Understanding What are MREs
An MRE or Meals Ready to Eat are the main food ration of the Armed Forces, especially in the United States. According to the US Army, it originated from k-rations and c-rations used during World War II. They also used MRE during the Korean and Vietnam war in the 1980s, and they still use it today. According to the US Army, the idea of MREs can be traced back to the government's need to feed the entire battalion of an army during war times. They are being deployed in areas with minimal or no food at all. They might die of famine and not of the wounds during the battle. The responsibility lies with the authorities. Thus they devised a plan to address this problem. The government researched techniques that could feed armies with good food and complete nutrients. Together with scientists and nutritionists, they processed raw food and made it practical in the field. These packs of food are ready to eat, it is lightweight and can last for many years. In the long run, several companies began producing MREs for civilians, which can be distributed during disasters. Although it has been questioned by officials since the contents are specially made for the armies, the welfare of the people outweighs the controversy on the use of emergency food packs.What is the shelf life of an MRE?
MRE has shelf-stable, ready-to-eat meals and elements that are appetizing in the field when packaged in the factory. Ensure that the MRE followed USDA established standards for commercially sterile, moisture, and oxygen-controlled food products. The method is best for preserving packaged foods. All MRE ENTREE pouches are heat processed to kill bacteria and inactivate chemicals. The heating process keeps any microbes from getting in, and since the food pouch is sterile, it doesn't spoil. Other components (bakery and other snack items) of the package are engineered and packaged in sealed, multilayered packaging material to prevent the food products from excessive exposure to moisture and oxygen, thus ensuring an extended shelf life. The above information allows MRE to give a shelf life of three years 80°F (27°C), or for six months at 100°F (38°C). Ideal storage condition is essential to stand behind the guaranteed shelf life and may last up to five years.Can you freeze an MRE pouch?
Freezing an MRE retort pouch will not spoil the food inside, yet frequent freezing increases the possibility that the pouch layer will flop. The pouches are designed to withstand 1,000 flexes, yet frequent freezing builds the failure rate by a bit of a part of a percent.What is inside a typical MRE meal kit?
Every complete MRE kit offers balanced nourishment with a large number of food components. Compositions go from 500 to 3000+ calories per meal. MRE components include entree and side dishes, bread variants, snacks, sweets, drinks, and other piece control packs. Most MREs come stuffed in 6 or 12 meals to a case.What do MREs taste like?
Taste is very subjective, and depending upon whom you talk with, you will get various answers. Very much like canned goods, you either like them, or you don't. Many individuals feel that MREs are comparable if worse than canned food. MREs are beneficial, and some individuals appreciate them enough to eat them consistently when they need a quick meal for lunch or dinner. MREs are intended to be home-style cooked meals. They are designed to last. Home-cooked meals will not last over seven days, MREs will mostly last for five years or more, and they are decently acceptable.Are MREs dehydrated or freeze-dried?
No, MRE's are entirely different. Unlike dehydrated or freeze-dried food, which both need water to restore them, MRE's are precooked "in the pouch" and preserve their full moisture like canned food items, just with a significantly longer shelf-life.What's in an MRE
First, these food are not tasty, but they are almost complete with nutrients. The package contains the following:
- Entree: This is the main course of MRE. Examples of this are pasta and meat stew.
- Side dish: It contains various choices such as corn, rice, fruit, or mashed potatoes, and others.
- Spread: Like cheese spread, jelly, or peanut butter
- Bread or crackers
- Dessert: Cakes, cookies, or any sweet pastries
- Candies
- Seasoning: Hot sauce
- Flameless Ration Heater
- Beverages: Coffee, milk, chocolate, or tea
- Accessories: Creamer, salt, pepper, sugar, spoon, and tissue
Difference between Civilian and Military MRE
Civilian MREs
Years ago, civilian MREs didn't contain many food choices compared to military MREs, and they only had 12 meals available per case. But now, civilian MREs have evolved. For one, the supplies of civilian MREs are readily available in the market. You can buy it at any legitimate dealer. Some of them are the Meal Kit Supply MREs, Sure-Paks, Wornick Eversafe, MREStar, and Ameriqual APack. They store and transport each MREs properly. These sites can provide you with all the information you want regarding the MRE and ensure that what you are eating is always safe. In addition, civilian MREs are fresher, flat and wide, and can be packed in your bags. The civilian MREs cost around $75 per case, which is more expensive than $50 to $60 per case on military MREs. However, you'll be assured of the quality with civilian MREs because it comes from reliable vendors. On the other hand, civilian MREs don't have the whole deal of what you've paid for. Sometimes, it is not marked properly, and it doesn't have a flameless heater, especially in private labels. In addition, it has a shorter shelf-life, unlike military ones.
