Ration Bar Roundup (And Alternatives)

Written by R. Ann Parris on The Prepper Journal.

Emergency food bars are commonly talked about in the prepper and survivalist world as an alternative to meals and a bug-out bag item, but they also have a lot of value in boosting calories, which can be low on a beans-and-rice diet and in a lot of the food packages available for long-term storage. There are already endless reviews on individual five-year ration bars. Here I want to do a side-by-side comparison between the most common to help narrow down choices, and weigh them against a handful of supermarket alternatives.

Planks of Blocks & Packs of Shingles

Most ration bars come in two formats, with very similar packaging. It’s either big blocks of bricks that we break (saw) apart into serving cubes that are about 2×3”, or thinner bars or shingles.

Most portions are about 400 calories. Datrex’s bars are 200 calories, but they call for two per serving. Most of them recommend 1200 calories daily for survival on land. One of the newer options, Tac-Bars, provides for more – each of their one-day packs is three 833-calorie servings.

Mayday, Mainstay, ER, UST, and Grizzly are big flats with scored cubes. Tac-Bars are also scored planks, but break (easily) into thick bars instead of cubes.

The original SOS Food Labs bars are the size of a king-size candy bar (or old First Strike Ration’s shortbread dessert bars, if you were around for those). So are their Millennium bars (sold as 400-410 calorie singles). Datrex bars are thinner and nearly square. Those all have individually packaged portions. You’ll still likely want zip-bags for the additional portions of the SOS and Datrex bars. The cellophane usually isn’t robust.

One packaging standout is the ER plank o’ cubes. It has a zip-close bag. Most of the outer packaging is tear-open foil (Tac-Bars: Mylar). Once opened, they don’t reseal.

You will want a blade to open all these rations. If you’re portioning the planks evenly (multiple users), you might also note how often reviewers pull out a decent knife and a cutting board.

Solo or in company, another factor is that the longer these things are open, the harder they become – to eat, and to break. So, there’s convenience to the pre-portioned rations (and Tac-Bar’s ease and servings-per-package), but there’s also a practicality aspect.

Texture & Taste

Taste is hugely personal, as is our sensitivity to chemical smells/flavors. Texture is relative, but most of these guys are hard and very dense in a way that cannot really be appreciated until you’ve had your hands and teeth on them (Exceptions: Datrex & Tac).

I actually like the Mayday apple-cinnamon flavor (bare hits of apple-cinnamon), but it’s pretty powdery – cloggingly as you go. I also like the shortbread-meets-graham-cracker flavor of UST bars. I find SOS bars very similar to the old FSR shortbread bar. They’re hard, but they’re more manageable due to the shape, and the mild flavor works for me.

To me, Grizzly and Mainstay are indistinguishable. They’re supposedly lemon, but taste more like that stage where you’ve creamed butter/shortening and sugar for cookies. It’s very gritty-sugary sweet, and very dense.

Full disclosure: I did not make it to the only-bars testing for Mayday – Three days of nibbling one cube throughout the day with normal foods otherwise was already too much for me 10-15 years ago. I pushed through one Grizzly 400-cal cube about a year ago, and it was so similar I refused to play.

For comparison: I can manage 5-day 2000-cal trials on rotating Pop-Tarts (eek), FSR/MRE turnovers (blech), and FSR/MRE chocolate-banana muffins (yummy). Supermarket birthday cake and ice cream don’t faze me. It’s not like I’m that gourmand/spoiled/sensitive.

The Mayday single-serve option is very closely akin to Millennium bars. They’re both still hard and brittle, but because it’s a much thinner bar instead of a cube, it’s way easier to eat.

Millennium bars are little sweeter than Datrex, SOS, or Mayday, but not over into the “too sugary” category that Mainstay and Grizzly fall into for me. I can’t actually identify most of the flavors, but some variety versus “exact same again” is a positive. There’s almost a graham cracker taste under all of them. The flavoring is mostly just fruity-floral hints, so even flavors I wouldn’t normally like don’t bother me.

