Survival foods in question!

When faced with extreme situations such as natural disasters, humanitarian crises or armed conflicts, it is crucial to have a solid survival plan, which includes preparing a suitable food kit. These survival foods must be nutritious, easy to transport, and able to last for long periods without refrigeration. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing such an assortment.

Survival Food Selection Criteria

The foods chosen must meet several essential criteria:

Shelf life: Choose foods with a long shelf life, ideally several months to a few years.

Nutritional Value: Select foods high in calories, protein, vitamins and minerals to maintain energy and health.

Ease of preparation: Choose foods that do not require cooking or those that can be prepared with minimal equipment.

Lightness and compactness: Choose light and compact foods to make transport easier.

Taste and Variety: For morale and dietary variety, include different types of flavors and textures.

Staple foods to include

Ideally, it would be necessary to have a “Kit” of survival foods in each home. Without wanting to “toggle” into exacerbated pessimism, the recent climatic disasters of recent years (floods, tsunamis, heatwaves, fires, earthquakes, landslides, pandemics, etc.) demonstrate that no one is safe from major risks and more or less long-term isolation. Here is a list of survival foods to favor as part of an ideal pack.

Canned meat and fish: Rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Canned vegetables and fruits: Important source of vitamins and fiber.

Canned Soups and Stews: Ready to use and easy to reheat.

Dehydrated and freeze-dried foods

Dehydrated fruits and vegetables: Light and nutritious, they can be rehydrated or eaten as is.

Freeze-dried meals: A variety of meals that require only hot or cold water to prepare.

Quick-cooking cereals and pastas

Instant rice, quick-cooking pasta: Easy-to-prepare energy sources.

Energy and cereal bars: Compact, rich in calories and nutrients.

Nuts and seeds

Nuts, seeds, nut butters: Excellent sources of protein, good fats and energy.

Food supplements

Protein Powders: Easy to carry and mix with water for an extra protein boost.

Multivitamins: To ensure all nutritional needs are met.

Water and purification solutions

Water is just as crucial as food. Include water bottles, portable water filters, and water purification tablets in your kit.

Storage and transport

Airtight and durable containers: Protect food from moisture, insects and rodents.

Lightweight backpacks and containers: Facilitate transport and mobility.

Freeze-dried food, the essential survival food?

Freeze-dried food, often associated with space expeditions or high-altitude treks, has become a significant part of survival kit preparation for good reason. This preservation process, whereby food is first frozen and then vacuum-dried, removes almost all moisture without significantly altering the nutritional values and taste of the food. Here are the main benefits of freeze-dried food as a survival food .

Long shelf life

Freeze-dried foods can be stored for many years, up to 25 years or more in some cases, without refrigeration. This exceptional longevity is due to the drastic reduction in moisture, which prevents the growth of microorganisms responsible for spoilage. This makes freeze-dried foods an ideal option for emergency situations where access to fresh food may be limited for long periods of time.

Preservation of nutritional values and taste

Unlike other preservation methods, freeze-drying almost completely preserves the nutritional values, color, shape, and taste of food. Vitamins, proteins, and minerals remain largely intact, which ensures a balanced diet even in difficult conditions. The taste also remains very close to that of fresh food, making meals more appetizing and varied, a big plus in the context of survival food , as pleasure plays on morale...

Lightness and compactness

Once the water is removed, freeze-dried foods become extremely lightweight and compact, making them easy to store and transport. This feature is especially important in survival situations where storage space and carrying capacity may be limited. A larger volume of food can thus be carried, increasing the chances of survival over an extended period of time.

Ease of preparation

Rehydrating freeze-dried foods is quick and easy, often requiring only hot or cold water. This means that even in simple conditions, it is possible to prepare a nutritious and comforting meal in just a few minutes. This ease of preparation is crucial in situations where resources and time for cooking may be limited.

Food diversity

The range of foods available in freeze-dried form is vast, including fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, prepared meals, and even desserts. This diversity allows you to vary your meals and maintain a balanced diet, a crucial element for physical and mental well-being in a survival situation.

Reduction of the risk of contamination

The freeze-drying process and vacuum packaging ensure excellent protection against contamination by bacteria or insects. The sturdy, airtight packaging also provides additional protection against moisture, light and oxygen, factors that could otherwise degrade the quality of the food.

Survival Foods in Brief

Preparing a survival food kit takes thought and planning, but it is essential to weather emergencies with resilience. By following the tips above, you will be better prepared to meet the nutritional needs of yourself and your family in the most difficult circumstances. Keep in mind that specific situations and individual needs may vary, so adjust your kit accordingly. Freeze-dried foods offer an optimal solution for survival kitting, thanks to their longevity, nutritional quality, ease of transport and preparation, and variety. While the initial cost may be higher than traditional foods, the benefits of safety, convenience, and effectiveness make them a wise investment for anyone looking to prepare for emergencies. By incorporating freeze-dried foods into your survival plan, you ensure a reliable source of nutrition to face the most difficult challenges.