Howdy folks, it's Steve1989 from MREinfo here with a 1970 MCI (C-Ration) and this one has seen better days! I smoke one of the 45 year old Lucky Strike cigarettes in it and it still tasted absolutely 100% normal - not sure how that held up so well - but the accessory packet it was in I suppose had no pinholes in it and it if anything, the tobacco aged over the years. I have 3 left and am planning on smoking 2 and sharing the last one with a very good friend. Hope you guys enjoy the video - this one is totally un-edited so it has it's hiccups. I have new videos and material on the way already and am using Movie Maker to actually edit them properly so they will be a little more professionally executed so my apologies on this one being a bit rambling and "raw" if you will. Thanks for watching and hope you had even half as much fun viewing this as I did opening and reviewing! - Steve
Howdy folks, it's Steve1989 again from MREinfo, and we are going to be digging into a RCW (Ration, Cold Weather) from 1992. These are pretty uncommon by this point and there isn't a whole lot of documentation on them, yet. So we are going to give this neat vintage Ration a proper introduction - a little technical info provided first, and then the initial part of the review followed.
Here is part 2 of the 1992 RCW A component (breakfast) review.
This is the final part of the A Component of this 1992 DoP RCW packed by So-Pak - this is where I try out the Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal and wrap up the A-component of this particular Ration. Boy, that was some tasty oatmeal and made for a fantastic midnight-snack - quite the delicacy! Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoyed the review. Thanks so much! -Steve
Hey there, folks! Steve1989 from MREinfo again, and this is the 4th part of the 1992 RCW Review - this is where we open up the B-Component with the Beef Stew, Chocolate Brownie, and more! Always learning and having fun with these unusual Rations and I hope you enjoy the video!
Hello everyone! Steve1989 from MREinfo here, and this is the 5th part of the 1992 RCW Review - this is the continuation and finale of this awesome vintage RCW. Hope you had even half as good of a time watching as I did reviewing this no longer produced relic. Thanks so much for watching and hope you have a great day/evening! -Steve
Hey there, everyone! It's Steve1989 with a whole case of Food Packet, Survival, Abandon Ship to review - these were given to Navy troops who were bailing out onto life rafts in a case of emergency and were essentially the survival food used in that environment until 1997 when the US adopted what is now commercially available as Datrex & Mainstay bars. It's a non-thirst provoking ration that is pretty much exclusively carbohydrates - fats & proteins require more water to process and assimilate so this is a relatively effective Ration for it's general purpose.
Howdy, folks! It's Steve1989 from mreinfo.com here with a rare and very interesting South African Defense Forces "Rat Pack" 24hr Ration here. I had a great time with this one, and I hope you all do too. Thank you for all your support, and I will continue to share the rare, old, and exciting Military Rations from the relatively recent past. -Steve
Howdy folks, doing the review of a Food Packet Survival Abandon Ship with a date of production from February 1973. We open the case, try out a jelly bar, smoke a 42 1/2 year old Pall Mall, and talk about the practical use of this nearly forgotten and now very rare Ration. Sadly this one was tampered with - professionally opened and re-sealed by some collector that took out 5 of the food packets, replaced one with a food packet from 1992 - and opened the cigarette packet, but luckily left them in. In this video, I said someone took 3 packs - I stand corrected and looked back and realized it was 5. Also I said 1982 instead of 1992 at one point about a comparison to the previous review of the 1992 version. Sometimes I mis-speak - sorry about that! Anyways, hope you guys enjoy the review and don't mind watching my accidental too close-up look at me smoking one of the Pall Malls.. I really do need to get a better film set-up with more space. Every time I do one of these Ration review videos, I have a deeper understanding and respect for the seasoned reviewer's filming techniques and professionalism. I am still learning, so thanks guys for your patience and understanding! Take care & hope you all have a great day/evening! -Steve
Hey there, everyone! Steve1989 from MREinfo back here with a 1959 DoP (Date of Production) Royal Canadian Air Force Food Packet, Survival FP-3 up for a thorough review. There is the good, the bad, and the ugly on this rare gem. Very unusual Ration with some scary taste tests - the thing is 56 years old and has certainly passed it's prime! Anyways, hope you guys like the video and I will try & have something new coming up every day/evening for the next few days. Thank you for your kind support. -Steve
Hello everyone, this is a review of freshly opened components sent to me by my good friend and colleague, Ruleryak in the Military Ration field of documentation and inspection of older components. Thanks for watching everyone! -Steve
By request, I braved it and decided to open/share this Cheese spread from a previous Ration review of the MCI 1979 DoP. A quick video, I hope you folks enjoy. You're lucky you didn't have to smell this stuff...!
Howdy, folks! Steve 1989 back again with a nice vintage April 1977 Date of Production LRP Menu # 1 Beef Hash, sent to me by Ruleryak. We delve into this one with brave taste tests of food made the same year as Star Wars episode 4 - A New Hope. This was made 2 years after the Vietnam war and is pretty much the same thing that special forces and recon etc. had to chow down on back in the day. Hope you guys like the video and this one teaches us that freeze-dried vacuum sealed entrees can last for over 35 years! In this case, it was 38 years old.. and my dinner!
Gundog & I both got a really messed up experience with this thing. It was Gundog's brilliant idea to title this "The MRE of Death" all credit to that title goes to you, good sir. The video says it all so no need for me to yap any further! HAH! -Steve
This is an unboxing video of a trade from StickyFingaz745, but he also included some extra MRE's for Christmas. It was really generous and super cool of him to do this. I cannot thank you enough, bro!
Hey there, everyone! Steve1989 here with another review and this time it's 2 1985 MRE's from Stickyfingaz. These were some pretty spoiled MRE's and I for some reason ended up trying some of the Chocolate Nut Cake in menu 10 even against my better judgement and got minor food poisoning. Mt tongue swelled from the rancid nuts. Oh well! Hope you guys enjoy it, and thanks for watching! -Steve
Howdy, folks! Steve1989 here with the intoduction and overview of the 6 different Module Operational Ration Enhancement (MORE), PLUS a review of the Hot Weather Pack #1! Enjoy!
Hey there everyone, this is a strange review of this relatively unknown age US Coast Guard Approved Survival Ration packed by Ash-Jon Corporation. I believe this is from 1969-1970 from the looks of the Hershey's Tropical Bar label - other than that, there are no true indicators of date since it has no DoP code. Hope everyone enjoys this video and me attempting to enjoy the food inside. I really brave it with some questionable chocolate, hard as a rock Jelly Bars, and some slightly rancid crackers that have seen better days! Have fun! -Steve1989
Hello, everyone! This time, we have 2 B-Unit cans from a very rare Post-Korean War-era Ration, Combat, Individual (RCI) up for review. We try out the crackers, jam, cocoa beverage, and most notably - eating half of a can of that 61 year old peanut butter - what has to be by far the oldest recorded peanut butter ever eaten! About 21 hours later right now, and I am just fine. Had indigestion, and slightly low energy today, but the energy part probably derived from a complete & utter lack of proper rest, as per usual whilst making these YT videos. It's more than worth it for your enjoyment. Hope you folks like the video! -Steve
Hey there, everyone! This time we have a "best by" 2010 Thai Army Ration, and according to various translations it is a Stir Fried Beef Curry with Garlic & Pepper. This was an incredibly exotic Ration experience, the entree was fantastic. A strong authentic curry overtone with the beef, and garlic and pepper undertones with the savory beef and rice as a nice base to the whole thing. The chocolate wafer bar was stale, but I still managed to enjoy it. Fish sauce was spoiled, sadly. I was hoping it would be good, but being 6 years past the "best by" date, I was really surprised any of it was. Then again, I eat some really old stuff so I shouldn't be too surprised. Overall, this was a very enjoyable experience, and I hope you all like the video! -Steve
Hey there, everyone! This is a relatively simple review of a very fresh 1998 LRP Chicken Ala King. This was the best generation of LRP in my opinion - back when they were packed 16 to a case, and the contents were absolutely delicious and classic! This video shows your older tan pouched LRP's are still most likely fresh, so don't toss 'em! They are very enjoyable Rations, and it is one of my absolute favorites. I'm sorry this isn't something very old and crazy, so that is why I decided to do a 1951 RCI B Unit Can review the same day so you guys can get a nice double feature night. Thanks so much, as always everyone for your loyal support and kind words! You guys are the best! Hope you enjoy the review! -Steve
Hey there, folks! This is a RCI B-3 Unit from September 1951 - sadly nothing in this Korean War-era Ration was edible other than the sugar. And trust me, I tried to eat some, but that smell was so awful - so rank and dangerous, I couldn't have done it no matter what! I still have 2 more B Units from this era, and also an extremely rare Accessory Packet Can with a whole pack of cigarettes coming up very soon - this and my 1998 LRP are a double feature tonight, and I will edit one or two more before bed and maybe get those up in the wee hours of the morning, or sometime tomorrow. Keeping these videos churning out and for your learning/entertainment! Thanks so much for watching, and I hope you enjoy the madness! -Steve
This time, we are checking out a WW2 Canadian "Food Container" from 1945. This thing was notorious back then for being the most awful (and memorable) Ration eaten by the Canadian Troops - and now we are peering back in time to something that those poor guys had to eat then. And I get to eat it now! Watch me eat the oldest ever recorded (as of January 25th, 2016) chocolate, and biscuits! I ended up eating more than half of this Ration - actually the camera cut off for 4 of the biscuits, but I at most of those. And half of one of the 71 year old chocolate bars, and one of the two 6-count chocolate tablet packs. It was quite an experience! Hope you enjoy the video, and thanks so much everyone for you kind support! -Steve
Hello everyone! We are smoking the oldest ever recorded cigarette out of a Korean War-era Accessory Packet Can from 1951. This thing is 65 years old, extremely rare, and will probably never be filmed again upon opening and enjoying - at least not quite like this. This is a relic, and not to worry, this one wasn't the only in my collection, the other 2 are now in a respected collection and will be displayed soon. And this one will be sent off to a display as well. It was certainly a pleasure opening this and enjoying a nice old Chesterfield cigarette and Topps brand gum. Both were still perfectly fresh and enjoyable. Something that I have been anticipating for about 5 years now. And this cost some hard earned money and time to locate. Worth every second and penny put into it! Thanks so much for watching/subscribing. Hope you folks find this video interesting and hopefully a little entertaining as well. -Steve
Howdy, folks! We've got ourselves a 1987 Menu 1 - Freeze Dried Pork Patty featuring the stinky cheese of death, and a grape drink that solidified into a strange block of something nasty. Co-starring lightly fermented (and eating half of it) applesauce, Reagan Cookie (The best thing ever made), standard MRE crackers, the Pork Patty (simply amazing), and MRE Hot Mochaaa! So, this one was a doozy - and technical difficulties with the editor almost made it not happen. So without further ado, let's rock it & roll it! 4 Fingers of Death is coming up next..! -Steve
Hey there everyone, this is a review of a very uncommon New Generation Survival Ration - the prototype to the modern Food packet Survival General Purpose. This Ration differs in a few ways from the FPSGP, for one, it has the Wintergreen Bar instead of Wintergreen Tablets - and it also does not have the tea mix. I hope you folks enjoy seeing this unusual/obscure Ration, and thanks so much for watching/subscribing! -Steve
Hey there folks, here is a Norwegian Arctic Field Ration - and this one was one of the most enjoyable and high quality Military Rations I've ever had. This was a breakfast meal, and it certainly would be a nice Ration for a soldier in arctic conditions. Hope you enjoy the video and thanks for watching! -Steve
Hey there everyone, we have a 1976-78 (Between that specific period) Food Packet Long Range Patrol up for review, and this one turned out to be fully edible, and relatively decent considering it's age! Perfect for dinner! Get a front row look into what the men in uniform had to chow down on in the mid-late 70's. A true time capsule! Hope you folks enjoy the review, and thanks so much, as always for watching/subscribing! Will come back with something new (or old) really soon! -Steve
Hey there, everyone! We have 3 generations of the Food Packet Survival General Purpose spanning from 3 decades up for review. Witness the evolution of this amazing Ration and how they worked out the bugs to make it what I can honestly say is a perfect survival Ration! Hope you enjoy the video and thanks so much for watching! -Steve
