Emergency food kits have gained enormous popularity in recent years, spurred on by global uncertainty, natural disasters, and the need for preparedness.
Costco, a renowned retailer known for its bulk products and membership perks, offers several emergency food kits designed to help families and individuals be ready for the worst-case scenario. One of the most talked-about options is the Costco 'Apocalypse' Dinner Kit, featuring ReadyWise emergency food supplies. This kit, alongside other offerings from Costco, provides long-lasting food solutions with an extended shelf life of up to 25 years.
In this blog, we will break down Costco’s three primary emergency food kits, highlighting their features, benefits, pricing, and what exactly is included in each package. These kits are not only a practical investment for those concerned about emergency preparedness, but they also offer great value for their price points.
1. Costco Apocalypse Dinner Kit: ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply
- Price: $62.99
- What You Get: 132 Servings
- Shelf Life: Up to 25 Years
The Costco Apocalypse Dinner Kit, created by ReadyWise, is a popular option for emergency food supplies. Priced affordably at $62.99, this kit offers an impressive 132 servings of various meals and drinks, providing ample sustenance during an emergency. One of its standout features is its shelf life, which extends to 25 years when stored properly. This makes it a great choice for long-term food storage without the worry of spoilage.
Key Features:
Variety of Meals: The kit contains a wide array of meal options, including:
- Teriyaki Rice
- Pasta Alfredo
- Cheesy Macaroni
- Apple Cinnamon Cereal
And several other dishes
- Convenience: All meals are easy to prepare—just add water.
- Nutrition: Each meal is packed with essential nutrients and calories needed to keep you energized during emergencies.
- Portability: The kit comes in lightweight, resealable pouches, making it easy to store, transport, and serve as needed.
Benefits:
- Affordable: At only $62.99 for 132 servings, this kit offers an incredible value for the price.
- Long Shelf Life: With a shelf life of 25 years, you can store this kit in your pantry or emergency supply cabinet with peace of mind.
- Variety: The different meal options cater to various tastes and preferences, ensuring that you won’t get bored with repetitive meals during extended periods of reliance on emergency food.
- Compact Storage: The pouches take up little space and can be stored easily in most kitchens or storage areas, making it a great option for people with limited space.
Ideal For:
- Those looking for an entry-level emergency food kit.
- Individuals or small families preparing for natural disasters, power outages, or other emergencies.
- People who want an easy, ready-to-go food supply without worrying about spoilage for decades.
Related: Top Kitchen Gadgets You Need for Cozy Fall and Winter Meals
2. Costco 150-Serving Emergency Food Bucket
- Price: $99.99
- What You Get: 150 Servings
- Shelf Life: Up to 25 Years
If you’re looking for a more robust solution, the Costco 150-Serving Emergency Food Bucket is a step up. Priced at $99.99, it provides 150 servings of various meals and beverages designed to keep you nourished during prolonged emergencies. The serving variety is particularly notable, as this kit includes a balanced mix of comfort foods, protein-rich options, and essential drinks.
Key Features:
Meal Variety: The bucket contains a wide range of meals, ensuring that even in an emergency, you can enjoy diverse and satisfying dishes. The meals included are:
- Pasta Alfredo (12 servings)
- Cheesy Macaroni (12 servings)
- Teriyaki Rice (6 servings)
- Creamy Pasta and Vegetables (6 servings)
- Potato Pot Pie (6 servings)
- Tomato Basil Soup with Pasta (6 servings)
- Chicken Noodle Soup (6 servings)
- Brown Sugar & Maple Multi-Grain (12 servings)
- Apple Cinnamon Cereal (12 servings)
- Crunchy Granola (6 servings)
- White Rice (10 servings)
- Vanilla Pudding (16 servings)
- Whey Milk Alternative (24 servings)
- Orange Drink (16 servings)
Nutritional Value: The meals are designed to provide balanced nutrition, offering carbohydrates, proteins, and fats essential for energy and sustenance.
Drink Options: In addition to solid meals, this kit includes both a whey milk alternative and an orange drink, which are important sources of hydration and additional calories.
Easy Preparation: Like the Apocalypse Dinner Kit, all meals are easy to prepare—just add water.
Benefits:
- Varied Menu: Unlike smaller kits, this option includes a more varied selection of meals that can be mixed and matched to create meal plans that suit your preferences.
