Survival Foods Market Size, Share, Growth and Industry Analysis, By Type (Canned Food, Compressed Biscuit, Freeze-dried Food), By Application (Online Retails, Offline Retails), Regional Insights and Forecast From 2025 To 2035

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SURVIVAL FOODS MARKET OVERVIEW

The global survival foods market, valued at USD 4.67 billion in 2025, is forecasted to grow consistently, reaching USD 5.18 billion in 2026 and ultimately achieving USD 12.95 billion by 2035, at a steady CAGR of 10.73%.

Survival foods are essential provisions that are carefully chosen and stored to sustain individuals or groups during emergencies or crises. These foods are typically non-perishable, long-lasting, and packed with essential nutrients to ensure survival when access to fresh or regular food sources is compromised. Common examples of survival foods include canned goods (such as vegetables, fruits, meats, and soups), dried grains and legumes (such as rice, beans, and pasta), dehydrated fruits and vegetables, freeze-dried meals, energy bars, and preserved foods like jerky. The selection of survival foods often focuses on items that require minimal preparation and can be easily consumed without the need for extensive cooking or refrigeration. Moreover, survival foods should have a lengthy shelf life to ensure they remain edible over an extended period. This longevity is often achieved through various preservation methods, such as vacuum sealing, canning, freeze-drying, or the use of oxygen absorbers. Additionally, these foods are typically high in calories, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals to provide the necessary energy and sustenance during challenging situations.

The market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing awareness of the need for emergency preparedness and a growing interest in outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. This market, which includes products like freeze-dried foods, canned goods, and long-lasting pantry staples, has become an essential part of many households' emergency plans. The market has witnessed steady expansion as consumers seek convenient and long-lasting food options that can sustain them during emergencies or outdoor adventures.

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Pandemic Increased Disaster Preparedness Awareness Hampered the Market Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with survival foods experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the market. While the market was already on an upward trajectory due to increasing disaster preparedness awareness, the pandemic accelerated the survival foods market growth. Consumers became acutely aware of the importance of having a stockpile of survival foods in the face of supply chain disruptions and uncertainties. This awareness led to a surge in demand for survival foods, with consumers stockpiling items like canned goods, dried fruits, and freeze-dried meals.

LATEST TRENDS

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Packaging to Boost the Market Development.

One prominent trend in the market is the increasing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly packaging. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, they are seeking products that not only provide long shelf lives but also have a reduced impact on the environment. Survival food manufacturers are responding to this trend by adopting sustainable packaging materials, reducing waste, and emphasizing eco-friendly production processes. This shift aligns with the broader global trend towards sustainability and responsible consumption.

• According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), more than 64% of American households have purchased shelf-stable or freeze-dried foods for emergency preparedness since 2021. The USDA also reports that survival food products with a storage life exceeding 25 years now account for over 40% of all emergency food sales, reflecting consumer preference for long-term usability and low waste.

• According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global production of plant-based protein ingredients has increased by 27% between 2020 and 2024. This trend has directly influenced survival food manufacturing, with approximately 35% of new survival meal kits launched in 2023 being entirely plant-based, catering to vegan and environmentally conscious consumers.

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SURVIVAL FOODS MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

According to type, the market can be segmented into Canned Food, Compressed Biscuit, and Freeze-dried Food.

Canned Food being the leading segment of the market by type analysis.

By Application

Based on application, the market can be divided into Online Retails, Offline Retails.

Online Retails being the leading segment of the market by application analysis.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Natural Disasters to Drive the Market Growth

One of the primary drivers contributing to the survival food market growth is the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. Climate change has led to more frequent hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other catastrophes, prompting individuals and governments to prioritize disaster preparedness. As a result, there is a growing demand for survival foods as part of emergency kits and disaster relief efforts. This trend is expected to continue as climate change-related disasters become more commonplace.

Growing Outdoor and Adventure Activities to Fuel the Market Development

Another significant driver increasing the survival food market share of survival foods is the rising interest in outdoor and adventure activities. People are increasingly participating in activities such as camping, hiking, and backpacking. These activities require lightweight, portable, and long-lasting food options. Survival foods, with their extended shelf life and convenience, have become a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Manufacturers are capitalizing on this trend by offering a wide range of survival food products tailored to outdoor adventures.

• According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), emergency food storage programs have expanded by 45% in the past five years due to climate-related disasters. FEMA recommends maintaining at least 72 hours’ worth of non-perishable food per person, driving the demand for survival food kits with compact packaging and high nutritional density.

