MRE Full Meal With Heater
The Meal-Ready-To-Eat (MRE) is designed to sustain an individual engaged in heavy activity such as a disaster when normal food service facilities are not available. The MRE is a totally self-contained operational ration consisting of a full meal packed in a flexible meal bag. The full bag is lightweight and fits easily into military field clothing pockets and gear bags. Each meal bag contains an entree and a variety of other components. Components are selected to complement each entree as well as provide necessary nutrition. Each meal also contains an accessory packet. The contents of one MRE meal bag provide an average of 1250 kilocalories (13 % protein, 36 % fat, and 51 % carbohydrates). Except for the beverages, the entire meal is ready to eat. While the entree may be eaten cold when operationally necessary, it can also be heated in a variety of ways, including submersion in hot water while still sealed in its individual entree package. Since mid 1992, a flameless ration heating device has also been packed into each meal bag to heat the entree. The shelf life of the MRE is three (3) years at 80 degrees F. However, the shelf life can be extended through the use of cold storage facilities.