Menus and Accessories of Civilian MRE
Some civilian MREs contain similar contents in comparison with military MREs. It has sides, entrees, desserts, and crackers, just like the military MREs. However, the spread and the dessert can be different. Civilian MREs also include a spoon and napkin similar to what the army uses. On the other hand, some packages don't include a flameless heater to heat the meal. The Soprano Sure-Pak, a civilian MRE, includes 12 individual meals of 6 different menus. The example is as follows:Menu 1 (1,230 calories)
- Chicken Pesto Pasta-420 calories
- Crackers-180 calories
- Clam Chowder-150 calories
- Grape Jelly-70 calories
- Oatmeal Cookie-280 calories
- Lemon-Lime Beverage Base-130 calories
- Instant Coffee-0 calorie
Menu 2 (1,070 calories)
- Refried Beans-180 calories
- Veggie Burger in BBQ Sauce-260 calories
- Raspberry White Chip Cookie-250 calories
- Crackers-180 calories
- Apple Jelly-70 calories
- Lemon-Lime Beverage Base-130 calories
- Coffee-o calorie
Menu 3-(970 calories)
- Chicken with Salsa-160 calories
- Grape Jelly-70 calories
- Crackers-180 calories
- Clam Chowder-150 calories
- Cookies with Pan Coated Chocolate Disks-280 calories
- Lemon-Lime Beverage Base-130 calories
- Instant Coffee-o calorie
Menu 4-(980 calories)
- Apple Maple Oatmeal-200 calories
- Grape Jelly-70 calories
- Crackers-180 calories
- Apple Pieces in Spiced Sauce-150 calories
- Raspberry White Chip Cookie-250 calories
- Tropical Punch Beverage Base-130 calories
- Instant Coffee-o calorie
Menu 5-(1,010 calories)
- Chili and Macaroni-240 calories
- Raspberry Applesauce-110 calories
- Grape Jelly-70 calories
- Crackers-180 calories
- Oatmeal Cookie-280 calories
- Tropical Punch Beverage Base-130 calories
- Instant Coffee-o calorie
Menu 6-(1,090 calories)
- Maple Sausage-240 calories
- Hash Browns with Bacon-220 calories
- Grape Jelly-70 calories
- Crackers-180 calories
- Raspberry White Chip Cookie-250 calories
- Tropical Punch Beverage Base-130 calories
- Instant Coffee-o calorie
Military MREs
Meanwhile, the commercial selling of military MREs is not allowed by the US government. Although it has more meals than civilian MREs, you can obtain it only when you're in the military. On the other hand, military MREs have stronger packaging and overall. Moreover, it contains utensils, sides, heaters, condiments, and complete meals, unlike civilian MREs. Years ago, a military MRE could even last up to 130 months when stored below 60 degrees. But now, its storage life can last up to 60 months. Despite the benefits of military MREs, it is indeed harder to find. Military MREs are also hard to store, and as the temperature increases, their shelf life decreases.
