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Emergency Essentials

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5.4

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: December 31st, 2022

Emergency Essentials at BePrepared.com is an emergency preparedness retailer specializing in all types of supplies and gear for camping, emergency kits, long-term food and water storage, and daily-use food storage. It is headquartered in Orem, Utah and maintains storefronts in 4 Utah cities: Orem, South Jordan, Murray, and Bountiful. Emergency Essentials is an emergency preparedness consultant with the Department of Homeland Security. 

Emergency Essentials provides an inventory of high-quality food supplies that have been dehydrated, freeze-dried, and nutrition-protected while maintaining good flavor as well as non-food products that perform well. The company committed to keeping up on the science of preparedness and claims it will not mislead to make a sale or sell something that won't be useful. 

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The Good

  • Product Selection
  • Educational Resources
  • Price and Quality Guarantees
  • Deals and Promotions 

Product Selection

Emergency Essentials' online inventory consists of the following categories and sub-categories: 

  • Food: Entrees and meals, meats, fruits, vegetables, dairy, eggs, cereals, grain, pasta, beans, legumes, desserts, drinks, ingredients, and broths. Food storage items can be filtered by preparation method (freeze-dried, dehydrated, just add water, or baking and seasoning) or packaging method (large cans, pouches, buckets, or storage containers).  
  • Kits, Supplies, and Combos: Food supplies, 1-year supply, 6-month supply, 3-month supply, 1-month supply, 72 hour supply, food group combos, monthly plans, and Kim Komando 5-day kit
  • Water Storage: Barrels and tanks, portable containers, prepackaged water, and water accessories like filters and pumps 
  • MREs (Meals Ready to Eat):  MRE combos and cases, complete meals, individual entrees, drinks, desserts, and MRE heaters 
  • Emergency Gear: Tents, warmth, lighting, power, sanitation, first aid, food, water, sleeping bags, backpacks, communications, tools and navigation, garden essentials, and planning products 
  • Cooking Equipment: Cook stoves, grain mills, food processing, and kitchen items 
  • Emergency Kits: emergency and survival kits, first-aid kits and supplies, pandemic supplies, and portable food and water  

Educational Resources 

In addition to customer service representatives, Emergency Essentials employs a preparedness specialist who is on call to answer questions customers have about emergency preparation. It's refreshing to see a company that cares about consumer education and doesn't merely publish sales materials.

There are a number of self-led educational resources that can be filtered according to category, such as recipes, first aid and sanitation, budgeting, etc. Resources also emphasize the benefits of being prepared for any unexpected event (such as illness, accident, or job loss), not just emergency situations involving natural disasters. 

The Preparedness Resource Center includes:  

  • A blog with articles regarding every facet of disaster readiness 
  • Downloadable Prep 101 guide 
  • Downloadable Hurricane Survival Guide 
  • Emergency Preparedness newsletter   

Price and Quality Guarantees

Emergency Essentials offers a low price guarantee. If you find a lower price on the same item at a local store or another online retailer, the company will match the lower price within 30 days of purchase! In addition, there is a 30-day unconditional satisfaction guarantee on all items sold. 

Perhaps the company's most impressive guarantee, though, is its long shelf-life for food items. Individually sealed pouches and oxygen absorbers ensure a 25-year shelf life. 

Deals and Promotions

At any given time, Emergency Essentials is running a number of deals and promotions. If website visitors sign up for an email list that includes survival content and company deals, they receive 15% off their first order.  Each day there is a selection of flash sale items that are available in limited quantities for a limited time. Additionally, there are generally discounted items available within the closeout, overstock, and discontinued sales section. Customers can also save money by taking advantage of group specials, purchasing items in bulk for family, friends, and neighbors.

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The Bad

  • Food Storage Analyzer Discontinued 

Food Storage Analyzer Discontinued 

Until 2013 Emergency Essentials offered an online tool that assisted individuals in keeping track of food storage inventory and in accumulating adequate food storage over time. Unfortunately, this popular tool is no longer available.  

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The Bottom Line

Emergency Essentials really is a one-stop-shop for emergency prep. Its non-perishable food inventory suits a range of budgets and household sizes with options to purchase individual serving sizes or to buy in bulk. Flash sales items circulate frequently and there are always discounted products or discount promotions available. 

