ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply Review - Credibility, Ingredients, and

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Emergency preparedness has become a priority for many in an age where natural disasters and global events increasingly disrupt daily life.

ReadyWise, a reputable company in the emergency food supply industry, was founded in 2012 to address this growing need.

Their wide range of emergency and survival food kits aims to offer a practical solution for those preparing for unforeseen crises.

ReadyWise provides convenient, long-lasting, and nutritious meals for individuals and families. It’s become a go-to source for preppers, outdoor adventurers, and anyone looking to ensure a reliable emergency food supply even during emergencies.

Importance of Emergency Food Supplies

An emergency food supply is now more important than ever, whether due to natural disasters, economic uncertainty, or global pandemics.

These supplies ensure that you and your family have access to nutritious, long-lasting meals in times of crisis when access to grocery stores may be limited, or food shortages occur.

ReadyWise offers a solution for long-term file storage, making it an essential part of any emergency preparedness plan.

This comprehensive review aims to provide an objective evaluation of ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply kits, focusing on three key aspects:

Credibility of the brand
Ingredients used in their products
Nutritional value offered by their meals

A lineup of ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply packets and buckets, with bowls of rehydrated meals such as mac and cheese, stews, and granola displayed in front, highlighting meal diversity.

Credibility of ReadyWise

Credibility is a key factor when choosing an emergency food supplier.

Over the years, ReadyWise has earned a strong reputation through its commitment to product quality, customer satisfaction, and compliance with safety standards.

This section examines ReadyWise’s reputation, certifications, partnerships, and customer feedback to demonstrate why the brand is highly regarded in the emergency food supply market.

Company Reputation and History

ReadyWise, established in 2012, has become a leader in the emergency food supply industry by offering a wide range of products that appeal to preppers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families. Their offerings include:

Emergency food kits: Designed for long-term storage, lasting up to 25 years.

Adventure meals: Perfect for camping and hiking trips, focusing on convenience and durability.

Survival food options: Tailored for preppers and those looking to safeguard against long-term emergencies.

ReadyWise has consistently grown in a competitive market by providing reliable, tasty, and affordable products.

Compared to top competitors like Mountain House and Augason Farms, ReadyWise is strong because it balances taste, variety, and cost-efficiency.

Certifications and Compliance

ReadyWise’s credibility is strengthened by its compliance with strict food safety and quality standards. The company ensures that its products meet federal regulations through:

FDA (Food and Drug Administration) compliance: Ensures food safety and hygiene practices.

USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) approval: Guarantees quality standards for food production.

Third-party testing: ReadyWise products undergo third-party evaluations to verify their safety, shelf life, and product integrity.

Partnerships and Endorsements

ReadyWise has built partnerships with key organizations in the preparedness and survival sectors. These partnerships provide ReadyWise with a solid foundation of trust among professionals who recommend their products to survivalists and emergency planners. Notable aspects include:

Collaborations with disaster preparedness organizations: Reinforces their standing as a reliable emergency food provider.

Endorsements from survival experts: Trusted voices in the industry often recommend ReadyWise products due to their proven reliability and longevity.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Customer reviews are a valuable measure of credibility, and ReadyWise consistently earns positive feedback from buyers across platforms such as Amazon, Trustpilot, and Prepared Bee. Key points of praise from customers include:

Ease of preparation: ReadyWise meals are simple, requiring only hot water and minimal effort, which is essential in emergencies.

Taste and variety: Customers appreciate the wide range of flavors and meal options, which help to prevent "meal fatigue" over extended periods.

Shelf life: Many users are impressed with the longevity of ReadyWise products, with some reporting that meals retain their quality after being stored for several years.