Datrex is a much softer kind of bar; crisp, not hard, as easy to bite as a Vanilla Wafer. It’s not nearly as textured as those colored blobs make it appear, sadly. It’s uniformly very fine crumbs. It smells like coconut, but it doesn’t really have much flavor at all. There’s a waxy mouth coating that lingers, but it doesn’t bother me.

I drink far less water just consuming these than any other ration, which is a big “pro”. Plus, we can all still consume caffeine on 3-5 day trials with them, no tummy upset. (That’s an enormous “pro” to us and those around us … maybe less so for others.)

*Datrex only somewhat looks like the European BP/NGR types; it doesn’t taste like them. Although, I actually like those. And so do the pups. And they have pretty good packaging and texture … with any luck MRE Mountain or American Amazon will carry them soon.

Heading the opposite direction entirely is the Tac-Bar. It’s very mild, more akin to UST or SOS bars in flavor, but it’s somehow chewy with the crumbly. Think … half-dried modeling clay or brown-sugar shortbread that’s pulled out before it’s hard. It’s another mild flavor, and reminds me of the old military compressed cereal bars, but softer. It has more textures than the other bars.

Nutrient Priorities

I don’t much sweat vitamins and minerals in ration bars. They’re for add-on calorie boosts or short-term use. Unless somebody is chronically, dangerously low on something, it’s a non-issue for 2-7 days. I’m after edibility and total calories, fats, and proteins. I do sweat, so the sodium isn’t a big deal to me, either.

If you care, Tac-Bar crushes it on the nutrients – 80-100% or higher on DRVs with their 2500-cal serving suggestion.

They also win on protein – 8.64g per 400 calories (18g per 833-calorie portion). SOS’s original and Millennium bars both pace them (8g per 400 cals), with ER bars right behind at 7g/400cal.

Sadly, Tac-Bars are only available in a $70 kit. They average out to be $0.55-0.60 per 100 calories, compared to $0.18-$0.30 per 100 cals for the other rations – that’s calorie-to-calorie, not serving size. You can re-evaluate subtracting values for all the stuff that comes with it, if those would be additional purchases. I don’t need a new wallet tool, hooks, or button compass with every five ration packs.

Seniors, Kids, & Injuries

Datrex and Tac both have something the others lack: the ability to easily bite. That applies to toddlers, denture-seniors, or gap-toothed grade-schoolers, as well as the ill who already don’t feel like eating. It would suck to invest in foods that the people we most want to take care of can’t eat.

It can also apply to getting socked in the jaw, nursing a hand or wrist injury, coming out of dental work, or other situations. We’re preppers. Prepare for bad things to happen at bad times.

You can absolutely chop/saw to cube most bars and turn them into a mush with water. That requires also packing a container and spoon. There’s a lot more effort there (and risk of knife injury) than using a hand to crumble and snap Datrex chunks, or working off little pieces of the chewier Tac versions.

The milder bars are also a major consideration for those who do not typically start and end their days with a sugar rush and sugar-ill tummy.

Tummy Troubles

Speaking of tummies… ours need fiber. Most service members on MREs for a few days will warn you about fiber. Funnily enough, of the 7-10 adults age 25-60 who have repeatedly tortured themselves with us on these 3-5-day challenges over the years, none get MRE syndrome. Half, however, have tummy troubles in the complete opposite direction.

This is a biggie. Not only are you losing precious calories and fluids when you’re ill, a “trapped” scenario is a bad time for tummy issues, either way. A stealth/speed packing scenario is a really, really bad time, too.

So, pack Imodium and ExLax in your kits if this is your primary travel/emergency food, not just a calorie booster.

Seriously, tummy troubles suck as an adult on deployment, camping, or in regular life. Stomach illnesses put packers, campers, ocean-going boaters, seniors, and kids in very serious conditions very quickly from electrolyte loss and dehydration. Again, preppers here – prepare for it.

