Picking a Quality MRE (Meals Ready to Eat)

Picking a Quality MRE (Meals Ready to Eat)

With so many MREs on the market today, how do you pick a quality MRE?  The key is first deciding what your individual needs are and may be when faced with a situation that causes you to rely on them for survival.  While many companies say you can “survive” on as little as 400 calories per day, if you’re in a situation where you are having to exert a lot of energy to survive, you will soon find yourself in a bad situation.  There are provision packs that are designed to provide 2400 calories per day per adult, which may be more than what is normally desired, but isn’t it better to be over prepared than under prepared?  Again, the key is determining what is best for you and your individual needs, and planning ahead of time for any situation. 

While true military MREs are not sold to civilians, there are many companies now selling civilian versions.  This influx in the market followed Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters that followed.  In addition to the major manufacturers of the civilian MREs, there are many private label companies producing their versions.  One disadvantage usually seen amongst the masses is the inability to know what is actually in each meal packet and whether or not they categorize an entrée as what you would normally see as a side dish.  Therefore, it is wise to choose a company that provides full disclosure on every piece of the contents and their nutritional values.  If you want the full MRE in each package, make sure that is what you are purchasing, not kits where you have to find bits and pieces in each package to complete your meal.  They also may be missing key components, such as the flameless heaters included with the military MREs.  Some boxes may contain 12 meals, but only three heaters.  Make sure each meal is self-contained with everything it needs.  Yes, you can use boiling water or flames to heat your food, but if you don’t have access to either, you are out of luck without the flameless heater. 

Oftentimes civilian meals are sold individually at much higher prices.  Buy the unopened box if you can, and be sure to compare shipping prices.  Make sure you know how they have been stored, as well.  A high quality company will advertise this fact.  If they do not, they should readily provide the information once you ask them.  MREs that have been stored in a 110 degree warehouse for years or in a musty basement are not of optimum quality by any means. 

As for taste and quality, only your preferences and actually trying the ingredients will determine that.  However, there are numerous blog sites and boards on the Internet where you are able to talk with others regarding their opinions and experiences with each of the brands.

Anyone with special dietary needs should definitely ensure the meals they are choosing cover those specific needs.  These include diabetes, anemia, allergies to specific substances, or any other issue which requires reading the labels carefully.  If you realize that you cannot find a specific manufacturer or MRE that fits your needs, you do have the option of preparing your own with vacuum seal bags.  There are many resources on the Internet that show you how to do this and what to include.  This may be the best way to meet your unique dietary needs when left with no other options.

As with any other investment, research, research, research.  You have a choice of locating genuine military MREs versus civilian MREs versus making your own.  Only you know what your specific needs are and can decide the best route to take.  Be wary of those advertised as “genuine military” unless you’ve done your research to ensure they are just that.   Again, be prepared with exactly what you need to ensure the very best outcome when faced with disaster.  Staying properly nourished can make or break your survival.