The allure of keeping an emergency food supply is undeniable. Imagine being stuck at home for weeks due to unforeseen circumstances—how would you feed yourself? With the ongoing challenges posed by pandemics like COVID-19, having a reserve of emergency food has become increasingly important. Recently, I decided to purchase a four-week supply from 4Patriots, priced at $197, to see if it’s worth the investment. After trying it out, I can say it might be worthwhile if you're willing to splurge.
In the end, I’d say it’s a decent option if you can afford it. For more details on why maintaining such a stockpile is essential, check out my review of the best two-week emergency survival food kits for preppers. I’ve also reviewed some of the top meals ready to eat.
Who would benefit from these types of products? I’ve often been skeptical about buying pre-packaged emergency food. It’s costly, and storing basic dry goods isn’t that difficult. However, after experiencing a two-month lockdown, I thought it prudent to get this 4Patriots kit as added security. While you can store food yourself, these kits provide convenience and taste, which is worth the extra cost for some.
4Patriots claims their food lasts up to 25 years and can feed one person for a month. Given my family of four, I doubt it would last us nearly that long. Still, it was available immediately, unlike many suppliers who are currently backlogged due to high demand caused by the pandemic. This alone gives 4Patriots an edge.
The kit arrives in a flat Sterilite container, roughly two feet long, 18 inches wide, and 7.5 inches tall. It's portable and fits well in most spaces. Unlike some competitors that use sturdy buckets, this container feels less durable. Inside, you’ll find vacuum-sealed bags labeled with appealing names like Grammy’s Sweet Oatmeal and America’s Finest Mac & Cheese.
[Image description: Packets of 4Patriots food]
Let’s break down what’s included. My kit contained:
- White rice x 4
- Strawberry energy drink
- Dinner Bell Broccoli Bake
- Mac and Cheese x 4
- Grammy’s Sweet Oatmeal x 4
- Rice and Vegetable Dinner x 3
- Fireside Stew x 2
- Buttermilk Pancakes x 3
- Powdered Whey Milk x 2
- Vanilla Pudding x 2
This adds up to 24 meals. At three meals a day, it would last you eight days, costing around $8.21 per meal. Even eating one meal daily, it would last only 24 days, with some meals being fairly simple.
The inclusion of four plain white rice packets felt unnecessary. White rice is easy to stockpile yourself, and we already have plenty stored at home. One of the main draws of these kits is offering meals that are tasty and easy to prepare. Simply having rice isn’t enough justification for the price.
When it came to trying the meals, I was pleasantly surprised. Each package is self-contained, unlike some other brands where ingredients are split into separate packets. I paired the mac and cheese and rice and vegetable dinner with a pork roast.
Cooking was straightforward—boil water, add contents, and stir occasionally. The mixes were quite thick, so constant stirring prevented sticking. The aroma while cooking was inviting, and the finished product looked and tasted good. The mac and cheese and rice and vegetable dinner were mild, which is ideal for kids who might be picky eaters.
My older child wasn’t too keen, but the baby loved it. Overall, it was a decent, albeit pricey, meal.
Should you buy this kit? Based on taste and preparation ease, 4Patriots performs well. However, it’s not the best value compared to others. It’s pricier than Emergency Essentials, which offers similar quantities for less. Yet, 4Patriots ships faster than backlogged competitors like Emergency Essentials. Infowars’ version is even more expensive, lacks clarity on servings, and takes longer to ship. Augason Farms and Mountain House are currently out of stock.
Ultimately, whether this kit is worth it depends on your budget and peace of mind. The meals are convenient and palatable, but I feel the price is steep. If you’ve got extra cash and want to ensure food security, it’s a form of long-term peace of mind.
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