Survival Food - Freeze Dried & MRE

Nitro-pak has lowered pricing on the following food reserves;

• Ultimate Pak  (204 #10 cans) - Now $3998 (was $4275)

• Platinum Reserve (168 #10 cans) - Now $2998 (was $3375)

These are mixed survival food reserves mostly Mountain House freeze dried entrees and sides with some bulk oats and staples.

Freeze dried food prices increased in August 2008 when supplies were in shortage situation after heavy purchases as the price of oil went up to $140 per barrel. Freeze dried food supply eased temporarily then tightened again in October 2008 due to the global collapse of financial markets. Since then the supply has eased except for a few weeks in May 2009 due to H1N1 pandemic scare.

It seems now supply is good and prices are coming down as fear and concern over the economy has subsided.

I made this short video comparing freeze dried food and MRE.

Key points are MRE is more expensive but more mobile.

MRE is good for the short term, 2-3 week food reserve, but Mountain House #10 cans which can store up to 25-30 years are cheaper and taste better.

Survival food reserves with Mountain House freeze dried food are now back to normal lead times.

A recent spike in demand due to swine flu has subsided.

It had been taking 5-10 days to process orders at some suppliers due to high volumes.

The situation during the swine flu pandemic threat was much better than May 2008.

Then survivalists worried about ‘peak oil’ collapse  caused lead times to go out to 7 to 8 weeks in some cases. Supplies of Mountain House freeze dried food were cut off to just a few online distributors at that time. Rumors circulated at that time suggested there would be as longs as a 20 week lead time on Mountain House freeze dried foods. These rumors turned out to be just rumors as the lead dropped to few days once the oil price dropped last summer.

The price of freeze dried food went up 10% to 15% at this time and has not come down since.

The lead time on freeze dried food increased again in October and November of  2008 as worries of a global economic collapse fueled rabid sales of freeze dried food. Demand remained strong till March but lead times returned to normal. I have observed during this time that when the daily stock market went up sales of freeze dried food go down and vice-versa.  It is probably not a good idea to make long term decisions on preparedness based on day to day news.

With swine flu pandemic threat arising, sales skyrocketed again causing longer lead times but this only lasted a few weeks.

Freeze dried food, which in Mountain House #10 cans can last up to 25 years is a good long term insurance policy against disasters. Threats of disaster come and go but you want to be ready when you need to be. It is best not to wait till there is a threat and lead times get long and prices go up.

What is it about freeze dried food that makes it a better choice for survival food?

• Freeze dried food is an “always prepared” survival food choice. Threats of disasters come and go and if you bought extra food that is not long storage, chances are you will throw it out or have food you can not eat when a disaster strikes.
• Freeze dried food is a “one time” food preparedness purchase. Until a disaster strikes you do not need to use it. You can wait up to 25 years for a disaster to strike before you will want to throw it away.
• Freeze dried food reserves are prepared meals where you only need to add water to eat. No other preparation is required. This is of great value if the energy source you need to cook is not available or you are too weak to cook.
• Food is closer to what most what most American’s eat. Radical changes in diet can cause added stress and eating problems in a crisis.

The US Department of Agriculture publishes a report monthly titled “Cost of Food at Home at Four Levels”.

This report shows the monthly food cost for individuals of various ages and for a family of four.  The budgets are calculated based on the nutritional requirements for dietary intake reference guidelines. In the USDA’s reference document “The Low-Cost, Moderate-Cost, and Liberal Food Plans, 2007″ the “food baskets” chosen are all representative of the requirements except;

To meet the recommendations for vitamin E, potassium, and sodium would have resulted in market baskets that are very different from typical consumption (in the case of vitamin E and potassium) or would require changes in food-manufacturing practices (in the case of sodium).

What they are saying is that what Americans typically eat and what is available from producers at the supermarket is too far off to select a basket that meets the Vitamin E, potassium, and sodium requirements.  These exceptions, while interesting to note, tell us that all the other dietary requirements have been met in these food baskets.

The “thrifty” food plan on the other hand;

Having more vegetables, fruits, and milk products and less other foods
in the TFP market basket for the family of four, compared with their reported consumption,
is not surprising; because, the TFP represents a nutritious diet.

The monthly home food “moderate plan” budget for a family of four, with older children, in January 2009 was $973.80.

The “liberal plan” January home food monthly budget was $1182.50.

For 3 months the home food budget  comes to $2921.40 and $3547.50 for moderate and liberal plans respectively.

