
Preppers have been a target of ridicule over the years, but since the pandemic the idea of having a ‘just-in-case’ stash has become a lot more appealing.
You don’t need a nuclear bunker in your garden or an underground armoury in case of a zombie apocalypse, but having a good stock of non-perishable foods is probably worthwhile. You never know when you might wake up to discover we aren’t allowed to leave the house, as we collectively did on that fateful day in 2020.

If you’re hoping to get a quick stash at a reasonable price, you might be best off heading to Costco.
You need a membership, and it’s not just a case of paying as they’re exclusive to particular professions, but if you can get in then you could treat yourself to a meal kit that contains 150 servings.
The ReadyWise 150 Serving Emergency Food Bucket is available as an online exclusive priced at $99.99. Its food pouches contain a total of 25,280 calories between them, and they’ll last for 25 years before expiring.
Now, we won’t pretend these pouches are going to win any prizes for flavour, texture, consistency, or pleasure, but they’ll get the job done if you ever find yourself unable to buy fresh food.
“In a world where unpredictability has become a constant, our assortment takes on a vital role in emergency preparedness,” says the product description. “Imagine the sudden onset of severe weather, the challenges of unexpected job transitions, or the unsettling thought of food shortages. These are the moments when having a reliable source of sustenance becomes a game-changer.
“ReadyWise acknowledges that being prepared means more than just having enough to eat. It's about having the peace of mind that comes from knowing you've taken proactive steps to secure your well-being. Our selection of freeze-dried and dehydrated foods isn't just about immediate convenience; it's about resilience that extends into the future.”
This assortment isn't just a 'temporary fix', either, but a 'long-term solution' with a 'remarkable shelf life of up to 25 years.
"It's a tangible expression of your dedication to ensuring you and your loved ones are cared for, no matter what lies ahead," the description adds.
"But it's not just about survival; it's about maintaining a sense of normalcy, comfort, and even enjoyment during challenging times."
The kit contains 80 dinners, 30 breakfasts, and 40 drinks, all of which are whipped up by adding water to the dehydrated pouch contents.

And if you’re wondering what kind of meals you could look forward to should you ever need to crack it open, they include:
- Pasta Alfredo - 12 Servings
- Cheesy Macaroni - 12 Servings
- Teriyaki Rice (GF) - 6 Servings
- Creamy Pasta and Vegetables - 6 Servings
- Potato Pot Pie (GF) - 6 Servings
- Tomato Basil Soup with Pasta (GF) - 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
Not bad for just shy of $100, and it could literally be a lifesaver should a war break out, another pandemic arise, or a fleet of xenomorphs descend from the sky.
Featured Image Credit: doble-d/Getty ImagesTopics: US Food