I could spend hours on this one.
Just mention Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) at a party, backyard barbecue, or family get-together, and I can feel my wife cringe from across the room. I don’t even have to look at her.
She knows exactly what’s coming next.
The last time it was Paul, from across the street. “You know, I bought a case of MREs the other day…”
He opened the door and I didn’t let it close until I got it all out.
MREs aren’t the only overrated prepper food that gets me fired up, though. There are certain foods that have achieved almost legendary status for preppers, and I just don’t get it. I mean, some of them are fine and a few are actually pretty good. But come on now.
I have a decent-sized house, but my shelf, pantry and freezer space aren’t unlimited. Cost is a big factor for me, as well. Foods that don’t measure up aren’t going to take up too much space. I don’t care how many marketing campaigns are singing their praises.
Deep breath.
The funny part is everyone seems to have their favorite. My cousin Joe is a perfect example. His hill to die on is ramen noodles.
If you can believe that.
As a broke college student, sure. At SUNY Oswego I ate more than my fair share of those for four and a half years. But after graduation, you lose your free pass.
Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying any of these foods are bad. Most of them have a place. I own some of them myself.
They’re just overrated, in my opinion. Yep, I spelled that out. I may be one of the last holdouts that hasn’t switched over to IMO. And I’m proud of that.
Some of the most popular prepper foods get way more credit than they deserve.
The MREs Craze
Growing up, we never had MREs in the house. I couldn’t even imagine bringing it up to my dad. But my friend Steve did. Beef stew, chili with beans, even the gruesome ravioli with meat sauce. Once, I tried that just once.
There are more people than you’d think that believe MREs are the ultimate survival food. Steve didn’t have cases and cases of them, but people do. Next time you’re at Costco or BJ’s or another big box store, check out the wagons next to you.
Sure, I get the appeal, but I’ve never understood why they’re put on a pedestal. It’s a complete meal in a tough package. No cooking, no dishes. Just open it up, stick in a fork and you’re eating. It’s convenient.
But for the same amount of money, I’ll choose more calories and a much better variety every time. Simple things like rice, beans, oats, pasta, canned meat, canned veggies and peanut butter.
So many different, better meals. And don’t get me started on the sodium content. That’s an article for another day.
Also, let’s not pretend anyone is choosing beef stew in a plastic pouch over a homemade meal. Eating an MRE for lunch on a camping trip is one thing. But do you really want to be eating cheese tortellini every day for months?
Not me.
Survival Food Buckets: A Marketing Dream …
But a nightmare for you.
First of all, could they have come up with a better name considering the millions of dollars spent on advertising here?
Buy a bucket, put it on a shelf, and your food storage needs are totally covered. Uhmmmm, not so fast.
Have you ever really looked at one of these buckets? Some have hundreds of servings. Which sounds great, but…
I don’t know about you, but a serving size isn’t filling me up. It’s not a meal. I’m not living on a few spoonfuls of soup or some flavored rice.
My other issue is, we’re talking about food you can make a lot more of for a lot less money.
This isn’t an apples-to-apples example, but you’ll get the point. Every time I’m passing by a deli counter with my mom, she always spots the pasta and broccoli salad dish. Then she looks at the price and shakes her head.
“$8.99 a pound,” she says loud enough for everyone on line to hear. “Do you know how much pasta and broccoli I can make for $8.99? I could feed the neighborhood. Twice!”
When you dig into a lot of food survival buckets, you’re getting rice, pasta, potato flakes, powdered sauces, soup mixes and oatmeal.
But you are paying through the nose for someone else putting them in a bucket and printing “One-Year Food Supply” on the label.
Freeze-Dried Foods
Before anyone grabs a pitchfork, let me be clear. I like freeze-dried foods.
Just not the freeze-dried desserts, snacks and treats that cost an arm and leg and are pretty much just novelties.
I mean, do you really need freeze-dried cheesecake bites, candy, and chocolate covered raisins?
I have a good supply for freeze-dried strawberries, apples and bananas. Vegetables and meats, too. I know some people are into freeze-dried eggs, and that’s good.
I’m probably buying another can of chicken or bag of rice before I’m stocking up on freeze-dried ice cream sandwiches.
Protein Bars
OK, this one is my guilty pleasure. RX bars. But I only buy them when they are on sale at Costco and I only have a box or 2 in the house at one time. They’re mainly for before the gym for a little boost.
In general though, protein bars are convenient and grab-and-go. Which is good.
But they’re really just supplements or snacks, not a replacement for meals. Although some position themselves that way, which is really wrong.
And most are pretty much glorified candy bars with extra protein jammed in.
If you’re a protein-bar person, do your research. Two or three brands clearly outshine the rest. And keep them on hand for day trips, hiking, or in your vehicle emergency kit.
Just don’t rely on them as part of your food storage meal plan.
Instant Noodles
It’s OK for the college kids to skip this section.
Instant noodles are dirt cheap, you can get them pretty much anywhere, and they store well.
You don’t want to live on them though. I’m having flashbacks.
Are you listening, Joe? No, probably not. I don’t think I’m ever going to get through to that guy.
If you do keep instant noodles around, mix in some vegetables, meat and other items in your pantry for a more well-rounded meal. I’d avoid the flavor packets if they’re included. Make up your own seasoning so you’re not taking in all that extra sodium.
Final Thoughts
Listen, none of these foods are terrible. Well… maybe the ramen noodles.
The truth is, I’ve got some of them sitting in my own house right now. The problem isn’t the food, it’s the hype.
MREs became a holy grail. Survival buckets turned into a shortcut for “being prepared.” Freeze-dried desserts somehow became essential, and protein bars became meals.
I don’t care about having the most impressive-looking food storage setup and I’m not swayed by commercials.
I care about value and not wasting money. Maybe that’s boring.
But I’m okay with that. I’d rather have a pantry full of food I know and trust than a room full of trendy products I bought because someone said I should.
And if you bring up MREs at the next barbecue I’m at… don’t say I didn’t warn you.
BIO: Anthony Vion is a lifelong prepper from Long Island, NY, with decades of hands-on experience in self-reliance and practical skill-building. He writes about everyday prepping in a straightforward, realistic way, with a focus on simple steps that help families stay ready for the unexpected.
This article reflects personal opinion and experience. It is intended for general informational purposes. Always consider your own needs, preferences, and circumstances when building a food storage or preparedness plan.
