Next to water, food is the second most important item someone who in into emergency preparedness (AKA Prepping) should have in their emergency survival kit. The American Red Cross  suggests we have at least 3 days worth of food in our homes in case of an emergency

Home preparedness gurus however believe we should have anywhere from 3 months to 1 year’s worth of food on hand. In the past, bulk food storage meant shelves loaded to the breaking point with Mason jars (the best option) and store-bought cans of food. Today, we have 2 space-saving, portable options. The MRE(Meals Ready to Eat) and freeze-dried food pouches are offered by companies such as Mountain House Foods.

 

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Mountain House/Oregon Freeze Dry Company Profile

 Oregon Freeze Dry, Inc. operates as a custom processor of freeze-dried products. It engages in freeze drying products that range from individual ingredients to fully prepared entrees in food and non-food categories which includes Mountain House Freeze Dried Meals

Source: Bloomberg Business Week

 

What Is Freeze Drying?

Freeze drying is a process in which water is removed from frozen food through the process of sublimation leaving the food intact physically and nutritionally.

Say What!

Here’s how the freeze drying process works

1. Your food is frozen

2. Your food is then subject to a vacuum

3. The vacuum initiates a process known as sublimation. Sublimation is a process in which ice goes from a solid straight to a gas. Think of it like this, say you toss an ice cube on a hot street, walk away, and return in an hour to find nothing.

The ice melted, transformed into water, and then evaporated into the atmosphere as a gas. Sublimation skips the liquid stage and goes straight to a gaseous state preserving whatever you freeze-dried perfectly.

This of course is a very simplified version of a complex process as it relates to a Mountain House Pro-Pak

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What Are Mountain HousePro-Paks?

Mountain House Pro-Paks(henceforth known as MHPP) is in my opinion the cat’s meow when it comes to freeze-dried food for camping or prepping applications. In a nutshell, these meals are freeze-dried goodness in a bag. Flavors include Beef Stew(my favorite), Beef Stroganoff, Chicken A La King, and Chicken Alfredo just to name a few.

Benefits of Mountain House Pro-Paks

The primary benefit of MHPP is their size as compared to their larger counterparts. The vacuum-sealed pro-paks take up less backpack or shelf space as opposed to the larger versions. The weight difference is negligible coming in at around .44 ounces as opposed to .46 ounces of the larger packs.

Things I Didn’t Like About Mountain House Pro-Paks

The spaces saving blessing the MHPP offers comes at a cost, we lose about ½ cup serving over the larger versions. That said, a big guy like me didn’t notice the loss. A second concern I really don’t share is the sodium content in some of the meals pro-pak or otherwise.

My way of thinking is this, I’m not going to be eating this every day under normal conditions (although I do keep a few in my desk drawer for a quick lunch). If I eat these meals as planned, I’m either using them as camp food, in which case I’m out exerting myself having fun or I’m using these rations as food for survival. I’m pretty sure if “it” goes down, I’m not going to give two thoughts to fat, sodium, or cholesterol.

 

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Who Would Like These Meals?

The person who would like these meals is someone who would like to supplement their long-term food storage program with an additional, lightweight portable option.  Nonprepping applications include camping or as I use a few of them, something to have on the desk when everything in the vending machine sucks and I don’t have time or desire to run out and get something.

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Where Can I Get Mountain House Pro-Paks

Ranked in best to worst:

1-Ready Story & Nitro-Pak–The Ready Store actually ties in first with the good folks at Nitro-Pak. Both groups have a wide selection of long-term food options including Mountain House Pro-Paks. Both organizations offer fairly competitive shipping and handling rates and offer something that you won’t find on Amazon. An actual call-in phone rep who knows what you may need even if you don’t.  Friendly and helpful, they’ll take good care of you.

2-Amazon-Amazon is an excellent resource for long-term food storage solutions as well as other prepping needs. I use them all the time. The downside to this source is the lack of a call-in phone number. If you know exactly what you want, you’re good to go. If not, go with the first two options.

 

 

 

I am an affiliate for the Mountain House, Amazon, Nitro Pak and the Ready Store.This means if you buy something I mentioned in the article, I earn a commission.Please know that I only recommend products that I believe in.   I don’t try to hide the fact I earn money from this blog. My credibility is more important than making a quick buck and putting you in harm’s way.

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