- Portability: The meals come in durable, stackable buckets that are easy to transport and store. This makes them an ideal solution for those with limited storage space.
- Long Shelf Life: With a shelf life of up to 25 years, this kit can be stored for decades, making it a reliable option for long-term emergency preparedness.
- Drinks Included: The inclusion of whey milk alternatives and orange drinks ensures that you have essential liquids, which are often overlooked in smaller emergency food kits.
Ideal For:
- Larger families or groups who need more servings and variety in their emergency food supply.
- Preppers who are looking to stockpile for longer-term emergencies or natural disasters.
- Anyone who wants a larger, more diverse menu in their emergency food kit.
Related: 5 Kitchen Appliances You Need for Cozy Autumn Dishes & Winter Treats
3. Costco 110-Serving Protein Emergency Food Bucket
- Price: $179.99
- What You Get: 110 Servings
- Shelf Life: Up to 25 Years
The Costco 110-Serving Protein Emergency Food Bucket offers a higher-protein alternative to traditional emergency food kits for those looking to prioritize protein intake during emergencies. Priced at $179.99, this kit provides 110 servings of protein-rich foods that are essential for maintaining muscle mass, energy, and overall health during extended periods of food scarcity.
Key Features:
- Protein Focused: Unlike other kits, this bucket emphasizes high-protein meals, which are crucial during emergencies for sustaining energy and muscle.
- Nutrient-Dense Meals: The meals in this kit are designed to offer more protein per serving compared to other emergency food buckets, making it a key resource for individuals with higher protein requirements.
- Easy-to-Prepare Meals: Like other ReadyWise kits, the meals require only water for preparation.
Benefits:
- Higher Protein Content: This kit is ideal for those who need more protein in their diet, such as athletes, those with physically demanding jobs, or those who are conscious of maintaining muscle mass during emergencies.
- Extended Shelf Life: With a shelf life of up to 25 years, this kit offers the same long-lasting reliability as other Costco emergency food options.
- Compact and Portable: The protein emergency food bucket is easy to store and transport, making it a versatile option for home use or for taking on the go during emergencies.
Ideal For:
- Individuals or families who want to ensure they have adequate protein during emergencies.
- People with dietary needs that require higher protein intake.
- Preppers who prioritize balanced nutrition in their food storage, especially when it comes to maintaining muscle and energy.
Related: Master the Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte: Easy Recipe & Essential Ingredients
Choosing the Right Emergency Food Kit for You
When deciding which Costco emergency food kit to purchase, there are several factors to consider:
Servings Needed: If you are preparing for a short-term emergency, such as a power outage or natural disaster lasting a few days, the Costco Apocalypse Dinner Kit with 132 servings may be sufficient for small families or individuals. For longer-term emergencies or larger groups, the 150-serving Emergency Food Bucket offers more variety and servings at a reasonable price.
Protein Intake: If maintaining protein levels is a priority, whether for dietary reasons or for physical activity, the 110-serving Protein Emergency Food Bucket is a premium option. While it is priced higher, it ensures that your emergency meals include sufficient protein for muscle maintenance and energy.
Variety: If meal variety is important to avoid "food fatigue" during an emergency, the 150-Serving Emergency Food Bucket offers a more diverse selection of meals and drinks, including soups, pasta, rice, cereals, and even desserts like vanilla pudding. This variety ensures that you’ll have a more enjoyable eating experience during stressful times.
Price vs. Value: All three kits offer great value for their price, especially when considering their 25-year shelf life. Depending on your budget, you can choose the kit that offers the most servings or the best nutritional focus for your needs.
Related: Spook Up Your Potluck: 15 Recipes & 10 Gadgets for a Scary Good Time
Final Thoughts
Costco’s emergency food kits, especially the viral Apocalypse Dinner Kit by ReadyWise, provide a reliable, long-lasting, and affordable solution for those seeking to prepare for unexpected disasters.
With options catering to different dietary needs and group sizes, these kits offer peace of mind at a reasonable price. Whether you opt for the 132-serving Apocalypse Dinner Kit, the 150-serving Emergency Food Bucket, or the 110-serving Protein Emergency Food Bucket, you’ll be making a sound investment in your family’s safety and preparedness.
Remember, when it comes to emergency preparedness, it’s better to have food stored and never need it than to need it and not have it. Costco’s emergency food kits ensure that you’ll be ready for whatever the future holds, with meals that can sustain you for years to come.
