If you had to choose between survival food and MREs, which would you pick?
Survival food might seem like the obvious answer. But let’s look at the pros and cons of each before we jump to any conclusions.
As a general rule, MREs (meals ready to eat) don’t have a great reputation. Complaints range from the lack of taste and nutritional value to poor shelf life and high cost (over $7 each). They’re often heavy, and each package feeds only one person.
But they have fed U.S. military personnel for many decades. And they’ve improved through the years. Self-contained MREs come in airtight packaging. And they should last a few years under most conditions.
MREs are highly processed
Today’s MREs usually include a main entrée (such as beef stew or spaghetti). Plus a side dish (like rice, corn or mashed potatoes), a starch (cracker or bread), and a spread (peanut butter, jelly or cheese).
As well as a dessert (cookies or pound cake) and a piece of candy (Skittles, M&Ms or Tootsie Rolls). Also, a beverage (coffee, tea, dairy shakes, cocoa). Some come with a flameless heater, so you get a hot meal.
Making the food highly processed is the only solution to keeping MREs shelf-stable in extreme weather conditions. But they’re ready to eat on the spot. And they provide enough calories for soldiers to keep moving.
There is some variety with MREs (24 different meals as of last count). But you can’t mix and match. You get what’s in your container and that’s that. They have about 1,300 calories per meal. With 55% of the energy coming from carbohydrates, 35% from fat, and 15% from protein.
It’s often disclosed that you shouldn’t rely on MREs as a long-term food source. Eating MREs for more than 21 days can lead to nutritional deficiencies that could affect your health.
Survival food checks all the boxes
Survival food has many more pros than cons. Dehydrated and freeze-dried foods are very affordable. Especially compared to MREs.
They also have much longer shelf lives. When stored properly, they can maintain their taste and nutritional value for 25 years.
Survival food is lightweight. Mainly due to nearly all the moisture being removed prior to packaging. And they can be easily stored – preferably in a cool, dark, dry place.
Meals made from survival food are simple and quick to prepare. And multiple people can be fed from a single package of survival food. If there’s any downside to survival food when compared to MREs, it’s that most items require water for rehydration.
Putting myths to rest
In addition to the information provided above, you may have heard myths about survival food. Let’s put a few of those to rest right now.
Myth: You can store survival food anywhere. Sure, you can, but some locations are much better than others. Remember, the enemies of food preservation include heat, light, and moisture. Make sure to avoid each when you store your survival food.
Myth: People will eat anything when they’re starving. Again, sure, but the variety in survival food is essential for good health during a crisis. Variety provides different nutrients your body needs.
Myth: Survival food tastes bad. Unlike canned food that can lose its taste and nutritional value over time, freeze-dried survival food tastes as good and fresh as the day it is packaged.
Comparing MREs with survival food
Let’s quickly review what makes MREs different from survival food.
MREs: Will last 3-5 years under proper storage conditions.
Survival food: Will last up to 25 years under proper storage conditions.
MREs: Are expensive. Can run you up to $30 a day.
Survival food: Is cost-effective. Often just a little over $1 per serving.
MREs: Bulky and heavy. Storing and transporting them can be difficult.
Survival food: Because nearly all the moisture is removed, it’s compact and easy to move.
MREs: Each container feeds only one person. Items not consumed are usually tossed.
Survival food: Packages that feed multiple people are resealable.
MREs: Are highly processed in order to maintain their longevity.
Survival food: Vitamins and nutrients are preserved through the freeze-drying process.
Needed more now than ever
Extreme weather, worldwide tensions, airborne illnesses… everything is stacking up to make food less available and more expensive.
You owe it to yourself and your family to make sure you’re stocked up with at least three months’ worth of survival food. And a reliable water filtering device. Now is an ideal time to do it.
With our Veterans Day special, 4Patriots is offering a 3-month supply of great-tasting, nutritious, and long-lasting survival food. It comes with over $750 in free bonuses. Including a countertop water filtration system. Plus freeze-dried beef and chicken. And two 72-hour survival food kits.
