In a world filled with political unrest and economic uncertainty, a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan is essential for your safety and that of your loved ones. Having the right tools can make a difference when facing power outages, natural disasters, or other emergencies.
Among preparedness resources, meals from MRE STAR stand out as a practical, versatile solution that ensures proper nutrition during difficult times. Here, we’ll review the history and disaster preparedness benefits of MREs.
What Are MREs?
Table of Contents
MRE is an acronym for meal ready to eat. These meals are self-contained and complete, meaning that they can be eaten in the field without refrigeration or preparation. Ready-to-eat meals are sealed in pouches and may include entrees, side dishes, bread, and beverages.
The History of MREs
The first MREs were developed by the US military in 1982 for use during field operations, and they saw widespread use during the 1990-1991 Gulf War. Though canning and refrigeration have been used for decades, these food preservation techniques present unique challenges.
MREs are best for use when camping, hiking, or recovering from disasters. These meals have offered adequate nutrition for many years, and they’re still in use today.
All ingredients in MREs are fully cooked and can be eaten hot or cold. Ready-to-eat meals offer great taste, adequate nutrition, and a long shelf life. Freeze-dried foods have about 99% moisture removed, which extends shelf life and makes the meals more portable. The primary difference is that, while freeze-dried foods require water for preparation, MREs do not.
Living on MREs: Is It Possible for Individuals and Families?
The simple answer to this question is yes, it’s possible to live solely on MREs. These meals are designed to provide all the calories and nutrients a person needs each day—but it’s important to note that they’re not designed for long-range use. Eating nothing but MREs for an extended period may create nutritional deficiencies.
It’s vital to monitor calorie intake when living on MREs. Ready-to-eat rations are low in fiber and essential fatty acids, but high in sodium. Depending on its type and its contents, a ready-to-eat meal may contain 1200 calories and 30 grams of protein. While this might be enough for some users, others may need multiple MREs daily to fulfill their nutritional requirements.
MRE Misconceptions
About the quality and availability of emergency food sources, several misconceptions are widely held.
- Ready-to-eat meals are just for the armed forces. While they’re a staple food item for military members, MREs have become more popular among preppers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking convenient, versatile food options.
- MREs have no nutritional value. Ready-to-eat meals are designed to provide a balanced daily diet, containing all the nutrients needed to maintain health and sustain energy.
At Prepared Bee, we’re here to help you prepare for the unexpected by providing access to the most popular MRE products on the market. Browse our selection today!
Plenty of Choices Are Available
Despite widely held misconceptions, MREs offer a long list of menu options. Meal manufacturers know that buyers want variety, and they meet the demand by offering countless combinations and flavors. With the variety of our MREs, preppers prevent boredom and meal fatigue while ensuring they maintain balanced, enjoyable diets.
MREs Offer a Long Shelf Life
A standout feature of ready-to-eat meals is their long shelf life. These specially made meals may last for several years in the absence of refrigeration, making them a great addition to a disaster preparedness kit. Long-term viability and longevity ensure that your food supply is there when it’s needed, even if you have not updated your prepper kit in a while.
Ready-To-Eat Meals Are Convenient and Portable
MREs are lightweight, compact, and portable. Convenience is a must-have during evacuations and crises when prompt action is essential. The portability of MREs ensures that preppers can carry plenty of nutritious food without adding bulk to their emergency kits.
No Need for a Kitchen with MREs
In the chaotic time after a disaster, families shouldn’t have to worry about where their next meal will come from. Ready-to-eat meals eliminate these concerns because no cooking is required. These meals can be eaten straight from the package—offering an efficient, hassle-free solution during times when resources are limited.
Balanced Nutrition and Continued Sustenance
MREs are made to provide a nutritious, well-balanced meal. Each package contains vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates, and protein, ensuring that families get the nutrients their bodies need. Balanced nutrition is crucial for high energy levels and overall well-being during tough times.
