Our most basic survival need is food, therefore one of the most important elements of survival is choosing provisions which can be easily carried with you. Survival bars are one of the most popular and best known products which are aimed at this market. They slip nicely into a backpack, but are tasty and full of the nutrients and calories you need to support yourself. You can also purchase them in bulk.
However, surviving in an emergency situation does not rely entirely on eating nutritional bars. There is a large and ever growing range of foods available which are aimed at survival scenarios. Some of these are intended for planned excursions in the wilderness and can sustain a person for several days, but others are suited for more apocalyptic situations. There are some foods which are carefully produced to have a shelf life of at least 25 years, ensuring you can easily survive for weeks or months at a time.
Survival foods are created to be very compact yet pack a lot of nutrition, which is achieved by freeze drying. You can store the products in bulk or carry large quantities in your backpack with ease. To use the foods you simply re-hydrate the contents of the packet to produce a tasty meal.
There is a great variety of freeze dried provisions available, so that surviving does not necessarily mean boring or repetitive meals. You can start your day with a healthy breakfast such as oatmeal, or indulge in a cooked breakfast such as eggs. For dinner you can enjoy stews, pasta or chili and even finish up with a dessert such as chocolate pudding.
Vegetables and fruits are very easy to freeze dry, so are particularly easy to stock up on. However, you will also find that packets of foods such as meat or cheese are readily available from survival stockists.
If you are not confident in your ability to produce a delicious meal from basic provisions you can opt for MREs (meals ready to eat). They are the same packets which are used by the military when the soldiers are in action. Most people find that the ready to eat meals are not as tasty and enjoyable as meals created from freeze dried products, but the convenience and compact nature of the meals make them one of the most effective ways to prepare for long term survival. You can order MREs from specialist retailers in bulk, and can get supplies which will last you for any period up to one year.
If you need only to pack survival supplies for a few days or weeks, do not forget everyday foods such as beef jerky or granola bars. They are a cheap and easy way to feed yourself or your family on a short retreat.