We’re relatively new to prepping and have never wanted to be that family with 10 years of freeze dried foods taking up 3 rooms of their house. That’s what new preppers see, and that’s what new preppers here from everyone else that you have to do. We want to be self-sustaining, but do realize that it isn’t realistic now. Having a few months of freeze dried foods would be really smart, just in case. We’ve eyeballed the food at local camping and supply stores, but either snickered that it had to be terrible or gaped at the huge expense. However, when we found a 4 pack of family meals for $20, we thought it would be a great time to put a box aside and try it out if we wanted. For $20, we can’t even feed our family a fast food meal at Chick Fil A anymore, and this was 8 portions which would easily feed us for a lark. 
One weekend evening when we were all home, and no one wanted to cook, the thought grabbed us – let’s try out that food! It was easy enough to do – Put some boiling water in each envelope (after you removed the O2 package), sealed for 10-15 min while it rehydrates and warms is all it takes. The only problem is that the food didn’t rehydrate at the same pace, so some took a good 20 min to be ready. No big deal, but it left us constantly guessing if it was going to be ready or not. Then we split up the servings so that everyone could have a taste. I took the Chili Mac first because I love the flavor of Tex Mex . Sadly, there was no flavor. The noodles were kind of gummy, there was no real ‘chili’ flavor at all, and I was wholly unimpressed. We tried a few of the other flavors and came upon the same thought – there really was no distinguishable flavor. They were pretty bland, very salty, and not something we’d WANT to eat everyday. I don’t know if the flavors of the meals were for the generic person who doesn’t like highly spiced foods, or if there is a reason that in stressful times, having flavor in your food is a bad thing? Here are the flavors we tried: Chili Mac, Lasagna, Chicken Alfredo, and a Beef Stroganoff kind of meal. I think we’re definitely going to have to give Mountain House a try.
A Review of Wise Foods Freeze Dried Foods
14 Thursday Feb 2013
Posted in Food, Preparedness
Thanks for trying this food… I am also new to prepping (and do a lot of it secretly because many of my family members are just patting me on the head, saying I am silly. Lord, I only hope I am.) Anyway, thank you for trying this food. I have been wondering how they taste. Keep on with your prepping and pinning. I am an avid follower.
Lutomomma in Austin, Texas.
We did a taste test of several brands using the same meal (Beef Stroganoff). I am afraid that Wise was at the very bottom and not even sure if we could ever eat it. Daily Bread was our very favorite (but they only come in #10 cans). The next was Mountain House and GoFoods right close behind. I know there are other brands, but none of the others would sell or supply a sample pack.
Thank you Tamara – I just got a free sample of Wise Savory Stroganoff. I didn’t know which to compare it too Mountain’s Beef Stroganoff with Noodles or the Beef stew.
Just last week, we also tried the Wise Foods Chili Mac… and came to the same conclusion. To be totally honest, I think I would eat leaves off the tree outside first. We have tried several Mountain House flavors and found them to be very good. Have not tried Daily Bread yet, as I have not found a good place to acquire it.
Wow, very helpful article and comments.
I just get Knorr side dishes for $1, rice or noodle side dishes and add a can of chicken for $1.89, or a pound of browned hamburger. Makes a good meal for less than $5. Have done it for years. Easy to do when ya go camping and don’t want to mess with cooking!
Thanks for the tip!
Good to know. For some reason I’ve heard a lot about Wise Foods lately and I was wanting to try them. Thanks for saving me that step. I’ll start with Mountain House. Have you tried Thrive? I’ve heard they are suppose to be good.
No, Trace, we haven’t tried any of the other companies, yet, but have it on our to do list.