See What's Inside Costco's Viral 'Apocalypse' Bucket of Emergency Food
In the realm of bulk buying and wholesale bargains, Costco has long been a go-to for consumers seeking everything from giant tubs of peanut butter to economical bundles of toilet paper. Recently, however, one product has captured the public's imagination and sparked a viral sensation: the Readywise Emergency Food Bucket, appropriately named the 'Costco apocalypse bucket' by shoppers.
The Costco apocalypse bucket goes viral
It also started on June 30, when cookbook author and Instagram influencer Jeffrey Eisner (@pressureluckcooking) posted the video below showcasing this intriguing item he stumbled upon at his local Costco. "So I’m in Costco — which is like, my happiest place in the world to be — and I’ve never seen anything like this before,” Eisner exclaims in the clip. “I guess this is for when the apocalypse hits, which could be any time now, right? Who knows?”
In the video, Eisner enthusiastically breaks down the contents of the bucket, which includes an assortment of meal options such as teriyaki rice, cheesy macaroni, apple cinnamon cereal and various soups. The bucket also offers beverages, including an orange drink mix and a whey milk alternative.
"Up to 25-year shelf life, 132 servings, $63,” Eisner notes, tapping the price tag. “So, you know, when the world collapses and caves in, as long as you have your Readywise emergency food supply, all’s right with the world.”
Eisner ends the video on a humorous note, expressing his wish to sample the items, in line with Costco’s famous try-before-you-buy practice. “Why don’t they have this here for free samples?” he asks. His video quickly went viral, racking up 2.1 million views in the last three weeks and drawing thousands of comments.
Reactions on social media
Among the initial reactions, many shoppers were impressed by the bucket’s efficacy. One Instagram user commented, “I got a chance to taste some of the meals like this given by fema, during hurricane sandy. They were pretty good. I think the military uses them too. No cooking required.” Another added, “Natural disasters, earthquakes, hurricanes...something to get you by till help arrives. Or camping.”
One commenter humorously noted, “I like that someone thought to consider our desire for variety during the apocalypse.” Another speculated, “Does Costco know something?”
While many found the concept amusing, others raised practical concerns about the bucket’s utility in a true emergency scenario. “Ok… then what? What happens after the bucket food is gone?” One skeptical user asked. Another emphasized, “25-year shelf life… if the apocalypse doesn’t kill you the preservatives will!!” pointing to the presumed amount of chemicals used to make the food last longer.
With the comment section quickly becoming a survivalist’s guide to Doomsday, smaller discussions emerged regarding hypothetical situations using the Costco apocalypse bucket. “If the apocalypse comes, where are you getting fresh water to prepare these dried meals?” One user asked. Responding to these concerns, others noted that serious survivalists would likely stock up on bottled water and filtration systems. “The survivalists are stacking up on bottled water as well for that very reason,” one person pointed out.
What is in the Costco apocalypse bucket?
For those interested in emergency preparedness, Costco offers several long-shelf-life food supply products. Readywise’s product line includes items with 15- and 25-year shelf lives, catering to those preparing for long-term scenarios. Eisner’s featured 132-serving kit isn’t available online, but Costco provides other options like a 110-serving protein-based bucket and a 150-serving variety pack.
The Readywise 150 Serving Emergency Food Bucket, $79.99, is a “meticulously curated package goes beyond just food – it's about readiness in the face of uncertainty,” per the online description. The freeze-dried and dehydrated meals only require water to prepare and total 25,280 calories.
“Imagine the sudden onset of severe weather, the challenges of unexpected job transitions, or the unsettling thought of food shortages. These are the moments when having a reliable source of sustenance becomes a game-changer,” the description continues. The bucket includes:
Pasta Alfredo (12 servings)
Cheesy Macaroni (12 servings)
Teriyaki Rice (gluten-free, 6 servings)
Creamy Pasta and Vegetables (6 servings)
Potatoes and Chicken Flavored Pot Pie (gluten-free, 6 servings)
Tomato Basil Soup with Pasta (gluten-free, 6 servings)
Chicken Flavored Noodle Soup (6 servings)
Brown Sugar & Maple Multi-Grain (12 servings)
Apple Cinnamon Cereal (12 servings)
Crunchy Granola (6 servings)
Instant White Rice (10 servings)
Vanilla Pudding (16 servings)
Whey Milk Alternative (24 servings)
Orange Drink (16 servings)
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