The History of MREs
MREs, or Meals Ready to Eat, are military issued food rations developed to replace the commonly used C-rations for combat troops. Unlike the previously used C-rations that came in cans and needed to be opened with a can opener, the MREs came in easy to open bags. MREs were first tested in 1975 and went through at least 8 different changes to accommodate taste and durability. The latest change was made in 1998 and they have remained virtually the same ever since.
The available options of MREs have grown from twelve choices to twenty four. Each one contains an entree, a side dish (rice, corn, fruit, or mashed potatoes), crackers or bread, spread (peanut butter, jelly, or cheese spread), dessert (cookies or pound cake), candy (M&Ms, Skittles, or Tootsie Rolls), beverages (Gatorade-like drink mix, cocoa, coffee, or tea), hot sauce (depending on the meal), a flameless ration heater, and accessories. If you consume all that is included in an MRE you would be eating roughly 1,250 calories. Troops would use 3 MREs a day, which would provide all the nutrients and vitamins they need. And although a heater is included in each pack, the meals can be eaten as is, as their name implies. They are made to last up to 3 years but they have been known to retain their use for up to fifteen years.
What was once a product designed to provide combat troops with durable, easy to use meals, is now available for anyone to use. Civilian companies are now making MREs with a 5 year shelf life. They are a great way to keep a store of emergency food supplies. If you are lucky enough to not have the need to use them within the 5 years, they also work great for camping trips or any other outdoor activities. You can also purchase entrees, desserts, drinks, and snacks individually if you do not want the whole meal. With all the varieties of food now available for the MREs, you will gladly use them instead of washing dishes at a camp site.