• According to the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), over 160 million Americans engaged in outdoor recreation in 2023, marking a 19% increase from pre-2020 levels. Survival foods with lightweight, high-calorie content—averaging 500–700 kcal per serving—are increasingly used in hiking, camping, and military training activities.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Regulatory Compliance to Impede the Market Growth

While the survival foods market is experiencing growth, it also faces challenges related to regulatory compliance. Governments have stringent regulations regarding food safety and labeling, which can be particularly challenging for long-lasting survival food products. Ensuring compliance with these regulations adds complexity and cost to the production and distribution processes. Manufacturers in this market must invest in rigorous quality control measures and stay updated on evolving regulatory requirements to avoid potential setbacks.

• According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nearly 21% of packaged survival foods inspected in 2023 required reformulation to meet nutritional labeling and allergen disclosure standards. These regulatory hurdles increase production time by an average of three to five months, delaying product launches in global markets.

• According to the European Food Information Council (EUFIC), freeze-drying processes used in survival food manufacturing consume about 3.5 times more energy than standard dehydration methods. This results in production costs being 28% higher for freeze-dried ingredients, limiting accessibility for cost-sensitive consumers in developing regions.

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SURVIVAL FOODS MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North America's Susceptibility to a Wide Range of Natural Disasters to Bolster the Market Share

North America, comprising the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in driving the expansion of the survival foods market share. The region's susceptibility to a wide range of natural disasters, including hurricanes along its Gulf and Atlantic coasts, wildfires that ravage its western states, and the ever-present threat of earthquakes along the Pacific Ring of Fire, has ingrained a culture of preparedness among its residents. This heightened awareness of the unpredictability of nature's fury has been a significant catalyst in the increasing market share of survival foods. 

In the United States, a nation known for its resilience in the face of adversity, the importance of disaster preparedness has taken center stage. The devastating hurricanes like Katrina and Sandy, along with the destructive wildfires in California, have served as stark reminders of the need for individuals and communities to be self-reliant during emergencies. Consequently, an increasing number of Americans have turned to survival foods as an integral component of their emergency preparedness plans. The market has responded by offering a diverse array of products tailored to the specific needs and preferences of American consumers.

 Moreover, the robust outdoor culture prevalent in North America has further fueled the demand for portable, long-lasting food options. The vast and diverse landscapes, from the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains to the serene tranquility of the Appalachian Trail, provide ample opportunities for outdoor adventures. Camping, hiking, and backpacking have become not only recreational activities but also outlets for individuals seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life. For these outdoor enthusiasts, survival foods have emerged as indispensable companions, ensuring they remain nourished even in the remotest of wilderness settings.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Focus on Partnerships to Gain a Competitive Advantage

Prominent market players are making collaborative efforts by partnering with other companies to stay ahead of the competition. Many companies are also investing in new product launches to expand their product portfolio. Mergers and acquisitions are also among the key strategies used by players to expand their product portfolios.

• Peak Refuel (U.S.): According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Peak Refuel products are recognized for providing an average of 38 grams of protein per meal, targeting high-nutrition outdoor and emergency markets. The company’s meals also meet U.S. military-grade food preservation standards, ensuring a storage life of up to 30 years.

• Mother Earth Products (U.S.): According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mother Earth Products’ use of solar-assisted dehydration reduces carbon emissions by 22% compared to conventional drying methods. Their survival food kits contain over 50 varieties of freeze-dried fruits and vegetables with 97% nutrient retention, supporting eco-friendly emergency food storage.

List of Top Survival Foods Companies

• Peak Refuel (U.S.)
• Mother Earth Products (U.S.)
• Thrivelife (U.S.)
• Legacy Food Storage (U.S.)
• Augason Farms (U.S.)
• S.0.S Food Lab (U.S.)
• Qinhuangdao Ocean Food Co., Ltd (China)
• BePrepared (U.S.)
• Mountain House (U.S.)
• AlpineAire Foods (U.S.)
• ReadyWise (U.S.)
• Guan Sheng Yuan (Taiwan)
• Survival Frog (U.S.)
• My Patriot Supply (U.S.)

REPORT COVERAGE

This research profiles a report with extensive studies that take into description the firms that exist in the market affecting the forecasting period. With detailed studies done, it also offers a comprehensive analysis by inspecting the factors like segmentation, opportunities, industrial developments, trends, growth, size, share, and restraints. This analysis is subject to alteration if the key players and probable analysis of market dynamics change.