Mayday and Mainstay Survival Bars

Whether you are beginning to build up a supply of emergency food at home or are planning a camping or hiking expedition, survival bars are a good place to begin.  Two of the most popular emergency survival bars are Mayday Survival Bars and Mainstay Bars.  These bars are a good way to provide adequate nutrition when your usual sources of food may not be available.  They are also handy in an emergency since no cooking or other preparations are needed, they can be eaten right out of the package.  Both products are packaged so that the bars are kept safe from light, moisture, and air, and Mayday and Mainstay have a shelf life of five years.  These bars stay viable through a wide range of temperatures, and can be kept in the car as emergency rations on the road regardless of the season.

What Are These Bars Made Of?

Because keeping your energy levels high during an emergency is important, both Mayday and Mainstay Emergency Survival Bars rely on carbohydrates to provide nutrition.  However, Mayday Bars will supply 7 g of protein while Mainstay will provide only 3 g.  Both of these products rely upon enriched wheat flour for their main ingredient and also contain vegetable shortening, sugar, corn syrup, and various flavorings.  These bars are vitamin fortified so that 100% of the minimum daily requirements are met.  As nut allergies can be extremely serious, even life-threatening, you will be glad to learn that neither Mayday nor Mainstay contains any nut products, and are manufactured using nut-free equipment.  Because both bars are low in sodium, they will not make you thirsty, which can be important if water is a problem.

How Do They Taste?

While it is true that you may not be able to be as fussy as regards food in an emergency situation, what you are going to eat still has to be palatable.  Both Mayday and Mainstay Bars are said to taste good by those who have tried them, however, they do have different flavors.  Mayday has been formulated to taste like apple cinnamon, and has been said to be quite delicious.  Mainstay is flavored like lemon, and has also been well received.  Some people have mentioned that Mainstay will leave an aftertaste in the mouth.  A choice can be made on the basis of flavor.

Texture

These emergency survival bars come out of the package in a fairly dense brick.  Both have been scored, although Mainstay’s scoring is deeper than Mayday’s.  It would be most convenient to cut off portions with a knife.  The texture is similar to a crumbly cookie. 

Sizes

Mayday will offer a slightly wider range of bar sizes than will Mainstay.  While both Mayday and Mainstay are available in 1200, 2400, and 3600 calorie sizes, only Mayday has a 400 calorie size as well.  The smaller size can mean convenience as you will not have to break up a large brick if only a small amount is needed.  These bars can be purchased individually or by the case.