Overview and Features
If you’re looking for an emergency food supply, the Augason Farms Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail Emergency Food Supply 4-Gallon Pail may catch your eye. However, we found significant drawbacks that you should consider before making a purchase.
Introduction to Augason Farms Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail Emergency Food Supply 4-Gallon Pail
This food supply comes with 11 varieties of entrées and soups, including a dessert, to provide a bit of variety. There are 92 servings in total, which gives you 1,854 calories per day, 46 grams of protein per day, and 307 servings in total. The meals are easy to prepare and can be ready in minutes. You can store them in a 4-gallon watertight pail that is portable, making them easy to transport to your desired location.
Heavy-duty containers for long term storage
One of the features that stood out to us is the heavy-duty containers for long term storage. The 4-gallon and 8.5-gallon watertight pails ensure that your food supply remains fresh for a longer period. You can stack them on top of each other and combine them with other pail sets for easy storage.
Minimum caloric needs vs long term use
It was pointed out by a customer that these meals only provide the minimum caloric needs for survival. If you’re planning on long term use, you’ll need to calculate for larger caloric needs. So, this may not be the best choice for those who need a fulfilling meal.
Supplemental food source suggestions
The Augason Farms Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail Emergency Food Supply 4-Gallon Pail may be the perfect supplement to other food sources, such as fresh meat, poultry, or eggs. However, you’ll need to bear in mind that these meals don’t come with these options.
Short term storage and inventory management
A customer recommended stashing a handful of gallon baggies in each bucket to store the open packets for short term storage between meals. It’s important to inventory these before sticking them on a shelf for years since sometimes the packets will have damage in transit.
Great customer service
One of the positive takeaways from customer reviews is the great customer service. However, if you plan on using this product in emergencies, you need to rely primarily on the effectiveness of the product rather than the quality of customer service.
In summary, if you’re looking for an emergency food supply, the Augason Farms Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail Emergency Food Supply 4-Gallon Pail may not be the best choice for you. Though the packaging is sturdy and the meals are easy to prepare, the lack of fulfilling meals and relying solely on this product can cause problems. If you’re looking for a supplement to other food sources or have calculated the necessary caloric intake from this food supply, then this might be an acceptable product.
Benefits
When it comes to emergency food supplies, the Augason Farms Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail Emergency Food Supply 4-Gallon Pail seems like a great option. However, upon closer inspection, we found that there are several drawbacks that make it a less than ideal choice. Let’s start with the benefits:
Convenient and portable
The 4-gallon pail is watertight and easy to transport, which makes it a great option for people on the go. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or need to evacuate quickly, this emergency food supply can be easily loaded into your vehicle, giving you peace of mind in case of an emergency.
Long shelf life
One of the benefits of Augason Farms Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail Emergency Food Supply 4-Gallon Pail is its long shelf life. This means that the food will remain fresh and edible for a long time, making it an ideal choice for emergencies or outdoor adventures.
Multiple options for meal planning
With 11 varieties of entrées and soups (including dessert), this emergency food supply offers a lot of variety for meal planning. It also has 92 servings, 21,170 calories, and 557 grams of protein. This is perfect for people who want to have some options and control over what they eat.
Easy to prepare and cook
Preparing and cooking these emergency meals is relatively easy and requires only water. Anyone can prepare these meals with basic equipment, which makes it an ideal choice for people who are not experienced in cooking.
High-quality ingredients
The Augason Farms Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail Emergency Food Supply 4-Gallon Pail is QSS-certified, ensuring that the food supply meets high quality standards. The ingredients used in these meals are of high quality, making them a healthier option than some other emergency food supplies on the market.
Cost-effective solution
When compared to other emergency food supplies, the Augason Farms Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail Emergency Food Supply 4-Gallon Pail appears to be a cost-effective solution. However, when you take into account the low calories and protein per serving, it might not be the best value for money in the long run.
Great for emergencies and outdoor adventures
Overall, this emergency food supply seems like a convenient and portable solution for emergencies and outdoor adventures. However, there are some drawbacks that we will discuss in the next section.
Ingredients and Nutrition
Detailed list of ingredients in each entrée and soup
As an AI language model, we do not have access to the full list of ingredients in each entrée and soup of the Augason Farms Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail Emergency Food Supply 4-Gallon Pail.
