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MRE Alternatives

In the seventies, NASA needed something to replace their tube-based astronaut meals. Military research labs created the first MREs (Meals Ready to Eat, or retort pouches) to meet this need. After NASA successfully adopted a pouch-based system, the military saw its value and replaced their field rations with retort pouches. Since then these retort pouches have been continually refined into the MREs we see today. An MRE's multi-layered pouch is more convenient than a can but it is equally good at preserving food. If you're looking for something cheaper, more compact or easy to find, here are some options.

  1. Meat and Rice Pouches

    • A good place to find MRE alternatives is your local grocery store. As you browse the aisles look for fish or chicken fillets in foil pouches. These pouches weigh four to five ounces and cost about $2 unless you have a coupon. You can get them in many different seasonings to match your preference. You can also find 8.8 ounce ready-to-eat pouches of beans and rice or flavored rice for about the same price. Add a pop-top can of fruit salad for a complete meal. To create a compact package that lasts even longer, use a vacuum sealer. This do-it-yourself MRE tastes better and costs less than the military version.

    Freeze Dried Entrees

    • If you have a large sporting goods store in your area, freeze dried foods are another good option. They can be expensive but they're favored by backpackers for their light weight, compact size, convenience and taste. With a shelf life of 25 or more years, freeze dried entrees last longer than MREs but you need water to fix them. Since freeze drying locks in the flavor and texture, when you rehydrate and heat these entrees they taste almost fresh. Most freeze dried entrees come in two-serving pouches. Just add them to boiling water to make a hot meal.

    Meal Replacement Bars and Drinks

    • Athletes and bodybuilders use energy bars and protein drinks in their daily training routines. Their need for quick and easy nutrition created a market for meal replacement products and today they're everywhere. These products range in price from one to several dollars and they're designed to deliver a good balance of nutrients, proteins, fats and carbs without slowing you down. Since these meal replacements are easy to digest, your body assimilates them quickly and converts them to energy. Meal replacement shakes come in 250 calorie eight ounce bottles that deliver about 10 grams of protein, 40 grams of carbs and five grams of fat. A 370 calorie meal replacement bar provides approximately nine grams of protein, 48 grams of carbs and 18 grams of fat. They don't last like an MRE but they deliver great nutrition.

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