MRE stands for “meal ready to eat” and was originated by the US military. You do not need a table to set up an MRE, and these amazing entrees are ready whenever you are. Just pack in a standard flameless ration heater, and you’re good to go. You can even make your own homemade MRE for a delicious and satisfying meal on the trail. You can use these planned entrees at any time and any place. A little creativity, some food favorites, and thoughtful planning will provide all the necessary nutrients for a healthy MRE.
Copy the US Armed Forces Menu
When making your homemade MRE, consider how the military experts do it right. The typical “meal ready to eat” consists of the following:
- Entree
- Side dish
- Bread or cracker
- Spread (cheese, peanut butter, jelly)
- Dessert (cookies, chocolate candies, etc)
- Beverage (coffee, tea, cocoa, powdered juice)
- Condiments (salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, hot sauce, etc.)
- Flameless heater
- Spoon
- Matches
Let the Meal Preparation Begin
To design a delicious homemade MRE, start at your grocery store, and stock up on key staples. Here’s a simple menu you can try that’s inexpensive and provides a good source of flavor, nourishment, texture and variety:
- Entree: Can chicken or tuna
- Side dish: Ramen noodle package
- Cracker: Triscuit crackers
- Spread: Flavored ream cheese packet
- Dessert: 100-calorie cookie pack
- Beverage: Instant coffee packet
Seal The Deal
The military MREs are all designed for rough and tough conditions. In fact, these meals are capable of withstanding parachute drops from 1,250 feet. Don’t worry about your homemade MRE’s ability to be dropped from the sky. The best way to carefully store it until you want to use it is inside a vacuum sealed or mylar bag, or an old-fashioned plastic zipper bag. Vacuum sealing is the ideal way to preserve your homemade MRE, as it will keep it compact and waterproof — perfect for preppers and campers alike.
The next time you’re headed out on a camping trip or backpacking adventure, try making a homemade MRE and see how well it sustains you on the trail!
Featured Image from norikko/Shutter Stock
