I thought it would be a good time review some MRE Brands.

The first Brand I will review is MRE Star.

Located in Hollywood, Florida MRE Star’s maker is International Meals Supply has been in the food industry for over 30 years.

All of their MREs are US made and their plants are USDA/FSIS, as well as FDA approved. They are a certified supplier of emergency rations for the DoD/DLA, Defense Supply Center Philadelphia.

They use fully automated equipment to produce a wide variety meal recipes. They operate 24/7 in emergency situations.

Their “M-018 12-MRE Full Case” has 12 complete MRE meals with an entree, side dish and more. There are is six different MRE entree varieties, 2 of each in each case. The six varieties are;

1. Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles
2. Beef Stew with Potatoes and Vegetables
3. BBQ Chicken with Black Beans and Potatoes
4. Chicken Noodle Stew with Vegetables
5. Cheese Tortellini with Marinara Sauce
6. Vegetarian Chili with Beans

In addition to the Entree, each MRE meal comes with;

• 4.5 oz Side Dish (Apple sauce or fruit cocktail)
• 2 oz Raisins & Mix Nuts
• 2 oz Oatmeal Cookie
• Drink Mix (orange flavor)
• Accessory Pack (spoon, coffee, sugar, creamer, salt, pepper, napkin, moist towel
• Optional: 12 flameless heaters individually packed

According to MRE Star’s website, “Each MRE has an average of 1,100-1,300 calories, which replicates the calorie count of a complete meal. There is no need to add water to an MRE.”

You can purchase MRE Star 12 meal MRE cases at Nitro-Pak. You can also get bulk order discounts there.

NEW Improved MRE’s for 2008:

The BEST just got better! The MRE business has been tough for some time with suppliers torn from one disaster to the next and with the war. Supplies have been short and selection has been terrible… until now. We have just contracted with a major MRE supplier to provide our customers with all FRESH component MRE’s and meals (not old scraped together surplus or 2 to 3 year old stock). Unlike some dealers who provide just 2 to 4 different entree choices, we provide SIX (6) DIFFERENT Premium meal entrees x 2! In Addition, everyone of our meals includes a MRE side dish! That’s an ADDED SAVINGS of up to $12 per case you would have to pay if you…….

MRE Information

MRE or “Meals Ready to eat” are military style food rations.

There are two categories of MRE, military MRE and commecial MRE.

Military meals ready to eat are made for the US military and the armed forces of other countries. They are sometimes sold on eBay but there is risk there as the military considers this illegal as they want to discourage theft of their property. There is also risk as the age and storage conditions the MRE experienced before you bought it will be unknown  perhaps even to the seller.  Military MRE cased of 12 sell for as little as $40 on eBay ($3.33 per meal) which is less than $72 ($6 per meal) average case price of commercial MRE. Besides risk you should also consider shipping costs which online retailers may charge less than $15 where eBay  sellers sometimes charge a lot more for shipping and “handling”.

The main difference between military and commercial MRE (that is good commercial MRE from main brands such as Sopakco, MRE Star, aPack) is calories and sodium levels. Military MRE has high sodium content as they are intended for short term on the go use. Military MRE has 1250 to 1300 calories whereas until recently commercial MREs had less. Some commercial MREs have only 700 calories.  MRE Star’s commercial MREs now have average of 1,100-1,300 calories. They are avaialable at Nitro-pak.

Some reasons why they are a popular choice for survival food;

• MRE’s paks are a complete meal with main course, side dish, crackers with spread, dessert, and a powdered drink mix.
• MRE packs last 4-10 years depending on storage temperature, longer than most canned food.
• They are pre-cooked and in a pouch “ready to eat”, nothing needs to be added
• Usually you buy MRE with flameless heaters so you can eat your meal hot (cold is ok too)

USAGE

You can best use MRE for emergency situations where you “are on the go” . Also if you do not want to waste time cooking or do not want the hassle of bring cooking equipment with you. MRE’s are the most convenient survival food choice.