Menus and Accessories of Military MRE
Here are some of the sample menus of the Military MREs according to MRE Info. This is based on the 2016 menu. They also have a menu from 1985 to 2016.Menu 1
Chili with beans, cornbread, crackers, cheddar cheese spread, cheese snack, and carbohydrate fortified drink.Menu 2
Chicken with vegetables and egg noodles, wet pack fruits, jelly and jam, peanut butter, crackers, candy, hot sauce, and carbohydrate fortified drink.Menu 3
Spaghetti with beef and sauce, toasted bread, peanut butter, multigrain bread, dried fruits, cocoa drink, and jelly and jam.Menu 4
Barbecue beef shredded, jalapeno cheddar cheese spread, seasoned black beans, trans-fat-free tortillas, dried fruits, barbecue sauce, and carbohydrate fortified drink.Menu 5
Taco beef, wet pack fruits, trans-fat free tortillas, cheddar cheese spread, a chocolate disc with nuts and raisins, blend spice for seasoning, and carbohydrate fortified drink.Menu 6
Trans-fat-free bar, chicken chunks, beef snacks, cheddar cheese spread, trans-fat-free tortilla, candy, hot sauce buffalo style, and carbohydrate fortified drink.Menu 7
Meatball with Marinara sauce, mashed potatoes with garlic, jalapeno cheddar cheese spread, trans-fat-free cookies, trans-fat-free Italian breadsticks, and carbohydrate fortified drink.Menu 8
Brisket Entree, trans-fat free cookies, trans-fat free bread for snacks, au gratin potatoes, peanut butter, jelly and jam, candy and Irish cream Cappuccino drink mix.Menu 9
Chili and Macaroni, Jalapeno cheddar cheese spread, trans-fat free crackers, trans-fat free pound cake, beef snacks, candy, pepper spice crushed, and carbohydrate fortified drink.Menu 10
Beef stew, peanut butter, brownie fudge, trans-fat free multigrain bread for snack, jelly and jam pretzels, hot sauce, and carbohydrate fortified drink.Menu 11
Pork sausage patty with maple syrup, trans-fat free maple muffin top, trans-fat free crackers, peanut butter, table syrup, nuts, and carbohydrate fortified drink.Menu 12 (Vegetarian Menu)
Veggie crumbles with pasta in taco style sauce, trans-fat free bar, wet pack fruits, peanut butter, trans-fat free crackers, nuts, chili lime hot sauce, and French Vanilla Cappuccino drink mix.Menu 13 (Vegetarian Menu)
Cheese Tortellini in Tomato Sauce, Peanut Butter, Dessert Powder, Trans-fat free crackers, raisins, nuts, hot sauce, and beverage powder with carbohydrate-electrolyteMenu 14 (Vegetarian Menu)
Elbow macaroni with tomato sauce, trans-fat-free bread snack, cheese spread, raisins, nuts, candy, hot sauce, and chocolate protein drink.Menu 15 (Vegetarian Menu)
Trans-fat-free bar, spinach mushrooms, and fettuccine with cream sauce, peanut butter, trans-fat-free crackers, pretzels, hot sauce, and chocolate protein drink.Nutritional Value of MREs
According to the US Army, each MRE can provide an average of 1,250 calories and 1/3 of the recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals for the military. Three MREs is equal to a full day of meals. Furthermore, it contains 51% carbohydrates, 36% fat, and 13% protein. MREs are designed to be eaten by armies with heavy physical activity. Thus its content is high in sodium, high in fat, and high in salt. There are various ingredients in the MRE. In general, it is not GMO-free. It doesn't contain any organic ingredients and may include something that can trigger allergies for some consumers.
MREs Nutrition Fact Sheet
Increased needs during field training:
- Most soldiers’ nutrition needs are increased during deployment due to increased activity during work (Ie: setting up tents), carrying extra equipment, and temperature changes.