Comparison to Competitors

When compared to other leading brands in the emergency food market, ReadyWise consistently ranks highly in several areas:

Brand	Strengths	Weaknesses	Comparison to ReadyWise
ReadyWise	- Cost-effective - Wide variety of meals - Long shelf life (up to 25 years) - Gluten-free and vegetarian options	- Some meals contain preservatives - Lower protein content than some competitors	N/A
Mountain House	- Premium taste - High protein content - Top-rated freeze-dried meals	- Higher price per serving - Fewer budget options	ReadyWise offers a more affordable alternative with a broader meal variety
Augason Farms	- Budget-friendly - Good for bulk purchases	- Carbohydrate-heavy meals - Limited meal variety - Shorter shelf life	ReadyWise provides more balanced nutrition and a better variety of meals
4Patriots	- Competitive Pricing - Good packaging durability	- Limited meal variety - Shorter shelf life than ReadyWise	ReadyWise offers better meal diversity and a longer shelf life.

Ingredients Analysis

The quality and types of ingredients used in emergency food supplies are critical in determining the products' nutritional value, taste, and shelf life.

ReadyWise strongly emphasizes providing long-lasting, convenient meals that use a mix of carefully selected ingredients.

This section provides a closer look at the types of ingredients ReadyWise uses, their variety, and how well they accommodate different dietary needs.

Five ReadyWise emergency meal options featuring soups, rice, and beans, displayed in bowls with serving counts, emphasizing the up to 25-year shelf life of the meals.

Overview of Ingredients Used

ReadyWise uses a mix of freeze-dried and dehydrated ingredients, which is essential for maintaining their products' nutrition and longevity. Freeze-dried foods retain most nutrients while being lightweight and easy to store.

However, some ReadyWise products include preservatives and artificial ingredients to extend their shelf life, a trade-off that may appeal to some.

Quality of Ingredients

ReadyWise strives to use high-quality ingredients, but the exact source of these ingredients can vary depending on the specific meal kit.

The company sources ingredients from local and imported suppliers, prioritizing freshness and availability to ensure that their meals meet the demands of emergency preparedness.

Whole Foods vs. Processed Ingredients: While many of ReadyWise's higher-end meal kits feature more whole food ingredients like grains, vegetables, and proteins, some budget-friendly kits may rely on more processed components to reduce costs. For example, simpler carbohydrate-based meals may use refined grains instead of whole grains.

Long-Term Storage Considerations: ReadyWise’s packaging—using mylar pouches and airtight buckets—ensures that ingredients remain fresh for the long term. The mylar pouches effectively block out light, moisture, and oxygen, which can degrade food quality. Combined with the added preservatives, ReadyWise can confidently claim a shelf life of up to 25 years when stored properly.

Meal Variety and Diversity

One of ReadyWise's standout features is its impressive variety of meals. The brand recognizes that during an extended crisis, the psychological impact of eating the same meal day after day can diminish morale.

To combat this, ReadyWise offers a diverse array of meals that cater to all times of the day, ensuring that meal fatigue is minimized.

Breakfast Options: Meals such as oatmeal, granola, and pancakes are designed to offer a nutritious and filling start to the day. These meals often contain a good mix of carbohydrates and fats to provide long-lasting energy.

Lunch and Dinner Choices: The main meals include popular comfort foods such as pasta dishes (e.g., Creamy Pasta and Vegetables), rice-based dishes (Teriyaki Rice), and stews. ReadyWise also includes hearty soups and casseroles, which can help maintain nutrition and satiety during prolonged emergencies.

Snacks and Desserts: ReadyWise understands the psychological importance of small indulgences during stressful times, So It includes desserts and snacks in many of its kits. Items like yogurt, freeze-dried fruit, and pudding can boost morale during challenging times.

For example, the ReadyWise 52 Serving Prepper Pack Freeze Dried Food Kit provides an extensive meal selection, from savory options like Savory Stroganoff to lighter fare like soups and dried fruit snacks. This variety helps users maintain interest in their meals, even if they eat from the same kit for several weeks or months.

Special Dietary Options

To cater to various dietary needs, ReadyWise offers options for individuals with specific restrictions. This makes their emergency kits accessible to a broader audience, ensuring dietary limitations do not hinder long-term food security.

Gluten-Free Options: ReadyWise offers specific gluten-free meal kits for individuals with celiac disease or those needing a gluten-free diet. These kits ensure that those with gluten sensitivities can safely consume meals without concern for cross-contamination.

