MREs (Meals, Ready-to-Eat)

Source: http://www.mreinfo.com

MREs are the main operational food ration for the United States Armed Forces. You can check out the MRE History page for more a more in-depth history of how MREs came to be but the short version is that the c-rations and k-rations from World War II developed into the MCI (Meal, Combat, Individual) rations used in Korea and Vietnam. Then in 1980, the MRE was developed and became the primary ration for the US.

What is an MRE?

The MRE is a totally self-contained complete meal. One MRE = one meal. The packaging of an MRE is designed to withstand rough conditions and exposure to the elements. Inside each MRE bag is an entree and a variety of other food and drink items. MREs come packaged in cases with 12 MREs per case. There are currently 24 different "menus" or varieties of MREs. Menus 1-12 are packaged in a case designated Case A and menus 13-24 are packaged in Case B.

What's in an MRE?

You can find a listing of the exact components of each MRE on the MRE Menus page . The military makes a few changes to the menus every year so you will find a different menu listing for each year. In general, though, each MRE contains the following:

• Entree - the main course, such as Spaghetti or Beef Stew
• Side dish - rice, corn, fruit, or mashed potatoes, etc.
• Cracker or Bread
• Spread - peanut butter, jelly, or cheese spread
• Dessert - cookies or pound cakes
• Candy - M&Ms, Skittles, or Tootsie Rolls
• Beverages - Gatorade-like drink mixes, cocoa, dairy shakes, coffee, tea
• Hot sauce or seasoning - in some MREs
• Flameless Ration Heater - to heat up the entree
• Accessories - spoon, matches, creamer, sugar, salt, chewing gum, toilet paper, etc.

Each MRE provides an average of 1,250 calories (13% protein, 36% fat, and 51% carbohydrates) and 1/3 of the Military Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamins and minerals. A full day's worth of meals would consist of 

How do you eat an MRE?

True to its name, the MRE is "ready to eat" and everything can be consumed without cooking or heating (but the beverages are much better when water is added to the drink mixes). While the entrees and sides are fine to eat cold, they usually taste much better when heated up with the included Flameless Ration Heater or by boiling in water.

How long do MREs last?

Officially, MREs are designed to have a shelf life of three years when stored at 80 degree F. These times can be lengthened or shortened depending on their storage temperatures. Higher temperatures = shorter MRE lifespans. I've tried many MREs that were 10 or 15 years old and with the exception of a few parts that had darkened in color over time, they still tasted fine.

Official Military MRE Page

This is the link to the official military page on MREs:

http://www.dscp.dla.mil/subs/rations/programs/mre/mreabt.aspthree MREs.

Categories: Emergency, Emergency Food Rations, Emergency rations, ER, MREs

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Emergency Ration: Advanced Emergency Ration Pack

Product Description

This U.S. Version of the Emergency Ration Pack, containing US Government Approved Survival Gear, was designed by Best Glide ASE. It includes numerous enhancements to the original UK design. he Emergency Ration Pack is a perfect way to prepare oneself for hurricane survival, tornado survival, earthquake survival and unforeseen non-natural disasters seen every day around the world. Throw a couple in the car or keep a few at home just in case. Each Disaster Survival Kit contains approximately 1500 calories of life preserving nutrition, as well as numerous items to stay comfortable, remain warm, keep oriented and to be rescued. The Emergency Ration Pack comes sealed in an airtight bag which is constructed of a high barrier foil laminate designed for the preservation of food items. It is impervious to sun, moisture and air. The high grade survival items within, some of which are military and/or NATO approved, are protected by a permanent seal but include a heavy duty zip lock which makes the bag resealable after initial use. The Emergency Ration pack is available in two versions: Basic and Advanced. The basic version of the Emergency Ration Pack includes the following items: Emergency Food, Bouillon Cube, Energy/Candy Bar, Coffee, Creamer, Sugar, Military Approved Gel Fuel, Matches, Foil Tray, Water Bag, Water Purification Tablets, Survival Whistle, Pencil, Survival Instructions, Wire (Snare Type), Hard Candy, Button Compass and Fresnel Lens Fire Starter. This Advanced Version of the Emergency Ration Pack (US Version) adds a Utility Knife, Basic Fishing Kit, NATO Survival Matches, Basic First Aid Supply and a Desiccant. Notes: Minor substitutions sometimes occur due to product availability. A recent change is to Military Gel Fuel instead of the Solid Fuel Tabs and the addition of NATO Survival Matches to the Advanced Ration Pack. This product sometimes contains peanuts.

