The Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) is a self-contained individual United States military ration used by the United States Armed Forces and Department of Defense. It is intended for use by American service members in combat or field conditions where other food is not available. MREs have also been distributed to civilians as humanitarian daily rations during natural disasters and wars.
Each meal provides about 1,200 calories (5,000 kJ). They are intended to be eaten for a maximum of 21 days (the assumption is that logistics units can provide fresh food rations by then), and have a minimum shelf life of three years (depending on storage conditions).
Packaging requirements are strict. MREs must be able to withstand parachute drops from 380 metres (1,250 ft), and non-parachute drops of 30 metres (98 ft). The packaging is required to maintain a minimum shelf life of three and a half years at 27 °C (81 °F), nine months at 38 °C (100 °F), and short durations from −51 °C (−60 °F) to 49 °C (120 °F) must be sustainable.
Menu 2021 # MRE XLI (2021)
1 Chili w/ Beans
2 Shredded BBQ Beef
3 Chicken w/ Egg Noodles & Vegetables
4 Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce
5 Chicken Chunks
6 Beef Taco
7 Beef Brisket
8 Meatballs w/ Marinara Sauce
9 Beef Stew
10 Chili and Macaroni
11 Vegetarian Taco Pasta
12 Elbow Macaroni and Tomato Sauce
13 Cheese Tortellini
14 Spinach Mushrooms & Cream Sauce Fettuccine
15 Mexican Style Chicken Stew
16 Chicken Burrito Bowl
17 Maple Sausage
18 Beef Ravioli
19 Jalapeno Pepper Jack Beef Patty20 Italian Sausage w/ Vegetables (removed from menu)
21 Lemon Pepper Tuna
22 Beef Goulash
23 Pepperoni Pizza Slice
24 Southwest Beef and Black Beans
Each MRE weighs 510 to 740 grams (18 to 26 oz), depending on the menu. Since MREs contain water, they weigh more than freeze-dried meals providing equivalent calories.
(source: wikipedia, Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE))