Mountain House vs Augason Farms: Which Emergency Food Brand Is Best for You?
Emergencies don’t wait for you to be ready. Whether it’s a blizzard, earthquake, job loss, or pandemic, having a secure food supply gives you peace of mind when everything else feels uncertain. When it comes to emergency food storage, Mountain House and Augason Farms are two of the most recognized names. But how do they compare?
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into their differences in flavor, shelf life, cost, and practicality so you can decide which one (or both!) deserves a spot in your emergency kit or pantry.
🔍 Company Backgrounds: Legacy in Food Preparedness
Mountain House was born in the 1960s to supply freeze-dried meals to the U.S. military. Over the years, it evolved into a staple for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and preppers. Their meals are praised for flavor, convenience, and impressive shelf life—up to 30 years.
Augason Farms, launched in 1972, focuses on providing everyday food storage at an affordable price. Their range includes large emergency food kits, baking staples, and powdered goods like eggs and butter. It’s popular with families building long-term storage.
🍽️ Product Types: Complete Meals vs Ingredients
Mountain House specializes in complete, freeze-dried meals. Think scrambled eggs, beef stroganoff, and pasta primavera—all ready to eat with hot water. They cater to a variety of diets with vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-carb options.
Augason Farms offers bulk ingredients—rice, beans, oats, powdered milk—and some meal kits like creamy chicken rice or potato soup. They appeal to DIY food planners who want to create or supplement their own meal plans.
Example:
If you’re hiking or facing a sudden power outage, Mountain House’s pouch of chili mac is quick and filling. On the other hand, if you’re stocking your basement for six months, Augason Farms’ 30-day emergency food pail offers a cost-effective foundation.
🥗 Nutrition and Dietary Flexibility
Mountain House meals are calorie-dense (up to 800 calories per pouch) and high in protein—perfect for high-energy situations. However, sodium levels are also high, which could be a concern for daily use.
Augason Farms provides flexibility. You can combine grains, powdered eggs, and veggies to balance your nutrients and stretch your calories over time. However, the meals require more planning to ensure variety and nutrition.
“A well-rounded emergency food plan should include a mix of ready-to-eat meals and ingredients to maintain both convenience and sustainability,” says Dr. Arthur Bradley, preparedness expert and author of Disaster Preparedness for the Family.
👅 Taste and Texture: What Real Users Say
Mountain House receives high marks for taste and texture. Meals are described as “restaurant-quality” and retain their original form when rehydrated. Reviewers often say they’d eat these meals even without an emergency.
Augason Farms gets mixed reviews. The standalone ingredients are flexible but require skill to turn into delicious meals. Some users recommend adding spices or broth cubes to enhance flavor.
Pro Tip: Keep seasonings, oils, or shelf-stable cheese on hand to boost taste when using bulk ingredients.
🔥 Preparation: Quick Meals vs Cooking Time
Mountain House wins for convenience. Meals usually require just hot water and 10 minutes. No dishes, no cleanup—ideal for bug-out bags or short-term crises.
Augason Farms meals can range from simple pancake mixes to dried beans that need soaking and cooking. This isn’t ideal during a blackout unless you have fuel and time to cook.