Powdered Eggs for Preparedness

Powdered eggs aren't just for campers anymore. They're a great staple to keep in your pantry in case of emergencies when you're unable to get fresh food for an extended period. They're also popular with the prepper and survivalist crowd.

The stereotypical image of the crazed survivalist holed up in a shack in the woods may still hold some truth to it. But the idea of stocking up is catching on from that shack in the woods to surburbia as well as the big city.

This is nothing new. My grandmother was a depression-era kid and putting by food to provide for your family was simply the responsible thing to do, not something considered odd at all. Eggs are something most of us use nearly daily. Below, I share some basic facts about powdered eggs and my experience with them.

There are many brands to choose from. The only one I've tried so far is from Honeyville Grain which I ordered online. I have used the powdered real whole eggs (as opposed to just the whites or yolks). You use them mixed with water for scrambled eggs and in baking. I've tried it in brownies, cookies, Yorkshire pudding, muffin mixes and pancakes. They all turned out excellent.

The scrambled eggs were okay with a little salt and pepper. The consistency is slightly different than fresh eggs, but I think they would be good to take along camping.

The reason I chose this brand was because the cans come sealed with oxygen absorbers already in them. The company claims they will last between 5-10 years under optimal storage conditions which is a cool, dry environment. Once open, they may last up to a year. Each can equals between 81-90 eggs and the price is reasonable.

There are plenty of other companies that sell powdered eggs in the same manner as Honeyville Grain. You may also find them in bulk stores and outdoor supply stores like Cabela's. Companies that sell MREs (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) and/or camping supplies may also carry powdered eggs. Emergency preparedness suppliers are a common place to find them too. We've also found powdered eggs through Augason Farms at Sam's Club online. I've also found good deals at the Emergency Essentials website.

Not all brands will be packed like those from Honeyville Farms. Sometimes you may find them in bulk bins or online at Amazon for sale in plastic bags. But there are ways you can pack them for long-term storage yourself. You can purchase your own oxygen absorbers and store the eggs in jars or food grade buckets. Mylar bags are often used as an extra layer of protection in long-term storage.

There are vegan alternatives such as Ener-G Foods egg replacer. But the manufacturer of that product recommends that it isn't generally to be used in baking mixes. If you usually bake with eggs, then powdered eggs should be part of your long-term storage plans. It doesn't have to be a disaster that you're preparing for, though extreme weather is something to consider.

For a lot of preppers, economic conditions are one of their main concerns. Job loss or underemployment are prevalent now as well as concern of rising prices and depleted supplies of food in the future. Storing supplies like powdered eggs along with other staples is one way to buffer yourself against such problems.