With over 30 years of experience and a loyal customer base, Emergency Essentials has proven to be an expert in the industry. Whether you are starting an emergency supply from scratch or just need a few items to supplement your existing storage, BePrepared.com is a good place to start.

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Star Rating

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3.9

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51 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

45%

4 grade

29%

3 grade

10%

2 grade

4%

1 grade

12%

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Gerry Denver, CO

I wish I could go to the store. I haven't bought anything from them in quite some time, but only online. From the ease of ordering things online, the speed of delivery, and the customer service (i had a defective flashlight I bought, and they sent me out a new one immediately) Emergency Essentials Rocks!! They are awesome. I still use the emergency candles i bought from them several years ago, and the flashlights i had bought.

9 years ago

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Life of Frog South Bend, IN

The freeze dried food is excellent, lasts easily 20-25 years (I currently have cans from them that are 22 years old and we have used some of them and the food is still good!), I only wish they would bring back all their preparedness/survival products they had. Several years back they switched to just focusing on the food, which is a shame because we enjoyed purchasing camping, survival, hunting, fishing, and other prepper goodies from them! Especially their solar ovens, reusable hand warmers, bung wrenches, and first aid kits .

2 years ago

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H Moore Lehi, UT

We've purchased food packs such as their 1-month supply from Emergency Essentials, and we rotate through them, and eat the food as we do that. The food tastes great, and it brings me peace of mind to have an emergency supply.

6 years ago

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Robert & Edna Ulrich Evart, MI

We've been with Emergency Essentials for about 20 years. Not using other company's. For the most part they are good. The product is good. However, in the last few years, they've changed their line, their advertising and availability of product. They run sales for one day and I might get their eflyer at 3 in the afternoon and want to buy the item and it's gone. This has happened several times. Very frustrating. Don't care for their new advertising brochure. The old one was interesting and homey. This one is cold and uninteresting. I used to save the brochures, now I pitch them as soon as I get them after a glance. We don't buy much from them anymore. Prices have gotten higher than we want to pay.

9 years ago

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Rose Davis New Caney, TX

I have used this company for years and love everything about them. They do not have any information about local assistance, but as for their service to provide quality products at a more than reasonable price, they are far and away better than most of the other companies I have dealt with.

9 years ago

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Christy Suguturaga Orem, UT

They carry the coolest emergency preparedness items. Things that when you see them you say “oh ya! I need that in an emergency!” It’s a great peace of mind to think of having everything you would need for any kind of emergency. Tools and water filters and enough water and shelter and light and first aid and calories and just things most don’t think about until it’s needed. All in one place. So helpful.

5 years ago

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Thomas Hullinger Pleasant Grove, UT

They have a great selection of products that are easy to store and easy to use and prepare when needed. I like that they have everything I need, and I can buy a little at a time and then build it up over time. Good information as well.

6 years ago

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Ron Edwardsville, IL

I have done business with them for over a year now, and love them. Good product, and some awesome sales. I have had no reason to ever contact customer service, and will continue to purchase from them.

9 years ago

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Vikki Arvada, CO

I have ordered from them for a long time, and they have never disappointed. I wish they would provide more unusual freeze-dried meats, like the shrimp they had for a short time.

9 years ago

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Irene Hass Edwardsville, IL

Have been purchasing from "Be Prepared"/Emergency Essentials for many years. They have the best combination of prices and shipping rates out there. It's a "10" company and only reason I gave it a "9" is they no longer carry some of the fantastic MRE's I was able to get a long time ago, but then, I have my supply so am pleased,

9 years ago

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Ashley Pleasant Grove, UT

One product I have bought through Emergency Essentials is the Emergency Survival Hydroheat Flameless Cooker. Its 30oz. and it is fantastic. I really haven't seen anything this reasonable out there. You can also find this brand at your local Walmart. I also like the freeze dried foods for my boys when they go camping.

5 years ago

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Angie L Hanzel Saratoga Springs, UT

I love Emergency Essentials Products! I have shopped with them for several years. They have a low price guarantee and I have found their quality to be far superior than competitors. Their customer service at their retail stores is awesome. The employees are very knowledgeable and helpful. I would definitely recommend this company to others.