Compare this to the 3 month Platinum reserve from Nitro-pak that cost $3375.  The platinum reserve supports four adults at 2000 calories per day.

Some people erroneously think freeze dried food is very expensive.  But when you look at the facts the cost of a freeze dried food reserve is no more expensive than the average food budget.

Even more important, most freeze dried food reserves offered are prepared meals so no effort to cook them is required. Adding hot water is all it takes to have a hot meal in minutes. Even if you don’t have hot water you can still eat the food cold.

I have previously shown the cost of bulk staples is deceptive once you factor in the cost of cooking and preparing meals. You need effort, equipment, more time, and more fuel.  Any of these can be a precious commodity in a disaster.  How valuable will your time be in a crisis? Freeing up time to work on other challenges could make a huge difference in your survival.

Finally a bulk staples only food plan always has the risk you will get caught with low inventory, your re-order point,  just at the time a shortage of supply occurs. With  freeze dried food the reserve is not touched, never depleted. Only when your normal food supply is disrupted do you draw on it.

Having a diverse food storage plan is wise. Bulk staples, MRE, freeze dried food all have their different benefits. But do not make a poor decision on the balance of these choices based on a wrong perception of cost. Value is more important than cost, looking at facts for the total cost of an option is vital to making the correct decision on your long term food storage plan.

One challenge for having an effective food reserve plan is “up front” cost.

Although freeze dried food in a bulk food reserve package will cost the same per meal as the average cost of a home cooked meal, buying a 3 month or 6 month food reserve is a large “up front” investment.

However there are ways to purchase gradually over time.

Mountain house freeze dried food can be purchased in boxes of six #10 cans.

Mountain House Variety Pak

These boxes contain up to 30 meals and some online suppliers offer free shipping for a single box.

The cost per meal compared to buying a 3 month or 6 month food reserve at one time will rise 25% to 40%.   So the best economical choice is still to buy a large reserve at one time.

However if you want a long term food reserve you can build up gradually, Mountain House cases are an option.

You could lower your daily food cost by buying several months supply of bulk rice and grains. As long as you use them regularly and don’t let them go to waste. However it is impossible to know just when you are going to need a food reserve, will it be 5 weeks or 5 months or 5 years? So if you have a food reserve that lasts 25 years you have a better investment as it will be ready when you need it.

Here are some facts about Oregon Freeze Dry the company that markets the Mountain House freeze dried food brand;

Oregon Freeze Dry (Mountain House Freeze Dried Foods)

• Incorporated in 1963
• Located on a 35 acre site in Albany, Oregon
• Employs over 250 people
• Three manufacturing plants
• 32,000 square feet of freeze-drying capacity
• over 60% of the freeze-drying capacity of the US
• Facilities have continuous USDA and FDA inspections
• Kosher and Halal certifications
• Worked with US military to provide rations that taste better, weighed less, and easier to prepare than canned rations
• Private label lines include such products as lunch and dinner entrees for the Nutri/System weight-loss program
• has produced over 400 different foods and beverages
• Supplier of Mountain House® brand

Mountain House Food does NOT contain monosodium glutamate (MSG).

I saw a blog post suggesting some Mountain House meals did. They referred to a website (Inter-net grocer) that showed MSG listed in the contents of some of the Mountain House freeze dried food meals.

I was sure there is no MSG as I dislike any food that has MSG in it. I spend extra time when I am shopping to read the labels checking for MSG.

To make sure I had the correct information, I emailed Mountain House customer service and asked them to make a clear statement on their freeze dried food.

Here is the response;

Melanie

Here is the up to date ingredient list that was attached;

Mountain House Entrees

Chicken Stew:

Potatoes, Cooked Chicken, Carrots, Peas, Corn Oil, Nonfat Dry Milk, Modified Corn Starch, Hydrolyzed Corn Soy Wheat Gluten Protein, Dehydrated Onions, Sea Salt, Chicken Fat, Sugar, Spices, Soybean Oil, Garlic Powder, and Spice Extract.

Contains: Milk, Soy, Wheat.

Rice & Chicken:

Instant Rice, Cooked Chicken, Corn Oil, Pimientos, Salt, Modified Corn Starch, Hydrolyzed Corn Soy Wheat Gluten Protein, Chicken Fat, Sugar, Onion Powder, Spices, Citric Acid, Soybean Oil, Turmeric, and Spice Extract.

Contains: Soy, Wheat.

Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce:

Enriched Spaghetti (durum semolina, niacin, iron [ferrous sulfate], thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), Tomato Paste, Beef, and contains 1.5% or less of the following:  Textured Soy Flour, Salt, Sugar, Dehydrated Cheese (cheddar cheese [milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes], cream, salt, sodium phosphate, lactic acid), Hydrolyzed Corn Torula and Brewers Yeast Wheat Gluten Soy Protein, Spices, Onion Powder, Flavoring, Garlic Powder, Soybean Oil, and Caramel Color.

Contains: Wheat, Soy, Milk

Chicken Ala King:

Cooked Chicken, Mushrooms, Pimientos, Green Peppers, Nonfat Dry Milk, Celery, Corn Oil, Wheat Flour, Chicken Base (chicken including natural chicken juices, maltodextrin, hydrolyzed corn gluten, dried whey, spice extractives and onion powder, autolyzed yeast extract, turmeric), Salt, Chicken Fat, Sugar, Modified Cornstarch. Yeast Extract, Safflower Oil, Natural Flavor, Onion Powder, Spices, Citric Acid, and Ascorbic Acid.  Precooked Noodles:  Durum Semolina, Whole Eggs, and Salt.

Contains: Milk, Wheat and Egg

Beef Stew:

Potatoes, Cooked Beef, Carrots, Peas, Corn Oil, Modified Corn Starch, Hydrolyzed Corn Torula and Brewers Yeast Wheat Gluten Soy Protein, Dehydrated Onions, Salt, Sugar, Spices, Soybean Oil, Garlic Powder, and Spice Extract.

Contains: Wheat, Soy

Chicken Polynesian:

Cooked Chicken, Pineapple (contains sugar and citric acid), Precooked Rice, Worcestershire Sauce (distilled vinegar, molasses, corn syrup, caramel color, garlic powder, sugar, spices, anchovies, tamarind, natural flavor), Modified Cornstarch, Brown Sugar, Green Peppers, Orange Juice Concentrate, Pineapple Juice Concentrate, Sugar, Pimientos, Tomato Paste, Salt, Chicken Base (chicken including natural chicken juices, chicken fat, maltodextrin, hydrolyzed corn gluten, dried whey, onion powder and spice extractives, autolyzed yeast extract, turmeric), Soy Sauce (wheat, soybeans, salt), Sesame/Soybean Oil, Yeast Extract, Safflower Oil, Natural Flavors, and Parsley Flakes.

Contains: Fish, Milk, Wheat and Soy

Beef Stroganoff w/Noodles:

Cooked Beef, Sour Cream (cultured cream, milk, whey, sodium phosphate, guar gum, carrageenan, calcium sulfate, locust bean gum, and cultures), Mushrooms, Modified Cornstarch, Corn Oil, Nonfat Dry Milk, Dehydrated Onions, Salt, Hydrolyzed Corn Torula and Brewers Yeast Wheat Gluten Soy Protein, Lemon Juice Concentrate and Lemon Oil, Beef Base (roasted beef and concentrated beef stock, hydrolyzed corn gluten, soy, corn, and wheat protein, sugar, dried whey, and yeast extract), Flavoring, Molasses, Spice, Garlic Powder, and Soybean Oil.  Precooked Noodles:  Durum Semolina, Whole Eggs, and Salt.

Contains: Milk, Wheat, Soy, Egg

Beef Teriyaki:

Cooked Beef, Soy Sauce (wheat, soybeans, salt), Red Peppers, Pineapple (contains sugar and citric acid), Waterchestnuts, Brown Sugar, Mushrooms, Modified Corn Starch, Sherry Wine (contains sulfite), Onions, Pea Pods, Onion Powder, Sesame/Soybean Oil, Seasonings (yeast extract, safflower oil, natural flavor), Garlic Powder, Spices, Salt.  Rice:  Precooked Rice.

Contains: Soy, Wheat

Chicken Teriyaki:

Cooked Chicken, Soy Sauce (wheat, soybeans, salt), Brown Sugar, Bamboo Shoots, Mushrooms, Red Peppers, Green Peas, Modified Cornstarch, Sherry Wine (contains sulfite), Onions, Green Peppers, Garlic Powder, Spice, Salt.  Rice:  Precooked Rice.