Vegetarian Meals: ReadyWise offers several vegetarian options across its product range. Meals like Creamy Pasta and Savory Stroganoff offer tasty, meat-free alternatives for vegetarians. Although the selection of vegetarian meals may not be as extensive as some competitors, it still offers a good variety for vegetarians looking for long-term emergency food solutions.

Vegan and Other Dietary Needs: While vegan options are somewhat limited, ReadyWise includes meals catering to plant-based diets, albeit with fewer choices than vegetarian or gluten-free options. Those following strict vegan diets may need to supplement their ReadyWise meals with additional vegan-friendly products to meet their daily nutritional requirements.

Additionally, for those with food allergies or sensitivities, it’s essential to carefully review the ingredient lists, as not all ReadyWise kits are allergen-free. However, the company does provide allergen information, making it easier for consumers to make informed choices.

Nutritional Value and Facts

Nutritional content is crucial in ensuring you stay healthy and energized during times of crisis.

ReadyWise strongly emphasizes providing balanced meals that meet the essential nutritional needs for short- and long-term survival.

In this section, we’ll examine the macronutrient and micronutrient profiles of ReadyWise products, the adequacy of serving sizes, and how they compare to other brands.

A woman in a plaid shirt holding a ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply bucket in a pantry filled with other emergency food items, displaying preparedness and organization

Macronutrient Breakdown

Macronutrients—proteins, carbohydrates, and fats—are the foundation of any diet, especially in an emergency where energy and stamina are critical.

ReadyWise meals offer a balanced macronutrient profile to sustain individuals through physically demanding situations.

Calories per day: Most ReadyWise emergency kits provide approximately 2,000 calories daily, the standard recommended intake for an average adult in survival situations. This ensures that consumers maintain energy levels throughout the day, even during physically and mentally demanding tasks.

Protein: Adequate protein intake is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall energy. While ReadyWise meals provide sufficient protein, they fall slightly below competitors like Mountain House, which emphasizes higher protein content, particularly in meat-heavy dishes. ReadyWise typically offers around 10-15 grams of protein per serving, enough for daily sustenance, but those engaged in heavy physical activity may need to supplement their protein intake.

Carbohydrates: ReadyWise meals are carbohydrate-heavy, which is beneficial for quick energy. Carbohydrates are essential for immediate energy during emergencies and can help keep the body fueled throughout the day. Their meals contain 50-60 grams of carbohydrates per serving, a significant portion of the overall caloric intake.

Fats: Including fats in emergency meals is essential for long-term satiety and slow-burning energy. ReadyWise meals typically contain 10-20 grams of fat per serving, which ensures a sustained release of energy and prevents quick energy crashes that can happen when meals are too carb-heavy. Fats also absorb essential vitamins like A, D, E, and K, making them a critical component of a well-rounded survival meal.

Micronutrient Content

While macronutrients are vital, the body also requires micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) to maintain optimal health, particularly over extended periods. Despite some limitations, ReadyWise has tried to include a range of essential vitamins and minerals in their meals.

Vitamin C and Vitamin D: These vitamins are crucial for immune support, particularly during stressful situations when the body is more vulnerable to illness. ReadyWise meals provide sufficient quantities of these vitamins to help maintain immune function during emergencies.

Calcium, potassium, and iron: ReadyWise meals include these key minerals, which are essential for maintaining bone strength, muscle function, and oxygen transport in the body. Potassium, in particular, helps regulate fluid balance and prevent muscle cramps, while calcium and iron are necessary for energy production and overall vitality.

However, there are some gaps in ReadyWise’s micronutrient offerings:

Vitamin B12: This nutrient, critical for energy production and neurological function, may be lacking in some of ReadyWise’s vegetarian or vegan options. Since B12 is primarily found in animal products, vegetarians and vegans may need to supplement their diet if they are relying on these meals for extended periods.

