Mountain House Rice and Chicken (Gluten-Free) - Pouch

The Mountain House freeze-dried rice and chicken pouch provides a long-lasting emergency supply of gluten-free food in a 2 serving pouch. Just add hot water and it's ready in 10 minutes.

Ideal Use Environments

• Classrooms and educational facilities
• Corporate offices and administrative buildings
• Warehouses and distribution centers
• Healthcare, assisted living, and community care facilities
• Government and municipal buildings
• Emergency supply sheds and safety supplies containers

Purpose in Emergency Planning

Mountain House freeze-dried meals are commonly stocked as part of classroom, workplace, and facility emergency kits because they provide long-term reliable nutrition with a 25–30 year shelf life and require minimal storage space with no refrigeration.

These meals are designed to support occupants during shelter-in-place or prolonged incidents following earthquakes, lockdowns, severe weather, and other emergencies where people may need sustenance over multiple meals.

Unlike many other options like food bars, Mountain House entrées offer more complete meals with real ingredients, including real meat (not just “meat flavor”), as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options, breakfast meals, snacks, and desserts, allowing emergency planners to provide more familiar, satisfying meals over multiple days.

Preparation & Water Requirements

These meals must be rehydrated with water before consumption. The amount of water needed varies by product, but individual entrees typically require about 1 to 2 cups of water per serving, depending on the package and preparation instructions.

• Pouch meals: Water is added directly into the pouch, then the pouch is sealed and allowed to sit for several minutes until the food reconstitutes.
• #10 cans: These larger cans contain multiple servings and require a separate vessel (pot, bowl, or heat-safe container) into which water is added before stirring and serving.
  

Hot or boiling water is recommended for best texture and flavor, but in true emergency conditions, room-temperature water will still rehydrate the meals, albeit more slowly.

Because these meals require water, they are typically stored alongside emergency drinking water, cups, utensils (e.g., spoons/sporks), and a method for heating water as part of a complete emergency preparedness kit.

Heating Considerations for Group Settings

For facilities feeding larger numbers of people, planners may choose methods to provide hot water, such as:

• Portable butane or propane stoves (used outdoors or in ventilated areas)
• Portable electric kettles or hot water dispensers (if power exists)
• Large stock pots with heating sources
• Insulated thermoses for distributing hot water

Providing safe ways to heat water can improve meal quality, occupant comfort, and morale, especially in senior or assisted-living contexts.

Storage & Shelf Life

Mountain House meals have a 25–30 year shelf life when stored in a cool, dry location and require only periodic inspection. This makes them exceptionally well-suited for long-term emergency planning.

Compliance Alignment

These products support organizational emergency preparedness practices consistent with FEMA, CERT, and workplace emergency planning guidance. Agencies should confirm compliance requirements based on their jurisdiction, sector policies, or emergency management standards.

Procurement Options

Purchase Orders accepted for eligible schools, agencies, businesses, and institutions.

Bulk and volume pricing available. Please click the Request a Quote button or email quotes@moreprepared.com with your requirements.

Vendor forms, W-9, documentation, and formal quotes available upon request.

Shipping & Delivery

This item typically ships via standard ground carrier due to its size and weight. For larger bulk orders, freight shipping is available and may be recommended; contact us for freight quotes and delivery options.

Single units typically ship within 1–3 business days. Bulk and custom orders may require additional lead time.

Why would a school or facility stock freeze-dried meals instead of food bars?

Freeze-dried meals provide complete hot meals with real ingredients, meat options, and dietary variations. They have a 25–30 year shelf life and greater variety than many other emergency food products.

How are these meals prepared during an emergency?

Water is added directly into the pouch (pouch meals) or into a separate container for #10 cans. Hot water is recommended, but room-temperature water can be used if necessary.

How much water is needed?

Individual Mountain House entrees typically require about 1–2 cups of water per serving, depending on the product.

Do I need cooking equipment?

Pouches can be prepared by adding water directly to the pouch. #10 cans require a separate container (pot or bowl) for water and serving. Utensils like spoons or sporks are recommended.

Can these be prepared without hot water?

Yes. Meals will rehydrate with room-temperature water, though it may take longer.

How long do Mountain House meals last in storage?

These meals have a 25–30 year shelf life when stored in a cool, dry location.

What additional items should we store with these meals?

We recommend storing emergency drinking water, cups, utensils, and a safe method to heat water alongside freeze-dried meals.

Why choose Mountain House over other freeze-dried brands?

Mountain House meals use real ingredients and real meat, and offer a wide variety of entrées, vegetarian and gluten-free options, breakfasts, snacks, and desserts, enabling more complete meal planning.

Can we order these in bulk for multiple rooms or kits?

Yes. Many organizations purchase these items in quantity as part of broader emergency preparedness planning.

How do we determine how many meals and how much water we need for our facility?

The amount depends on how many people you are supporting and how many days you are planning for. Our team can help you calculate the proper quantities of meals and water for your specific site. Contact us for assistance.