Best MRE Meals Buying Guide - Military & Civilian MRE Reviews
Complete guide to buying MRE meals including US military MREs, civilian options, and international varieties with expert reviews and taste rankings.
Bruce Zawalsky
Survival & DIY Expert
28+ years experience
28+ years wilderness survival and hands-on construction experience. Author of "Canadian Wilderness Survival."
Education
Canadian Armed Forces Wilderness Survival Training
Quick Answer
Best MRE picks: Menu 1 (Chili with Beans), Menu 16 (Chicken Pesto Pasta), and Menu 4 (Spaghetti with Meat Sauce). For buying, XMRE and Meal Kit Supply offer the best civilian options. Authentic military MREs are superior but harder to find fresh. Expect $8-18 per MRE depending on source and authenticity.
What is an MRE?
MRE stands for "Meal, Ready-to-Eat" - a self-contained, individual field ration developed by the US military. Each MRE provides a complete meal with entree, sides, snacks, dessert, and beverage, plus a flameless ration heater (FRH) that warms food using only water.
What's Inside an MRE
Standard Components
- 🍖 Entree (main course)
- 🍞 Bread/Cracker with spread
- 🥗 Side dish
- 🍫 Dessert/Snack
- ☕ Beverage powder
- 🔥 Flameless Ration Heater
Accessory Pack
- 🥄 Plastic spoon
- 🧂 Salt, pepper, sugar
- ☕ Coffee/creamer/hot sauce
- 🧻 Napkin/wet wipe
- 🍬 Gum
- 🔥 Matches
Caloric Content
Each MRE provides approximately 1,200-1,300 calories - designed to fuel active military personnel. Three MREs daily meet military nutritional requirements of 3,600+ calories for combat operations.
MRE Types Comparison
| Type | Quality | Price | Shelf Life | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Military MRE | ★★★★★ | $12-18 | 3-5 years | Limited |
| XMRE (Civilian) | ★★★★☆ | $10-14 | 5 years | Good |
| Meal Kit Supply | ★★★★☆ | $8-12 | 5 years | Excellent |
| Sopakco Sure-Pak | ★★★☆☆ | $6-10 | 5 years | Excellent |
| International MREs | ★★★☆☆ | $8-25 | Varies | Limited |
Military vs Civilian MREs
US Military MREs
Civilian MREs
Our Recommendation
For emergency preparedness, buy quality civilian MREs (XMRE or Meal Kit Supply) with known production dates. For occasional use or collecting, military surplus offers better taste but check inspection dates carefully.
Where to Buy MREs
Recommended Sources
- 🏪Military Surplus Stores
Check production dates, good for authentic MREs
- 🛒Amazon/Major Retailers
Convenient, civilian brands readily available
- 🌐Emergency Preparedness Sites
Specialists like ReadyStore, BePrepared
- 📦Direct from Manufacturers
XMRE.com, MealKitSupply.com
Buying Tips
- ✓ Check inspection/pack dates on cases
- ✓ Buy cases (12 MREs) for best value
- ✓ Avoid "too good to be true" prices
- ✓ Inspect packaging for damage
- ✓ Know the difference in brands
- ✓ Consider variety packs for testing
Warning Signs
Avoid MREs with swollen pouches, punctures, or unknown origins. Very old surplus (10+ years) may be unsafe. If inspection date is illegible or missing, assume the worst.
Shelf Life & Storage
Temperature Impact on Shelf Life
| Storage Temperature | Expected Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| 50°F (10°C) | 7-10 years |
| 60°F (16°C) | 5-7 years |
| 70°F (21°C) | 3-5 years |
| 80°F (27°C) | 2-3 years |
| 100°F (38°C) | 6 months |
Storage Best Practices
- • Store in cool, dark location (basement ideal)
- • Avoid garages - temperature swings damage MREs
- • Rotate stock - first in, first out
- • Check pouches periodically for swelling
- • Keep cases elevated off concrete floors
How to Eat MREs
Using the Flameless Ration Heater (FRH)
Remove Entree Pouch
Take the main entree from the MRE bag. Keep it sealed.
Insert into FRH
Slide the entree pouch into the flameless ration heater bag.
Add Water
Pour water to the fill line. The chemical reaction begins immediately.
Prop Against Object
Lean the FRH against a rock or backpack at a slight angle. "Rock or something."
Wait 10-15 Minutes
The heater will steam - this is normal. Food reaches 100°F+.
Pro Tips
- • Any water works - even dirty water (it doesn't touch food)
- • Heat multiple items by stacking in FRH
- • MREs are edible cold in emergency situations
- • Save the spoon - it's more durable than it looks
- • Mix beverage powder with cold water for best results
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best MRE to buy?
For civilians, XMRE and Meal Kit Supply offer the best balance of quality and value. Authentic US military MREs are excellent but availability is limited. The best menu choices include Chili with Beans, Beef Stew, and Chicken Pesto Pasta.
How long do MREs last?
MREs typically last 3-5 years at room temperature (70°F). At cooler temperatures (50°F), they can last 7-10 years. Heat significantly reduces shelf life - storing at 100°F cuts life to about 6 months.
Are civilian MREs as good as military MREs?
Top civilian MREs like XMRE and Meal Kit Supply approach military quality. However, authentic US military MREs have stricter quality standards and more rigorous testing. Budget civilian MREs are noticeably inferior.
Where can I buy authentic military MREs?
Authentic US military MREs are sold through surplus stores, online retailers like eBay and Amazon, and military surplus websites. Be cautious of very old stock - check inspection dates on cases.
How do you heat an MRE without a heater?
Place the entree pouch in warm water, use body heat by placing inside clothing, set in direct sunlight, or heat on a car dashboard. MREs are edible cold but taste better warm.
What does MRE stand for?
MRE stands for "Meal, Ready-to-Eat." They were developed by the US military in 1981 to replace canned combat rations (C-rations) with lighter, more durable field meals.
How many calories are in an MRE?
A complete MRE averages 1,200-1,300 calories, designed to sustain active military personnel. This includes the entree, sides, snacks, dessert, and beverage mix. For emergency storage, this high calorie density is advantageous.
Why do MREs cause constipation?
MREs are low in fiber and designed to be binding to reduce bathroom needs in combat situations. For extended MRE consumption, supplement with fiber-rich foods or consider MRE menus with higher fiber content.
Can you buy military MREs legally?
Yes, it is legal to buy and possess military MREs as a civilian. It is technically illegal to sell them if they are marked "US Government Property" and obtained through improper channels, but purchasing is not prohibited.
Bruce Zawalsky
Survival & DIY Expert | 28+ Years Experience
Bruce is a wilderness survival expert with 28+ years of experience and author of "Canadian Wilderness Survival." His extensive hands-on experience in building wilderness shelters, construction projects, and practical DIY work, combined with his military training, ensures all our construction guides and survival content are field-tested and practical.
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