Unlike freeze-dried food, MREs can be stored at room temperature. They are rated to last 3 to 5 years, though they can start to degrade faster in high temperatures.
They are ideal for people who need a survival meal in situations where access to fresh food is limited. Many people keep them in their bug out bags or vehicles, or even campers, just in case of an emergency.
What is an MRE?
MRE stands for Meals, Ready to Eat and is the name given to the military field ration that was designed to ensure soldiers were well fed on the go. The MRE replaced the canned Meal, Combat, Individual (MCI) and the Meal, Cold Weather (MCW) and the Long Range Patrol Ration (LRP).
Unlike freeze-dried meals that must be cooked in a microwave or hot water, MREs are fully prepared and can be eaten as-is. Each MRE contains a main entree, accessory packets and drink mixes, with each meal providing about 1250 calories. Each MRE is marked with a time and temperature indicator on the case. It consists of an outer dark circle and an inner light circle that indicates whether the MRE is still good.
Studies have shown that MRE-measured hepatic stiffness is an accurate and noninvasive method for diagnosing liver fibrosis and monitoring the progression of the disease to cirrhosis. It is also much more cost-effective than invasive liver biopsy.
Why are MREs so valuable in a disaster?
MREs are very useful in a disaster scenario where food and cooking equipment is not available. They have a long shelf life (3-4 years at room temperature) and require no preparation. They are also much lighter compared to freeze-dried emergency food, which makes them easier to transport if you have to leave your home.
MRE meals have a full entree, a side dish, snack food items, beverages, dessert, accessories pack (including condiments and utensils), flameless ration heater, and an outer heat-sealed package. The flameless ration heater uses a chemical reaction to warm the meal. It only takes about 10 minutes to heat up, but you can also eat the meal cold.
There are two main types of mres for sale– Military and Civilian. Military MREs are more expensive, but they include a higher amount of calories and proteins. Civilian MREs are aimed at a general audience and include more carbohydrate food, like crackers. They are also slightly cheaper than Military MREs. You can purchase MREs at Army Surplus stores and online.
How do MREs work?
MREs contain fully cooked meals that are flash frozen and then freeze-dried. After the freeze-drying process, the food is put into pouches and sealed. The MREs are then shipped to soldiers.
A flameless ration heater is included in every MRE package. The heater works by converting water into gas. The instructions inside the package explain how to use it. The MREs also include a plastic spoon. Some are even provided with a full set of utensils, but this is rare.
While MREs are designed for soldiers in the field, they can be eaten by anyone who has access to them. They can be eaten cold, but they are best when warm.
The flavor of MREs can vary a little from one meal to the next. Some are very good, while others are less desirable. However, the overall taste is not too bad for a military ration. The menu changes every year, but there are a lot of choices. One of the most popular MREs is beef roast with vegetables, and another is pork chop with New England style clam chowder.
What are the benefits of MREs?
MREs are a great choice for people who want to be prepared in case of an emergency. They are easy to store, have a 5-year shelf life, and can be eaten hot or cold. They also provide a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and protein.
To prepare an MRE, first open the outer box and locate the flameless heater in the plastic pouch. Read the instructions on the outside of the pouch to understand how to use it.
Next, locate the MRE entree in a cardboard sleeve. Then, place the MRE in the sleeve of the flameless heater and slide it down so that it rests on top of the water in the heater.