Check out this classic 20 year old (and for the most part perfectly fresh!) British 24hr MRE. This specific menu took me 12 years to find. Huge thanks to Stickyfingaz745 for making it happen! Hope you liked this review, I know I sure enjoyed making it - was certainly a pleasure and I hope to find another older UK ORP sometime again soon! Thanks so much for watching and subscribing and I shall continue these old & new Military Ration reviews for you all to enjoy. -Steve
Hello everyone, fellow MRE reviewer, RC Gusto, sent me a JSDF 2! So we're doing a review of this beautiful Ration containing 2 delicious entrees: Meat Dumplings, and Gomoku Fried Rice! I also added in some Furikake Bonito & Mirin. It really adds to the white sticky rice with a complex overtone of flavor! Hope you all enjoy the video - I certainly had a blast making it! Thanks so much for watching and subscribing everyone - you are such a driving force! -Steve
Hello everyone! We got ourselves a very unusual little review this time - it is of a Hershey's Desert Bar - not many of these were made and very few exist today. It is a prototype bar developed by Natick Food Labs and was originally used by US Soldiers during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. It wasn't very popular and the leftover stocks were sold on the commercial market for about a year and then discontinued. Hope you enjoy this one - it is certainly unusual! -Steve
Hey there, everyone! Gundog4314 sent me a surprise package of goodies, so this video starts with the unboxing. And then I review one of the box's contents, which is a JSDF 1 (Japanese Self Defense Forces) Ration! This one was a real treat - and it was nice being able to eat something normal (and fresh) this time! Thanks so much gundog4314, and thank you all for watching and subscribing. I hope you enjoy the video, and I will be coming back with something new (or old!). -Steve
Howdy, everyone! We have a vintage old-style Australian CR1M 24 hour Ration here for a full review. This is the one with the czns of food and not modern-style retort pouches. It has seen better days! The video would have been released last month, but I had major technical difficulties in the first half of the video that finally got fixed when I got home from vacation yesterday. Hope you all enjoy the review, and thanks so much as always for your incredible support - you all mean so much to me, a main driving force in this endeavor. Thank you again! -Steve
Hey there, folks! This is the notorious Vintage MRE - Frankfurters, or "Four Fingers of Death". We delve into this 34 year old MRE, try it out, and live to tell the tale. Check this one out - it's a ton of fun! Hope you enjoy it, and thanks so much for watching/subscribing, and for your support as always! -Steve
Howdy, folks! This time we've got 2 B-Unit cans from a Ration, Combat, Individual from 1951 and 1952. The first can didn't hold up well at all! Second was AMAZING and everything in it was perfectly preserved! Witness the most incredible Ration yet with perfectly edible and palatable food made 65 years ago with the B-2 Unit can! Also, witness the terror of the first can (B-1 Unit) and it even cutting my pinky.. ouch! (really wasn't bad glad I didn't need a tetanus shot! hah!). Hope everyone enjoys this one, and thanks so much for watching and subscribing. You are all so amazing, and thank you for the inspiration as well! -Steve
Hey there, everyone! Got an interesting one this time, it is a Korean War era Food packet, Survival, ST-3! The "ST"stands for Survival Tropic, and this Ration was designed to be a low thirst provoking survival Ration in hot/tropical climates. It comes with mainly Jelly Bars, coffee and tea mixes, sugar, and a small bottle of water purification tablets to treat malaria. This one held up poorly - hope you guys still enjoy this review, I am sorry it couldn't be better! -Steve
Howdy, folks! This time we got a Pork & Rice W/ BBQ Sauce MRE from 1993 that has been frozen for the last 15 years (Actually just talked to Jerry, the dude I got 'em from and he told me up to 20 years) and this experiment was a 100% success! This thing looks and tastes like it was made last year! Even the applesauce was in perfect shape! Absolutely amazing MRE review for that reason alone and totally worth watching, you won't be disappointed. Hope you enjoy the review and stay tuned, I have 5 more just like this one where they were frozen for at least 15 years! Stay tuned! -Steve
In this video we check out some various components to MCI's (C-Rations) made just after the end of the Vietnam War. We check out old cakes, crackers, jam, cocoa, coffee, and more! Hope you like the video! We have the rest of those frozen MRE's and even more in the process of editing - this is just a "Hold ya over" video. Have fun! -Steve
A truly amazing experience here with a 1993 MRE Menu #4 Omelet with Ham. This thing actually turned out to be quite the surprise! Check out the review and see for yourself, this one's bad name may finally be partially redeemed. Hope you enjoy the review, thank you all so much for watching and subscribing - hope you all have a good one! -Steve
Yet another incredibly well preserved vintage MRE from 1993, frozen between 15-20 (looking to be more like 20 years since Jerry told me they were frozen in 1996!) years coming out absolutely beautiful and fully edible and really not too bad! The M&M's were iffy looking, but I ate them and they were pretty darned good, honestly. I would rate it a 7/10 back when it was fresh. Thanks Jerry for the awesome opportunity! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Stickyfingaz745 sent me this old Coast Guard Approved Ration from 1977 - let's jump in and see what's still edible! Had an absolute blast with this one - thanks stickyfingaz! And I hope you all enjoyed this review - it was an experience to say the least..! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Hey there everyone, here is an introduction to a series of Survival Rations and kits that I we will be checking out in full detail over the next few videos. We're starting with the Coast Guard Approved Survival Food Bars & the packets of water. The actual review starts at 4:00 or so - the introduction briefly presents the items displayed. Hope you guys like this 3 part series! It may end up running longer than 3 parts because I am working on acquiring even more US and foreign Survival Rations shortly. -Steve
Part 2 in the Survival Ration series - this time we check out a never before seen Navy Lifeboat Ration - and also we re-evaluate two generations of the Food Packet, Abandon Ship. The Lifeboat Ration had the oldest Pemmican I've ever eaten. It was made in 1973, so that makes it 43 years old or so. Took 3 small bites and it really didn't taste all that bad considering it smelled fruity & slight of rot. The biscuits are rancid - candy fully edible - chocolate resembles more of some old sweet bread than chocolate and is slightly rancid. Overall a great experience.. hah! -Steve
Howdy, folks! Dominic, Grizzly Adam, gundog4314, and stickyfingaz745 sent in some MRE's for testing - and we are unpacking all 5 plus reviewing the two oldest in this part of 1 of 2 of this MRE reviewing marathon! Sit tight - it gets a little gnarly with The Ala King & some really weird old chocolate. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Hey everyone! In this video, we check out two different generations of fascinating Pilot's Survival Kits and a full review on Vietnam Era Pilot's Survival Rations! The Food Packet Survival Abandon Aircraft was sent in by an awesome fellow Youtuber named tarstakars. Thank you so so much man! This was an incredible experience. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Part 2 of the MRE Marathon - the two 1999's came from Dominic, and the year 2000 was from Grizzly Adam. Thanks so much for making this one happen, guys! Interesting to see the transitional differences in these relatively "vintage" MRE's. These menus are no longer in production and we get a slightly rare glimpse into these discontinued entrees. Check it out! Hope you folks enjoy the video and stay tuned, got some really cool projects and rare items coming up for review! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Here is a 1951 Food Packet Individual Assault - a very rare Ration from the Korean War era. Check out this video and see this never before filmed in color Military Ration. And also witness the oldest chocolate chip cookie, jelly bar eaten, and cigarette ever smoked (2nd oldest actually by only 3 months to my own record). A very rare and interesting glimpse - hope you enjoy! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this full review of a Vietnam War MCI or "C Ration"! This is the food US soldiers ate when deployed in the Vietnam War. Simple, much like an MRE but the meals were in cans. They used to have cigarettes in Rations until 1972. This one here turned out to be in pretty bad shape except the cigarettes. Check out this video and see for yourself! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This is a 1950 Navy Survival Ration given out to sailors when they had to jump ship. It's a simple 360 calorie Ration - just enough to keep you alive if in a liferaft trying to survive. RC Gusto sent this one to me - super generous and nice of him! If you don't know RC Gusto, he's a fellow MRE Reviewer - and an amazing dude. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Here's a quick look into a 1976-78 Chicken & Rice LRP - this one was a most unexpected turn on what I usually encounter on an old LRP... check out the video and see for yourself! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Take a look at a C Ration & eating some components.. and also looking at some super nasty Ham & Eggs from a can that was produced almost 40 years ago. A gnarly experience that requires a solid viewing. Enjoy. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out a 1968 Vietnam War "C-Rat" being opened and some Philip Morris cigarettes from between 1949-1952 being smoked. A true experience - you can't miss it! Have fun! -Steve
The breakfast component of a RCW, (Ration, Cold Weather) - the predecessor of the MCW (Meal, Cold Weather) - this one came from Stickyfingaz745 - awesome MRE reviewer and friend. Check out this near-perfectly preserved Ration - and stay tuned for part 2.. the Lunch/Dinner component of this 24 Hour Ration! Enjoy! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
I'm proud to present to you, my rarest and most expensive Military Ration reviewed to date. The US AAF Life Raft Ration - check out the video and the amazing condition of this fantastic time capsule! Hope you like the review! -Steve
See a 50 year old C-Ration get opened, parts get eaten, cigarettes get smoked. It's all here - and that Chicken & Noodles was a real blast!! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out a brand new 2016 Norwegian Arctic Field Ration - Menu 9 - Reindeer Stew. Watch the video and witness what has to be one of the most gourmet Military Rations ever produced! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Finally back with part 2 of the RCW that was sent in by Stickyfingaz745. The RCW was one of the best Military Rations ever produced, held up over time, and are rare for good reason... most were eaten! Check out the review - hope ya like it! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This is an extremely rare & unusual survival Ration used by the British Royal Air Force during WW2 - check out this video and get the full scoop! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Here is the oldest thing I've ever eaten - American Civil War Hardtack from 1863 - making it a 153 year old cracker. Witness the madness and see for yourself! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
One of the most expensive and rare Military Rations I've ever owned - this arctic survival relic gets opened, parts consumed, and is a must see! Hope you like it! -Steve
This is a Russian Special Forces 24 Hour Mountain Ration - very rare & hard to acquire - check out this amazing Military Ration and see for yourself! Hope you all enjoy the review - I can truly say this was one of the best Military Rations I've ever had! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Take a look at the inside of a 1945 WW2 U.S. Military K Ration, Supper Unit, Morale Series! What an experience! Hope you folks enjoy the video! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This is the last Military Ration used by the YPA (Yugoslav People's Army) before the country's breakdown in 1991. Check out this amazing look into a very rare foreign MRE that is not only out of production, but the country itself doesn't even exist anymore! Hope you enjoy! -Steve
This is the first episode of Top 10 Best MRE Desserts - this one is focused on vintage & discontinued U.S. MRE snacks. More top 10's to come along with tons of new Military Ration reviews, so stay tuned! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this seriously insane review of a 1980 Beans W/ Frankfurters - it's a real blast.. literally! Also featuring 1962 MCI Smokes! So check it out! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
A look into an extremely rare and also incredibly well made lightweight French Special Forces 24hr Ration! See for yourself on how well this Ration held up! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This is an original US Army Air Force WW2 Emergency Parachute Ration. Check out this absolutely amazing review on what has to be one of the most unexpected outcomes of some food's incredibly long shelf life! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Get a close up look at this highly under-documented and uncommon U.S. Military Food Ration given to soldiers on long flight missions! This one is from the Vietnam War-Era. Enjoy! -Steve
This is a 2015 production Croatian 24hr Ration - and it is truly well balanced and the food absolutely delicious! Special thanks to Crombat Rations for this Ration! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Behold - what must be so far in my personal finding to be one of, if not THE most gourmet Military Ration enjoyed to date! Truly an experience! Check this one out and see for yourself - it's a real sizzler! The French RCIR - a top notch Military Ration! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Wanna see what 9 year old Chinese food looks like? Now you can finally satisfy that wonder - and watch an MRE review at the same time..! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This is a very hard to acquire Military Ration - the Manot Krav is food for 4 men for one whole day! It weighs just under 9 pounds! Get a close-up look at what has been an incredibly elusive glance until now. Enjoy! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
An extra video this week - two highly under-documented generations of the Food Packet, Survival, Arctic. The Food Packet SA & ST's replaced the Emergency Parachute Ration in 1948 - and the two Rations updated every 2 years and with a higher digit on their title. This is a rare look into something that really gives us a look not only on the importance of proper food storage, but also a great look into an advancing time in survival food technology. Hope you enjoy the video! -Steve
Take a look at a very rare & discontinued RoK Marine: Special Operations Food Packet-an exotic & truly delectable Military Ration. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
The Russian IRP-BS is a lightweight scout & recon Military Ration, developed & used by the Russian Federation - a 2016 date of production, this fresh Ration was very much fresh - and delicious. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
The Czech I-MRE is a lightweight and incredibly efficient soldier feeding system. Designed for utmost mobility and ease of preparation, this well-thought out Military Ration ranks among the highest in practical field use. Howdy folks, I hope you enjoyed this review - I sure did have fun with this one. Very easy to prepare - and the food was of excellent quality. My apologies to all the Czech folks for my blunder in calling Czech Republic "Czechoslovakia" - silly me, that name changed 23 years ago! Oh how we all learn something new every day - at least I hope we all can. Thank you all so much for watching and for the amazing support over what is nearing the first year anniversary of the channel. I started this channel November 27th last year, and it sure has grown to something much larger than I could have dreamed. Thank you all for not only your awesome support - but for your interest and fascination (from one degree or another) in Military Rations. I used to think there were only dozens of us! -Steve
Blast your tastebuds out onto a journey to the flavorful beyond - featuring good food that you just simply cannot say no to. This ration was out at that first meetup in Doswell too - we were tearing into cases of these like it was a party! Well, these and IMP 14's. It was a blast - and so was this fun review. Hope you all enjoy it and thank you for watching.
This is the infamous Ham & Lima Beans MCI or "C-Rat" - hailed by many veterans as being the worst of the worst! If you were stuck with this one, good chance either you were going to figure out a way to eat something else.. or go hungry instead. Check out the Ration that truly lives up to it's name - and also some smokes that you can count on - you can always count on smokes that are at least 45 years old. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
After a search of over 5 years, I have finally found the elusive RAFCO Freeze Dried RCW - and this incredibly rare & unique Ration is not only a fascinating example of food technology & innovation, but also one of the most delicious and sought after Military Rations due to it's unique and in high-demand contents. Come see for yourself! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
So how well did this 1999-2000 production HDR hold up over the last 17-18 years? See for yourself! Check out this 1st generation Humanitarian Daily Ration - the Yellow pouch HDR was dropped off by the millions over Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This is a vintage 1985 Dutch 24hr Combat Ration - check out what held up over the years.. and what hasn't! Thanks so much to Cedric for providing this amazing Ration! What an experience! Hope you folks enjoy this one! -Steve
This Italian 24 Hour Combat Ration weighs 5 1/2 pounds, contains a shot of cordial alcohol, contains over 4,000 calories, and is undoubtedly one of the finest Military Rations ever made. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Checking out some 29 year old beef and 54 year old peanut butter. You can't always count on vintage MRE's to still be fresh - it's always a toss-up. And this one sure is a mixed bag - So check out how it fares! Throwing in a little something extra in the end. This was a fun one - hope you enjoy it too! Thank you for the first year (as of last night around 8pm) on Youtube. This has been one heck of a year - and let's hope to stick around for many more! -Steve
There were quite a few changes made between the Yellow HDR and this Salmon Pink one. Check out how well this nearing 14 year old MRE with very little preservatives held up! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out what Canadian Soldiers are eating for breakfast! 1st review to a series of Canadian MRE's. The Canadian Individual Meal Pack is very similar to the US MRE, arguably a better Military Ration in terms of ingredients and quality - yet lacking a Flameless Ration Heat or field stove. Individual Meal Packs (IMP). Hope you all enjoy this review, and the variety of other upcoming Canadian IMP's (along with the usual variety of old & new interesting & rare rations). And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check this very interesting, unusual, and rare U.N. 24 hour MRE! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this review on 3 Canadian IMP Ration packs! Including the French Canadian classic: Poutine! See it for yourself! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this review on a very rare British 24hr Cold Climate Operational Ration Pack - used by Royal Marines and other troops in arctic conditions. Containing 4,200 calories, yet only weighing 3 pounds, this 24hr Cold Weather MRE is the gold standard in modern Cold Weather Ration Packs. Stay tuned, gnarly Rations from the 60's (with smokes!) coming up in 5 days. Before then, I am working on a Polish SRG-3 Single Meal, Canadian IMP Pork with Wine Cream Sauce, and also getting a Czech BDP-1 in the works. So stay tuned! -Steve
During the Vietnam War, this MCI Beefsteak would have been great, but over 45 years later - it's a whole other story. Witness the canned horrendous food..and worse - yet perfectly preserved smokes - and they're menthol this time! Not bad! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, I know I did. -Steve
This Polish Army MRE is one of the most well balanced, delicious, and easy to prepare Military Rations ever made. Weighing only 1 pound, containing 1,300 calories, and packed with high quality contents with mostly natural ingredients. Awesome MRE - I hope you all enjoy this review. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to you all - be back with something new (or old) in a couple days! -Steve
This Czech Republic BDP-1 24hr Combat Ration has been the standard issue MRE used by the Czechs since joining NATO in 1999. Check out this awesome (and not easy to acquire) Czech MRE! Huge thanks to BlackdogBob for sharing this Ration! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
An exciting introduction into German WW2 Rations. Scho-Ka-Kola & Atikah Turkish Tobacco Cigarettes. Two of the more popular and iconic components to the German Cold Ration - a non-shelf stable MRE that more or less resembled a shoebox/lunchbox. Filled with items like bread, sausage, butter/margarine, cigarettes, Scho-Ka-Kola, sardines, jam, honey, and really anything that could be allocated. The German War machine ran it's food supply with comparable diligence & organization as say their ammo, fuel, and first aid re-supply. Stay tuned - coming up soon is a 100 year old U.S. WW1 Ration, along with many other awesome new (and old) MRE's! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This is a survival kit used by U.S. Pilots during the Vietnam War. Folks have asked me to review more Pilot's Survival Kits - so here is one of the most advanced & sought after kits of the Vietnam War. The SEEK-2. We also shoot a pen flare gun that went with this kit (near the end of the video). There are technically Rations in this kit too - candy & bouillon cubes - along with a large variety of medicines and other neat gadgets. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Eating an entire classic 28 year old US MRE. Check out how well this one held up - it's a mini food miracle! Shows how well this awesome US Military Ration relic of a menu has held up. They certainly don't make 'em like they used to! It's all about storage conditions. An MRE is a terrible thing to waste. Warning: Don't try this at home. Yours might not have held up so well. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This Danish 24 Hour Combat Ration one of the best MREs. It has everything from Columbian freeze dried coffee, 2 dark chocolate bars, & a complex main course (Chicken Biryani) to extensive hygiene items like a toothbrush, dental gum, and even 3 toothpicks. Denmark spares no expense to give their soldiers the utmost quality in their food. What an experience! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this MCI (Meal, Combat, Individual) review - the last generation of the C Ration. (Pre-MRE) This fried ham was a real doozy - and the pears were a little past their prime. But the B unit's fudge bar was perfectly edible.. a very rare occurrence indeed. Newport cigarettes & of course some perfectly edible peanut butter that I just couldn't waste a bit of because it was even better than usual. This is a little bit of a throwback review - had a real blast with making this one. And hopefully you folks will enjoy it too. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out incredible Food Packet, Survival, General Purpose! This one came from a Pilot's Hot Weather Climate Survival Kit from the Vietnam War era. This Emergency MRE is still in service to this day, but this is the first generation of it - where it all started back in 1965. Inside are incredibly well preserved contents - so let's give it a look. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
From 1970-1988 Mountain House made civilian versions of the U.S. Food Packet Long Range Patrol. And this one here came from my good friend and fellow MRE Reviewer, Oldsmokey. Check out this unusual (and incredibly well stored/preserved) vintage MRE. Unusual twists of events in this one - edible 36 year old Fig Newtons, perfectly drinkable hot cocoa that has dry milk.. the usual suspects of spoilage turn out to be quite good... considering it was from 1981! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This Indonesian C1 Portable Ration Pack is a simple, yet effective MRE that has some of the more interesting and unusual of components in it. The exotic mocha beverage and incredibly unique enertabs make for quite the experience. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This NZ Defense Force Patrol Ration Pack is an incredibly well made MRE that was actually contracted out by Lockheed Martin! Check out this incredibly well made ration pack and see the true quality for yourself. It's a real banger! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This Ration of Survival Air is an Emergency MRE (Ration) that is designed to sustain a downed pilot for 3 days. Thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This is a 24hr set of Spanish Armed Forces Combat Rations. Truly some of the best MRE's currently produced in the world. Check out this marathon video & see for yourself the absolute quality in food. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This Portuguese Navy 24 Hour Ration is quite the MRE. With main courses like Veal & Pasta, high quality seafood sides, some of the best Flameless Ration Heaters (FRH) in a ration, and some seriously dry dark chocolate.. you've got yourself one fine package of military food! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
I am proud to present this Food Packet Survival Tropic 2 - never before photographed or documented. This rare Pilot's Survival Ration only had cigarettes in the first two models - the ST and ST-2. Produced in 1950, it uses many transitional WW2-Korean War ration components. An amazing time capsule - and now sealed in time. I hope you enjoy this review. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this 24 Hour Combat Ration of Chile. It has 4 main courses, fantastic sides, and what have to be some of the most efficient Flameless Ration Heaters (FRH) ever included in a ration. I found this one to be highly enjoyable, and very convenient to prepare. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this perfectly preserved 33 year old MRE! The Meal Ready to Eat was first put into major production in 1981 - this classic 1st generation Meal, Ready to Eat should have been spoiled over a decade ago. It's storage conditions had to be absolutely strict and consistent these last 3 decades. Never thought I would finish an entire MRE from 1984. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this never before documented Canadian Forces LWP! A super rare vintage MRE sent in by TUA1911 - huge thanks! Much like the US Food Packet Long Range Patrol Ration, this freeze dried ration had outer package damage and still held up incredibly well. Certainly worth a look. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this Taiwan MRE - the Field Ration Type C. A super lightweight emergency assault food packet. A last ditch effort ready to eat meal that is given out when no field kitchens are available.Huge thanks to MREmountain for helping me get this ration! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this review on a perfectly preserved Food Packet Long Range Patrol. One of the longest serving rations - in production for 54 years. And I can safely assume if stored properly, would last that long (or longer) too. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This British Royal Air Force Emergency Flying Ration MK 9 is the pinnacle in survival ration quality and design. The Emergency Flying Ration MK has been in service for over 75 years - making it one of the longest running rations still produced. It has gone through extensive changes over the decades, and the MK 9 has been in service since the early 1980's. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this prototype MRE - Meal Quick Serve. Only produced for testing, this freeze dried ration is designed to feed 6 soldiers. It was never put into major production, and was shrunk down to a 1 man single meal, which was the Food Packet Long Range Patrol. This is my longest video to date. With the amount of edible/consumable components and it's sheer size - plus providing the info on the ration, a slightly over 41 minute run time was not selling this incredible ration short. Hope you like the video! -Steve