- Eating (at least) three meals per day will supply you with adequate energy (Table 2)
- Proper hydration is also important, as temperatures and workload increase so do fluid needs. (Table 1)
Hydration:
Symptoms of dehydration: fatigue, confusion, headache, lightheadedness, dry mouth, decreased appetite, dark urine, infrequent urination TABLE 1: BASIC FLUID NEEDS BASING ON ACTIVITY LEVEL (FM 21-10)| Easy Work* | Moderate Work** | Hard Work*** | ||
| Heat Category | WBGT Index Degrees F | Water Intake Qt/hr | Water Intake Qt/hr | Water Intake Qt/hr |
| 1 | 78 – 81.9 | ½ | ¾ | ¾ |
| 2 (Green) | 82 – 84.9 | ½ | ¾ | 1 |
| 3 (Yellow) | 85 – 87.9 | ¾ | ¾ | 1 |
| 4 (Red) | 88 – 89.9 | ¾ | ¾ | 1 |
| 5 (Black) | > 90 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Tips to increase fluids:
- Drink by schedule, not by thirst
- Drink cooler water
- Take water everywhere you go, (Ie: camelback, water bottle, and canteen)
- Fluids are also in foods (fruits and vegetables)
Nutrient Needs:
| Type of Training | Calories Burned per Day Women | Calories Burned per Day Men |
| Military Basic Training | 2000-3000 | 3000-4000 |
| Combat Support Hospital Staff in Garrison | 2000-2500 | 3000-3500 |
| Combat Support Hospital Staff in Field | 2500-3000 | 3700-4200 |
| Nutrient | UGR Breakfast* | UGR*** Lunch/Dinner** | MRE |
| Energy (calories) | 1500 | 1500 | 1250 |
| Protein | 14 % (52 grams) | 16% (60 grams) | 13% (41 grams) |
| Carbohydrate | 59% (221 grams) | 55% (206 grams) | 52% (163 grams) |
| Fat | 27% (45 grams) | 33% (55 grams) | 38% (53 grams) |
Nutrient Fortification of MRE
| : | Vitamin C | Calcium | Iron |
| Beverage Base |
X |
X |
|
| Cocoa | |||
|
Cheese Spread |
X |
||
| Jalapeno Cheese Spread |
X |
||
| Peanut Butter |
X |
||
| Crackers |
X |
X | |
| Oatmeal Cookie Bar |
X |
||
| Choc. Covered Bar |
X |
X |
|
| Fruits |
X |
| Nutrient | MDRI (women-men) | MRE | UGR |
| Vitamin C | 75-90 mg | 110 mg | 100 mg |
| Calcium | 1000 mg | 450 mg | 600 mg |
| Iron | 10-15 mg | 7 mg | 15 mg |
| Sodium | 3600-5000 mg | 1940 mg | 2600 mg |
Sodium:
MRE’s are within MDRI (military dietary reference intakes) guidelines for sodium content (minus the salt packet) Average sodium content per ration: 1940-2600 mg (5820-7800 mg/day) Average sodium intake in garrison: 3000-7000 mg/day Increased sodium in rations insures adequate sodium replacement for sweat lossesFunctions of Nutrients:
| Protein | Build and maintain tissue, energy source |
| Carbohydrates | Primary energy source |
| Fat | Provide energy |
| Calcium | Build and maintain teeth and bones |
| Iron | Help blood supply oxygen to cells |
| Sodium | Regulate body fluid volume and blood acidity |
| Vitamin C | Aid in fighting off illness |
Nutrition Advice for Military Operations in Hot Environment:
| POSITIVES | NEGATIVES |
| DO coordinate drinking and work/rest cycles | DO NOT allow soldiers to become dehydrated |
| DO maintain and enforce routing work and food discipline | DO NOT eat foods that are salty or high in protein if water is not available |
| DO provide adequate quantities of potable, palatable water | DO NOT use the deployment to a hot environment as an opportunity to start a diet |
| DO instruct soldiers to monitor the color and relative volume of their urine | DO NOT skip meals |
| DO monitor weight loss if possible | DO NOT consume unsanitary (untreated) ice |
| DO eat slightly more food than usually eaten in garrison | DO NOT eat uncooked or unpeeled fresh fruits and vegetables that have not been sanitized during operations in developing countries |
| DO encourage consumption of at least 2-3 meals per day to replace the salt lost in sweat | |
| DO encourage consumption of complex carbohydrate food and beverages | |
| DO establish specific meal times and have soldiers continue to consume snack foods throughout the day as time permits |
How to Eat an MRE
According to the US Army, MRE is indeed meals that are ready to eat. However, they taste much better when applied with heat. You can do this in various ways, such as using the flameless ration heater included in the MRE or cooking it in a saucepan, oven, or microwave.Using the Flameless Ration Heater
MREs include a flameless ration heater on them. The first thing to do is to remove the MRE pouch in the cardboard box. Next, slide the pouch into the plastic sleeve of the flameless heater. Then, add one ounce or two tablespoons of water to the heater and place it in the cardboard box. The cardboard box will protect your hands from the heat. Place the cardboard box on any vertical surface and allow the pouch to heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove one by the pouch and the heater at the cardboard box. Open the MRE pouch, and your food is ready to eat. The meals are designed to be eaten anywhere, at any time, according to the US Army. You don't need to use plates for MREs.