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Product Details Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

Categories: Emergency, Emergency rations, ER, Mainstay Emergency Food Rations

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Emergency Rations:Datrex Emergency Survival 2400

Product Description

Even if you haven't witnessed a disaster firsthand, you've seen the devastation they cause and you know that you can never be too prepared. If you are out on the water; preparation is even more important. Food rations from Datrex are made from all natural ingredients, have high energy value and are tabletized and sub packaged for easy rationing. They have a five year shelf life and are USCG approved so you know you can count on them when you need them.200 Calories per bar/4 packs of 12 bars

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8 x 4 x 6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

Categories: Emergency, Emergency Food Rations, Emergency rations, Food

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Emergency Ration: ER Emergency Ration 3600 Calories

ER Emergency Ration 3600 Calories

Important Information Ingredients Enriched Flour, Vegetable Shortening, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Soy Flour, Corn Starch, Potassium Sorbate, Vitamins (Vitamin A, Iron, Vitamin E, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Copper, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Thiamin, Niacin, Falate, Biotin, Iodine, Zinc), Artificial Lemon Flavoring, Artificial Vanilla Flavoring, Artificial Butter Flavoring, Artificial Coloring (Egg Shade). Product Details Product Dimensions: 6 x 5 x 1.4 inches ; 0.2 ounces Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

Like most foods, eating nothing but ER Bars for even three days would be taxing, but in a true emergency situation, you are eating to replace and replenish the basic substances your body needs to continue to function properly. On the other hand, I did not personally find anything wrong with the taste of the rations and while I wouldn't necessarily be eagerly looking forward to eating these three times a day, they are still palatable. And while some may argue differently, I generally agree with the manufacturer's claim that they are for the most part non-thirst provoking. No dry mouth.



It should be clarified that emergency food rations are not substitutes for these in any way shape or form so much as emergency rations to be cached in the event of a true emergency or added to emergency car kits, marine kits, go-bags, etc. for emergency use only. The extremely dense and compact (and durable) nature of the packages make them ideal for these applications.

At 27 oz (little more than 1.5 lbs) for 3 days worth of calories, it would be tough to find a more efficient shelf stable food source that contained the same nutritional balance. By comparison, a single 1200 cal MRE weighs about the same with about 2-3 times the bulk unless pre-field stripped (which reduces MRE storage/shelf life). Given the choice between a single MRE or three squares of ER Bars for a reduced 1200 cal/day emergency ration, the MRE would win; no comparison. But when it comes to caching, a case of 20 ER Bars (2 month supply) occupies less storage space than a box of 12 MREs (12 meals total). If space is a consideration, 5 boxes of MREs would be the caloric/nutritional equivalent of a single 20 package box of ER Bars. ER Bars are extremely easy to store/cache and transport.

Health concerns could include the high saturated fat content (used to bind the flour/sugar mixture into bricks as well as provide slower burn energy) at 9g per serving (45% USRDA) as well as the 50% USRDA niacin for those who are niacin sensitive. Low fiber along with the high fat content will likely slow gut motility in the average healthy individual (fewer bowel movements) which is generally beneficial in an emergency survival situation. Lastly, the sodium and potassium content (no added salt/extremely low sodium content) is almost non-existent, making electrolyte replacement a potential issue in high heat environments. The bars do contain potassium iodide.