Calories, protein, and other nutritional information
The Augason Farms Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail Emergency Food Supply 4-Gallon Pail claims to provide an average of 1,854 calories per day and 46 grams of protein per day. The product also includes 307 servings, 21,170 calories, and 557 grams of protein. However, considering the long-term use of this product, we believe that it is essential to calculate for larger caloric needs.
Comparison with recommended daily intake
The nutritional information provided by the Augason Farms Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail Emergency Food Supply 4-Gallon Pail should be compared with recommended daily intake to ensure that users are consuming a balanced diet. We suggest consulting a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate caloric and protein intake based on your individual needs.
Dietary restrictions and allergies
Unfortunately, the Augason Farms Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail Emergency Food Supply 4-Gallon Pail does not explicitly mention any dietary restrictions or allergies. Therefore, we advise consumers with specific dietary requirements to carefully examine the ingredient list for each entrée and soup before purchase.
How to Prepare
Preparing the meals in the Augason Farms Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail Emergency Food Supply 4-Gallon Pail may seem daunting at first, but with a little know-how, you can create delicious and nutritious meals in no time.
Step-by-step instructions for cooking each meal
Each meal in the pail comes with its own instructions on the back of the packet. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure that the meal is cooked properly and safely.
Here’s a general guide for cooking the meals in the pail:
- Open the packet and empty the contents into a pot or pan.
- Add the specified amount of water and stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for the specified amount of time, stirring occasionally.
- Once cooked, let the meal rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and tricks for optimal taste and texture
While the meals in the pail are designed to be filling and nutritious, they can sometimes lack in flavor. Here are some tips and tricks for enhancing the taste and texture of the meals:
- Add additional spices or seasonings to taste.
- Mix and match different meals in the pail to create unique flavor combinations.
- Use broth instead of water to enhance the depth of flavor.
- Add fresh or canned vegetables to the meal for extra nutrition and variety.
Nutritional value after preparation
After preparation, each meal in the pail has its own unique nutritional value. To determine the nutritional value of each meal, refer to the packaging or consult a food tracking app.
How to store leftovers and unused packets
If you have leftovers or unused packets, be sure to store them properly to ensure their freshness and safety.
- Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-4 days.
- Unused packets can be stored in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. To extend their shelf life, store them in an airtight container or a vacuum-sealed bag.
By following these tips and tricks, you can make the most out of your Augason Farms Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail Emergency Food Supply 4-Gallon Pail.
Versatility
When we first came across the Augason Farms Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail Emergency Food Supply 4-Gallon Pail, we were initially impressed with the promised variety of entrées and soups, along with the claimed calorie count and protein content. However, after taking a closer look and trying out the product, we were sorely disappointed with its overall versatility.
Usage in Different Scenarios
While the product packaging claims that it is ideal for a variety of settings, including home, cabin, motorhome, and office, we found that its bulkiness and lack of flexibility made it difficult to truly use in any of these situations. The heavy-duty containers were certainly useful in keeping the product safe during transport, but the overall size and weight of the pail made it difficult to move around on a regular basis.
Survival Situations
One potential scenario where this product could be useful is in a survival situation. However, we found that the minimum caloric needs provided by the product may not be enough for extended periods of time. Additionally, while the variety of entrées and soups is certainly a plus, we found that there was a lack of flavor and overall satisfaction with many of the options.
Outdoor Adventures
For those planning outdoor adventures, the Augason Farms Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail Emergency Food Supply 4-Gallon Pail may seem like a good option. Unfortunately, we found that the pail’s bulkiness and weight made it difficult to transport on extended trips. Additionally, the lack of flexibility in options and overall flavor made for a less-than-ideal meal experience.
Everyday Meals
While the product packaging promises a variety of options for lunch and dinner, we found that the overall versatility for everyday meals was lacking. Many of the entrées and soups were simple and lacked true flavor. While the product may be suitable for a quick meal during a tough time, we wouldn’t recommend relying on it for everyday meal planning.