6 years ago

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Lisette Kroepelin Sacramento, CA

Looking at the other reviews this company may have been worthy of a high score in the past but they certainly have not in the past year+. I have purchased from them since 2014. At first what they advertised was what you got and IF there was a problem it was resolved immediately. No longer. The monthly flyers include items they do not have. Their email advertised time limited specials are often just a come on. I check my email within an hour of their sending out the days special purchase offer and way to many times I get the rest of my order but NOT the advertised special priced item. When I contact them they say it was out of stock. How can it be out of stock within an hour of offering it? What to they do, have 10 available to claim they are legally advertising but don't want to actually sell items at the advertised price? It has gotten worse. Now they no longer respond to inquiries. After the first response of we can't ship what we don't have they just ignore you. And let me not forget the item on sale that I ordered, didn't receive because it was out of stock and yet less than two weeks later I see it on their web site at the none sale price. I have an order from April 27th that after a month I still had not received. I contacted them and was told it would go out in 2 days with the exception of the advertised special priced item in the order that they don't have. I told them okay. I was so tired of their way of business that I changed my mind and asked by email a couple days later if it was to late to just cancel the order. No response to that or a follow up inquiry. 18 days later no shipment and the order continues to show as processing. Half the time I never received a shipment notification so there is no way to now the status of this April 27th debacle with out logging into my account. At this point all I want to do is cancel my account with them and I do not feel I can until that order shows "canceled" instead of "processing". I will NEVER do business with this company again.

8 years ago

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Myk American Fork, UT

I have followed Emergency Essentials for seven years. They have truly been a leader in organizations offering a wide variety of products. Their crown was the Food Storage Analyzer, which was extremely helpful in tracking what we had on hand in the event of an emergency situation. When they abandoned that program, for whatever reason, they lost my interest in continuing to order products. Other companies offer similar quality products at competitive prices. I'm jumping ship to work with someone who continues to care about services that are valuable to a majority of their customers.

9 years ago

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Patrick Cartwright Jr. Owego, NY

Awesome! I have never had a single issue. They have always been prompt and friendly when I have called. They are quick to offer advice and answer questions.

9 years ago

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Charlen Carignan Palatka, FL

I love Emergency Essentials. I have bought from them several times, and have recommended them on several group sites. I like that they are now making their own brand of food storage, more savings!

9 years ago

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Michelle Mortimer Saratoga Springs, UT

What I love most about this company is the option to get a discount by purchasing in bulk or as a group order. I have saved lots of money by offering their high quality products to my friends and family.

5 years ago

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janalee sanders Valley Center, CA

I have only used this company for 1 order but was pleased with what I received. they had most everything I was looking for and with the items that qualified for their advertised discount I feel like the prices were pretty good. the order was sent fairly quickly as well.

5 years ago

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Ann Bailey Lehi, UT

I have purchased food storage and emergency essentials alike from this store. There pricing is reasonable, and the food tastes great. I am always greeted each time I come in the door.

5 years ago

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Angela Nelson Pleasant Grove, UT

I love Emergency Essentials! I have used their stuff for 20 years and have been very happy with the quality and the value. We have built our food storage and our emergency supplies through their group specials online and also by visiting their store. The employees at the store are very helpful and even provide samples if you want to try something.

6 years ago

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Lisa Emerson Austin, TX

Puchased 2 buckets of gluten free food to gift to my 2 sons who have severe Celiac disease. I took the label at face value. Thankfully, one of my sons opened his bucket and read the labels on the idividual packages. The ONLY product in this bucket that is gluten free is the Tang. Everything else was packaged in a facility that processes wheat. So, they are NOT gluten free. Buyer beware! Company will not reimburse me, as the deadline for returns has passed.

1 year ago

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todd music Saint Marys, OH

We bought a bunch of food 4 or 5 years ago. The cans recently busted open. When we called customer service, they said they knew about the defect making the cans bust open. They offered a store credit however ever since COVID, they don't have any stock available and their prices have increased by 45%. I asked for a refund since they knew about the defect. They've stopped communicating with me and refused to issue a refund. Don't buy from them - they don't stand behind their product and if anything happens, your food will be ruined.

4 years ago

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Shari Evers Lehi, UT

I really like how many products are available. I love the long shelf life products since I am not good at rotating through my food storage!

6 years ago

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Blake Wilcox Salt Lake City, UT

My family and I have used emergency essentials in the past and it's been a good experience. The offer many different options for affordable price. I'm glad that we used this company when we needed help as a family.