No Special Storage is Needed
Unlike some prepper-friendly meals that require specialized storage, MREs are made to withstand the toughest environments. These ready-to-eat meals can stand up to cold, humidity, and heat without sacrificing quality. With their durability and versatility, MREs have become a popular, low-maintenance, and reliable choice for preppers everywhere.
Caloric Customization
During disasters and emergencies, energy needs can vary depending on age, activity, and health. Ready-to-eat meals offer caloric flexibility, allowing buyers to customize selections based on their dietary requirements. This level of adaptability ensures that all family members get the right amount of food and energy to sustain them during life’s most challenging times.
Little to No Waste
Traditional emergency rations may require water for cooking or rehydration, leading to the overuse of scarce resources. Today’s MREs, however, generate little waste, as they are designed to be enjoyed right from the package. Not only do modern MREs conserve water, but they also reduce environmental impact by eliminating the need for eating utensils.
Durability In the Harshest Conditions
MREs are designed to withstand challenging conditions, making them an appropriate choice for preppers. Whether exposed to moisture, rough handling, or temperature fluctuations, MREs remain safe and ready to eat. Their proven durability makes these ready-to-eat meals a fine addition to your emergency supply kit.
MREs Are Built Military Tough
Ready-to-eat meals have been included in military rations for several decades, which proves their effectiveness and reliability. The military’s rigorous standards ensure that MREs meet the strictest criteria for durability, safety, and nutrition. When civilians rely on the military’s expertise to create disaster preparedness plans, they get the dependable, proven resources they need.
Allergy Information is Available
Today’s MRE packaging includes in-depth allergen information, which helps those with allergies and dietary restrictions make safe choices. This high level of transparency allows buyers to choose MREs that meet their needs, ensuring that their emergency food supplies are suitable and safe for everyone in the household.
Little Prep is Needed to Eat and Enjoy Ready-to-Eat Meals
When disaster strikes, time is one of our most essential resources. Ready-to-eat meals are a great addition to a preparedness toolkit because of their minimal prep time. The easy, fast process of opening packages and eating the contents allows families to focus on other vital tasks without sacrificing nutrition.
Easier Evacuations and Shelter-in-Place Orders
Whether you’re moving to a secure location or decide to shelter in place, MREs offer a practical, delicious way to maintain your family’s sustenance. Their portable, compact design makes them simple to store, and their light weight allows you to move them quickly when needed.
The Cost Efficiency of MREs
Adding MREs to your disaster preparedness kit is a cost-effective choice. While the upfront cost may be higher than that of conventional canned goods, the high nutritional value and long shelf life of MREs offer long-term benefits. Furthermore, the versatility and convenience of ready-to-eat meals add to their value as a prepper’s food source.
Peace of Mind When the Unexpected Happens
There’s never a good time for a disaster, and most events leave us with little time for planning or gathering the essentials. Including MREs in your crisis kit provides additional reassurance and a ready-made, reliable food source for you and your family.
Storing MREs Safely and Securely
As versatile and rugged as MREs are, they must be stored under certain conditions. Consider investing in quality waterproof plastic or metal containers to keep your food dry and vermin-free.
Should You Include MREs in Your Emergency Food Plan?
Ready-to-eat meals are self-contained, convenient, and require no refrigeration. They include everything needed for a morning, noon, or evening meal, including entrees, side dishes, condiments, and napkins. MREs are a great backup food source during tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, civil unrest, and other disasters. With these meals, you can keep the family fed no matter what happens.
MREs Provide Comfort and Nourishment When Times Get Tough
Adding MREs to your disaster preparedness kit is a strategic, prudent decision. Their portability, long shelf life, balanced nutrition, and easy preparation make them a reliable, versatile resource during difficult times.
As we navigate a turbulent world, preparedness ensures our safety and that of our families. With an emergency kit that includes MREs, you can have the sustenance needed to face uncertain situations confidently. Count on the experts at Prepared Bee to recommend the best ready-to-eat meals for preppers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