Contains: Soy, Wheat

Lasagna w/Meat Sauce:

Tomatoes (tomatoes, tomato juice, salt, citric acid, calcium chloride), Tomato Paste, Enriched Macaroni Product (durum semolina, niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), Cooked Beef, Dehydrated Onions, Modified Corn Starch, Salt, Sugar, Spices, Flavoring, Garlic Powder, and Dehydrated Parsley Flakes.  Cheese Blend:  Mozzarella Cheese Flavoring (mozzarella cheese [cultured milk, salt, enzymes], calcium caseinate, corn oil, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, sodium caseinate, salt, glucono-delta-lactone, maltodextrin, sodium aluminum phosphate, butter [cream], natural and artificial flavors), and Dehydrated Parmesan and Romano (made from cow’s milk) Cheeses (part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes).

Contains: Wheat, Milk, Soy

Chili Mac w/Beef:

Cooked Beef, Enriched Macaroni (durum semolina, niacin, iron [ferrous sulfate], thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), Kidney Beans, Tomato Paste, Chili Seasoning (chili pepper and other spices, dehydrated onion and garlic, hydrolyzed soybean protein, potassium chloride, paprika, sugar, maltodextrin, beef extract, disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate, autolyzed yeast extract, caramel color, natural flavors, citric acid), Modified Corn starch and Contains 2% or Less of the Following: Salt, Dehydrated Onions, and Flavoring.

Contains: Wheat, Soy

Noodles & Chicken:

Precooked Noodles:  Durum Semolina, Whole Eggs, and Salt.  Noodles & Chicken Sauce:  Cooked Chicken, Sweet Red Peppers, Modified Corn Starch, Chicken Fat, and Contains 2% or Less of: Chicken Base (chicken including natural chicken juices, maltodextrin, dried whey), Salt, Sugar, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (hydrolyzed corn soy wheat gluten protein, soybean oil), Flavoring (autolyzed yeast extract, safflower oil, naturla flavor), Onion Powder, Dried Parsley, Spices, and Turmeric (for color).

Contains: Wheat, Eggs, Milk, Soy

Long Grain & Wild Rice Pilaf:

Long Grain White Rice, Mushrooms, Onions, Broccoli, Green Beans, Long Grain Brown Rice, Red Peppers, Wild Rice, Butter (cream, salt), Roasted Garlic Puree, Vegetable Flavor (yeast extract, natural flavors, wheat maltodextrin, sugar, soy sauce [soybeans, wheat, salt] dried onion, tapioca maltodextrin, dried carrots, salt, butter, dried garlic, spice), Modified Corn Starch, Broth Seasonings (hydrolyzed soy and corn protein, dextrose, maltodextrin, whey powder, autolyzed yeast, torula yeast, onion powder, turmeric), Salt, Mushroom Flavor (maltodextrin, modified corn starch, mushrooms, partially hydrogenated cottonseed and soybean oil, natural flavors), Parsley, Granulated Garlic, and Canola Oil. Parmeasan Cheese: Patsturized Milk, Salt, Cheese Culture, Enzymes, Powdered Cellulose (to prevent caking), Sorbic Acid (preservative)

Contains: Milk, Wheat, Soy

Sweet & Sour Pork w/Rice:

Cooked Pork, Pineapple in Light Syrup (sugar and citric acid), Green Peppers, Vinegar, Onions, Red Peppers, Brown Sugar, Sugar, Modified Cornstarch, Salt, Chicken Base (chicken including natural chicken juices, chicken fat, maltodextrin, hydrolyzed corn gluten, dried whey, onion powder and natural flavorings, autolyzed yeast extract, turmeric), Worcestershire Sauce (distilled vinegar, molasses, corn syrup, caramel color, garlic powder, sugar, spices, anchovies, tamarind, natural flavor), Soy Sauce (wheat, soybeans, salt), Corn Oil, Sesame/Soybean Oil, Seasoning (yeast extract, safflower oil, natural flavor), Garlic Powder, Spice, and Spice Extract.  Rice:  Precooked Rice.

Contains: Milk, Anchovy, Wheat

Turkey Tetrazzini:

Cooked Turkey, Asparagus, Enriched Spaghetti (durum semolina, niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), Modified Corn Starch, Nonfat Dry Milk, Pimientos, Mushrooms, Corn Oil, Salt, Chicken Base (chicken including natural chicken juices, maltodextrin, hydrolyzed corn gluten, dried whey, onion powder and spice extractives, autolyzed yeast extract), Sugar, Chicken Fat, Dehydrated Onion, Flavorings (yeast extract, safflower oil, and natural flavor), Hydrolyzed Corn Soy Wheat Gluten Protein, Spices, Sherry Wine (sulfite), Garlic Powder, Citric Acid, Turmeric (for color), Soybean Oil and Spice Extract.