Alternatives

Some alternatives to emergency ration bars that I see recommended are even pricier than Tac-Bars. It’s hard to find ready-to-eat options that can repeatedly fluctuate from 20-120 degrees and still offer 5-year shelf lives, I get it. However, there are plenty of supermarket items that can easily handle 2-3 years (or more) in ugly freeze-boil conditions, pretty inexpensively. They also offer texture and flavor options to add to ration bars without much more space or weight.

Lance’s peanut bars are one. They’re $3-4 per 6-pack at Walmart, each 360 cals, 160 from fat (a good thing in survival), 13g protein, 19g sugar, and 3g fiber (total nulls on vitamins). That puts them $0.14-$0.19 per 100 cals.  *The Planters peanut and “Big Nut” bars are way lower in my priority categories.

Nature Valley makes some brittle-type “nut crunch” bars that range $3-4 for 6 bars, each type around 190 calories (120 from fats), 6g protein, 3g fiber, and 160mg sodium for $0.26-0.35/100 calories.

BelVita’s regular biscuits are $3/5pack, averaging 230 cals (70 fat cals), 3g protein, 55mg sodium, 3g fiber, and some minor vitamins ($0.27/100 cals).  *There’s a 10g-protein belVita, but it’s $0.83/100 calories.

Quaker makes a set of breakfast cookies, too – $3/5-pack, 180 calories, 3g protein, 2.5g fiber, 140mg sodium ($0.34/100 cals). Their original soft breakfast cookies range $3-4 per 6-pack, 180 cals, 3g protein, 5g fiber, 190mg sodium ($0.28/100 cals).

Regular Nature Valley granola bars aren’t powerhouses, but with regular packs for $1-2 at discount stores, they become a very viable option as an emergency food for 2-5 days, and store 2-5 years.

For that matter, Toast’ems (Pop-Tarts) at Dollar Tree are 200-220 calories each, 4-6g protein per pair, and a buck for six. Yeah, they need rotated more often. Nutritionally, though, they’re not so different from many emergency ration bars.

We can also head entirely different directions. Calorie/nutrient tabs are one option. Protein and energy gummies intended for hikers and athletes are another. Other options include DIY ration bars (not hardtack – hardtack has to soak).

The options are pretty endless, as add-on boosters or as primary rations. Whatever we opt for, make sure it’s not in competition with our other water needs, and that everybody we’re preparing for can eat it. When you run trials and samples, make sure they’re in the same proportion they would be in an emergency – all day, 3-5 days if that’s the goal.

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Things Every Heart Patient Should Consider Before Going on a Trip

Written by Wild Bill on The Prepper Journal.

As the traveling season in the northern hemisphere starts to peak I though it of value that we preppers prepare should we be traveling with family and friends who might have had heart issues.

Travelling around the world is not forbidden for heart patients. Most people with heart-illnesses travel to different places, provided that their heart condition is stable and in control. If you are also a heart patient, or any of your family members have cardiovascular diseases, and you wish to go on a family vacation, just remember to consult your or their  doctor. More importantly, if you are feeling well and your reports have not been alarming, then you probably are good to go. As such, being preppers, if you are planning to go on a much-anticipated trip, then here are some practical guidelines for you and yours.

 When Planning Your Holiday, You Should Probably Think About the Following:

1. Stay at an accommodation which is easier to reach and closer to health facilities
2. Make sure to compare health insurance policies and choose one clubbed with an additional coverage for pre-existing medical conditions
3. Go to destinations where a lot of walking is not required. Avoid going to hilly areas where you might need to trek a lot. Without a doubt, any strenuous activity should be evaded. You should play it safe until your doctor gives you the go-ahead to do such activities
4. Keep a list of the medications, as well as, the doctor’s prescription handy. You should carry it with you all the time. In case of an emergency, you can always refer to it
5. Carry enough medications with you so that you do not run out of them during your trip
6. Carry a letter of explanation from your healthcare provider regarding your heart-condition, especially when going abroad or when travelling by airplane. This letter should mention the drugs that you are on and any allergies that you may have. If you have a pacemaker or any other medical device fitted in your body, then that should also be highlighted in this document.

