Survival Food Kit Showdown: ReadyWise vs. Ready Hour vs. 4Patriots | Taste Test & Honest Review!

Planning for emergencies has become a priority, especially with the unpredictable nature of natural disasters. As we prepared our own emergency food supplies, we wanted to find out which food kits could reliably provide nutritious and filling meals during stressful emergency situations. Our goal? To try, taste, and compare Ready Hour, 4Patriots, and ReadyWise on a camping trip, where we could experience their real-world utility.

Here’s a breakdown of our taste tests, the pros and cons of each kit, and practical notes on factors like long-term storage, emergency supplies quality, and ease of preparation. This overview should help you find the right emergency meal kits for your needs. Don’t forget to check out the full video review embedded at the end of this article.

ReadyWise: Quality Ingredients and Emergency Versatility

ReadyWise impressed us with its focus on high-quality ingredients, offering freeze-dried meals with oxygen absorbers to maintain freshness. Many packages even provided directions for rehydrating with room temperature water, a critical detail if heating sources are limited.

Foods We Tried

• Macaroni and Cheese: ReadyWise’s macaroni stood out with the creamiest cheese flavor, it’s made with more natural ingredients and rich in flavor without the artificial aftertaste found in some brands.
• Chicken Teriyaki: This dish had a pleasant, lightly sweet teriyaki flavor, although the dehydrated vegetables required longer cooking to soften.
• Chili Macaroni: A satisfying meal for those craving a complete caloric replacement option.
• Chicken-Flavored Noodle Soup: A highlight for its comforting taste and satisfying pasta texture—ideal in any emergency situation.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Quality Ingredients: ReadyWise offers freeze-dried meals with fewer artificial additives, a plus for those who prioritize natural food sources in their emergency food supply.
  • Room-Temperature Hydration: Some meals allow for room temperature water rehydration, ensuring food access even without a heating source.
  • Tasty Comfort Foods: The macaroni and cheese and noodle soup were both satisfying choices, providing a touch of comfort.
• Cons:
  • Plain Packaging: A few meals came in plain Mylar bags without cooking instructions, requiring us to consult the main packaging of other products.
  • Longer Rehydration for Vegetables: The chicken teriyaki and similar meals needed extra cooking time to soften dehydrated veggies, which may be a challenge in a natural disaster scenario.

ReadyWise provides a solid blend of flavor and nutrition, ideal for those seeking peace of mind with high-quality, versatile meal options.

4Patriots: Kid-Friendly, Affordable, with Room for Improvement

4Patriots is a well-known name among new emergency food suppliers with a focus on family-friendly meals. They offer solid choices for short-term emergencies with an affordable price point, but we noticed a heavy reliance on artificial ingredients.

Foods We Tried

• Macaroni and Cheese: Of the three brands, 4Patriots macaroni tasted the least natural, with an artificial flavor that wasn’t very appealing. It had the flavor of boil in cup, microwave macaroni and cheese powder packets.
• Vanilla Pudding: This mix was transformed into a banana pudding that worked well for a single-serving community meal. It was simple to prepare but had mixed reviews from those that sampled it. Some reported a pleasant, sweet flavor while others detected the artificial flavoring.
• Grammy’s Sweet Oatmeal: Surprisingly, the oatmeal wasn’t overly sweet. A scoop of peanut butter was a great addition, making it a favorite among the kids on a cool morning.
• Potatoes O’Brien: These potatoes were a divisive choice; while I enjoyed them, my husband didn’t, and the potatoes needed extra cooking time to soften. However, the addition of scrambled eggs and cheese made this a solid meal choice.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Family-Friendly: With options like Grammy’s Sweet Oatmeal and pudding, 4Patriots offers choices that appeal to younger palates.
  • Affordable Price: For those stocking up for a short-term emergency or specific meals, 4Patriots is a budget-friendly choice.
• Cons:
  • Artificial Ingredients: 4Patriots leans on artificial ingredients and dyes, especially in the macaroni and cheese, which may not be ideal for those preferring dry goods with cleaner ingredients.
  • Vegetable Softening Time: The potatoes took longer to soften than expected, which can be a drawback in a stressful emergency situation.

4Patriots is a good option if you’re prioritizing affordability and kid-friendly foods for short-term emergencies, but the taste and ingredient quality leave room for improvement.

Ready Hour: Affordable Bulk Storage and Variety

Ready Hour offers affordable prices and a broad variety of items, making it an attractive option for those looking to stock up on long-term storage foods. With a focus on bulk emergency food supplies, Ready Hour includes a range of dry goods designed to last for years.

Foods We Tried

• Macaroni and Cheese: The macaroni and cheese was rated between 4Patriots and ReadyWise for flavor, offering a mild cheese taste but lacking the richness of some other options.
• Pancake Mix: We tried Ready Hour’s pancake mix at home and found the texture a bit chewy, with a slightly metallic taste that detracted from its overall appeal.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Bulk Options: Ready Hour’s food kits work well for those looking to stock up on emergency supplies in large quantities.
  • Good Long-Term Storage: With a 25-year shelf life, Ready Hour’s kits are a dependable choice for natural disaster preparedness and long-term storage.
  • Budget-Friendly: With fast shipping and an affordable price, Ready Hour is a pretty good deal for those prioritizing value.
• Cons:
  • Flavor Needs Adjustment: The pancake mix was less than ideal in flavor and texture, and we needed additional ingredients to improve the taste.

Ready Hour’s emergency meal kits are a good choice for those focused on complete caloric replacement and bulk storage rather than gourmet flavor. Solid for emergency situations and long-term storage, these kits may need adjustments for taste but offer value and peace of mind for stocking up.

Essential Survival Gear and Tips for Emergency Preparation

Beyond food, a fully prepared emergency supplies kit includes items like first aid kits, oxygen absorbers and Mylar bags for keeping food fresh, excess water stored and water filtration systems. Here are a few essential gear and tips to consider when preparing for emergencies:

• First Aid Kit: A reliable first aid kit is indispensable, covering basic health needs during emergencies.
• Water Filtration Systems: Safe drinking water is essential. Beyond having excess water already stored, portable filters or purification tablets can ensure clean water in a crisis.
• Oxygen Absorbers and Mylar Bags: These can help keep freeze-dried meals fresh over the long term, perfect for bulk storage.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

If you’re looking to create a comprehensive emergency food supply or expand your current stash, here’s our take on each kit:

• ReadyWise: This was hands-down our favorite kit. Ideal for those who want high-quality ingredients, versatile cooking options, and tasty freeze-dried meals that can rehydrate without a heat source.
• 4Patriots: This was our least favorite kit. But it’s decent for families with younger kids who need affordable, kid-friendly meals, though keep in mind the reliance on artificial ingredients.
• Ready Hour: Best for budget-conscious buyers who want to stock up on bulk supplies with a variety of dry goods.

In the end, each brand offers unique advantages for emergency situations, so consider your specific needs—whether it’s for short-term emergencies or long-term storage. The most important thing is to be prepared and choose foods that offer peace of mind and sustenance when it’s needed most.

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