Introduction
Imagine this: the power grid fails, a severe storm rages outside, or perhaps an unforeseen economic downturn hits your household budget. Supermarket shelves are emptying quickly, and the roads are impassable. In situations like these, having a reliable supply of food becomes paramount. Preparedness has become increasingly important, and many individuals and families are turning to long-term food storage solutions to ensure they can weather any storm. Ready Hour is one brand that has captured the attention of preppers, survivalists, and those seeking peace of mind through food security.
But is Ready Hour food truly as reliable and palatable as it claims to be? Does it live up to the promises of long shelf life and easy preparation? This article provides in-depth Ready Hour food reviews to help you make an informed decision about whether their products are right for your emergency preparedness plan. We’ve scoured user testimonials, tested and tasted different products, and evaluated their nutritional value to give you an unbiased assessment of Ready Hour’s offerings. Our review encompasses a range of Ready Hour products, providing a comprehensive overview of their pros and cons.
What is Ready Hour?
Ready Hour is a prominent brand in the emergency and survival food industry. They specialize in providing long-term food storage solutions designed to sustain individuals and families during unforeseen events. The company’s mission is to empower people to be self-sufficient and prepared for any contingency by offering affordable, convenient, and shelf-stable food options.
Their product range is extensive, encompassing a variety of entrees, breakfast options, side dishes, snacks, and beverages. You’ll find everything from hearty stews and creamy pastas to comforting oatmeals and essential freeze-dried fruits. Ready Hour packages their food in durable buckets and pouches, engineered to protect the contents from moisture, light, and air, thus ensuring a long shelf life.
Ready Hour emphasizes several key features in their marketing, including extended shelf life (often advertised as up to twenty-five years), ease of preparation (typically requiring only water and a heat source), and the nutritional value of their meals. They assert that their products are designed to provide essential nutrients and calories to sustain energy levels during emergencies.
People consider emergency food for various reasons. Concerns about natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods, are often a major driving force. Other factors include the increasing frequency of power outages, the potential for economic instability, and simply a desire to be self-reliant and prepared for anything life throws their way. Health emergencies can also create times of uncertainty. Having food on hand that is easy to prepare and doesn’t require frequent shopping trips provides peace of mind.
In-Depth Food Reviews
Let’s dive into some specific Ready Hour food reviews to give you a better sense of what to expect.
Ready Hour Macaroni and Cheese
This is often a popular choice for families, appealing to both adults and children. The Ready Hour Macaroni and Cheese comes in a sealed pouch within a larger bucket. The ingredients list includes enriched macaroni, cheese sauce mix, and other flavor enhancers. Preparation is simple: add water, bring to a boil, and simmer for a specified time.
The taste is fairly mild, reminiscent of classic boxed macaroni and cheese. The texture can be a bit soft if overcooked, but generally, it’s palatable. It’s not gourmet, but it’s a familiar and comforting option in an emergency situation. Nutritionally, it provides carbohydrates and some protein, but it’s relatively high in sodium.
Pros: Kid-friendly, easy to prepare, familiar flavor.
Cons: Mild taste might require additional seasoning, high in sodium.
Pricing: Competitively priced compared to similar emergency mac and cheese options.
Ready Hour Creamy Chicken Flavored Rice
This entree aims to provide a more substantial meal option. It contains rice, dehydrated chicken, and a creamy sauce mix. The preparation instructions are similar to the macaroni and cheese: add water, bring to a boil, and simmer.
The taste is where this dish can be divisive. Some reviewers find the artificial chicken flavoring off-putting, while others find it acceptable. The texture is generally good, with the rice cooking up nicely. The nutritional content is decent, offering a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and some fats.
Pros: Provides more protein than the mac and cheese, relatively easy to prepare.
Cons: Artificial chicken flavoring might not appeal to everyone, can be bland without additional seasoning.
Pricing: Slightly more expensive than the mac and cheese, reflecting the inclusion of chicken.
Ready Hour Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
For breakfast, the Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal provides a sweet and comforting option. It contains rolled oats, dehydrated apples, cinnamon, and other flavorings. Preparation involves adding hot water and stirring until smooth.