It is Better Not Travel To Extremely Hot or Cold Climates

Restrict yourself from going to countries that have extreme temperatures. It’s recommended not to go to places that are either very hot or extremely cold. You should choose from places that have a moderate climate.

Avoid Travelling To High Altitudes

If you are a heart patient, and you want to travel to a place at an altitude of more than 6,500′ (2,000m) above the sea level, then you should reconsider your decision. At higher altitudes, the level (concentration), of oxygen is lower.  Less oxygen can lead to uneasiness and can even ruin your entire trip. It can also impose serious health risks, headaches, breathlessness or/ and even angina. Before planning your trip to a destination at a high altitude, see and follow the advice of your healthcare provider.

You can Avoid Stress of Commuting during Your Trip

For people with heart conditions, the commute itself can be one of the most stressful parts of the journey. To make the journey convenient throughout your trip, you should-

• Take the planned route and manage your time to avoid rushing yourself unnecessarily

• Carry bags and suitcases that are light in weight and are on wheels to make the transportation hassle-free

It Is OK For You to Travel by Air!

People with a heart condition, or any circulatory disease, can safely travel by airplane without risking their health. However, if you have been diagnosed with heart disease recently, have undergone open-heart surgery, or have been hospitalized due to your heart condition lately, then, it is again advisable that you check with your healthcare provider to see if you are fit to travel by a airplane. Note the advice above as to not going to places that are above 6,500 feet in elevation, well, commercial airliners, which travel typically between 18,000′ and 29,000′ are pressurized to 8,000′. Yep, talk to your doctor.

If you’re given the go-ahead by your health specialist to travel by plane and you think that you might need assistance during the flight or at the airport terminal, then you should probably inform the airport authorities or airline at the time of booking the tickets. You can get assistance with your luggage, can take wheelchair support, or you can even board the plane early.

If you have medications in your hand luggage that are in the form of gels, liquids or creams (over 100ml), then you will need to provide a letter from your heart-specialist. Based on that, you can seek approval from the airline before you travel.

If you are going to fly through times zones, the routine of medications can get disturbed. It is best to take advice from your healthcare provider to deal with it in an effective manner.

Safety Aspects against Airport Security Systems

If you have a Pacemaker or an ICD fitted in your body, it’s imperative that you carry your device identification card. Also, inform the airport staff about your heart-condition, mentioning that you have a device inserted inside your body. While passing through the security system, keep walking at a normal pace and do not linger for it might mess with the device.

Make sure that a hand-held metal detector is not used/placed directly over your device. Mostly, modern pacemakers and ICDs are properly shielded against any outside interference. At the most, the metal casing might just trigger the security alarm. But, it is always better to be cautious.

Combating the Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) On a Long-Haul Flight

Deep Vein Thrombosis is a condition in which the blood gets clotted in a deep vein, such as in the legs. Prolonged sitting when travelling on a long flight or a long-haul flight can sometimes impose the risk of developing DVT. For many people, chances of developing DVT are quite low, but if you are a heart patient and do not want to face any trouble, try to wear comfortable clothes and socks to keep your blood circulation unimpeded. You can use travel compression socks as they can help keep your blood flow normal and can curb the clotting of blood. Also, check with your health insurance provider if they cover Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) under the insurance plan. If not, then you can always get it added to your current health plan.

For Reducing The Risk Of DVT You Can:

1. Change your position frequently to stay active. You can also walk wherever it is possible
2. Do simple exercises like stretching your ankles and feet while sitting on the seat during the flight
3. Seriously, restrain yourself from drinking alcohol and too much caffeine during the flight
4. Drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated; more than normal because airline cabin humidity often competes with that of Death Valley.

