The Surprising Truth About MREs: My Experience With Military Meals

When I first met my now-husband, Dane, he was heading to U.S. Army Ranger school. During his time there, he wrote me letters on the cardboard packaging of his Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs), which I had heard about from various service members over the years. The idea of these pre-packaged meals intrigued me, but I had never had the chance to try one myself. Recently, I decided to experience what soldiers eat while in the field, diving into the world of MREs to see if they truly live up to their reputation.

According to the Defense Logistics Agency, MREs are designed "to sustain an individual engaged in heavy activity such as military training or during actual military operations when normal food service facilities are not available." This got me thinking about the practicality of these meals and whether they could satisfy my taste buds as well.

With every letter Dane penned on those MRE packages, I felt connected to his experience. Now, more than a decade later, I was ready to uncover the truth about these military meals. Would they be as unappetizing as I had imagined, or could they actually be enjoyable? Join me as I unveil my journey into the world of MREs and share my thoughts on what it's like to eat like a soldier.

Biography
My MRE Experience
Nutritional Value of MREs
Common MRE Items and Their Appeal
Final Thoughts on MREs

Biography

Kait Hanson is a graduate of Penn State University who began her career in collegiate sports communications. Her experiences and insights provide a unique perspective on military life and meals.

Detail	Information
Name	Kait Hanson
Education	Penn State University
Career	Sports Communications

My MRE Experience

As I prepared to open my first MRE, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. The packaging was simple and unassuming, with a tan exterior that didn’t offer much in terms of presentation. Inside, I found an assortment of items, including chili and macaroni, crackers, cheese spread, and even a dessert!

My husband had told me that "Chili Mac" was one of the most coveted MREs among service members. As I took everything out of the package, I was surprised to learn that each MRE has a shelf life of three years and contains an average of 1250 kilocalories, providing essential nutrition for those in the field.

Nutritional Value of MREs

The nutritional breakdown of MREs intrigued me. Each meal typically consists of 13% protein, 36% fat, and 51% carbohydrates. This balance is designed to sustain soldiers engaged in rigorous activities. I was curious to see how this translated into real-life taste and satisfaction.

In my selected MRE, the chili and macaroni were accompanied by a kippered beef stick, cheese spread with jalapeños, crackers, carrot cake pound cake, Wild Berry Skittles, and a grape-flavored powdered drink mix. As I prepared to dive into this meal, I hoped for a pleasant surprise.

Common MRE Items and Their Appeal

During my research, I learned that some MRE items are more popular than others. The "Chili Mac" stood out as a fan favorite among veterans and active-duty military members. Other options included shredded beef in barbecue sauce, Mexican rice and bean bowl, and cheese tortellini in tomato sauce.

One notable aspect of MREs is that they are high in calories and designed to provide energy during strenuous activities. However, I was particularly interested in the dessert component, which included carrot cake pound cake and Skittles. Would these sweet treats live up to their reputation?

Final Thoughts on MREs

Was my experience with MREs as bad as I had imagined? Surprisingly, no! I was pleasantly surprised by the portions and variety within the packet. While I may not be rushing to incorporate them into my meal planning, I gained a newfound appreciation for the service members who rely on these meals during their duties.

Ultimately, my journey into the world of MREs provided valuable insight into military life and the challenges faced by those serving. These meals, while not gourmet, are designed for practicality and sustenance, proving that even in the most challenging environments, there is a way to nourish the body and spirit.