In this video, Jeremy from Different Day Tactical discusses how to make affordable, customizable, and nutritious MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) at home. These homemade MREs are designed to be a budget-friendly alternative to traditional military MREs and commercial backpacking meals, making them ideal for preppers and anyone interested in emergency preparedness. If you don’t want to eat military MREs then this might be a good option for you.
Why Homemade MREs?
With economic and food crises on the horizon, more people are turning to preparedness. Homemade MREs provide an economical solution, offering the flexibility to choose preferred ingredients while ensuring nutritional needs are met. If you need something to fill the role of a traditional MRE but cannot find any available, a homemade MRE might be appropriate.
Components of a Homemade MRE
Main Course
- Uncle Ben’s Jasmine Rice: Provides 420 calories per pouch. Can be eaten as is or with added hot water for improved texture.
- Chicken Packets: Preferred over tuna for taste and higher protein content. Two packs per MRE add significant protein.
Snacks and Sides
- Clif Bars: Each bar offers 250 calories, packed with carbohydrates for energy. Other options include protein bars or granola bars.
- Oatmeal Packets: Easy to prepare with just a small amount of water, providing 160 calories per packet. Ideal for breakfast.
Condiments and Extras
- Condiments: Small bags containing salt, pepper, and hot sauce packets to enhance the flavor of the meals.
- Drink Packets: Single-serve drink mixes like pink lemonade for morale boost.
Packaging
- Custom Menu and Inventory: Each MRE includes a printed menu detailing contents, quantities, expiration dates, and calorie count. This helps in managing inventory efficiently.
Preparation and Usage
Minimal Preparation Needed
Most components can be consumed without heating, though some items like rice and oatmeal can benefit from adding hot water. This makes homemade MREs highly convenient for field use.
Shelf Life and Storage
Ingredients are chosen for their long shelf life, and packaging in ziplock bags helps maintain freshness and portability.
Nutritional Value
A typical homemade MRE provides around 1400 calories, more than many commercial options. This includes a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats to sustain energy levels throughout the day.
Cost Efficiency
Each homemade MRE costs approximately $7, significantly cheaper than traditional military MREs ($12-15) and commercial backpacking meals ($8-12).
Customization
Homemade MREs allow for greater customization based on personal taste preferences and dietary needs. You can easily swap out items or adjust quantities to suit your requirements.
Weighing the Benefits
The total weight of a homemade MRE is just under 18 ounces, making it lightweight and easy to carry, especially for backpacking and outdoor activities.
Final Recommendations
Homemade MREs are an excellent solution for those looking to prepare for emergencies or enjoy convenient, nutritious meals on the go. They offer significant cost savings, customizable options, and require minimal preparation.
Summary
- Introduction: Jeremy introduces the concept of homemade MREs as a cost-effective alternative to commercial options.
- Cost Efficiency: Discussion on the cost of homemade MREs, which are around $7 each, significantly cheaper than traditional MREs and commercial backpacking meals.
- Customizable Contents: Breakdown of the components included in a homemade MRE, such as Uncle Ben’s jasmine rice, chicken packets, Clif bars, and oatmeal.
- Nutritional Value: Each homemade MRE provides about 1400 calories, offering more sustenance than typical MREs and many commercial meals.
- Minimal Preparation: Explanation of how most components can be eaten without heating, though adding hot water can improve some items.
- Shelf Life and Inventory: Using a custom menu label to keep track of contents and expiration dates for better inventory management.
- Morale Boosters: Including flavored drink packets and condiments to enhance the taste and enjoyment of meals.
- Portability: Weighing just under 18 ounces, these MREs are lightweight and easy to carry.
- Energy Boosters: Clif bars and other high-calorie snacks provide quick energy for sustained activity.
- Readily Available Ingredients: Ingredients and packaging materials are easily found in grocery stores, making these MREs accessible and convenient to prepare.