While bored at work I was looking at the BBC web site and saw this.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4221838.stm

We are sending a lot of this type of stuff over to try and help with the relief effort and I was wondering how the american MRE packs compare.

I think they're pretty similar. IIRC, a typical MRE pack contains something like 8000 KCalories. They're designed to pack a tremendous amount of calories into the smallest space possible, be waterproof, and be edible even when water is short (although from the ones I've eaten, I would say you could technically eat them without water, but water sure helps them along for palatability).

The national guard and some active duty folks have been dispensing these for a few days now as well.

I don't think food was the biggest issue for the people stranded, I believe potable water was the biggest problem.

Many friends have told me that some of the MRE packs are quite tasty :)
(and for those interested, you can actually pick them up at Army/Navy Surplus stores)

I think they're pretty similar. IIRC, a typical MRE pack contains something like 8000 KCalories. They're designed to pack a tremendous amount of calories into the smallest space possible, be waterproof, and be edible even when water is short (although from the ones I've eaten, I would say you could technically eat them without water, but water sure helps them along for palatability).

The national guard and some active duty folks have been dispensing these for a few days now as well.

I don't think food was the biggest issue for the people stranded, I believe potable water was the biggest problem.

Cold weather MRE's might have 8000, but normal MREs are around 2500, I believe.

They are horrible. The two foulest meals I've ever consumed are the old frankfurter MREs and the newer bean burrito MRE. /shiver.

I lived primarily on MRE's and assorted ration foods for a little over 6 months and they aren't so bad once you get used to them. We used the radiator of our vehicle to heat the foil pouches of food. When you add salt pepper and hot sauce to the crap, it almost became a good warm meal.

What was worse for me was when the only food we had for a week was lunchbucket lasagna. You know, the little microwaveable cup things. We ate those 3 times a day for a week. To this day, I have never eaten another one of those things.

The one thing I think alot of people don't realize is that when you are in a dire situation, food becomes just a necessity and not a luxury. Taste is easily forgone.

The one thing I think alot of people don't realize is that when you are in a dire situation, food becomes just a necessity and not a luxury. Taste is easily forgone.
I can vouch for this when dieting. :p Food totally loses all recreational value.

We appreciate the help, thank you. I'm sure the ration packs will be very welcome meals for those in need.

I've eaten a couple of MRE's before. One thing I can say, they will make you crap a brick. I don't think you're supposed to live off them for very long at a time.

That's what the Taster's Choice instant coffee is for...;)

That's what the Taster's Choice instant coffee is for...;)

Ah, see, I didn't mess with that part. Now I know better:)