Contains: Wheat, Milk, Soy.

Vegetable Lasagna:

Tomatoes (tomatoes, tomato juice, salt, citric acid, and calcium chloride), Zucchini, Tomato Paste, Enriched Macaroni Product (durum semolina, niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid), Carrots, Spinach, Modified Corn Starch, Dehydrated Onions, Sugar, Salt, Spices, and Garlic Powder.  Cheese Blend:  Mozzarella Cheese Flavoring (mozzarella cheese [cultured milk, salt, enzymes], calcium caseinate, corn oil, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, sodium caseinate, salt, glucono-delta-lactone, maltodextrin, sodium aluminum phosphate, butter [cream], natural and artificial flavors), and Dehydrated Parmesan and Romano (made from cow’s milk) Cheeses (part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes).

Contains: Wheat, Milk, Soy

Pasta Primavera:

Zucchini, Enriched Macaroni Product (durum semolina, niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), Cream, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Red Peppers, Nonfat Dry Milk, Yellow Peppers, Modified Corn Starch, Green Peas, Seasonings (hydrolyzed soy and corn protein, dextrose, torula yeast, soybean oil), Parmesan Cheese (part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes), Onion Powder, Butter (cream), Maltodextrin, Salt, Culture Whey Powder, Autolyzed yeast extract, Spices, Natural Flavors, Granulated Garlic, Turmeric and Safflower Oil.

Contains: Wheat, Milk, Soy

Oriental Spicy Style Chicken with Vegetable:

Green Beans, Cooked Chicken, Precooked White Rice, Mushrooms, Waterchestnuts, Red Bell Peppers, Teriyaki Flavor (soy sauce [soybeans, wheat, salt], maltodextrin, yeast extract, salt, and spices), and Contains 2% or Less Modified Cornstarch, Brown Sugar, Flavoring (autolyzed yeast extract, dried torula yeast, safflower oil, natural flavor), Garlic Powder, Sesame/Soybean Oil, Spices, Salt.

Contains: Soy, Wheat, and Peanuts on pouches manufactured prior to year 2005

Seafood Chowder:

Cooked Clams and Clam Juice, Potatoes, Cream, Onions, Nonfat Dry Milk, Pacific Shrimp, Celery, and Contains 2% Or Less Of The Following:  Modified Corn Starch, Butter (cream), Salt, Yeast Extract, Maltodextrin, Worcestershire Sauce (distilled vinegar, molasses, corn syrup, caramel color, sugar, anchovies, tamarind), Cultured Whey, Spices, Corn Oil, Onion Powder, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Potato Starch, Safflower Oil, Natural Flavors, Calcium Disodium EDTA.

Contains: Clams, Milk, Shrimp, Anchovy.

Mexican Style Rice & Chicken:

Kidney Beans, Tomato Puree, Cooked Chicken, Instant Brown Rice, Black Olives, Green Peppers, Seasoning (spices, hydrolyzed soy protein & safflower oil, dextrose, onion powder, maltodextrin, beef fat flavor, nonfat dry milk, caramel color, spice extractive, turmeric extractive), Red Peppers, Modified Cornstarch, Dried Chicken Broth, Onions, Chili Powder (chili pepper, spices, garlic powder), Salt, Jalapeno Pepper Powder, and Red Pepper Powder.

Contains: Soy, Milk

Jamaican Style Chicken & Rice:

Instant Rice, Cooked Chicken, Onions, Dehydrated Red Beans, Green Peppers, Mushrooms, Corn, Red Peppers, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Molasses, Soy Sauce, (soybeans wheat, salt, molasses), Vinegar, Raspberry Juice Concentrate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Habanero Peppers (Scotch Bonnet), Natural Flavors, Spices, Sugar, Dehydrated Onions, Soybean Oil, Modified Corn Starch, Lime Juice Concentrate, and Salt.

CONTAINS: Soy, Wheat.

Macaroni & Cheese:

Enriched Macaroni (durum semolina, niacin, iron [ferrous sulfate], thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), Dehydrated Cheddar Cheese Blend (cheddar cheese [milk, milk cuture, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, annatto], cream, salt, sodium phosphate, lactic acid, yellow no. 5 and yellow no. 6), Nonfat Dry Milk, Modified Corn Starch, Corn Oil, Salt, and Spice.

