Ever wondered what you’ll eat when the apocalypse hits? Or maybe you’re just planning a wilderness adventure where Door Dash doesn’t deliver?

Let’s talk about the three basic food sources that’ll keep you alive when you’re isolated from civilization. Whether you’re a doomsday prepper or just want to sound smart on your next camping trip, understanding these options could literally save your life someday.

The Three Pillars of Survival Food

When you’re cut off from society, your food will come from one of these three sources:

1. Packed rations (your emergency stash)
2. Animals and insects (yes, bugs are on the menu)
3. Plants (nature’s grocery store)

Each has its pros and cons, and knowing how to use them together is the key to not starving. Let’s dive in!

1. Packed Rations: Your First Line of Defense

When shit hits the fan, this is what you reach for first.

Packed rations are essentially emergency food designed specifically for survival situations. Think military MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat), emergency food bars, or those fancy freeze-dried camping meals.

What makes them special?

• Long shelf life – Most last 5+ years without refrigeration
• Calorie dense – They pack about 2,400-3,600 calories per day’s worth
• No cooking needed – Just tear open and eat (though some taste better heated)
• Balanced nutrition – Designed with the right mix of carbs, protein, and fat

The US Navy’s survival rations provide around 2400 calories in a three-day pack, focusing on carbs for quick energy. Datrex emergency food bars use all-natural ingredients and last five years at room temperature.

The downside?

They’re expensive, boring as hell after a few days, and eventually run out. Think of them as your bridge to the next phase of survival.

2. Animals and Insects: Protein Powerhouses

Once your packed rations start dwindling, it’s time to channel your inner caveman.

Animals and insects are your go-to source for high-quality protein and fat – nutrients that are harder to get from plants alone.

The menu options:

• Land animals: Rabbits, squirrels, deer, birds
• Water creatures: Fish, shellfish, frogs
• Insects: Grasshoppers, crickets, grubs, ants

Don’t wrinkle your nose at that last category. Insects are incredibly nutritious, providing protein comparable to beef with less environmental impact. Two billion people worldwide already eat insects regularly!

Why animal protein matters:

Animal foods give you complete proteins with all essential amino acids, plus crucial B vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc. The fat provides concentrated calories – essential when you’re burning energy building shelters or staying warm.

Is hunting and fishing hard? Yes. But when you’re hungry enough, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you develop these skills.

3. Plants: The Long-Term Solution

Plants are the sustainable backbone of survival nutrition if you know what you’re looking for.

What’s on the plant menu?

• Wild fruits: Berries, apples, persimmons
• Nuts and seeds: Acorns, walnuts, sunflower seeds
• Edible roots: Cattail roots, wild onions, Jerusalem artichokes
• Leafy greens: Dandelion, chickweed, lamb’s quarters

Plants provide carbohydrates for energy, fiber for digestion, and essential vitamins and minerals. Foraging for wild edibles can sustain you indefinitely in the right environment.

The catch:

You absolutely must know what you’re eating. The difference between a nutritious meal and a deadly poison can be subtle. Get a good field guide and learn plant identification before you need it.

Also, plants alone often don’t provide enough calories or complete protein for long-term survival. That’s why combining all three food sources is ideal.

Putting It All Together: Your Survival Food Strategy

The smart survivor uses a staged approach to food:

1. First days/weeks: Rely primarily on your packed rations while you get your bearings
2. Transition period: Start supplementing with hunted/gathered foods while conserving remaining rations
3. Long-term: Develop sustainable food acquisition through a mix of hunting, fishing, trapping, and foraging

My survival food prep recommendations:

• Store at least 2 weeks of emergency rations per person
• Learn to identify 5-10 common edible plants in your region
• Master at least one hunting/fishing/trapping method
• Practice primitive cooking techniques that don’t require modern equipment

According to Ready.gov, your emergency food stockpile should include a variety of non-perishable items like canned goods, dried beans, rice, and peanut butter. Don’t forget a manual can opener!

The perfect balance:

Ideally, your survival diet should include:

• Carbohydrates from plants and stored grains
• Proteins from animals, insects, nuts, and seeds
• Fats from nuts, seeds, and animal sources
• Vitamins and minerals primarily from plants and some animal organs

The Bottom Line

Survival isn’t just about having stuff – it’s about having knowledge.

Packed rations buy you time. Animals and insects provide crucial proteins and fats. Plants offer sustainable nutrition and calories.

Master all three, and you’ll be able to sustain yourself no matter what situation you find yourself in.

The Wilderness Awareness School teaches that true preparedness isn’t just stockpiling supplies – it’s developing the skills to live in harmony with your environment.

And remember – no food strategy works without water. But that’s a topic for another day.