MRE Meals

MRE meals deliver between 1200 to 1400 calories, and consist of an entrée and side dish. Additionally each meal package contains a snack and meal accessories. Commercially-prepared meals-ready-to-eat are also legal, whereas military MRE’s are not supposed to be sold or owned by members of the public. This is one of the reasons MRE’s should never be purchased from flea markets or gun shows, especially if the words “U.S. GOVERNMENT, COMMERCIAL RESALE IS UNLAWFUL” appear anywhere on the packaging.

Extreme temperatures have less effect on MRE meals than they do on freeze-dried or dehydrated foods. The tests of temperature and corresponding shelf life have all been based on taste tests. Nutritional and safety values actually went far beyond those found by taste tests.

MRE storage temperatures that are lower than 60° will ensure the longest shelf life: 130 months (10.83 years). Here’s a list of temperatures higher than 60° and their corresponding months (years) of shelf life:

70° 100 (8.33 years)
80° 76 (6.33 years)
90° 55 (4.58 years)
100° 22 (1.83 years)
110° 5 month
120° 1 month

Like Homemade

MRE meals typically consist of:

• Appetizer: soda crackers with a jelly, peanut butter or cheese spread
• Main Entrée: Turkey breast, chicken & noodles, beef steak, etc.
• Side Dish: Potatoes, rice, pasta, fruit or soup
• Dessert: Cookie or candy
• Accessory Pack: Salt & pepper, Coffee with sweetener (some may have powdered drink packet, instead), spoon, matches and wet wipe.

There are definitely advantages and even disadvantages to MRE meals.

MRE Meal Facts:

1. Taste like regular canned meals; you either like them or you don’t.
2. They are NOT dehydrated or freeze-dried
3. They can easily be eaten cold, although they do taste better warmed up
4. They can be warmed up in a variety of ways: Solar power – lay in direct sunlight (hood of car is perfect); Body heat – carry inside your shirt while hiking, will warm right up; Empty pouch into pan for stovetop heating or in a bowl to microwave; Will also absorb heat from a warm surface like a warm engine block; Flameless Instant Heater Pads

Advantages and Disadvantages of MRE Meals

1. Pre-cooked and ready to eat
2. Eat hot or cold, although not everyone likes the taste (not everyone likes to eat spaghetti cold from the can either)
3. No cooking required
4. Lightweight, easy to carry, do take up more room than freeze dried meals
5. 4 – 6 year shelf life and a bit more expensive than freeze dried food
6. Is a complete meal, although variety is limited
7. Only water to fix the beverage
8. Nothing to wash

MRE meals are just one of the options for long-term food storage. When deciding which option is best, probably the biggest consideration between MRE’s and freeze-dried or dehydrate foods is water. If water may not be readily available, then MRE’s are definitely going to be the best choice, as they will provide a bit of water in their packaging, without requiring extra for preparation.

Survival Foods Here and Now

MRE Alternative

• Food with a 25-year shelf life
• US Military Ready Reserve Supplier
• Enjoy the Taste of Survival
• Survival Food Can Taste Yummy!
• More Than Just a Food Bar
• A Little Bite to Keep You Going
• Seeds to Grow for Survival
• Vitamins are Vital
• Meals Ready to Eat

If you are looking for an emergency food supply for your home or retreat, then Mountain House Freeze Dried substitute for MRE meals are going to be your best choice.

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