Time to stockpile? Worried Brits buy £700 emergency food kits

Fears of blackouts, cyberattacks and other disruptions are driving a surge in UK “emergency food kit” sales, with some shoppers spending up to £700 to stock enough food for six weeks. Retailers report that demand for long-life food packs and water filtration equipment has quadrupled in recent weeks after renewed interest in household preparedness. Some kits include freeze-dried meals designed for short-term use, while others claim shelf lives up to 25 years and include breakfast items, snacks and drinks. Prices range from about £169.99 for a 60-serving bucket to a 12-month family pack priced at £34,500. The trend follows government calls to be ready.