Heating MREs in Boiling Water, Saucepan, or Oven
When you have access to electricity or fire, you can also cook MREs on it. To do this, just remove the MRE pouch on the cardboard box and open it. Pour the contents into the saucepan and put water on it. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, and make sure to cook it on low fire. MREs can be heated in the oven too. Open the pouch of the MREs, place it on the pan evenly, and set the oven or the microwave at a low temperature. It can be cooked for about 5 minutes.
Tips on Buying MRE
MREs are indeed very useful in our lives. We can buy one and store it in our homes and use it during emergencies. If you are an adventurer, bringing MRE is best because you'll be prepared for whatever circumstances awaits you in the wild. When buying civilian MREs, make sure that you buy them from a legit seller. You can check their websites, read the product information, and the reviews from past customers. Some MREs have been exposed to different weather conditions and could be harmful when consumed, so be aware of that. Always read the labels of the MREs and know their manufacture and expiration date. In addition, always determine the storage conditions of the MREs you wish to buy. Legit military MREs can be obtained at army surplus stores and gun shows. You can also have it when you are in the military or if you know someone. Some of the legit civilian MRE providers, according to MRE info, are Ameriqual Apack, Meal Kit Supply, MRE Star, Sopacko Sure-Pack 12, and Wornick Eversafe.
MRE's in Other Countries
1. Russian IRP
The Federation of Russia uses a ration system known as the 24-Hour Individual Food Ration or the 'Individualnovo Ratsiona Pitanee-Povsedeyn.' It consists of food which is good for one day. Mostly, it contains canned food and a folding stove, which is hexamine-based. The sample menu sheet of the Russian IRP is as follows:
- Assorted vegetables and canned meat. It includes rice, beef, boiled buckwheat, and barley porridge
- Can opener
- Caramel candy
- Concentrated beverage
- Crackers
- Fruit jam
- Hexamine stove
- Multivitamins
- Sugar
- Stewed beef
- Tea plus sugar
2. Italian Combat Rations
On the other hand, the Forze Arnate or the Italian Armed Forces utilize a food ration known as the 'Special Combat Food Ration' or the 'Razione Viveri Speciale de Combattimento.' Each of the food rations is enough for one soldier for the entire day. One ration weighs around 2.3 kg, and it has a dimension of 30 cm x 23 cm x 10.5 cm. Meanwhile, each bag includes three boxes which are good for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Unlike in some countries (like Britain, the US, and Canada), they use canned goods, pouches. The combat rations of Italy are available in seven various menus called the 'Modules.' They label it from A to G. Each module has its color, which can be found at the meal bag with a sticker on it. Moreover, each ratio in Italy includes a 'Use by date. This is two years after the ration is produced. For example, if a ration was produced in December 2002, it can be best used by December 2004.Alcohol Ration
Two of the seven modules of Italy contain an alcoholic beverage. They call it the 'Cordiale or bevanda alcoholics. It is a 3 cl shot of a brandy-like beverage. It is packed in a plastic bottle. This item specifically contains no less than 70 proof of alcohol. It must appear pale yellow amber and clear. In addition, it must smell and taste good.3. German EPA
Meanwhile, in Germany, they use a ration system known as the 'Einmannpackung' or Individual Combat Ration or EPA for short. Each EPAs aims is to provide two meals a day. There used to be four menus in the German EPA. These are the Type I, II, III, and IV. But when the two-part of Germany reunited, they felt that there was no need to stockpile food rations. As such, they started to phase them out. After that, Germany was called for UN Peacekeeping duties. Then, the authorities started to revive the rations for the troops. They settled once again to have three types of EPAs. Each of the EPA contains heavy-duty foil trays. It also includes Green Beans with Ham, Goulash, Italian Noodles, and Pea Soup with Bacon. There are also two smaller foil cans which include bread spreads like luncheon meat spread and liverwurst. In the meal box, you can also find food like gum, jam, instant fruit juice, coffee, tea, and cream. There are also miscellaneous such as water purifying tablets and paper towels.4. French RCIR
In France, they use a ration system called the 'Ration de Combat Individuelle Rechauffable' or Combat Ration Individual Reheatable (RCIR). It is intended to provide the nutritional needs of one soldier each day, which is around 3,200 calories. The RCIRs are delivered in 12 boxes of the ration. Meanwhile, a single palette of RCIRs will have 20 boxes or 240 RCIRs. In the French RCIR, they have 14 menus. Usually, it is divided into two major types:
- Menus which does not contain any pork: Numbered from 1 to 7
- Menus which contain pork: Numbered from 8 to 14
- RILC: The Ration Individuelle Lyophilisee Commando or the Freeze-dried Individual Ration Commando is used for special forces. It is a freeze-dried ration that replaces canned foods.
- RIE: The Repas Individuelle D' Exercise is used by the training forces.
- Ration de Survie (Survival Ration): This is the air version of the French Survival Ration.
-
Canadian IMP
6. British 24-Hour Ration Packs
Great Britain uses a ration which they call the 24-Hour Operational Ration Pack. Its earlier version is known as GS for General Service. This type of ration contains lots of canned goods. In 1999, the GS rations were phased out. Then, the newer version becomes the primary operational ration pack in Great Britain. They come in several varieties such as the Religious, GP, Patrol, Vegetarian, and Hot or Cold Climate. The 24-hour ration pack is an individual ration that is normally used in the field. It is designed enough to feed one person each day. Also, it contains balanced nutrition for the body. Meanwhile, you can eat it either hot or cold. Generally, it can provide an average of 3,800 to 4,200 calories for each ration. Finally, it contains seven menus good for breakfast, snack, main meal, sundries, and beverages.Conclusion
In a nutshell, MREs are beneficial not only to the military but also to civilians. You can use it during outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and mountaineering. It is handy and lightweight, and it can fit in your backpacks. MREs are also useful during emergencies and catastrophes. It can save you from hunger and provide you with the nutrients that your body needs. There are various meals to choose from, and companies are constantly innovating their menus to suit the consumers' needs. Find a legit seller of MREs such as those mentioned above. There are many sellers online, but be aware of those that sell expired products. It must be remembered that in buying MREs, always check the product label such as the manufacture and expiration date, ingredients, and the preparation instructions so you'll be safe in its consumption.
Why You Should Store Food
Meal prepping has been creating a buzz for a while now, especially since the world faces unexpected catastrophes. People more and more are developing ways to prepare for the unknown. Food is one of the top tiers in human survival. Thus, the idea of meal prepping is beyond practical. Wherever part of the planet you are in, reasons for storing food varies. If you live along the Southeast coast of the United States, hurricanes are a real danger. Intense hurricanes can take out power for quite a long time or more. A stock of food, and particularly water, is critical. Food inside the fridge will spoil well before the power comes on after a strong storm. In a place like the West Coast, earthquakes can be an issue. Not exclusively could you be left without power. You may likewise be caught by streets that have either collapsed or are covered with debris. Having a store of food and water close by consistently is a need that the vast majority don't focus on. The U.S. government suggests that all people and families should have an emergency food reserve, such as 72-hour emergency kits and the like. Having an alternative food reserve could wind up being one of the major purchases you make for yourself and your family. This purchase can bring you inner serenity that if anything somehow managed to occur, regardless of whether a natural calamity or an act of terrorism, your family will have the supplies it needs until help is available.