MRE cost is about $6 per meal plus shipping for a case of 12. You can get discounts if you buy larger quantities.

For a food reserve for periods longer than a week however, a “freeze dried food” reserve is better in terms of space and cost per meal. You will need water for freeze dried food which, although hydrates quickly, is nevertheless is not as “ready to eat”

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Camping Survival.com Now Offers Over 20K Products Including MRE and Emergency Survival Kits

From wildfires to hurricanes or any number of other natural phenomena, disaster can strike no matter where you live. In some cases, you’ll be required to leave your home with only moments to spare. In other situations, you might have to take refuge inside your home and survive for days or weeks without essential services, such as water, gas and electricity. Because of this, emergency supplies are becoming mainstream commodities for disaster preparedness. In fact, the American Red Cross recommends assembling an emergency supplies kit containing water, MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) (http://www.campingsurvival.com/mreskits.html) , a first aid kit, clothing and bedding. They also suggest storing a tent, sleeping bags, mess kits, fire extinguisher, can opener, rain gear, and a map of the area for locating shelters.

“Nobody can forget the images of the people in New Orleans walking across the bridges to get away from the flooding,” said Tom Sciacca, President of Camping Survival.com. “More recently, we’ve seen the catastrophic effect of tornadoes. In a situation where you have to get out of your home quickly, an emergency supplies kit will be your best friend.”

The American Red Cross recommendations include a minimum three-day supply of food that requires no refrigeration or cooking. This can be ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables. MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) - a staple of US military and rescue operations - is another popular way to provide food supplies. MRE is convenient for also, as it’s pre-cooked and ready to eat from the pouch.

“The modern MRE is light years beyond the old military rations,” Sciacca explained. “The MRE we carry at CampingSurvival.com are available in a variety of flavors, including Beef Ranchero Meat Loaf, Jamaican Pork Chop, Chicken with Cavatelli and Black Bean and Rice Burrito. The MRE are not just entrees, but full meals, including side dishes, dessert, crackers, spread and coffee. MRE will ensure you and your family are fed while others are stampeding supermarket shelves in the aftermath of a disaster.”

The Red Cross guidelines also call for a minimum of a three-day supply of water available for each person. The recommend you compile a first aid kit (http://www.campingsurvival.com/firstaidkits.html) with bandages, antiseptic wipes, small scissors and latex gloves. Keep the most crucial items you are likely to need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container like a large, covered trash container, camping backpack, or duffle bag.

“In an emergency, you can never count on being able to find safe, drinkable water,” said Sciacca. “Bottled water is fine until you run out - will you be able to find more A water filter system (http://www.campingsurvival.com/watpur.html) is a long-term way to ensure safe water for your family.

With all the emergency supplies you could conceivably put into your emergency kit, you could spend an eternity shopping for the necessary items. Sciacca says that the easiest way is to purchase a high quality ”

Camping Survival.com Now Offers Over 20K Products Including MRE and Emergency Survival Kits

Pricing comparison of MRE cases of 12 meals

from various online retailers according to their websites as of Jan 24, 2008; Update Feb 26th - added Areyouprepared.com

Nitro-Pak

Brand: MRE Star - 1 Case (12 Meals) of Full Meal Military Style MRE’s with Heaters

New, Fresh, MRE with a minimum shelf life of 5 years, and up to 130 months (10 + years, according to the manufactures specifications) if stored at 60 degrees F or lower

• Main Entree Dish, i.e., Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles, Beef Stew with Potatoes and Vegetables,
  BBQ Chicken with Black Beans and Potatoes, Chicken Noodle Stew with Garden Vegetables,
  Cheese Tortellini with Marinara Sauce, Vegetarian Chili with Beans (or simular entrees).
• Military Side Dish, i.e. Apple Sauce or Fruit Cocktail
• Dessert, Military Oatmeal Cookie Bar
• Snack, Military Nut Raisin Mix
• Drink Mix, Military Flavored Powdered Mix
• Accessory Packet Includes: matches, military HD plastic spoon, napkin,
  wet wipe towelette, salt & pepper, coffee, creamer and sugar