Magnesium and zinc: These minerals, important for muscle recovery and immune health, are present but not in large quantities, which could be a concern during prolonged reliance on emergency food.

Serving Sizes and Nutritional Sufficiency

While ReadyWise advertises its serving sizes as adequate for sustaining an adult, some users report that the portions may feel smaller than expected, particularly in more physically demanding situations where calorie expenditure is higher than average.

In such cases, individuals might need additional servings to meet their caloric and nutritional needs.

Portion Control: It’s important to manage servings carefully in an emergency to ensure that food supplies last as long as intended. ReadyWise meals are portioned to provide about 300-400 calories per serving, meaning you would need several servings daily to meet the 2,000-calorie requirement.

Physical Activity: For those involved in physically strenuous activities, such as building shelters or engaging in prolonged outdoor tasks, the caloric and protein content per serving may need to be increased, and additional snacks or meal servings may be required.

Nutritional Considerations for Long-Term Consumption

ReadyWise meals will adequately meet daily nutritional needs in a short-term emergency. However, for long-term consumption, there are a few considerations:

Micronutrient supplementation: Over time, gaps in certain vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin B12 and magnesium, could impact health. Supplementing these nutrients could be essential for prolonged reliance on ReadyWise meals.

Protein intake: For those with higher protein requirements, such as active adults or individuals with specific health concerns, adding protein-rich snacks or supplements may be necessary to complement the ReadyWise meals.

Taste and Texture

In emergencies, food quality can significantly impact morale and overall well-being.

ReadyWise aims to ensure that its emergency meals meet nutritional needs and provide enjoyable flavors and textures.

This section will explore customer feedback on taste, ease of preparation, and texture retention after rehydration.

Consumer Taste Tests

When it comes to emergency food, taste is often a concern for buyers, especially for long-term consumption.

Fortunately, ReadyWise meals have generally received positive reviews for their flavor. Consumers frequently praise the taste of popular meals such as:

Cheesy Lasagna: Known for its rich, cheesy flavor, this meal is often cited as one of ReadyWise’s best-tasting options.

Teriyaki Rice: Many reviewers appreciate this dish's balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors.

Savory Stroganoff: Customers mention its hearty, comforting taste, especially after a long day in challenging situations.

While most customers find the meals satisfying, some have noted that certain dishes could benefit from added spices or seasoning to enhance flavor. It's always a good idea to have some basic seasonings to customize the meals to your taste.

Variety of Meal Options

The diverse meal selection ReadyWise offers helps reduce "meal fatigue," which can be a concern during prolonged emergencies. Meal variety includes:

Breakfast items: Oatmeal, pancakes, and granola for a nutritious start to the day.

Lunch and dinner options: Pasta, soups, rice-based meals, and stews provide a range of flavors and textures.

Snacks and desserts: Including fruit, puddings, and yogurt to add variety to your daily intake.

The meal variety helps keep the emergency food rations interesting and enjoyable, preventing the monotony that can come with long-term storage of emergency foods alone.

Rehydration and Cooking Process

Another area where ReadyWise excels is the ease of meal preparation. Time and resources may be limited in an emergency, so food that can be prepared quickly is essential.

ReadyWise meals typically require only hot water to rehydrate, making them convenient and practical for various situations. The rehydration process is straightforward:

Boil water or use hot water from an available source.
Pour the hot water into the meal pouch or container.
Wait 10-15 minutes for the meal to rehydrate fully.

Texture After Rehydration

While taste is important, the texture of rehydrated food can make or break the eating experience.

ReadyWise meals generally hold up well after rehydration, maintaining a pleasant texture. However, there are a few caveats:

Pasta dishes tend to retain their texture well but may become slightly softer if left soaking for too long.

Rice-based meals: Often rehydrate well but can become somewhat mushy if over-soaked.

Soup and stew dishes typically fare best, as the liquid helps maintain a consistent texture throughout the meal.

Following the recommended water amounts and soaking times is essential for optimal texture. When resources like heat or water may be scarce, ReadyWise meals can still be rehydrated with lukewarm water, though it may take a bit longer.