Check out this New Zealand 24 Hour Ration. It was 100% fresh which is a surprise for being already 6 years old. An amazing MRE, with one of the best sets of main courses I have ever had in a thermostabilized retort pouch. The NZ 24hr ORP is top of the line. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out the newest MRE menu, Chicken Burrito Bowl. This one proves the sheer progress the Meal Ready to Eat has made in it's 36 years service time. Well everything except for that red Kool Aide stuff. That hasn't changed one bit. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this relatively well preserved Royal Canadian Air Force Food Packet Survival AFFP-1 Survival Ration. This vintage MRE was the first of it's generation. Huge thanks to TUA1911 for sending me this amazing never before documented ( at least never anywhere online) ration to share here for everyone to see. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this modern French Emergency Food Ration - it has some pretty unique and interesting contents including spearmint isotonic beverage base and something called Biogel - a malted energy gel that I will certainly look for again! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this Naval Action Ration - this is what British Royal Navy and Fleet Air Arm Pilots snacked on in WW2. An amazing time capsule - and one of the more expensive rations reviewed to date. The barley sugar was one of the best candies I've ever had in my life. This was one to remember! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
In this Chinese MRE Review (Type 09' Menu 1), we check out a moderately decent quality ration with some unusual components. And one of the most efficient FRH's (Flameless Ration Heater) ever made. Also a quick look at Menu 9 of this MRE. It turned green. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this Canadian IMP (Individual Meal Pack). Scalloped Potatoes & Ham was one of the best breakfast MRE's I've had all year. This ration had a delicious mango puree applesauce, apple brown sugar & milk cereal, robust coffee, and peanut butter & raspberry jam on a hamburger bun. Truly decadent - Canada makes an awesome ration that is totally worth looking for. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This Belarusian 24 hour ration is an incredibly well made MRE - with main courses that literally taste home cooked, unusual and exotic components like kissel (a hot fruit drink), and probably the best pate in a ration (the chicken pate) - this one really has it all! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This Hungarian 24 Hour Ration almost looks like a jumbo-sized vintage US MRE. But inside it has quite different contents including bacon spread, chicken stew, and probably the largest single portion of sweet tea in a military ration. An expensive and difficult to acquire ration - this is definitely one worth checking out! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this Thai MRE - it is one of the most delicious, simple, effective, and straight forward lightweight ration packs currently in production. Being 50% lighter than a standard U.S. MRE, this ration is exceptionally portable and compact. Certainly one to look for, albeit somewhat uncommon on any ration market currently. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out the 24 hour MRE that Australian Soldiers ate in WW2! First tested in December 1942, the 02 was quickly adopted and was well received by troops in places like New Guinea. This ration could feed a soldier for up to 48 hours in a pinch. It was not only well balanced and nutritious, it was actually enjoyable to troops. One of the first 24 hour rations ever made, this is a very rare look into a historical item never before filmed. The only media out there on this ration is owned by Australian War Memorial and outside of that the information is sparing at best. So welcome to the virtual museum experience. As with the entire channel's old items - you can see rations such as this one opened again and again. No museum offers such hands on media with their procurement's. Never anywhere else behind a glass case will you see an 02. Operation Ration like this. The only remaining rations are in the exact condition of this one. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this Hellenic Armed Forces (Greek) 24 hour MRE! Turns out about half of this ration was missing! That means I am still looking for a complete Hellenic 24 Hour Ration so we can come back with a complete and proper review of a ration that quite frankly has not been properly documented in the U.S. as of yet. This ration seems very complete and compact if you include those missing contents - so it is safe to assume it is actually a very good ration. Still on the hunt after all! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This is the standard issue WW2 emergency MRE issued to all British soldiers deployed in combat. Used only when no other means of sustenance is procurable. A dense chocolate bar enriched with caffeine and vitamins. Designed to sustain a soldier for up to 24 hours. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out what US Soldiers had for breakfast during WW2! And the very first generation accessory packet! Everything is preserved. The C Ration was first produced in 1939. Cigarettes were added with accessory packets in 1944. We take a quick look at the direct forerunner of the C Ration - the Reserve Ration of WW1. This is an upcoming review (as well as a WW1 US Army Emergency Ration so stay tuned). And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This is the MRE used by Chinese Pilots on long flight missions. Very similar in design to the 1950's-1980's In-Flight Food Packets used by the U.S. Air Force. But with a much more exotic twist. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out what British soldiers ate during The Second Boer Conflict of 1899-1902 when in a last ditch effort ! This is the second oldest thing I've ever eaten (Oldest was that Hardtack) and much unexpected considering this MRE's condition. It was pretty rough - and the smell when cooking the dried beef (Pretty much a pemmican) is nearly indescribable. It was quite the experience. And for old rations up next we will see the next generation in Emergency Rations - (1918). This is pioneering in food technology - the beef was still edible. It was a pulverized, slow cooked, dried, and compressed meat by-product bar. Way ahead of it's time - this was food tech that was adopted by the U.S. Quartermaster Corps of Sustenance and Natick Food Labs decades later. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This Australian Patrol Ration 1 Man is a 24 Hour MRE used by ADF Special Forces and recon teams on LRRP missions. The mains are freeze dried and other components switched out for lighter ones reducing the weight to 2 1/2 lbs. And with minimal reduction in caloric content. Amazingly fresh food, yet seriously lacking closure devices to those main's pouches. No gusset, no problem. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This South Korean Ration, For Battle, Immediate Type is one of the most user friendly, efficient, and palatable MRE's currently produced in the world. An advanced pull-string FRH with a double sided heating element, ready to eat retort pouches, stir fried kimchi, and bucket seats. This ration would be fully loaded had someone not forgotten to throw in a drink mix, but that's okay. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This Canadian Forces Individual Meal Pack (IMP) Smoked Meat in Mustard Sauce is a Montreal special. And it's recreation into a ration is absolutely terrific. Thanks so much to Peter for sending this one in! This is a menu to look for. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
What is the worst MRE ever made? Veggie Omelet, or "The Vomelet" could arguably be at the top of the list. Produced for only 4 years, this notorious menu was the one you didn't want to be unlucky enough to draw from the case.. because if you did, chances are you were going hungry. Most fun I've had with a review all year, I hope you all enjoy it even half as much as I did making this one. Back to old/rare/expensive rations on the next two videos coming right up after this one. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
The Spanish Individual Emergency Ration is a 24 hour Survival MRE with a built-in container for cooking/heating water, vitamin and mineral enriched food & energy bars, and some top notch instant coffee. Made by JOMIPSA, it is no surprise this ration is of absolute quality. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this case of super lightweight MRE's. After reviewing these I think they are very practical for emergencies and portability and not a bad price either for what you're getting ($45 shipped in the US for a case). A lightweight ration that your kids could eat and not get too fussy with. Wish I had something like this in Summer camp back in the day. Actually, I just wish I was a kid again, that would be Nice. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Never before filmed, this WW2 Army Air Forces Air Crew Lunch was a small boxed ration issued to pilots and airman on long flight missions as a morale & energy boosting snack. Most of the remaining units are in private and un-seen collections. For your virtual museum viewing pleasure and at no cost, I give a detailed analysis on the ration's purpose, history, and on each component and short change nothing in this incredible experience. On my top 3 rarest and most amazing ration finds to date. It was worth every penny of $320 - and the box will now have no more degradation from the slowly but surely melting candy inside it. An old friend named Kristy had actually located this very ration 2 years ago for me. It was out of my price range then. It disappeared and then re-appeared recently for only $20 more than it had been priced at before. This time I could not let the opportunity pass. Confirmed it was the same one as the stains on that last unit matched 100% to this one. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this never before filmed WW2 Navy Survival Kit. The Naval Specification M-592 was a pilot's survival kit worn under the life vest and parachute. This 13 pound kit was very uncomfortable for the pilot to wear, pushing them too far up in their seat. It was very comprehensive, a pioneering kit that led to better and more efficient designs as this was one of the earliest. About 40,000 were produced in the couple years it was made. My most expensive video to date (and longest running), this kit typically costs $1,750 in this condition. The Fishing Kit in a Can runs at $200. I was lucky and only had to pay $800 and change to secure this kit. (Fishing kit in a can was $150) It took me years to find this M-592. I remember starting the search for one back when I was still a teenager. So at least 10 years. I've seen three for sale before this one. They always were far out of my budget and averaged at between $1,250-$2000. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Considered by many as the Holy Grail of all MRE's. MRE Pizza is finally here and is an absolutely fantastic ration not only for the pizza itself - but also for the other sides like Italian bread sticks, jalapeno cheese spread, and a cherry blueberry cobbler that is out of this world. This is THE MRE to look for - part of the 2018 menu lineup. 30+ years in the making by Natick Food Labs - a true feat of food engineering. You can't miss this one! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this WW2 Field Ration D. An emergency "MRE" of sorts used by US soldiers during the war as a meal supplement or replacement. A 4 ounce chocolate bar with raw oat flour added to raise the melting temperature of the chocolate from 90 degrees Fahrenheit up to 120 degrees so it could be used in tropical climates. A notorious chocolate bar being knows as hardly edible even when hungry - so does it live up to the hype? Or is it really not all that bad? Find out, because I eat the whole thing. No stomach aches occurred after this video either. I must be getting used to this stuff. Huge thanks to RC Gusto for sending his Wrigley's box (with 2 of the 6 squares of chocolate still in it!) last year - I am donating that empty box along with my empty box, and two full ones to Zephyrhills Museum of Military History - a local museum near me. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this South African 24 hour "Rat Pack". This MRE is a bit of a mixed bag. The main courses are Chicken Breyani and Mutton Stew - those were amazing. Some of the sides were too - and some others not so much. I bought a case of 12 for $695 shipped. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
