MREs are a convenient and nutritious food that is perfect for emergency situations. They contain essential vitamins and minerals, proteins and fats and come with a flameless ration heater that makes heating the meal easy.
Military MREs are high in calories and can be quite heavy, so they need to be eaten sparingly. They are also expensive and limited in selection.
1. They are Ready to Eat
MREs contain everything a soldier needs to eat on the go. They come with a flameless ration heater, instructions on how to use it and the food itself.
They have a high amount of calories in them since they were designed for soldiers that burn up a lot of energy on patrol or during maneuvers. This can be hard on some people’s stomachs.
Civilian MREs are lower in calories than military grade, but they are still high in sugar and carbohydrates. They are also lighter in protein than military MREs.
Prepping your own meals allows you to avoid some of the preservatives and extra calories found in MREs. It also allows you to choose foods that suit your specific dietary needs and preferences. This is particularly important if you have children who have a sensitivity to certain foods.
2. They are Easy to Prepare
Mre meals are a great option for emergency food because they don’t require refrigeration and can be easily heated. They also have a long shelf life, which means you can stockpile them far in advance of any disaster.
MRE meals typically include a main course (such as beef stew or chicken with rice), side dishes, desserts, and drinks. Some MREs also include items such as crackers or cookies to keep you full between meals.
To heat an MRE, simply remove the outer casing and place it on a flame. The meal will be warm in about 10 minutes. To check the expiration date of an MRE, look for a four-digit Julian code printed or stamped on its packaging. The first two digits indicate the year it was made, and the last three digits are the production code.
3. They Are Affordable
Many people think that MREs are too expensive for survival food, but they aren’t as expensive as you might expect. The fact that they don’t require refrigeration and can be heated with canned heat means that they are a good option for situations where there is no electricity or cooking supplies.
Another reason that MREs are affordable is that they include a variety of accessories, like a flameless heater and full cutlery set, which cost money to produce. And of course, the meals themselves also need to be packaged and shipped from factories, then stored in warehouses, and finally delivered to your door, all of which costs money. That being said, you can find MREs at military surplus stores and gun shows for a relatively low price.
4. They Are Easy to Store
MREs can be stored for up to five years, so they are an excellent option for those who want to stockpile food in advance of an emergency. They do not require refrigeration and can be stored in a cool, dark place with low humidity.
Because they are designed for soldiers, MREs contain high levels of fat and sodium. This can be problematic for those who are not accustomed to a high-fat diet.
Additionally, MREs are a source of carbon compounds that prevent the body from turning proteins into energy through gluconeogenesis. This can lead to digestive issues and other side effects. When purchasing MREs from second-hand sources, it is important to look for a four-digit Julian code. This will indicate the date the meal was made, so it can be used within a reasonable time frame.
5. They Are Easy to Find
If you don’t want to purchase a full case of MREs, try getting in touch with your local Army supply guy to see if he has any in stock. Many times, these guys have a stash of MREs they don’t need and don’t know what to do with them.
The MREs the military gives their soldiers are not only a great choice for emergency food, but they’re also an excellent option for those who need to prepare bug-out bags. MREs are small and take up very little space, yet they provide a lot of calories for the day.
However, it’s important to note that MREs contain high amounts of sodium, which can cause bloating, constipation, and irregular bowel movements. To counter this issue, you can buy low-sodium MREs online.