Room for Improvement

Although ReadyWise meals generally perform well in terms of taste and texture, there are areas where slight improvements could enhance the overall experience:

Seasoning: Some meals could benefit from stronger seasoning, especially for those who prefer bold flavors.

Texture sensitivity: Certain meals, such as pasta or rice dishes, can become too soft if rehydrated for too long, so it is recommended that the process be monitored closely.

Packaging and Shelf Life

Regarding emergency food supplies, packaging, and shelf life are crucial elements to consider.

ReadyWise strongly emphasizes ensuring its products are well-packaged for long-term storage while remaining convenient for emergencies.

The following sections will explore the quality of ReadyWise’s packaging materials, its portability, and the impressive shelf life that makes it a reliable option for long-term preparedness.

A variety of ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply buckets stacked together, showcasing different meal types and sizes, with bowls of freeze-dried ingredients such as vegetables and meats in front.

Packaging Materials

The durability of packaging is vital for preserving the quality of your emergency food supply over extended periods. ReadyWise uses:

Mylar pouches: These are designed to be airtight and resistant to environmental factors such as moisture, light, and pests.

Airtight, resealable buckets: Many of ReadyWise's meal kits are stored in heavy-duty plastic buckets that can be resealed after opening, further protecting the food from external contamination and ensuring longevity.

This combination of mylar pouches and resealable buckets provides a high level of protection, ensuring that the food stays fresh even in fluctuating storage conditions, such as garages or basements.

Portability and Convenience

In an emergency, portability is just as important as the food itself.

ReadyWise’s lightweight and compact packaging makes transporting during emergencies, an evacuation or travel easy.

The buckets are stackable, making them convenient for storage without taking up much space, while individual meal pouches are easy to carry and store in smaller bags or emergency kits.

Whether preparing for a natural disaster or heading out on a camping trip, ReadyWise meals are designed for easy transportation and quick access.

Shelf Life

One of ReadyWise's standout features is its 25-year shelf life, ideal for long-term preparedness.

The combination of freeze-dried ingredients and protective packaging ensures that the food retains its flavor, texture, and nutritional value for decades when stored in cool, dry conditions.

This extended shelf life makes ReadyWise a valuable addition to any emergency food stockpile, giving peace of mind that your investment will last for many years.

Pros and Cons

When evaluating the overall quality of ReadyWise emergency food supplies, it's important to weigh the brand's strengths and potential drawbacks.

ReadyWise stands out for its long-term viability, diverse meal options, and reasonable pricing, but a few factors could be improved.

Below is a summary of the pros and cons of deciding if ReadyWise is the right choice for emergency preparedness needs.

✔️ Pros

Long shelf life (up to 25 years)
Wide variety of meal options
Dietary accommodations for gluten-free and vegetarian diets
Affordable pricing compared to competitors
Easy preparation with only hot water is required

❌ Cons

Serving sizes may be smaller than expected
Use of preservatives and artificial ingredients in some products
Limited vegan options compared to other brands

Conclusion

A mother and two young children seated at a table, organizing emergency supplies. The children are holding first aid items while the ReadyWise emergency food bucket and individual food packets are displayed on the table, showing a family preparing for emergencies.

ReadyWise offers a reputable and reliable option for emergency food storage.

The company stands out in the emergency preparedness industry with a wide range of meal options, long shelf life, and affordable pricing.

Their adherence to safety standards, variety of kits, and balanced nutritional content make them a strong choice for preppers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Who is ReadyWise best suited for?

Families: The variety and ease of preparation make ReadyWise meals suitable for feeding multiple people.
Solo preppers: ReadyWise's single-person kits are valuable for those looking for long-term, individual emergency food solutions.
Outdoor adventurers: ReadyWise Meals also serves campers and hikers who need lightweight, portable food options.

ReadyWise’s comprehensive product line, affordability, long shelf life, and meal variety make it a solid choice for emergency preparedness. Whether you are preparing for short-term disruptions or long-term crises, ReadyWise delivers the quality and reliability you need.