Contains: Wheat, Milk

Potatoes ‘N Cheese:

Potato Flakes, *Cheese Blend (cheddar, granular, and blue cheeses [milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes], buttermilk solids, butter, sodium phosphate, lactose, lactic acid, yellow no. 5 and yellow no. 6), *Nonfat Dry Milk, Maltodextrin, Whey and Whey Protein Concentrate, Salt, Milk Protein, *Broccoli, * Onions, and Contains 1% or less of Citric Acid, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, *Enzyme Modified Cheddar Cheese (milk, cheese cultures, enzymes, calcium chloride, disodium phoshate), Modified Corn Starch, Mono & Diclycerides, Sodium Acid Pyrophoshate, Guar Gum, Butter Flavor, Cream, Buttermilk Powder, Sodium Bicarbonate, Flavor, Corn Syrup Solids, Sodium Caseinate, Annatto, Turmeric. *Dried.

Contains: Milk, Soy

Potatoes ‘N Beef:

Potatoes, Cooked Beef, Nonfat Dry Milk, Modified Cornstarch, Dehydrated Onions, Beef Base (roasted beef and concentrated beef stock, hydrolyzed corn gluten, soy wheat corn protein, dried whey, yeast extract), Salt, Sugar, Corn Oil, Flavoring, Spices, Caramel Color, and Garlic Powder.

Contains: Milk, Soy, Wheat.

Vegetable Stew w/Beef:

Potatoes, Peas, Cooked Beef (Beef, Salt), Carrots, Corn, Corn Oil, Modified Cornstarch, Hydrolyzed Corn Torula and Brewers Yeast Wheat Gluten Soy Protein, Dehydrated Onions, Salt, Sugar, Spices, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, and Garlic Powder and spice extract.

Contains: Wheat, Soy

Grilled Chicken w/Mashed Potatoes:

MASHED POTATOES WITH HERBS & CHIVES:  Potato Flakes* (potatoes, mono and diglycerides preserved with sodium acid pyrophosphate and citric acid) and Herb & Chive Seasonings* (nonfat milk, butter [cream, salt], chicken, modified food starch, salt, natural flavor, parmesan cheese [pasteurized milk, salt, cheese culture, enzymes], whey, maltodextrin, hydrolyzed wheat and corn gluten, onion, chives, yeast extract, spices, chicken fat, chicken broth, garlic, citric acid, annatto, and turmeric [added for color]).
GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS* Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Fillets with Rib Meat, Seasoning (modified food starch, salt, corn syrup solids, dried chicken broth, soy protein concentrate, maltodextrin, partially hydrogenated cottonseed and soybean oil, chicken fat, soy lecithin, grill flavor, natural flavor), Sodium Phosphates, and Caramel Color. *Dried

Contains: Milk, Wheat, Soy

Flame Broiled Beef Patties w/Mashed Potatoes:

MASHED POTATOES WITH CHEESE & BROCCOLI*: Potato Flakes, Cheese Blend* (cheddar, granular, and blue cheeses [milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes], buttermilk solids, butter, sodium phosphate, lactose, lactic acid, yellow no. 5, yellow no. 6), *Nonfat Dry Milk, Matltodextrin, Whey and Whey Protein Concentrate, Salt, Milk Protein, *Broccoli, *Onions, and contains 1% or less of the Citric Acid, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, *Enzyme Modified Cheddar Cheese (milk, cheese clultures, enzymes, calcium chloride, disodium phosphate), Modified Corn Starch, Mono & Diclycerides, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Guar Gum, Butter Flavor, Cream, Buttermilk Powder, Sodium Bicarbonate, Flavor, Corn Syrup Solids, Sodium Caseinate, Annatto, Tumeric.

FLAME - BROILED BEEF PATTIES*: Beef, Seasoning (corn syrup solids, canola oil), Salt, and Spice. *Dried

CONTAINS: Milk, Soy

Breakfast

Precooked Scrambled Eggs:

Whole Eggs, Nonfat Dry Milk, Modified Food Starch, Corn Oil, Salt, Yeast Extract, Xanthan Gum, Natural Flavor, and Safflower Oil.

