How to Make Survival Food Bars

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Make Your Own Survival Food Bars?
3. Key Ingredients for Survival Food Bars
4. Recipes for Homemade Survival Food Bars
5. Tips for Storing Survival Food Bars
6. Nutritional Benefits of Survival Food Bars
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Imagine finding yourself in a situation where food supplies are scarce, and you need a reliable source of nutrition that can withstand the test of time. The thought itself can be daunting. However, having survival food bars on hand can provide that peace of mind. Not only are they compact and easy to carry, but they can also be made with simple ingredients that are often already in your pantry.

Homemade survival food bars are not just a practical choice for emergency preparedness; they can also be delicious and tailored to your dietary preferences. These bars can last for years when stored properly, making them an ideal solution for both outdoor adventures and potential emergencies. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into how to make survival food bars, including the benefits, recipes, and tips for maximizing their shelf life.

By the end of this guide, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to create your own survival food bars, ensuring that you are well-prepared for any situation that requires sustenance on the go. We’ll also explore the various ingredients you can use, discuss nutritional information, and highlight the importance of having such bars in your emergency preparedness kit.

Why Make Your Own Survival Food Bars?

Control Over Ingredients

One of the most significant advantages of making your own survival food bars is the ability to control the ingredients. Store-bought options often contain preservatives and additives that may not align with your dietary preferences. By making them at home, you can choose organic ingredients, avoid allergens, and eliminate refined sugars if desired.

Cost-Effective

Purchasing pre-made survival bars can be expensive, especially if you're looking for high-quality options. Making your own allows you to save money while ensuring that you have a nutritious product tailored to your needs.

Customizable Recipes

The versatility of survival food bars is another compelling reason to make your own. You can experiment with various flavor combinations, textures, and nutritional profiles. Whether you prefer fruity, chocolatey, or nutty flavors, the options are nearly limitless.

Long Shelf Life

When prepared correctly, homemade survival food bars can last for years without spoiling. This makes them an excellent addition to your long-term food storage plan. Knowing that you have a reliable food source on hand can provide confidence during uncertain times.

Key Ingredients for Survival Food Bars

Creating survival food bars requires a few essential ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Base Ingredients

• Oats: A great source of carbohydrates, oats are the primary ingredient in many survival bars. They provide energy and help bind the ingredients together.
• Powdered Milk: This ingredient adds creaminess and provides protein, which is crucial for maintaining energy levels.
• Sugar or Honey: Both sugar and honey serve as natural sweeteners, enhancing the flavor while helping to bind the bars.
• Jell-O or Gelatin: These add moisture and help the bars maintain a chewy texture.

Optional Ingredients

• Dried Fruits: Adding dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots can enhance the flavor and provide additional vitamins and minerals.
• Nuts and Seeds: Chia seeds, flaxseeds, or nuts can be included for extra protein and healthy fats.
• Protein Powder: If you're looking to boost the protein content, consider adding protein powder to the mixture.
• Spices: Consider adding spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract for additional flavor.

Recipes for Homemade Survival Food Bars

Basic Survival Food Bar Recipe

This straightforward recipe is perfect for beginners and can be modified to suit your taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of oats
• 2 ½ cups of powdered milk
• 1 cup of sugar or ¾ cup of honey
• 1 package (3 oz) of Jell-O (flavor of your choice)
• 3 tablespoons of water
• 3 tablespoons of honey (if using sugar)

Instructions:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, powdered milk, and sugar.
2. Prepare Jell-O Mixture: In a saucepan, mix the Jell-O, water, and honey (if using sugar). Bring to a rolling boil while stirring.
3. Combine Mixtures: Pour the Jell-O mixture into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. The mixture should be crumbly but hold together when pressed.
4. Press into Pan: Line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper and press the mixture firmly into the pan.
5. Cut into Bars: Use a knife or pizza cutter to score the mixture into bars before baking.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, checking for moisture.
7. Cool and Store: Let the bars cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Chocolate Chia Survival Food Bars

For those who prefer a chocolatey flavor, this recipe incorporates chia seeds for added nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of oats
• 2 ½ cups of powdered dry milk
• ½ cup of chia seeds
• ¼ cup of cocoa powder
• ¾ cup of sugar
• 1 package of plain gelatin
• 3 tablespoons of honey
• ½ cup of water

Instructions:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, powdered milk, chia seeds, cocoa powder, and sugar.
2. Prepare Gelatin Mixture: In a saucepan, combine gelatin, honey, and water. Heat until it reaches a rolling boil, then set aside.
3. Combine Mixtures: Pour the gelatin mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Shape and Dehydrate or Bake: You can either press the mixture into a pan and bake at 200°F for 2 hours or dehydrate it for 4-6 hours.
5. Cool and Store: Once cooled, cut into bars and store in an airtight container.

Tips for Storing Survival Food Bars

To ensure your survival food bars last as long as possible, follow these storage tips:

1. Airtight Containers: Always store your bars in airtight containers to keep moisture out.
2. Cool, Dark Place: Store the bars in a cool, dark place to prevent heat and light from degrading the ingredients.
3. Mylar Bags: For long-term storage, consider using Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers to extend shelf life.
4. Freezing: If you want to keep them for an extended period, consider freezing the bars. This method can preserve them for several years.

Nutritional Benefits of Survival Food Bars

Survival food bars can be nutrient-dense, providing essential vitamins and minerals while being calorie-rich. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits you can expect:

• Carbohydrates: Oats provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
• Proteins: Powdered milk, nuts, and optional protein powder add valuable protein, essential for muscle repair and overall bodily functions.
• Fats: Healthy fats from nuts and seeds contribute to satiety and energy.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Adding dried fruits and seeds enhances the nutritional profile, giving you vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like iron and calcium.

Conclusion

Making your own survival food bars is not just a fun and rewarding process; it’s also an investment in your preparedness and well-being. With simple ingredients, you can create nutritious, delicious bars that can last for years. Whether you’re looking to stock up for emergencies or preparing for an outdoor adventure, survival food bars are a practical solution.

Remember, the key to a successful survival food bar is to experiment and find the combination of flavors and ingredients that work best for you. So gather your supplies, get creative, and start making your own survival food bars today!

FAQ Section

1. How long do homemade survival food bars last? Homemade survival food bars can last for several months to a few years, depending on the ingredients and storage conditions. When stored properly in airtight containers and kept in a cool, dark place, they can last up to 20 years.

2. Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits? Fresh fruits have a much higher moisture content and are not suitable for long-term storage in survival bars. It's best to use dried or freeze-dried fruits for this purpose.

3. How can I modify the recipe for dietary restrictions? You can easily modify the recipes by substituting ingredients. For example, use gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version, or substitute honey with maple syrup or a sugar alternative for those watching their sugar intake.

4. What is the best way to package survival food bars for storage? For optimal storage, use airtight containers or vacuum seal the bars in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. This will help prevent moisture and extend their shelf life.

5. Are there any other ingredients I can add for more nutrition? Yes! You can add ingredients like protein powder, nuts, seeds, or even superfoods like spirulina or maca powder to enhance the nutritional profile of your bars.

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