Hey friends! Shane from the Modern Warrior Project here, diving into another food review designed for the prepper audience. Today, I’m sampling Wise Company’s long-term, shelf-stable meals: the Creamy Pasta and Vegetable Rotini. Will it satisfy our taste buds in times of need, or will it merely serve as sustenance? Let’s explore!
First Impressions: A Closer Look at the Creamy Pasta and Vegetable Rotini
Upon opening the packaging and setting the contents to cook, It striked me that it really looks like much pre-pakeged noodle mixes. I wonder is it only the packaging (I suspect yes) that provided it the extended shelf life? The initial aroma isn’t overwhelming, and as it cooks, the dish transforms into a more of a porridge-like stew compared to my initial expectations of that more like a Mac & Cheese consistency.
“I just in my mind had it more thought like a macaroni cheese type texture, and this is a lot more soupy.”
The cooking instructions recommend a maximum sit time of 15 minutes after preparing, giving ample opportunity to rehydrate. After allowing it some cooling time—around eight minutes—it’s time to get a closer, more discerning look.
An Honest Taste Test: My Verdict at First Bite
Upon digging in, I try to scoop a bit of everything on my fork—pasta, sauce, and veggies. The texture of this meal is, at first glance, not wholly inviting, which may be due to the soupy consistency.
Aside from one vegetable that hadn’t fully rehydrated, the meal expanded as anticipated. The initial taste, however, leaves a lot to be desired. It falls into a category that could be best described as bland.
Flavor Profile: Coasting on One Note
The majority of the dish, unfortunately, stays on a singular flavor plane. There’s a faint chicken gravy undertone to the sauce, with the occasional burst of sweetness from a carrot or pea.
- Consistency: Soupy
- Taste: Similar to bland chicken gravy
- Pasta Texture: Overly soft
“The noodles in my opinion are actually over hydrated… too soft for my liking.”
Yet, even though it doesn’t win any culinary awards from me, it does provide necessary calories. It’s not causing any gag reflexes, and under duress, keeping energy levels up outweighs gourmet desires.
Calories and Nutrition: Meeting Basic Survival Needs
In survival scenarios, the primary aim is nutrition and caloric intake, and this meal delivers on that front. While we won’t be throwing fits of delight over the taste, its value lies in necessity over preference.
The Prepper’s Rating System: Evaluating the Meal
Now, if I were to score this meal on a ten-point scale, a middle of the road rating would hover around a five. It’s passable, providing baseline nourishment without adding any standout flavor contributions, so keeping a few handy wouldn’t hurt.
Final Thoughts: Is the Wise Vegetable and Pasta Rigatoni Worth Stocking?
The prepared food intended for emergencies isn’t typically luxurious but means to support survival thought they’ve come a long way. In that respect, this meal meets that intent. It’s a straightforward, no-frills option that ticks some boxes and misses others.
- Overall Score: 5/10
- Would I recommend it? It serves the purpose but don’t expect it to jazz up a boring meal routine and there are better choices out there.
As with any emergency supplies, always strive to balance palatability with practicality. Wise Company offers a decent option for those preparing for future uncertainties, but would definitely not be my first choice.
A simple dish in an intricate survival strategy—don’t let your emergency food plan miss the essentials, even if they come in a bland package now and then. Enjoy your prepping journey with an eye on functionality and sustenance!
Thank you for tuning in for this review! For more insights into prepper strategies and food selections, stay tuned to Modern Warrior Project. Happy prepping!