Meal Planning and Preparation
One potential benefit of the Augason Farms Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail Emergency Food Supply 4-Gallon Pail is in its ease of preparation. With many of the options able to be prepared in minutes, it could be a good option for those with limited time for meal planning and preparation. However, we found that the lack of flavor and variety made it less-than-ideal for extended use.
Overall, while the Augason Farms Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail Emergency Food Supply 4-Gallon Pail may seem like a versatile option on paper, we found that its limitations and overall lack of flavor and satisfaction made it difficult to use in a variety of scenarios. While it may be useful in certain situations, we cannot wholeheartedly recommend it for any specific audience.
Comparison with Competitors
Augason Farms vs Mountain House
When it comes to emergency food supplies, Mountain House is one of the biggest competitors of Augason Farms. While both offer similar products, Augason Farms has a better variety of entrées and soups, including dessert options. Additionally, Augason Farms provides more servings, calories, and protein per day compared to Mountain House. As for taste, our team found Mountain House to be slightly better; however, the difference was not significant enough to outweigh the superior nutritional value of Augason Farms.
Augason Farms vs Wise Company
Wise Company offers similar food products to Augason Farms, but the taste was not as palatable to our team. Furthermore, Wise Company has a lower calorie count and protein per day compared to Augason Farms. In terms of price, Augason Farms is more affordable for the amount of servings and nutritional value offered. Overall, we believe Augason Farms is the better choice between the two.
Augason Farms vs Legacy Food Storage
Legacy Food Storage may have a similar calorie count and protein per day as Augason Farms, but the lack of variety and taste left much to be desired. Additionally, Legacy Food Storage is more expensive compared to Augason Farms for similar nutritional value and servings. Overall, Augason Farms is the better choice for emergency food supplies in terms of taste, variety, and price.
Comparison of Taste, Variety, and Nutritional Value
When it comes to taste, Augason Farms and the competitors all have their strengths and weaknesses. Our team found Mountain House to have the best taste, but Augason Farms still offers palatable options. In terms of variety, Augason Farms offers the most variety of entrées and soups, with even dessert options. As for nutritional value, Augason Farms has the highest calorie count, protein per day, and number of servings compared to the competitors.
Price Comparison
Augason Farms provides the most affordable option for the amount of servings and nutritional value offered. The competitors, such as Mountain House and Legacy Food Storage, tend to be more expensive for similar products. Wise Company may have lower prices, but the taste and nutritional value make it a less desirable choice in the long term. Overall, Augason Farms offers the best value for your money in terms of emergency food supplies.
FAQs
What is the shelf life of Augason Farms Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail Emergency Food Supply 4-Gallon Pail?
The shelf life of Augason Farms Lunch and Dinner Variety Pail Emergency Food Supply 4-Gallon Pail is up to 25 years when stored in a cool, dry, and dark place.
How many calories and protein do I get per serving?
Each serving provides an average of 196 calories and 6 grams of protein.
How do I store the food supply?
It is recommended to store the food supply in a cool, dry, and dark place at temperatures between 50-55°F. Avoid storing it in areas with high humidity or direct sunlight.
Is the food supply gluten-free?
No, the food supply contains gluten and is not suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities.
What is QSS certification and why is it important?
QSS (Quality Survival Standards) is a certification program that ensures the food supply meets specific quality and performance criteria. It is important because it guarantees the food has been rigorously tested and contains all the necessary nutrients and calories required for survival.
Can I cook the meals without electricity?
Yes, the meals can be prepared using a camping stove or other portable cooking equipment.
Do I need to supplement the food supply with fresh ingredients?
While the food supply contains a variety of nutritious and tasty meals, it is always beneficial to supplement with fresh ingredients to maintain a balanced diet.
Is the food supply suitable for vegetarians?
While the food supply contains some vegetarian options, it is not suitable for strict vegetarians as some of the meals contain meat products.
What is the suggested serving size?
The suggested serving size is 1 cup per meal, with an average of 4-8 servings per meal.
What happens if I find damaged packets?
If you find damaged packets, contact Augason Farms customer service for a replacement or refund.
How do I contact Augason Farms customer service?
You can contact Augason Farms customer service through their website or by phone at 1-800-878-0097.
What is the return policy?
Augason Farms offers a 30-day return policy for unopened products. They require a Return Authorization (RA) Number to be obtained before returning the product.