Categories: Emergency, Emergency rations, ER, Food

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Emergency Ration : Mainstay Emergency Food Rations - Case of 10 Packs

Mainstay Emergency Food

The purpose of these rations is to keep people alive despite limited potable water supplies. They've got plenty of vitamins and minerals, however, they are greatly lacking in sodium and other electrolytes. That's a benefit when potable water is extremely limited, but it's a curse if you'll be performing strenuous activities. Each bar contains only 23mg of sodium, which is 1% of the recommended daily allowance. That makes sense - any more salt is going to provoke thirst. But it also means that with any moderate or greater activity, you're going to be sweating out electrolytes, and these bars won't replace them. If you have any desire to fend for yourself in a survival situation (doing anything but sitting around waiting for help to arrive) I'd STRONGLY suggest adding a sports drink powder high in sodium and potassium. Same thing if you're planning on using them to replace/augment hiking rations.

The texture is heavy but crumbly, and doesn't seem to absorb much water. (The first two ingredients on the list are Enriched Flour and Vegetable Shortening; the shortening would repel water or saliva) Meaning: it's not going to provoke thirst anywhere nearly as bad as most baked goods.

The taste is similar to a lemon cookie. It's slightly cloying, but quite tolerable. Taste might not be a significant consideration for adults, but when you've got kids, you don't need the extra aggravation of one of them refusing to eat at meal time because they don't like the taste of their rations.

The packaging is a sturdy foil. Tough, but can be opened without tools, and can be folded closed to protect an unused portion.

All in all, I'm impressed. I wouldn't want to eat these things for a month straight, but they would be great to get by for a few days. They managed to cram 3 days worth of food into a package about 1/3 the size of an MRE.

Mainstay also markets 1200 and 2400 calorie packages, which are more conveniently sized for personal emergency kits.

Nutrition facts (summarized from the package I received):
Serving Size: 1 bar
Servings per container: 9
Calories: 400
Fat: 20g (36%)
Sodium: 23mg (1%)
Carbohydrates: 46g (15%)
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 50%
Vitamin C: 60%
Calcium: 50%
Iron: 10%
Thiamin: 15%
Riboflavin: 25%
Niacin: 30%
Vitamin D: 50%
Vitamin E: 25%
Vitamin B6: 90%
Folic Acid: 35%
Vitamin B12: 20%
Phosphorus: 40%
Magnesium: 30%
Pantothenic Acid: 100%

Categories: Emergency, Emergency rations, Food, Mainstay, Mainstay Emergency Food Rations, Rations

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Emergency rations : What is Emergency rations ?

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_rations

Emergency rations are items of food and drink that a person stores and relies on in case of an emergency. Emergency food supplies can be purchased for camping trips or wilderness adventures. These supplies are meant to last for several days. Many people also purchase long shelf life emergency food in case of natural disasters or other emergency situations. The food can come in the form of a powder, freeze dried, smoked or salted. The rations are to help people survive until help arrives and are often carried while hill walking or mountaineering, because of the risk of being stranded by an accident. In some organised events, such as Ten Tors, it is obligatory to carry emergency rations.

Emergency rations are often carried by camping enthusiasts, especially back-pack campers, who are more likely to be far from food supplies. Emergency foodstuffs are usually high in caloric content, and sometimes also in nutritional content. Typical emergency foodstuffs are high-calorie foods such as candy bars, nutritional bars energy or sports bars, hard bread or biscuit, dried meat (such asjerky), and dried fruit. If water is available, rations with little water content are lighter to carry.

Emergency rations are generally carried on the person by people on foot in case of becoming lost or separated from normal food supplies. Water or other drinks are carried if water is not readily available from the environment.

What about emergency rations? 
I want to tell you something about Australian rations. They were issued to US soldiers in 1943 in New Guinea. Famous "Bully Beef" and hard biscuits were hated by soldiers. Bully beef made in Argentina in +40 C temperatures was melted and could be poured from the tin...
Anyway, soldiers of many nations survived on those rations

Categories: Emergency rations

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