The RLW-30 was a prototype 24 hour MRE tested by Special Forces troops in September-October 1986. Containing 2,100 calories yet only weighing 15 ounces, this was an innovative and state of the art design that surprisingly wasn't ever adopted. This ration after shipping and fees cost me $560. It is the only time one has ever been filmed - and like many rations on this channel it can serve as a reference point for collectors, historians, and people interested in food packaging and storage. This is the only one I have ever seen outside of Natick Food Lab's prototype archives. It was a well worth it gamble to see how this freeze dried ration held up. See for yourself how this one turns out. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This WW2 Parachute Ration was used on emergency bailouts and landings. Produced for less than one year, this MRE is one of the rarest. Essentially a K Ration in a can - this is a pioneering survival ration that by 1944 became the Emergency Parachute Ration. Then evolving into Food Packet Survival Arctic and Survival Tropic in 1950. Which then by 1965 was finalized into Food Packet Survival General Purpose - which is still in service to this day. This ration cost $650. Typically they run between $700-$1,000 in this current market. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This Food Packet Assault is a lightweight restricted calorie 24 hour ration. Issued for up to 10 days in the field, it contains approx 1,550 calories and comes in 6 different menus. Used during non-resupply assault and recon missions where pack weight reduction and ease of eating on-the-go is a priority. Huge thank you to Jeff Hooper for making this one happen. He sent in 3 menus. Part 1 of 3 of a series. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This Canadian Forces Food Packet Survival Supplementary Air is a restricted calorie 72 hour ration issued to pilots and are also part of more comprehensive survival kits stowed away on aircraft. A fascinating throwback of an emergency ration that resembles one of maybe the 50's or 60's in terms of it's contents and overall effectiveness. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This British Single Meal Ration Pack is very similar to the US MRE in it's size and purpose but it provides about 200 more calories than the Meal Ready to Eat does. It comes in 10 different menus and in many ways is more functional than a standard 24hr ORP. It is typically used on training missions but it would also serve very well as a restricted calorie 24 hour ration considering it has 4 drinks, 4 snacks, and one main with an FRH. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This Finland 24 Hour Ration is a mostly vegetarian cold weather MRE. It's fairly lightweight for the 4,100 calorie content, but the menu variation is lacking. Still not a bad ration and worth trying out once for the pate and crisp bread alone. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This Vietnam era helicopter pilot survival kit came packed in a drop leg holster that included a hand radio, strobe light, hunting knife, and a main container with another 50+ survival items. Only 100 were ever issued and were used by non-ejection seat pilots in Vietnam in 1967. It was never fully adopted due to giving pilots a limp and being cumbersome. Thus being replaced by the SRU-21/p vest. We briefly show that vest in this video and it is the next to be reviewed. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This is the newest MCW menu, Breakfast Skillet. It's like the cold weather version of the US MRE Chicken Burrito Bowl menu, but instead of a lunch/dinner menu it's for breakfast. The only alterations to this menu that I would like to see is a replacement to the chocolate protein drink and perhaps something a little more nourishing than the patriotic sugar cookies. Other than that, it's near perfection for that main course. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This WW2 Lifeboat & Life Raft Ration was stowed away in every life saving craft from 1942 up into the 1970's. The contents varied only a little bit in that period of time. Most (by this point) do not hold up very well.. But this one was an exception. Probably a once in a lifetime experience. This is a true can of treasure. PS - as much as I really wanted to (and had fun joking about) - I did not eat any more of these pristine components. Giving them to a family member to re-sell to help cover some bills. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This Spanish Military Emergency Unit RIL (Lightweight Intervention Ration) is designed mostly for when the UME (Military Emergency Unit) is on highly strenuous maneuvers including fighting forest fires and rescue missions in extreme heat. With the ration consisting of 75% carbohydrates and most of those carbs are in isotonic beverage base mixes, it compensates for fluid loss and minimizes risk of fatigue and fainting from a heavy meal out in the field. As with all Spanish rations, it is of absolute quality and is perfect for it's general scope of purpose and design. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This Slovenian Soldier Ration Type C is the lighter weight single meal alternative to their 24hr Combat Ration. With components of utmost quality and some being absolutely delicious - coupled with a high powered FRH and some slammin' coffee, this is probably one of the better single meal military rations currently in production. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This is a case of the Food Packet Survival, Abandon Ship. This case provides a full day's food per man, per pack. And there are 15 per case. A real throwback of a ration in more ways than one. The end of an era too. Slightly disappointing in it's condition, but not even remotely as disappointed as I would be if forced to survive off this ration at 1 pack per day. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This Lightweight Canadian LMC is one of the most optimized rations of it's size currently produced in the world. With highly nutritious, yet appetizing components. Like a pistachio/goji berry with dark chocolate cranberry & almond trail mix. Or a delicious and creamy vanilla shake with chia seed. The LMC is better than ever and packs 1,000 calories in only 10.6 oz. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
The newest model of the Japanese Self Defense Force, Combat Ration Type 1 is a lightweight, stripped down to the basics ration that provides nothing but some of the most delicious and easy to comfort foods, curry, and rice that you can find in a modern ration. Including it's own tray, a heavy-duty spork, and issued separately, a high-octane FRH that not only heats the food perfectly, it cooks the rice. In this review we check out 3 JSDF Combat Ration Type 1's and without any wasted time, 3 meals including a sweet & savory ground pork in sauce, a meatloaf of sorts with onion & tomato sauce, and a delectable pork curry. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This specific WW2 C Ration Dinner B unit was produced for the month of March 1943. It's not just your average well-stored Dinner unit with biscuits, candy, lemonade, and sugar. It has one extra morale-boosting component that makes it the first generation of it's kind. The first C Ration cigarette. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This WW2 Canadian Emergency Ration was carried by all soldiers in their packs as a last ditch effort means of food. Pretty much their iron ration of the era - similar to the D Ration or British Emergency Ration in it's purpose, but not 100% the same in it's component breakdown. Well.. pretty much it is except instead of all chocolate, this one also gives you some really dry hardtack as well. So we check out how to make things a little more interesting when all you have are two components. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This Chinese Type 13 MRE menu 3 is truly one of the worst quality rations for a large military in the world. Bulky, overweight, low quality and half of it inedible completely. Chinese PLA pull it off again with yet another substandard ration. But this time they really pull off that notion more than ever. And this is not my first time running into this issue with these PLA rations. But it's certainly the last time I will ever be foolish enough to consume any green Chinese food. I ate a 112 year old US Army Emergency Ration this month (Still editing - 6 hours footage on 2 cameras..) and did not get sick... I ate this Type 13 menu 3 and got sick. Let that sink in a little on China's quality control on food for their rations. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This Norwegian 24 hour SR92 was a very transitional, somewhat bulky throwback to the modern single meal variation currently issued to the Norwegian Armed Forces. This review was a real blast from start to finish. With corroded codfish caviar, whole meal biscuits decomposed down into mush, overly acidic coffee, beef stew with a horrendous nacho cheese-syle sauce, slightly stale tropical fruit soup, and a super dry and not overly sweet dark chocolate bar, this 24 hour ration really had it all. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Used on training missions, this French single meal MRE has a menu featuring gourmet foods like Duck confit with sausage & white beans, decadent pate, and a vanilla pudding with Madagascar vanilla bean. Probably one of the most gourmet and utmost of quality single meal rations. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
The U.S. First Strike Ration is issued to troops in the first few days of heavy combat - before any field kitchens are set up. And weighing about half of 3 MRE's - and taking up half the space. The easiest MRE to prepare and eat. This is part of the future in rations. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out this incredibly well preserved ham slice and other MRE foods, snacks, and beverages of the early 90's! A very retro menu, with exciting finds like a fully intact chocolate covered brownie. You just never see MRE's in this good of condition anymore, as it is all about storage conditions. This is the most fun I have had with a simple old vintage MRE in a good bit. I hope you enjoy the video and stay tuned for many more extremely well stored vintage MREs of the early-mid 90's! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This is probably your best Supper MRE out Canada's 7 menus for 2018. With 21 menus in total for the year, the IMP only improves as time goes on. In service for over 40 years. Check out my good friend BTemple's channel - he has a great comparison video on the IMP even showing a 1989 IMP! Thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This is a double feature review of the modern Swedish Air Force Bailout Ration and the old version from the 1970's-80's. The old version was filmed March 2018 and was pulled from my archives (I have about 40 reviews archived and growing along with the videos that get released right after filming/editing) - a fascinating look at the evolution (and de-evolution in some aspects) of this ration. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Menu #22 Beef Goulash is the newest US MRE menu for 2019. This is a delicious new menu with no needed items like crackers or hot sauce added to it for improved taste & texture. A very classic style menu lineup, with sides that do well as individual stand alone items and not aiming at the more modern MRE approach of mixing multiple components together. An excellent upgrade to the previous year's Menu #22 - Asian Style Beef Strips w/ Vegetables. Which we take a look at that menu in this review at well right around the 12 minute mark. So stay tuned for that inside of this review as well - and see how this 2019 menu #22 is an absolute upgrade from the previous year's. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This Yugoslavian Pilot Survival Ration was a rare treat. An aluminum case filled with candy, chocolate, and the most delicious malt coffee beverage. Designed to last a downed airman for most likely a period of only 24-48 hours, it has tried & true components that have been proved effective in survival scenarios for generations. A well stored and interesting, albeit simple, survival ration. I decided to move at a nice & slow pace with the execution and editing of this one. So it's a bit long for what it is, but we also give everything a solid look and with lengthy detail - especially that coffee. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This Turkish Civilian 24 hr Ration is a pretty fascinating and different kind of ration all around. With a low amount of preservatives, it has a short shelf life (1 year) - but it has the most delicious tortillas and black olives - but then the main courses are lacking in flavor. And one in particular with a putrid undertone of mystery. So this ration is a mixed bag. Flameless Ration Heater tech that is above & beyond the standard. We're talking top notch and advanced. I can imagine other companies outside of Turkey's 'Unifo' are eventually going to reverse engineer such an efficient and well made FRH heating element. That is the best part of this ration, it's FRH - and all those gussets. I always like a nice gusset. For a ration used out camping or similar outdoor activity, I would say it is of passing grade. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This 74 year old C Ration set was some of the last of it's kind in this condition (Stored in Alaska). Nearly all components were perfectly preserved, and this is a thorough look at each B-unit type (6) and an accessory packet. This video is almost 100% likely to be re-released as a shorter version, or in parts. Yet, the initial release of this material was important to be viewed as a whole the first time around. The C-Ration and the K-Ration were the main staple individual field rations used by US troops 75 years ago. Iconic and not always remembered in a fond way, this was what was eaten every single day by many soldiers for their entire 1 year service time. My longest and highest budget video to date, this one really was a doozy. Capturing footage of an incredible and historic ration that truly did endure through the ages. I hope you enjoy this review and thank you for checking it out. Thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Check out what the PLA troops are eating on special operations -This 24 Hour Ration is China's take on the US FSR - being ready to eat, on-the-go foods and beverages - and very much a no-frills one.. I call it: Future of the future. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Notoriously hailed as one of the worst Canadian IMP menus ever made, Omelette with Salsa has a very descriptive nickname. Find out if it is a well deserved one, or is this menu actually not bad and one that should still be made? Find out, if you have the courage! And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Containing 5,500 calories, this British Cold Weather 24hr MRE has more caloric content than any other individual ration currently in service. Doubling up on snacks, drinks, and desserts, it focuses on being low in protein and sodium, yet providing 1,500 more calories than the standard British ORP, accommodating for the extra calories burned in cold climates. And also to reduce risk of dehydration - including extra drinks for encouraged fluid intake along with the body requiring less water to assimilate the fat and carb calories opposed to protein, which required more water to process. Thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