7 years ago

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Mike R. Minneapolis, MN

Are you out of your mind? Everything I ordered was out of stock. These fools sell what they DO NOT HAVE. Their website claims they have over 100 employees but it takes 25- 45 minutes for them to pick up a phone? They couldn't give 2 shits for their customers and customer service act like retards. no empathy, no sympathy, no customer service or any attempt to make it right. I will avoid these imcompatant fools and shop at The Ready Store where they won't even let you order what is out of stock. SHAME ON EMERGENCY ESSENTIALS

8 years ago

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Rastus McGee Atlanta, GA

I have had only good experiences with them , everything has been good, I've even gotten bananas and vanilla pudding from them !

9 years ago

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James Crawley New York, NY

I bought an emergency prep kit from them a year or two ago and we haven't used it yet but it looks great. It's small, easily portable and works well in our small apartment.

6 years ago

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Emily D Herriman, UT

Prepping is easy with emergency essentials. It’s pretty affordable and they have everything you never thought of.

2 years ago

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Wendy Park City, UT

Great tasting freeze dried food! So convenient for backpacking trips. It makes packing food light and saves space.

4 years ago

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David

They sell products that are suppose to be good for 25-50 years but their warranty is only for 30 DAYS. Seems they lack confidence in their product.

5 years ago

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John Apolinski Park Ridge, IL

Having ordered several times from them I am currently having a bad experience with delivery and poor customer issue resolution. It has been 28 days since my order. They have repeatedly given a "having trouble with our shipping software" excuse. My card has been charged but no shipment or followup.

8 years ago

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Keith Glass Fairfax, VA

My only "complaint" is that they tend to run on a "just-in-time" stock model, and on occasion, they get back-ordered on popular and sale items. . .

9 years ago

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Hailey Nilson Salt Lake City, UT

The emergency essentials provided are incredible considering their low prices. Also, they provide free shipping which is always nice.

5 years ago

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Neal morris Pelham, NH

Avoid this Company Emergency Essentials!! Their customer service is horrible, long wait times, and they don't look out for their customers. You're better off shopping on Amazon

8 years ago

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Karlous Crabtree Peoria, AZ

Emergency Essentials have the best products at the lowest prices. (I have shopped many places.)

9 years ago

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Vito Labella Staten Island, NY

I miss all the freeze dried Mountain House,,,their brand might be as good but it not Mountain House. They have the slowest shipping on the internet,,,

9 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Rocky Chattanooga, TN

Have done business with them a long time. Always on the up and up. Best out there.

9 years ago

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Laura Weatherford Natchitoches, LA

Awesome service. Great speedy delivery (and I live in Louisiana). I will definitely be back!

9 years ago

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S Suguturaga Orem, UT

This company provides great products and excellent customer service any time there are questions about what works best for different situations.

5 years ago

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Deborah Hyde Springfield, MO

This company is good about supplying the latest essentials for emergency purposes. I have enjoyed getting their catalogs and seeing what is new.

6 years ago

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Grossarth Family Herriman, UT

Great products for our emergency kits. Love stores and online shopping.

2 years ago

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Amelia Gibson South Jordan, UT

I have enjoyed using this company. They have great food products that are perfect for emergencies.

6 years ago

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Trent Lehi, UT

Associates are very helpful in finding what you need and staying within your budget.

7 years ago

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Betty Doren Centralia, WA

Everything is good. Have had really excellent experience with my orders.

9 years ago

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Yolanda Briganti Riverton, UT

The dry food I bought from here for a trip was salty and my family didn't like it.

4 years ago

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Suzanna Wootton Springville, UT

Love their products! I wish that they weren't as expensive as they are, though.

7 years ago

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Robert Biliter Rock Hill, SC

It is one awesome business to shop at or order from

9 years ago

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Nathan hanzel Saratoga Springs, UT

I really like how extensive of a stock this store has, although the store didn't have a lot of air conditioning

6 years ago

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Mitch Krull Pleasant Grove, UT

Good products, decent price. Will shop again. Hopefully I get to use one day to get my money worth.

6 years ago

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Rachel B Eagle Mountain, UT

Prices are a little high at times, but overall it’s a great value and the employees are great!

6 years ago