Contains: Egg, Milk

Precooked Scrambled Eggs w/Bacon:

Freeze Dried Precooked Scrambled Eggs:  (whole eggs, egg yolks, nonfat dry milk, modified corn starch, corn oil, salt, yeast extact, sunflower oil and smoke flavor, xanthan gum). BACON: Bacon (cured with water, salt, sugar, sodium phosphates, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrite), and Smoke Flavor

Contains: Eggs, Milk

Granola w/Blueberries & Milk:

Granola (rolled oats, brown sugar, unsweetened coconut, soy oil, sesame seed, wheat germ, natural vanilla flavoring), Nonfat Dry Milk, Freeze Dried Blueberries, Dry Cream (sweet cream, lecithin, and tocopherols), and Natural & Artificial Vanilla Flavor.

Contains: Soy, Milk and Wheat.

Precooked Eggs w/Ham & Peppers:

Precooked Scrambled Eggs (whole eggs, egg yolks, nonfat dry milk, modified corn starch, corn oil, salt, yeast extract, sunflower oil and smoke flavor, xanthan gum), Ham (ham, salt, dextrose, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium erythorbate, smoke flavor, sodium nitrite), and Red and Green Peppers.

Contains: Egg, Milk

Raw Egg Mix – Butter Flavored:

Whole Eggs, Nonfat Dry Milk, Salt, Propylene Glycol, and Flavor — Requires Cooking

Contains: Egg, Milk

Desserts & Snacks

Neapolitan Ice Cream:

Milkfat and Nonfat Milk, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Whey, Cocoa (processed with alkali), Mono and Diglycerides, Guar Gum, Cellulose Gum and Carrageenan, Artificial Flavor, Red #40, and Annatto Color.

Contains: Milk

Ice Cream Sandwich:

ICE CREAM: Milkfat, Sugar, Nonfat Milk, Corn Syrup, Whey, Mono and Diglycerides, Guar Gum, Cellulose Gum, Carrageenan, Artificial Flavor, and Annatto Color.
CHOCOLATE WAFERS: Bleached Wheat Flour, Sugar, Carmel Color, Dextrose, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Corn Flour, and Contains 2% or Less of Cocoa, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup, Modified Corn Starch, Baking Soda, Salt, Mono and Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin.

Contains: Milk, Wheat, Soy

Raspberry Crumble:

RASPBERRY SAUCE MIX:  Sugar, Freeze Dried Raspberries, Modified Corn Starch, Nonfat Dry Milk, and Corn Oil.

CHOCOLATE COOKIE CRUMBS:

Sugar, Enriched Flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Cocoa Processed With Alkali, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Cornstarch, Baking Soda, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Vanillin (an artificial flavor), Chocolate, and Whey.

Contains: Milk, Wheat, Soy

BlueBerry Cheesecake:

CHEESECAKE MIX:  Cheesecake Powder (sugar, dried baker’s cheese [skim milk, lactic acid, culture], dried buttermilk, partially hydrogenated palm kernel oil, modified food starch, dextrose, whey, corn syrup solids, sodium phosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium caseinate, lactic acid, salt, sour cream powder, calcium lactate, artificial flavor, glycerol monostearate, maltodextrin, lemon juice solids, yellow no. 5, yellow no. 6, natural flavor, BHA [preservative]), Vanilla Pudding, (sugar, food starch modified, dextrose, disodium phoshate and tetrasodium pyrophosphate, and contains 2% or less salt, nonfat dry milk, partially hydrogenated soybean oil with BHA [preservative], mono and diglycerides with propyl gallate and citric acid [preservatives], titanium dioxide [for color], natural and atrificial flavors, yellow no. 5, yellow no 6) Whole Milk Powder, and Lecithin.

BLUEBERRY TOPPING MIX:

Sugar, Freeze Dried Blueberries, Blueberry Powder, Modified Food Starch, Citric Acid, and Corn Oil.

GRAHAM CRACKER CRUMBS:

Enriched Flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, roboflavin, folic acid), Graham Flour, Sugar, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Molasses Preserved With Sulfur Dioxide, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Leavening (baking soda, calcium phosphate), and Salt.

Contains: Milk, Soy, Wheat

Chocolate Strawberry Crunch

CHOCOLATE PUDDING (dextrose, modified food starch, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, corn syrup solids, Dutch processed cocoa, sodium phosphates, salt, xanthan gum, potassium caseinate, dipotassium phosphate, calcium sulfate, sodium steroyl lactylate, carrageenan, caramel color, titanium dioxide, *aspartame, artificial flavor, mono and diglycerides)

TOFFEE (sugar, palm oil, dairy butter, almonds, salt, artificial flavor, soy lecithin)

FREEZE DRY STRAWBERRIES

*Contains Aspartame: Phenylketourics:
Contains Phenylalanine

Contains: Soy, Milk

Strawberry Fruit Snacks:

Freeze Dried Organic Strawberries.

