Discover the Ultimate Survival Food That Lasts a Lifetime

Before the advent of modern MREs, a simple yet effective survival food powered both armies and explorers alike. Known for its longevity and simplicity, this food has been a staple from the tables of kings to the hands of common sailors. If you’re considering essential rations for a survival situation, this should be at the top of your list.

The food in question is hardtack, a basic blend of flour, water, and salt, baked into a dense biscuit. Each piece provides around 250 calories and 54 grams of carbohydrates, and its remarkable shelf life can extend to a century or more.

Hardtack’s history is as rich as its nutritional profile. Ancient Egyptian warriors carried millet flour cakes known as “dhourra” for their long sea voyages. Similarly, Roman soldiers consumed “bucellatum” as a staple ration. By the sixteenth century, British Royal Navy sailors were issued a pound of hardtack daily, accompanied by a gallon of beer.

One of hardtack’s unique properties is that it softens over time due to humidity exposure. This characteristic meant it was often prepared well in advance of consumption. However, when fresh, it lived up to its name—extremely hard and sometimes nearly inedible. Soldiers humorously dubbed it “tooth duller,” “iron cracker,” and “molar breaker.” To make it palatable, they would soak it in available liquids. Sailors used beer, while Civil War soldiers favored coffee for its warm, nutty flavor. Others used milk, soups, and stews.

Despite its toughness, hardtack remains an unparalleled survival food. It offers a straightforward way to sustain oneself for extended periods. In fact, you might encounter hardtack from over 150 years ago in Civil War museums, still intact and technically edible.

Even if you’re not a historical soldier or sailor, hardtack can still be a valuable addition to your survival kit. Its easy storage and high energy content make it ideal for off-the-grid living. It complements stews, soups, and other camp foods perfectly. Additionally, some preppers prefer it over storing flour, which has a shorter shelf life. “Why store flour, which goes bad after just a few months, when you can bake it into hardtack and store it for a lifetime?”

Creating hardtack is straightforward. Mix flour, salt, and a cup of water into a dough. Flatten the dough to a thickness of ¼ to ½-inch and cut it into squares. Poke holes into each square. Bake the biscuits in the oven at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Once removed, allow them to dry completely.

Hardtack is more than just a relic of the past; it’s a practical solution for modern survival needs. Its simplicity, longevity, and nutritional value make it an indispensable resource for anyone preparing for uncertain times.

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