U.S. MRE (Variety Pack of 12) – Comprehensive Review

Introduction

Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) are a staple for military personnel, outdoor enthusiasts, and emergency preparedness planners. The U.S. MRE Variety Pack of 12 offers a well-rounded selection of meals designed to provide balanced nutrition in situations where conventional food is unavailable. This particular MRE kit comes equipped with flameless heaters, entrees, desserts, and additional components, making it a convenient option for emergencies, camping, or survival preparedness.

This review will cover the contents, nutritional value, taste, ease of preparation, and overall value of this MRE kit.

What’s Included in the U.S. MRE Variety Pack?

This MRE kit contains 12 individually packaged meals, each designed to be self-sufficient. The exact meal selections may vary depending on availability, but the variety pack typically includes a mix of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

Each meal generally contains:

• Main entrée (such as beef stew, chicken pasta, or chili)
• Side dish (such as rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables)
• Dessert (such as a cookie, pound cake, or fruit mix)
• Crackers or bread with spreads (cheese spread, peanut butter, or jelly)
• Flameless ration heater for warming meals without a stove or fire
• Beverage powder (electrolyte drinks, coffee, or cocoa)
• Accessory pack (contains utensils, napkins, salt, pepper, moist towelette, and gum)

This selection provides variety, ensuring that meals remain interesting even during extended use.

Nutritional Value and Caloric Content

Each MRE contains approximately 1,200 to 1,300 calories, providing enough energy to sustain an individual during physically demanding situations. These meals are designed to offer a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, ensuring sustained energy and essential nutrients.

For survival situations or emergency preparedness, consuming two to three MREs per day can provide the necessary caloric intake for most adults. The meals are fortified with vitamins and minerals, helping to prevent deficiencies during prolonged use.

Taste and Quality of Food

MREs have come a long way in terms of taste and texture. While they may not match the flavor of fresh home-cooked meals, they are generally well-seasoned and satisfying.

• Main entrees: Many users find the beef stew hearty, the chicken pasta flavorful, and the chili mildly spicy with a good texture.
• Side dishes: The rice and mashed potatoes are decent, though they can be slightly dry if not mixed properly with water.
• Desserts: Pound cake and cookies are popular favorites, offering a sweet treat to balance out the meal.
• Crackers and spreads: The cheese spread is a staple that many enjoy, while peanut butter is a great source of protein and flavor.

The overall taste varies depending on the specific meal, but most users report satisfactory flavors with a decent texture. Heating the meals using the flameless heater enhances their taste and improves the eating experience.

Ease of Preparation and Use

One of the biggest advantages of this MRE kit is its convenience. No cooking equipment is required since each meal includes a flameless heater.

To heat an entrée, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the flameless heater pouch and insert the entrée.
2. Add water to the heating element up to the indicated fill line.
3. Seal the pouch and wait for 5 to 10 minutes as the chemical reaction generates heat.
4. Carefully remove the entrée, stir if necessary, and enjoy.

This system is efficient and safe, making it ideal for emergencies, power outages, or outdoor adventures. The heaters work in various conditions, including cold weather, though they may take longer to heat in extreme temperatures.

Storage and Shelf Life

MREs are designed for long-term storage, typically lasting five to ten years depending on storage conditions. They should be kept in a cool, dry place to maximize shelf life. Exposure to excessive heat can reduce their longevity, while cooler temperatures help preserve their quality.

This makes them an excellent choice for emergency preparedness kits, disaster relief, and long-term survival food storage.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Complete meal system with entrees, sides, desserts, and drinks
• No cooking required – includes flameless heaters
• Balanced nutrition and high caloric content
• Long shelf life for emergency preparedness
• Portable and durable packaging for travel and outdoor use
• Variety pack offers different flavors to prevent monotony

Cons

• Bulky packaging compared to freeze-dried alternatives
• Higher sodium content than homemade meals
• Not always gourmet-quality flavor
• Heaters can take longer to work in cold temperatures
• Some meal variations may not suit all taste preferences

Who Should Buy This MRE Kit?

This U.S. MRE Variety Pack is ideal for:

• Emergency preppers looking for a reliable food source for disaster scenarios.
• Campers and hikers who need convenient, high-energy meals.
• Military enthusiasts or collectors interested in authentic MREs.
• Truck drivers or outdoor workers needing quick and easy meals on the go.
• Survivalists who want a backup food supply for uncertain situations.