The Meal Halal Individual is issued to US service members on strict religious diet, and is also used on joint operations with Muslim practicing soldiers from allied countries. This introduction is with one of the more exotic menus in the case of 12 - Saag Chole with Lamb. It's dessert is a decadent butterscotch pudding in a generous 4 ounce serving, via thermostabilized retort. The components are quite versatile and could be mixed up in a range of different ways. This can really help with overall menu fatigue and monotony. And thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
The Lithuanians are eating well with these rations. Like the stewed pork with pearl barley in this one - talk about a delicious and quite normal tasting meal. Perfect for camping trips in cooler weather - but be careful with those biscuits as they can be rough on the teeth. I had a fun time doing this review, and it is about time here doing a Lithuanian MRE as these are quite common in the ration world. And I've enjoyed them for a good while now, and these things have not changed very much at all in the last 6 years. Anyway, up next are some older rations, gettin' served up on a silver tray. Can't go wrong. Thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
A truly astounding food discovery, this incredibly well preserved vacuum sealed can of pemmican and chocolate stood the test of time. The first true long-term storage survival ration, it was ahead of the rest of the world's packaged military food technology. Back then, (and for many years after) it was the most advanced packaged/processed food in the world. In this video, we take a look at US Rations (Used by the AEF) of 100 years ago, their history, and find out how well the US Army Emergency Ration holds up over time. Thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Yet another vegetarian MRE menu that manages to miss the mark of normalcy or acceptability in terms of texture, smell, flavor, and a little on the visuals too. On the upside, it's a fresh meal and did the job. I will admit, I took an hour nap almost immediately after eating it. And woke up burping the flavor of spinach, but that's okay. A fun little MRE review. Thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
These Republic of China (Taiwan) Field Rations are on point. The Type A, B, C, and the self heating "Field Heated Lunch Box" are reviewed in a 24 hour layout. That FRH could heat that meal up even in arctic conditions. Take a food journey and try out some new things, because that's what life is all about. Also, I made a mistake with the intro title and put it as PROC when it is ROC. My apologies for the confusion, as there is most certainly a big difference. PROC is mainland China and ROC is Taiwan. Thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This lunch/dinner menu was a quality ration experience. Introducing the combination of a beverage base in a fruit pack, opening doors to a range of new possibilities - also featuring a Canadian double double. Don't know what that is? Well, time to find out in this 2019 IMP Review - get your snacks ready and buckle in for a real shelf stable culinary adventure! Thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
A direct upgrade to the Type 09 Individual Soldier's Self Heating Meal, the Type 17 combines both practical and palatable in their newest standard issued field ration. With the newest Type 18 (up next for PLA) being a direct upgrade to the Type 13, this Type 17 is again, the answer to the much needed changes from that older Type 09. With freeze dried and pickled vegetables, an extremely powerful FRH, compressed food bar, dried fruit, and a delicious curry chicken & rice, this really turned out to be a well made ration that breaches into the realms of a US MRE & South Korean ration in terms of food quality, effectiveness, and tough packaging. A notable improvement. Thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
On this fine day, there is only one MRE that comes to mind. The return of Frankfurters - they brought 'em back after a 4 year hiatus, but with a smoked twist. And twisted it is! Buckle up, because this one is a real blast! Introducing my new set (and an answer to where all my money has been going the last several years.. in rations. You'll see!) - forgot to put a few lamps on in there for that quick scene, though. No biggie - stay tuned a new 5 in 1 Small Detachment review coming out soon. Along with that 1918 Reserve Ration (pre-filmed now to the finishing touches) - - MRE prototypes - - K rations - - and so much more! Couldn't have done it without all of you. I am forever grateful.. Thank you. -Steve
The RoK produces some of the best rations in the world. In terms of palatability, utility, and overall toughness in the field, they are right up there with the leading countries in pre-packaged shelf stable food. In this review we first check out the new version of their retort pouch field ration, with it's advanced pull string activated FRH and it's own tray. Then we move over to the old freeze dried version, which was built to last. Both are a real food adventure, so have your snacks ready because otherwise you'll likely to get pretty hungry while watching. Thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This Brazilian 6 hour ration is used during training, or on missions that do not require a full 24 hour ration. With minced beef as the main course, it's made twice as nice by that mandioca powder. And bananana - a delectable sweet treat made from cooked & rendered ripe bananas and formed into a bar. Thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
The newest US MRE menu for 2020 is a hit - but is it better than the previous Menu #20, Hashbrowns with Bacon? Witness the duel of Menu #20's & find out! Thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Singapore really covers the bases for a tropical climate MRE. With a dessert that is mostly water, putrid sambal chicken, and extremely versatile biscuits, this ration pretty much has it all. Well, except for some chewing gum. Thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
A double feature - the first half is British Royal Air Force rations from 1945. The Emergency Flying Ration Type 3, and the Emergency Ration Type P. (This scene was filmed November 2018.) Then after these two rations another two tins are shown from a 1945 Compo (10 man) ration, and a Mess Tin Ration component (Which include some microscope shots making for an aimlessly colorful particle show of unknown non-living and some potentially living bacterial matter.) After these, we then take a look at a special sealed can from circa 1900, going back in time with something perfectly preserved and truly unforgettable. Finishing up with some long winded historical ramblings and a look at 120 + years in British Rations, including some incredibly old (and bloomed) chocolate . Come join me in this outrageous journey through history! Thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This preserved 1st generation MRE was a real treat! Stored in perfect conditions underground, it was sealed in time. A meal to remember, featuring the Cherry Nut Cake, a highly coveted dessert and one of my personal favorites, and that Beef Stew being quite different than the modern version (and much better back then in terms of quality), freeze dried fruit, and those much loved salted crackers. The best thing I ate all month! Thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
Latvian Rations have almost double the calorie content of US MRE's, yet they're virtually the same exact size and weight. The food itself is of good quality. Once heated up, the main courses almost taste homemade. With a pack of rye bread, delicious almonds & raisins, and even a dried rice cereal, it features some excellent sit-down and on-the-go food components that really add a nice balance to the ration overall. I'd say it still has room for improvement, but all in all, it's not bad! Thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
A double feature, first ration from 1976, the second from 1979 (at 24:31). Join me on this long and arduous journey for an edible morsel of food. This transitional survival ration led to more efficient (albeit less exciting) survival rations only a decade later. This survival ration was a real throwback, and nothing like this has been produced for some time now. What an experience!
A unique freeze dried Thanksgiving feast and one to remember! The first homemade ration from my freeze dryer, this massive Thanksgiving MRE was a 90% success in terms of preparation/packaging. An introduction into something new and great with making rations - and next time it will also include some cooking scenes for even further dimension. So stay tuned for that. Until then, I'm compiling a recipe list for these home made components and will post them on this video description very shortly. Some company really needs to cash in on this idea - imagine some sortof bucket that feeds 6 for Thanksgiving. Could make for a nice & easy ready to cook Thanksgiving dinner for convenience, camping, or survival.
The MCW has been in service for over 15 years now, and for good reason. An optimized cold weather ration that really covers the bases in palatability, shelf stability, and ease of mass production. This ration is the result of decades of development, leading to something tried and true - and one worth coming back to for a review for all 12 of it's menus. Thank you everyone for watching & subscribing - hope you enjoyed this one, as I certainly did making it! -Steve
This two meal ration really stands out with a delicious breakfast tamale, rich hot chocolate, fairly unique chocolate covered raisins, a hearty chicken & rice stew, unusual shelf stable baked good items, and an outrageous 100 gram packet of sweetened condensed milk. Using one of 3 new cameras in this review, stay tuned for a 1955 C ration with smokes using a much higher quality 4k camera that is so nice, it's almost too nice! Up next, ETA one week. Alright cool, see ya.
I'm proud to present, my first successful outdoor MRE review. Filmed with a daytime & nighttime camera in Central Florida prairie far out in nature - with 100% real and unplanned nature ambience. Featuring a range of birds, a friendly deer, and some coyotes in the distance at night, it really did bring some beautiful dynamic, along with the crisp sound of that campfire. There's no better MRE to introduce all of this than with a Lithuanian Ration. Such a well put together and effective pack of shelf stable food, with dual heating capability & highly palatable food that will never let you down. Tried and true for an outing in just about any climate or terrain.
My first review with a new HD camera and introducing an incredible variety of old U.S. rations up for review. This FPA review is not only an exciting look at an extremely uncommon ration, but also one that has some beautifully preserved components. The Food Packet Assault is the predecessor to the MCI and LRP (Meal, Combat, Individual) (Food Packet, Long Range Patrol) and was essentially a K Ration of the 1950's. A fascinating and transitional ration, a rare treat - true military food art. PS - I didn't realize until long after the shoot that those water purification tablets were missing from the ration.
The newest Canadian IMP is lighter in weight, yet packs in just as many calories as ever. This Pulled Pork, menu #12 is absolutely fantastic. With 39 grams of protein to the main course, it's very sustaining and truly delectable in it's quality. Gotta say, this is a menu worth looking for! Currently editing an exciting review of a never before filmed US survival ration from 1957. So stay tuned for that. Had to eat a little something normal for in between, so for the folks out there who like their food a bit fresher, this one's for you. Alright cool, see ya.
The BBQ Rib Patty MRE was arguably the greatest menu taken out of service in recent years, and was replaced by Chicken Burrito Bowl. This thing typically sells for around $30 these days, and sometimes more than that. With a main course that so closely resembles a McRib, it really gave soldiers a taste of home. In remembrance of the fallen on this day, I felt this menu was perfect to review. Those fallen soldiers are gone, but not forgotten. Still in production is my 1957 Ration, Survival, Individual - along with a 2021 Danish 24hr ration, a 1970's Coast Guard Approved Survival Ration, 1945 K Ration Dinner, and a case of 1969 MCIs. June is going to be a great month if all goes as planned. The 1957 RSI ended up becoming a double survival ration review, and some restoration work as well. So stayed tuned for those, and more as I'm in a flurry of new filming projects since the introduction of this new camera. Alright cool, see ya.
A true shelf stable food journey, this incredibly advanced ration used by British recon in Burma 76 years ago truly stood the test of time. A rare look at what is pretty much the British K Ration - and easily the most innovative and pioneering of individual rations for WW2.