Price $59.99

Heaters $10.50 (not included)

Shipping $12.00 (UPS ground to southern California)

Total $ 82.49

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Meyers Custom Supply

Brand: SOPAKCO’s SURE-PAK 12 tm WITH Flameless Ration Heaters
12 mains, 12 sides, 12 dessert packs, 12 crackers, 12 spreads, 12 beverages, 12 coffees

Price $69.00

Heaters $0.00 (included)

Shipping $19.18 (UPS ground to southern California)

Total $88.18

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Areyouprepared.com

Brand: SOPAKCO’s SURE-PAK 12 tm WITH Flameless Ration Heaters
12 mains, 12 sides, 12 dessert packs, 12 crackers, 12 spreads, 12 beverages, 12 coffees

Price $84.95

Heaters $0.00 (included)

Shipping $ 13.95 (Flat Ground Rate)

Total $ 98.80

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TheEpicenter.com

Sopakco SURE-PAK 12 MRE Full Case of 12, “MENU - B”, WITH factory packed heaters

Price $72.00

Heaters $0.00 (included)

Shipping $ 13.74 (UPS ground to southern California)

Total $85.74

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MREdepot.com

Brand: MRE Star - 1 Case (12 Meals) of Full Meal Military Style MRE’s with HeatersNote* MRE Depot also has exclusive offer of “Menu C” higher calorie rations for $79.00 but I used the Menu price for an apples to apples comparison with the MRE suppliers here.

Price $64.95 (price updated Feb 28, 2008)

Heaters $0.00 (included)

Shipping $9.17 (UPS ground to southern California)

Total $74.12

Each Meal has Main Entree PLUS;

- 4.5 oz Side Dish (Apple sauce or fruit cocktail)
- 2 oz Raisins & Mix Nuts
- 2 oz Oatmeal Cookie
- Drink Mix (orange flavor)
- Accessory Pack (spoon, coffee, sugar, creamer, salt, pepper, napkin, moist towel
- Flameless Ration Heater

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MRE Foods.com

Brand: aPack™ case of 12 self heating MREs

Each case includes the following meals:
2 Beef Stew (1310 calories/meal)
2 Chicken Noodle (1180 calories/meal)
2 Chicken with Black Beans & Rice (1190 calories/meal)
2 Chicken Tetrazzini (1140 calories/meal)
2 Pasta with Vegetables (1150 calories/meal)
2 Spaghetti with Meat Sauce (1310 calories/meal)

Each meal contains an MRE Entrée, Osmotic Raisin Pack, 2 of 3 (Cookie Pack, Fig Bar, and/or Toaster Pastry), Cracker, Peanut Butter or Cheese Spread, Sqwincher Beverage Base, Black Pepper, Wet Nap, Spoon, and Flameless Ration Heater.

Price $72.95

Heaters $0.00 (included)

Shipping $0.00 (*Free shipping on orders shipped to locations within the Continental US)

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Long Life Food Depot

Brand: unknown
1. Entree
2. Side Dish
3. Bakery Item
(Crackers or Bread)
4. Spread
(Jelly, Peanut Butter or Cheese Spread)
5. Dessert
(Cookies, Energy Bar, Cake or Fruit)
6. Beverage Base
7. Accessory Packet
(Coffee, Creamer, Sugar, Salt,
Gum, Matches, Wet Nap, Long Handle Spoon)
8. MRE Heater Pouch

Price $82.00

Heaters $0.00 (included)

Shipping $0.00 (UPS ground to southern California, appears to be free)

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Hide Sites

Pricing comparison of MRE cases of 12 meals

from various online retailers according to their websites as of Jan 24, 2008; Update Feb 26th - added Areyouprepared.com
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Nitro-Pak

Brand: MRE Star - 1 Case (12 Meals) of Full Meal Military Style MRE’s with Heaters

New, Fresh, MRE with a minimum shelf life of 5 years, and up to 130 months (10 + years, according to the manufactures specifications) if stored at 60 degrees F or lower