The taste is generally well-received, with the apple and cinnamon providing a pleasant flavor. The texture is similar to typical oatmeal. It’s a good source of fiber and carbohydrates, providing a sustained energy boost.
Pros: Tasty and comforting, good source of fiber, easy to prepare.
Cons: Can be a bit sweet for some palates, lower in protein compared to some other breakfast options.
Pricing: A budget-friendly breakfast option.
Ready Hour Freeze-Dried Fruit
Ready Hour offers a selection of freeze-dried fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, and apples. These provide a valuable source of vitamins and antioxidants. Preparation is not required; they can be eaten straight from the pouch.
The taste is generally intense and concentrated, as the water has been removed. The texture is crispy and crunchy. These are a great addition to any food supply and are easy to eat as a snack.
Pros: Excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants, long shelf life, no preparation needed.
Cons: Can be expensive, some flavors may be tart.
Pricing: This is usually more expensive than the other food options and can quickly add up.
Overall Assessment of Ready Hour
When assessing Ready Hour food reviews, the most common feedback revolves around taste. While some meals are generally palatable, many reviewers note that they tend to be on the blander side and often require additional seasoning. This is a common characteristic of long-term storage foods, as strong flavors can degrade over time.
From a nutritional standpoint, Ready Hour meals provide a decent source of calories and essential nutrients. However, it’s important to note that they are not designed to be gourmet meals. They are intended to provide sustenance during emergencies.
The ease of preparation is a significant advantage. Most meals require only water and a heat source, making them ideal for situations where resources are limited.
The advertised shelf life of Ready Hour products is a major selling point, with claims of up to twenty-five years. However, proper storage is essential to maximize shelf life. It’s important to keep the food in a cool, dry, and dark place.
In terms of value for money, Ready Hour offers a competitive pricing structure compared to other emergency food brands. The cost per serving is relatively affordable, making it a viable option for budget-conscious shoppers.
What Others Are Saying
To provide a more comprehensive picture, let’s look at what other customers are saying about Ready Hour food reviews.
“The macaroni and cheese was surprisingly good! My kids loved it, which is a huge win,” says one satisfied customer.
However, others express concerns about the taste of some meals. “The chicken flavored rice had a weird aftertaste,” writes another reviewer. “I had to add a lot of seasoning to make it palatable.”
A common complaint is the high sodium content in some meals. “I wish they would reduce the sodium levels,” writes one concerned customer. “It’s not healthy to consume that much sodium on a regular basis.”
Overall, customer reviews are mixed, with positive feedback focusing on convenience, ease of preparation, and affordability, while negative feedback centers on taste and sodium content.
Alternatives to Ready Hour
If Ready Hour doesn’t quite meet your needs, several other brands offer similar emergency food products. Mountain House is a well-known brand known for its freeze-dried meals. Augason Farms offers a wide range of long-term food storage solutions, including grains, beans, and dehydrated vegetables. Wise Company is another popular brand that focuses on easy-to-prepare meals in convenient pouches.
Compared to Ready Hour, Mountain House is generally considered to have better taste, but it also tends to be more expensive. Augason Farms offers a wider range of basic ingredients, allowing for more customization, but requires more preparation. Wise Company offers a similar product range to Ready Hour, but their meals are often perceived as being slightly lower in quality.
For those on a tight budget or with specific dietary needs, DIY food storage can be a viable alternative. This involves purchasing individual ingredients in bulk (such as rice, beans, and lentils) and storing them properly in airtight containers. While this requires more effort, it allows for greater control over ingredients and costs.
Conclusion
Ready Hour food reviews paint a picture of a brand that offers convenient, affordable, and shelf-stable emergency food solutions. While taste can be a concern for some meals, the overall ease of preparation and long shelf life make it a worthwhile consideration for emergency preparedness.
If you’re prioritizing taste above all else, you might want to explore more expensive options like Mountain House. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly and reliable food storage solution, Ready Hour is definitely worth considering.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to invest in Ready Hour food depends on your individual needs and priorities. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and to consider your budget, taste preferences, and storage space.
Now, we’d love to hear from you! Have you tried Ready Hour food? What are your experiences? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below! And if you’re ready to start your preparedness journey, click here to explore Ready Hour’s product offerings. (Include affiliate link to purchase if applicable)