With authentic fresh wrapped tamales, delectable cold refried beans, corn flake cereal with a carton of milk, and somewhat basic, yet bold coffee, this 24 hour ration from Honduras was a real treat!
Check out this incredibly well made ration from Ukraine. It rivals the MRE in terms of rugged packaging, but with refreshingly high quality and delicious food that is more in comparison to a French RCIR or Spanish ICR. They really nailed it with this one - and I take my time with properly going about how such a well made ration should be prepared. It could be eaten quickly, but it can also be savored. That is what we do here with this fantastic ration.
One of six menus to this incredibly well preserved case of lunch menus for the Canadian Forces Individual Meal Pack. An absolutely fantastic shelf stable rendition of a pork chow mein and some rice that is truly fitting the bill of ration-rice, with components that are so fresh and alluring, it will amaze you!
This special Passover variant of the IDF's 4 person 24 hour ration could be utilized many different ways, and in this case a small stove top & skillet are used for improvised cooking, along with a rolling pin. Featuring Matzah Bread as the special guest of sorts. A staple for Passover and always used by the IDF with these special rations. This was filmed a little while back and I'm happy to finally get it out there because it was a really fun review. There are quite a few more gems like this one buried away. Hope you enjoy it and see you in the next few days, I'm currently finishing up a Canadian IMP from 2006 and a double feature PLA ration review. Alright cool, see ya. -steve
Before the HDR (Humanitarian Daily Ration), the US was using this single meal variant for humanitarian relief in scenarios where dining facilities and water were potentially in short supply. This well stored ration not only stood the test of time, but also featured some reasonably palatable components such as salted vegetable crackers that resembled some sort of shelf stable flatbread, dry & velvety sweet raisins, and a zesty lime beverage base.
A compact, lightweight, advanced & effective 24 hour ration used by Chinese PLA Marines on amphibious landings. Compressed food bars with 3 different flavors, chocolate candy, various dried meat and more.
Check out the most advanced military ration in the world. The Close Combat Assault Ration, or CCAR, takes the infantry carry load down by 10%, being the same size as one MRE, but containing about 2,850 calories, instead of the MRE's 1,300 calorie average. Featuring Vacuum Microwave Dried and Sonic Compressed food that takes a fraction of processing time to make than freeze dried. This ration is aimed to replace the FSR, and with it's highly advanced, palatable, and nutritious components, it is the new shelf stable food.
The newest and most effective Humanitarian Ration in the world. The Humanitarian Daily Ration is featuring new components such as shelf stable fruit smoothies, exotic spiced oatmeal cookies, and maltodextrin enriched main courses that are calorically bolstered to the max. This is an optimized ration, that has been around now for over 20 years, and will be for many more to come.
An extremely well preserved example of yet another one of the worst MRE's ever produced. The translation from fresh to shelf stable, was unsuccessful in this curry dish from the Indian Subcontinent, making it's way to American trays through Savannah Georgia, Charleston South Carolina, and New York. It was also General George S. Patton's favorite dinner. A hopeful and patriotic approach to what could have been a terrific and well received menu, it didn't work out with the troops and was phased out after a 4 year service time, ranging from the year 2000 to 2004. Personally, I have a strange affinity for this menu, but many others didn't during it's prime time of usage 20 years ago. This is a fun one.
An introduction to Tube Food. Extremely difficult to acquire, at only 28,000 produced annually. We check out Caffeinated Apple Pie, Polenta with Cheese & Bacon, and Beef Stew. There are 19 different menu options in total. Produced for over 50 years now, and has been optimized for palatability and efficiency. Not mentioned in the video, Tube Food is stored in refrigeration, lengthening the shelf life well past the standard 3 years if stored at 80 degrees Fahrenheit, or 26.67 degrees Celsius.
Two K Ration Breakfast units in opposite condition. Stick around for the second one. It's still to this day, by far the most pristine and well preserved example of one I've ever found. History on the K ration in a simple and straightforward approach, and with one surprising food discovery after another. Finally out from my video archives due to locating better photos and the recent composition of more a more traditional music track. (An early preview short version of the music used in one of my most important upcoming WW2 ration reviews on something that may never be seen again after that video is released.)
An in depth review of three generations of the AAF Life Raft Ration of WW2 from 1943-1945, a 1942 K Ration Breakfast Unit, their history, correlations, nutritional comparison, and testing. Also featuring a Vintage survival radio nicknamed the "Gibson Girl" for it's curvy appearance - used by downed Army Air Force crewman for sending out a Morse code signal for rescue on land or at sea. Modern Charms are now owned and produced by Tootsie Roll Industries, and can still be purchased to this day. Who knows, maybe they'll bring back the old formula on a limited run. I still say modern Charms are worth trying out. Wrigley's gum can still be bought, and also Adam's Chiclets (American Chicle Company). Neither have chicle gum base like the old days, though.
Check out this new & improved Canadian Light Meal Combat, featuring high tech state of the art shelf stable snacks of utmost quality. Creamy crunchy chocolate Xact protein bar, delectable grape drink, and a hot cup of latte coffee that would make you question your need to ever buy normal coffee ever again. Behold, the equivalence to the US FSR, but it's Canadian. And that alone makes it worth checking out.
3 astoundingly fresh MREs from 1993. Ham Omelet, Pork Chow Mien, & Spaghetti with Meat Sauce. Behold the plethora of various vintage preserved food items designed for the US Military during the Gulf War Era, and with first generation Flameless Ration Heaters, in which two work, and one does not. Only one food component doesn't hold up, stick around to find out which one it is.
A very difficult to acquire package of food given to Russian suspects, convicts, and prisoners during transit or for when regular hot meals aren't feasible. Featuring a ton of hard tack, sugar, a couple tea bags, and a few halfway nourishing meat and grain kasha type items, along with a vegetable caviar - or rendered puree rather. It's some pretty delectable squash, carrot, and vegetable oil spread which really is the star of the show, along with that beef tushonka. Truly a fascinating ration that you don't get to see every day.
One of two new US MRE Menus, this is arguably one of the best out there. Replacing Creamy Spinach Fettucine, it's a huge upgrade. It's giving a vegetarian option to the coveted Chicken Burrito Bowl, but now anyone can eat it. Also making a delectable hot peanut butter brownie milkshake and check out the newest formula to the FS Cran Raspberry fruit energy bar.
A truly gourmet freeze dried 24 hour ration with exceptionally high quality and delicious food, snacks, candy, coffee, tea, and even a toothbrush. Small portions for many items, which means they could pack in extra variety, and that is just what Denmark did with this 24 hour food pack used in cold climate operations. Mild pate, raspberry jam that tasted like a dessert sauce, delicate curried chicken with minimally processed and large portions of meat, fish sandwiches, making a trail mix, and finishing with a memorably rich and decadent double chocolate frosted cake.
The SMR is the UK equivalence to the US MRE, and this British comfort food classic Pork Sausage Casserole is quite possibly the best menu out of the 10 currently in service. With 1,500 calories, a roaring flameless ration heater that's easily twice as powerful as an MRE's, and rugged components that are palatable and nutritious, this is truly one of the most well made military rations in the world.
A dozen different U-2 Spy Plane Tube Food Menus including Pizza, Key Lime Pie, Apple Pie, Chocolate Pudding (two different kinds), Chicken Ala King, Beef Stroganoff, Peaches, Cinnamon Zapplesauce, Beef with Gravy, Hashbrowns with Bacon, and Beef Stew. A rare look into some highly specialized food for pilots that fly above 70,000 feet. These 12 tube foods ranged from a 2020 to 2023 production. Apple pie was 2020, fruits and puddings were 2021 along with the stroganoff and ala king, beef & gravy and pizza were 2022, hashbrowns were 2023 and key lime pie was either 2022 or 2023. I saved all the tubes in the 'ol freezer so I can check if need be. Would love to check out more menus as these are truly fascinating. The hunt continues.
Suitable for cold climates for having various dried components or even a tropical climate where treatable water is ample, yet excessive perspiration is expected, this ration is versatile and even more so, memorably delicious and of good quality. The high sodium freeze dried mains are versatile in this regard, along with the ration being lighter in weight with the removal of the usual heavy canned main courses and replaced with these truly delicious and flavorful freeze dried mains. It still features a can of pork tushonka - ready to eat and absolutely fantastic. A blueberry energy drink, mysterious chocolate beans, unsweetened brown rice protein powder, and a few other neat food items like a raspberry muesli and also - raspberry fruit snacks. Truly decadent. A ration that is bound to get you thirsty if you don't have a bunch of water on hand. 15 grams of sodium total. I filmed this one back in November 2019 and decided to bust it out to edit and release. Got a few more in the arch
4 different Hard Bread ration cans opened. First one is quite nice, another is perfectly preserved. Two others... you'll have to see for yourself. The Reserve Ration was used in WW1 and is what evolved to Field Ration Type C, which is the ration that eventually becomes the MRE, or Meal, Ready to Eat, Individual. Exclusive shelf stable food history from beginning to end. Filmed October 2019, February 2021, and December 2023. Introducing the 1914 US Navy Emergency Ration and 1899 US Standard Emergency Ration in the latter part of this review. Stay tuned for more expensive, rare, and truly fascinating rations from the past. A good portion of the Reserve Rations used in WW1 were shipped off to Poland after the war. Check out an exclusive photo at the end of the video showing this, and a ration dump with a whole bunch of canned salmon. Truly a fascinating look at not only the ration, but some really cool lost history in the photos as well.
Featuring the all new MRE pouch design, state of the art shelf stable desserts, and a main course that is just out of this world in terms of quality and flavor, this prototype MRE is the pinnacle in Military Rations of the current era. Cuban Beef Picadillo is an outstanding menu, and there might also be a new Thai Red Curry Chicken coming out, as it is another currently in testing. Who knows, but one thing is for certain, these things just keep getting better and better.
This rare and expensive ration relic features an all meat freeze dried main course, four beverages, various snacks, water purification tablets, salt tabs, and matches. It was an innovative, fairly high tech, unique, and well made ration that was built to last. It could have easily doubled as a survival ration as well - lasting much longer than just a day if need be. Truly a rare look at something that we probably won't see again any time soon.
This Swedish SMR is a top of the line military ration that is right on par with the US MRE, British SMR, or Canadian IMP - absolutely worth coming back to for other menus or it's 24 hour variant. Truly one of the best, with memorably delectable dessert snacks and smooth coffee. Up next for Sweden is a nifty survival ration and a 24 hour freeze dried version.
China makes a ration for every purpose, and we check out three different kinds in this review. A couple unusual and fascinating foods and an unexpected outcome to what was probably my personal favorite Chinese ration. The Type 11 was actually a real well made and delicious pack of shelf stable food. But did it hold up? There's only one way to find out, along with checking out some cool anti-hypoxia food and a snack pack for airborne troops.
One of the IMP's newest menus, Pub Style Pulled Beef is like a diner meal, but without the wait. This is one to look for, if you can ever even find one as they have gotten pretty hard to come by in recent times. A top tier meal every time, you can't go wrong with the Canadian Individual Meal Pack.