• Main Entree Dish, i.e., Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles, Beef Stew with Potatoes and Vegetables,
  BBQ Chicken with Black Beans and Potatoes, Chicken Noodle Stew with Garden Vegetables,
  Cheese Tortellini with Marinara Sauce, Vegetarian Chili with Beans (or simular entrees).
• Military Side Dish, i.e. Apple Sauce or Fruit Cocktail
• Dessert, Military Oatmeal Cookie Bar
• Snack, Military Nut Raisin Mix
• Drink Mix, Military Flavored Powdered Mix
• Accessory Packet Includes: matches, military HD plastic spoon, napkin,
  wet wipe towelette, salt & pepper, coffee, creamer and sugar

Price $59.99

Heaters $10.50 (not included)

Shipping $12.00 (UPS ground to southern California)

Total $ 82.49

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Meyers Custom Supply

Brand: SOPAKCO’s SURE-PAK 12 tm WITH Flameless Ration Heaters
12 mains, 12 sides, 12 dessert packs, 12 crackers, 12 spreads, 12 beverages, 12 coffees

Price $69.00

Heaters $0.00 (included)

Shipping $19.18 (UPS ground to southern California)

Total $88.18

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Areyouprepared.com

Brand: SOPAKCO’s SURE-PAK 12 tm WITH Flameless Ration Heaters
12 mains, 12 sides, 12 dessert packs, 12 crackers, 12 spreads, 12 beverages, 12 coffees

Price $84.95

Heaters $0.00 (included)

Shipping $ 13.95 (Flat Ground Rate)

Total $ 98.80

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TheEpicenter.com

Sopakco SURE-PAK 12 MRE Full Case of 12, “MENU - B”, WITH factory packed heaters

Price $72.00

Heaters $0.00 (included)

Shipping $ 13.74 (UPS ground to southern California)

Total $85.74

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MREdepot.com

Brand: MRE Star - 1 Case (12 Meals) of Full Meal Military Style MRE’s with Heaters

Price $72.00

Heaters $0.00 (included)

Shipping $9.17 (UPS ground to southern California)

Total $81.17

Each Meal has Main Entree PLUS;

- 4.5 oz Side Dish (Apple sauce or fruit cocktail)
- 2 oz Raisins & Mix Nuts
- 2 oz Oatmeal Cookie
- Drink Mix (orange flavor)
- Accessory Pack (spoon, coffee, sugar, creamer, salt, pepper, napkin, moist towel
- Flameless Ration Heater

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MRE Foods.com

Brand: aPack™ case of 12 self heating MREs

Each case includes the following meals:
2 Beef Stew (1310 calories/meal)
2 Chicken Noodle (1180 calories/meal)
2 Chicken with Black Beans & Rice (1190 calories/meal)
2 Chicken Tetrazzini (1140 calories/meal)
2 Pasta with Vegetables (1150 calories/meal)
2 Spaghetti with Meat Sauce (1310 calories/meal)

Each meal contains an MRE Entrée, Osmotic Raisin Pack, 2 of 3 (Cookie Pack, Fig Bar, and/or Toaster Pastry), Cracker, Peanut Butter or Cheese Spread, Sqwincher Beverage Base, Black Pepper, Wet Nap, Spoon, and Flameless Ration Heater.

Price $72.95

Heaters $0.00 (included)

Shipping $0.00 (*Free shipping on orders shipped to locations within the Continental US)

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Long Life Food Depot

Brand: unknown
1. Entree
2. Side Dish
3. Bakery Item
(Crackers or Bread)
4. Spread
(Jelly, Peanut Butter or Cheese Spread)
5. Dessert
(Cookies, Energy Bar, Cake or Fruit)
6. Beverage Base
7. Accessory Packet
(Coffee, Creamer, Sugar, Salt,
Gum, Matches, Wet Nap, Long Handle Spoon)
8. MRE Heater Pouch

Price $82.00

Heaters $0.00 (included)

Shipping $0.00 (UPS ground to southern California, appears to be free)