Anyone who has experienced DVT recently, or has undergone surgery lately, is probably at a higher risk during a flight. Again and we can’t say this enough, before travelling anywhere, consult with your doctor. If you have been advised to wear support stockings during the flight, make sure that you are wearing the right size as per your leg and calf measurements. If you are at a higher risk, your doctor might suggest giving you heparin injection. This will prevent any blood clots for some time.

Conclusion – Having a certain health condition should not stop you from travelling around the world. By taking certain precautions and preventive measures, you can always make it happen. We hope that the above-mentioned tips prove helpful for you and your family members.

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Testing Your Plan

Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

Editors Note: A guest contribution from COSurvivalist to The Prepper Journal.

You have built all of these wonderful plans for survival, you have bought or built all of the things you think you need, you have talked it over with your family/friends; but have you ever tested it in full show?

I mean have you turned out the power to your home for more than a couple of hours?

Have you lived through your plans, have you worked through the food in your fridge, then your freezer, then your saved dry goods?

Did you find that can of something (label missing) that was hidden in the depths of your cabinet that you couldn’t ever reach, and did you eat whatever was inside?

Have you worked to keep your house at a reasonable temp (winter or summer) without the comforts of heating and air conditioning?

Did you try to live off the amount of fluids that are currently available in bottles/cans or the water in your home’s pipes?

Now let’s build the scenario –

Events like power outages, wind storms (trees, branches, and power lines down), snow / Ice storms, flooding/tsunamis, earthquakes, or volcanic eruption are real possibilities in or around my location. There are also some of the other more remote possibilities such as solar flares, terrorist attacks, civil unrest, or invasion from a foreign country that could occur.

With little to no notice to your family, twice a year, come home on a random day and turn off the power to everything at the breakers, turn off the water at the main. For the next three days (or more if you can) live with what is currently in your house.

Heat or cool your house with what you have available on hand, or naturally. Use up some of that old wood/pellets/fuel, close the curtains, or open the windows at night and close them during the day for natural cooling. What temp in the house can you become comfortable with? Do you have the appropriate items for keeping everyone (including pets) warm or cool? Do you have spray bottles with water to use for cooling?

Use your food stores, like you said you should be doing, this test will force you to cycle through them. It will force you to use the perishable items, followed by your freezer items, then on to your canned goods. This will also help to practice your alternate forms of cooking, and use those kitchen items (cast iron/steel utensils) that you haven’t used in a year. This will force your family to evaluate if they want to eat because they are hungry or because they are bored. It will reduce or eliminate your use of the convenience foods and convenience cooking habits.

How bad do you want that morning caffeine? Is it worth waking up early to start a heat source to boil water, to brew your caffeine? How will you warm up that water in the first place?

How long can you go without your electronics/internet? Just how dependent have you become to those. No microwave, coffee pot, stove, fridge, blow dryer, room lights, TV, internet, computers, radio, fans, garage door opener.

Your home probably has a water store between 40-80 gallons. How far will that go in using it for cooking, cleaning, sanitation use? Don’t forget, it’s going to be cold water.

From a home defense perspective, your ADT monitoring is turned off (if you have it). What else can be done to ensure that your family/household remains safe and intact while your power is out?

Remember you turned things off, you can turn them back on at any point in time this time, but what about next time??

Lessons learned –

What items in your emergency planning equipment can you kick into gear and use, and what items were worthless in this scenario?

What did you do to keep yourself or family entertained?

What did you run out of because you didn’t have enough?

What other items did you wish you had before trying this?

What items will you be acquiring since completing this?

How has this changed your daily habits or item use?

Don’t forget you need to restock whatever you used from your stores, along with the plus side of lower energy/water consumption this month.

Good luck and have fun with this, remember this is only a test, you can turn the power and water back on whenever you are ready. This will really help you think about what will happen in the event of a disaster.

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