Final Verdict

The U.S. Meals Ready to Eat (Variety Pack of 12) is a well-rounded option for anyone needing a portable, long-lasting, and nutritionally balanced meal system. The inclusion of flameless heaters makes them highly convenient, while the variety of flavors keeps meals from becoming repetitive.

While the taste may not match fresh-cooked food, the nutritional content, convenience, and durability make these MREs a solid choice for emergency preparedness, outdoor adventures, and survival situations.

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In-Depth Review of Augason Farms Deluxe 30-Day Emergency Food Supply (200 Servings)

 

In today’s unpredictable world, preparing for emergencies has become a priority for many households. The Augason Farms Deluxe 30-Day Emergency Food Supply promises to provide a comprehensive solution for those looking to ensure their family is well-fed during unforeseen circumstances. This review will delve into the product’s features, nutritional value, taste, packaging, shelf life, and overall value.

Overview of the Product

Augason Farms is a reputable name in the emergency food supply industry, known for producing high-quality freeze-dried and dehydrated food products. The Deluxe 30-Day Emergency Food Supply contains 200 servings of a variety of meals designed to meet daily nutritional needs. It is aimed at providing a balanced diet during emergencies, whether natural disasters, economic crises, or extended power outages.

What’s Included

The package includes a mix of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack items. Common meals found in this kit include:

• Breakfasts: Oatmeal, granola, and pancakes.
• Lunch/Dinner: Cheesy broccoli rice, beef stroganoff, and chili with beans.
• Snacks: Creamy vegetable soup, mixed fruit, and even a few dessert options.

This variety is intended to cater to different palates and keep meals interesting over the course of 30 days.

Nutritional Value

Each serving of food is designed to provide adequate calories and nutrients. Typically, meals in this kit contain:

• Calories: Around 200-300 calories per serving.
• Proteins: Varying levels depending on the meal, but many contain significant protein sources.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Fortified with essential nutrients to help maintain health during emergencies.

For families with specific dietary needs, it’s important to review the ingredients closely, as some meals may contain allergens like soy or dairy.

Taste and Preparation

Taste can often be a concern when it comes to emergency food supplies. Augason Farms attempts to address this by offering meals that are relatively easy to prepare and palatable.

Preparation

Most meals require simple rehydration with boiling water, and many can be ready in 15-20 minutes. This ease of preparation is beneficial in emergencies when time and resources may be limited.

Taste

User reviews indicate that the meals are generally well-received, with many praising the flavor of dishes like the beef stroganoff and cheesy broccoli rice. However, as with any pre-packaged meal, personal taste varies. Some users may find certain meals to be bland or overly salty, so it’s advisable to season according to preference.

Packaging

The Deluxe 30-Day Emergency Food Supply comes in durable, stackable buckets. This design is beneficial for storage, as it maximizes space efficiency and keeps food protected from moisture and pests. Each meal is individually sealed in mylar bags, ensuring longevity and freshness once opened.

Portability

The buckets are relatively lightweight, making them easy to move if necessary. However, when fully stocked, they can be cumbersome, so consider the location of your emergency food supply for accessibility.

Shelf Life

One of the most attractive features of the Augason Farms food supply is its impressive shelf life. The products are designed to last for up to 25 years when stored in a cool, dry place. This longevity makes it a worthwhile investment for those looking to prepare for long-term emergencies.

Overall Value

When considering the cost of the Augason Farms Deluxe 30-Day Emergency Food Supply, it is essential to evaluate it in the context of its longevity, nutritional value, and convenience. As of the time of this review, the kit typically retails for around $150-$200, making it a relatively affordable option compared to buying individual freeze-dried meals.

Pros

• Variety of Meals: A good selection that helps prevent meal fatigue.
• Long Shelf Life: Up to 25 years with proper storage.
• Ease of Preparation: Quick and simple cooking instructions.
• Nutritional Balance: Designed to provide essential nutrients.

Cons

• Taste Variation: Some meals may not appeal to everyone.
• Storage Space: Requires a considerable amount of space for storage.
• Limited Dietary Options: Not ideal for all dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten-free, vegan).

Conclusion

The Augason Farms Deluxe 30-Day Emergency Food Supply is a solid choice for families looking to prepare for emergencies without compromising on nutrition or taste. With a balanced array of meals, ease of preparation, and a long shelf life, it offers peace of mind in uncertain times. While it may not be perfect for everyone, its overall value and convenience make it a compelling option for emergency preparedness. As with any emergency plan, it’s best to combine this food supply with other essentials and stay informed about potential local risks.

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