconventional blend of flavors and textures, mimicking the taste of carrot cake in a nutritious bar format.
- Natural Snacking: Focuses on clean, whole-food ingredients without added sugars or preservatives, catering to health-conscious consumers.
- Diverse Nutritional Profile: Each bar is carefully formulated to include a balanced mix of macros, contributing to sustained energy and satiety.
16. Mamma Chia-Chia Granola Clusters
Mamma Chia-Chia Granola Clusters leverage the power of chia seeds to offer a snack rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber. Ideal for on-the-go snacking, these clusters are a convenient way to enjoy the benefits of chia seeds and delicious fruits and grains.
- Omega-3 and Protein: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and plant-based protein, supporting brain health and muscle repair.
- Superfood Integration: Leverages the power of chia seeds alongside fruits and grains to offer a superior nutritional profile.
- On-The-Go Convenience: Packaged for easy transportation, making it an ideal snack for busy lifestyles, office environments, or school lunches.
17. Luna 5G Sugar
Luna 5G Sugar Bars are crafted for those looking to enjoy a delicious snack while managing their sugar intake. Although these bars are designed specifically for women's nutritional needs, they are a great option for anyone seeking a healthier, low-sugar snack.
- Balanced Nutrition: Incorporates essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health, making it more than just a snack.
- Varied Flavors: Offers a range of flavors that mimic dessert favorites, ensuring you don't sacrifice taste for health.
18. ProBar Meal Bar
ProBar Meal Bars are the perfect solution for those seeking a nutritious, on-the-go meal that doesn't compromise taste or quality. Made with organic ingredients, they are ideal for adventurers and busy individuals who need a quick, satisfying meal.
- Hearty and Filling: Designed to satiate hunger with a blend of natural, whole-food ingredients, perfect for replacing a traditional meal.
- Eco-Conscious Choice: Utilizes organic ingredients, supports sustainable farming practices, and provides a guilt-free meal option.
19. RXBAR Whole Food Protein Bar
RXBAR sets the bar high for transparency and nutrition by offering a protein-packed snack that lists all its wholesome ingredients on the packaging. Ideal for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals, RXBARs deliver sustained energy and muscle support.
- Whole Food Ingredients: This approach emphasizes the use of whole foods like nuts and dates to provide natural energy without the need for added sugars or preservatives.
- Diverse Dietary Needs: Caters to a wide audience by being gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free, making it an inclusive snack option.
20. Health Warrior Chia Bars
Health Warrior Chia Bars harness the nutritional power of chia seeds, providing a superfood snack that's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. These bars are perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious, energy-boosting snack that supports overall wellness.
- Compact and Nutrient-Dense: This bar is convenient, small, packed with vital nutrients, and ideal for snacking without guilt.
- Innovative Flavors: Features unique flavor combinations that stand out from traditional snack bars, providing a delightful eating experience.
How to Choose the Right Type of Food Bars
Nowadays, grocery stores are filled with food bars that claim to have a complete nutrient boost. However, the bars that you love to eat might not be as beneficial as you wish them to be.
For starters, it can be overwhelming to find the best types and brands of bars in the market. Knowing which one just adds calories, sugar, and fat to your diet will be challenging.
If you pick up a random bar in the market, you will find out that it has lots of ingredients that will sound like food. These bars are not meant to replace real food. But due to our busy schedules, these bars can help fill in the gaps if you will just choose wisely.
Here are the five tips that you can try to choose the right food bars for you:
✔️ Check the Ingredients
Check the ingredients of the food bars and see if you can pronounce them. If it sounds foreign to you, then you better skip it. Manufacturers like the idea of adding extra sugar, fat, and some chemicals to their products. With this, they can make it look and sound tasty or healthy. But in reality, these are just marketing strategies.
✔️ Think of the Reason Why you are Eating It
Are you taking the food bars to replace a meal? Or are you taking it to supplement a diet? This is an essential part because some bars contain more protein. Meanwhile, other products have more antioxidants to boost the performance of the consumer.
If you wish to take the food bars as a meal replacement, opt for products with at least 10 grams of protein and 300 calories for each bar. With this, you can have ample calories, protein, and carbohydrates to get going throughout the day.
✔️ Concentrate on Sugars and Fats
Many of the food bars nowadays are high in sugar and fat. If you are taking it to replace a meal, it should contain more than 4 grams of sugar and 4 grams of saturated fat in each bar.
Meanwhile, if you are taking the bar as a snack, make sure to choose bars with not more than 2 grams of sugar and 2 grams of fat for each bar.
These figures are important to remember. Sugar and fat like in honey, molasses, and cane juice can increase the risk of inflammation in the body. This will make you prone to the development of diabetes, heart diseases, and arthritis.
✔️ Choose Bars with Fiber
Choose bars that have at least 2 to 3 grams of dietary fiber for each bar. But be careful because some products might include chicory root or other artificial fiber. As such, look for food bars that contain fiber from fruits and vegetables. With this, you are sure that your body can have the right amount of nutrition that it needs.
✔️ Choose Protein
Some food bars nowadays claim to enhance one's performance since they offer a significant amount of protein. For example, some can have as much as 20 grams of protein for each bar.
However, if you take the bar as a meal replacement, 10 grams of protein is enough for your body. Meanwhile, if you are eating it as a supplement to a snack, 5 grams is enough.
Protein is needed to repair the muscles but not as much as many people think. The myth that having more protein in the body is better is not necessarily true. Our body can store only so much protein. Once it gets that amount, the rest will be eliminated.
Power Up During Emergency!
In sum, the food bars are not meant to replace a meal. Our body needs vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, grains, and leans to create its natural form. But if you are looking for a food product to fill the gap, the food bars can help meet that need.
Make sure to choose bars with simple ingredients. Always read the label before you buy the food bars. Eat these bars with a healthy diet. With this, you can keep going for all the activities you have for the day.