Mango Fruit Snacks:

Freeze Dried Organic Mangos

Apple Fruit Snacks:

Freeze Dried Organic Apples.

Banana Fruit Snacks:

Freeze Dried Organic Bananas.

Meats, Veggies & Misc Items

Instant Long Grain Rice:

Precooked Long Grain Rice

Cooked Diced Beef:

Beef and Salt.

Diced Pork:

Pork and Salt.

Pork Chops Uncooked:

Pork

Ground Beef:

Beef, Flavoring, and Salt.

Cooked Diced Chicken:

Chicken Meat, and Salt.

Golden Sweet Whole Kernel Corn:

Whole Kernel Corn.

Garden Green Peas:

Peas and Salt.

Garden Green Beans:

Green Beans.

Pilot Bread Crackers:

Enriched Flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Whey, Leavening (sodium bicarbonate, monocalcium phosphate), Salt

Contains: Wheat, Milk

Cottage Cheese:

Cultured Skim Milk, Cream, Milk, Salt, Whey, Guar Gum, Citric Acid, Carrageenan, and Locust Bean Gum.

Contains: Milk

There is a need and great value of having a food reserve for tough economic times. The chances of a depression have increased greatly since I wrote about it on September 15th, and many will experience hardships for sure.

Some are stating that if there is a depression it will not be as severe as the “Great depression” that occurred last century. Of course the same people were saying just a few weeks ago the worst of the bank troubles were behind us.

So is there need for a food reserve? What type of food reserve is the best value?

First, the need for a food reserve is greater now than in the past. At the worst part of the great depression unemployment reached a high of 25%. Anyone who read John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath” will have a feel for what it was like for people in rural areas trying to survive.

However there is a big difference between now and then.  Then much of the population was rural and able to revert to a sustenance economy to get food to just barely survive the crisis. Now most of our population is urban. Most people will be totally dependent on food supplied in markets. Adding to this is the fact many foods are imported. Further, even non-perishable food is managed with tightly controlled “just in time” inventory to maximize profits. In a global crisis food imports are likely to dwindle as nations focus on self preservation. Food stock-outs will be more common. There may difficulty in getting food and prices will rise.

What food reserve is the best value?

For the same reasons that I strongly recommend freeze dried food for disasters, it is also the best value for hard economic times. It is easy to store, only needs water, no preparation or cooking required, and has long storage of up to 25 years. It can provide food insurance protection for a long time.

It is also better from a community perspective because when you buy freeze dried food you are actually increasing the future food supply for all by utilizing food available now before there is a shortage.

By having a food reserve to draw from in hard times with food shortages,  you will be able to leave food on the store shelf for those who do not have a food reserve.

A lesson from “The Grapes of Wrath” is that we all do better as a community helping each other.

Having a food reserve will enable you to make a contribution when the time comes, either by leaving food for others at the supermarket and also by sharing the reserves you have with those most in need.

An important final note is that freeze dried food while readily available now, has earlier this year experienced long lead times of 6-8 weeks, during heightened concern about high oil prices and related food price increases.

I monitor keywords that visitors to this blog use to end up here.

Just now I saw someone was searching on “survival plans for depression”.

Is a three month food supply for 4 people a good idea as insurance in hard economic times?

Yes I think now more than ever it is a good idea to be prepared for a disaster and at the same time be ready for hard times.

Many years ago I was a volunteer for a food bank and there I discovered that a wide variety of people can suddenly find themselves in need. Some people go weak from hunger first because their pride makes them hesitate to ask for support.

As we saw with the recent “peak oil survivalist” run on Mountain House freeze dried food causing shortages for months till a few weeks ago, it may be a good idea not to wait until things get worse to get a survival food reserve.

Freeze dried food is not as cheap as say bulk rice, but at about $10 per person, per day, for a balanced diet it is not far off from typical grocery budget.

Getting a one year food reserve supply for one or more then is a good investment especially considering rising food costs. Since it lasts 25 years it is a better value than other food reserves.

I personally don’t believe we are headed for a depression now, however it is a much greater possibility then at any time in my life. There are many people in the highest places of the finance world who at this moment are not sure what the course of events will be next.