Find out what's inside this rare, mysterious, and expensive ration never before filmed. Used by pilots, and issued in back pad kits during WW2, it evolved into the Parachute Ration, and then Emergency Parachute Ration, which eventually becomes Food Packet Survival General Purpose. A pioneering and historical survival ration. The budget to this video was a tad high, but it was certainly worth the exclusive look. Up next for vintage US Survival equipment is the E-17 Pilot Survival Kit. I'm also releasing a never before filmed K ration prototype soon - stay tuned.
Will Twinkies last forever? This is the iconic shelf stable baked good that was made popular during WW2 via a substitution of bananas for a cream-like filling. The rationing of all food during the war, including bananas, lead to major shortages. Some folks went 6 years without eating a banana during that time. After the war? They kept it as the cream filling because they sold way more and it became the most popular and loved shelf stable baked good of all time. Now it's time you go buy a few boxes of Twinkies and eat a couple while you watch this review. See for yourself, they're so good you can't just have one! Stay tuned, up next for this kind of shelf stable food reviewing, we have a can of kippered herring from 1940 or so, and it looks perfectly preserved. We shall see how well it held up, and we will talk about the company who made them. They are a wonderful provider of the finest sardines, and I'm doing a comparison of their old to the new produced can.
When prepared properly, this is one of the best MRE menus currently in service. With high protein dessert sides, a light yet flavorful main course, and exciting component matchups that will bring you back to this menu over and over again. With shelf stable meals like this, it proves that healthy and palatable are both possible, and advancements are being made.
Used by MACV-SOG and various Special Forces groups in the Vietnam War. This is a comprehensive kit that's equipped with fascinating survival gadget tools and more. Check out my other survival kit reviews, as there are many various items that are shown in different degrees of detail depending on the video.
A true shelf stable food journey. Starting with a 2008 JT-07 Life Saving Food. Then to 2004 boxed for dignitaries at a convention (from the 2003 Shenzhou 5 Flight) - Taikonaught Space Food. I bought this from a guy who was also selling US NASA Space Food, but all those lots went for thousands of dollars. This was only $450 - American collectors weren't interested. It was the only item I won in like 20 lots. The rest went for much more. Yang Liwei ate this food on his flight. (I think I mis-pronounce his name as "Ling-way" in this review, filmed 4 1/2 years ago. -My apologies for the mispronunciation.) If anyone has any other variants of this flight mission's food, please contact me. I want to document as much shelf stable food from China as possible. Those moon cakes were fascinating and had an excellent shelf life. I've seen one photo of a Taikonaught eating those same exact cakes. Do they still produce them?
The newest MRE is in a new & more compact outer package and Menu #2 is a home run - replacing what was also a beloved BBQ classic, Shredded Beef. It was also nearly perfect - but the upgrade was worth the loss of a menu that will never be forgotten, as it was a long standing and much enjoyed shelf stable meal. In this review, we check out both and compare. See for yourself and bring extra snacks because this one is bound to make anyone hungry! Up next are some rare and old rations that noone has filmed in a long time - if ever for some! So stay tuned! Alright cool, see ya.
The Type 20B is China's newest and most advanced individual combat ration used by the People's Liberation Army. More palatable, nutritionally balanced, efficient at heating, with more menu variation and utility overall, this is a notably upgraded MRE with some delectable pork with noodles and pickled fish and vegetable sides.
The MRE burger beef patty menu is better than ever - in 2024 it was issued as menu 19 twice for case B. Replacing menu 21's main and keeping the sides the same. This is way better than tuna - the spicy jalapeno and pepperjack cheese burger patty is one that just about anyone could enjoy. This menu has the all new apple pie spread component - that was in the prototype CCAR and now it's finally in mass production. This menu contains 1,400 calories - a higher end caloric value for a US single meal ration.
An extensive look at Taiwan's two main combat rations. Indoor/Outdoor on the trail camping review of their A, B, and C Field Rations - and the Indoor part, which plays first, features a Field Ration Type B and the Field Heated Lunchbox - Braised Beef. These are outrageously good rations, both are incredibly well made and this review showcases their most up to date Field Heated Lunchbox. It includes an advanced food bar that is worth checking out. Snacks like that need to be more mainstream for people to buy, because it's the future in shelf stable food. All of this stuff is - Taiwan makes excellent shelf stable food and combat rations. PS, I think the first Type B on the set was possibly a 2015 or 2016. The ones on the trail are 2020's. The older one was used in joint operations with US troops last year. It was in perfect shape. One possibility is, that bad boy was recently taken out of some sort of climate controlled storage.
A new menu and with notable upgrades - the main course is pure genius - and in the new and improved packaging that is much more user friendly. The outer pouch is the same old-style peelable seal, after doing this review and thinking about it, my guess is it's not so easy to open the new MRE pack if gloves are on. Plus, this thing albeit lightweight, I think it's a tad more bulky than retort pouches. The Pro-Pak by Mountain House is still a much needed upgrade and it's absolutely amazing getting to see what this ration became in 2024, after being produced for 20 years now. The first MCW's were produced in 2004. It was awesome then, but it's really just unrivaled as a cold weather ration by this point. I suppose the Dutch and British could give us a good run for our money though. I sure love cold weather rations - they're always a real treat.
This is the longest serving vegetarian MRE, and arguably the best. With two new high-tech shelf stable food components in this menu for 2024 - one is a cheese roll and the other is a dense calorie coconut almond fudge bar. After 12 minutes in the review, we give a Meal Kit Supply civilian MRE variant a look. How different is the main course? What are the sides? It's all government spec and it has coffee, unlike the military version. So which one is better? You decide after watching and don't forget to bring some good snacks along because this one is bound to make you hungry for some shelf stable food.
Check out the newest type of Estonian ration - it's right on par with the US MRE, except it could probably use an FRH. As for the food, it's a true upgrade from the previous canned version - now featuring retort pouch mains and in this case, a chocolate oatmeal bar that was as good as a US First Strike Ration's little FSR bars.
What stood the test of time and what bit the dust on this 30 year old ration? A rare look at a Canadian IMP from the mid-90s. Up next for a 1994 IMP will be a lunch menu: Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. These older IMPs can really prove to be an unexpected surprise! A true shelf stable food adventure.
This home made freeze dried holiday ration was an amazing experience! Delectable ham, egg nog, chewy and cheesy cheddar potato heaven - it was a a truly festive shelf stable food adventure. This footage was recently discovered off a missing hard drive. All I had for a while there on a few other HDs was the file of photos, but not the video - until now. Finally found it and just in time for the holidays.
The most gourmet combat ration in the world - this features instant hot espresso, hot shrimp risotto, salmon pate, and more - you have to see it to believe it. Absolutely unrivaled quality for a holiday ration issued to troops at remote bases and far from home - away from family and friends. This is an amazing thing to give these soldiers.
This well preserved example of Canada's best breakfast IMP menu no longer in service, ham steak is a classic menu that needs to make a comeback. It's a gourmet marinated and slow cooked ham steak - one to remember!
Check out this well preserved survival ration with relatively high tech food processing and packaging for the time - featuring two other particularly well stored life raft rations with delicious and well made components. These were issued to Japan Airlines 747's and other model Commercial Jets on life rafts and civilian purchase for boats. Taiyo Fisheries and Banyu Nutrition Ltd were the manufacturers. Correction: The second ration was produced in 1979, not 1982 as initially thought. The 2009 Life Raft bar also contained peanut powder.
The highest protein menu for the US MRE, this hearty meal is featuring a variety of new and notable upgrades since it's 2019 introduction including a shelf stable tropical fruit and vegetable smoothie and the removal of the peppermint rings.
With curry cod and potatoes and a shelf stable spicy beef wrap, this ration also features some of the best dark chocolate in a ration and also a blueberry muffin protein crisp bar plus some absolutely fantastic coffee. Bring some snacks because you're gonna need 'em!
This advanced 1,800 calorie single meal ration has some of the most flavorful and alluring main courses, cookies, and creamy dessert beverages and coffees in any prepackaged shelf stable food ration packs ever made. Pandan Chicken and Rice tastes very much like a ginger lemongrass and is sweet & aromatic. Indonesia means business when it comes down to rations that you'd actually look forward to eating more than once or twice. I need to find more of these as they are some of my personal favorites!
A 1990 Tagesportion 24 Hour & 1996 Survival Ration plus a 1991 small emergency food item at the end of the review. This is the first time these rare rations were filmed in some time - with relatively advanced shelf stable food components in both of the main rations, and the other is an iconic MRE item re-purposed as a very effective last ditch effort type food.. The survival ration has a super neat and modern-esque approach to an old Iron ration from WW1 or WW2. You'll have to stick around to the latter part of the review to see it - it reminds me of the old US Army Emergency Ration in it's utility, except it's more user friendly and versatile.
This is what pilots ate on long flight missions during the Korean War. Stick around to the 26 minute mark and grand finale, we check out the Vietnam version of it and the can of Oreo cookies are so incredibly well preserved, you'll have to see it to believe it. Historical shelf stable food time capsules! A rare sight - I've only ever seen 3 of the IF-4's in the past 10 years. I replaced all the cans, so this one was restored. 1 million IF-4's were produced in 1950. I wonder how many remain? This is one of the last.
Produced in Spain & issued to a military that will remain un-named for now, but if you look into it, you'll find out who uses it. This massive ration is full of a variety of small components - Jomipsa produces for over a dozen different countries now, and this one is a real multi-purpose ration. With three variants - this is the Western version. Which means it has more Americanized type-foods and pork.
A rare historical time capsule with a fantastic variety of components. Never before released footage (filmed in 2019) and finally restored in editing to the best of my ability. It had some sound issues and I recently figured out how to fix them. This was an effective and pioneering emergency ration - it had better variety than say a Canadian or British Emergency Ration - and most certainly it's better than the US Army Field Ration D in terms of morale boosting components and even tea with sugar. That could make all the difference if it was all you had left.
The long awaited return of a truly gourmet shelf stable retort pouch of Italian food - with a variety of completely out of place side items for the most part. A true IMP if you ask me. Those chocolate protein bars are absolutely amazing, and the raspberry jam finally got rid of the seeds - and let us rejoice as the sweet peanutbutter from Canada has finally returned as well.
With squeeze pack main courses, gourmet shelf stable sandwiches and wraps, the most delicious instant coffee, protein pudding, and a slew of snacks, this ration is like a luxury variant of the US FSR. Originally called RFC, or Special Combat Ration, this thing used to be in a light tan larger ziploc style outer pack. That thing made it easy for the components to shift, causing possible tears or punctures. This tight pack on the new style packaging is more efficient and prevents damage to the food inside. This is one of my personal favorite combat rations ever produced.
With the richest & ripest dates, high quality retort pouched main courses including fava beans, and ajwain cookies that pair perfectly with black tea, this ration also features a mini stove and several flameless ration heaters to ensure hot meals. It's very well equipped and high quality - one of the best in the world!
A perfectly preserved example from 2009. This replaced the veggie omelet MRE & it was an instant hit with the troops who ate it out in the field. This was another year before it replaced the scone with maple muffin top - a very rare ration with only 1 year production time with this unusual menu lineup. The maple patty was totally different back then - this was filmed in 2019. Only just recently had I figured out how to repair a certain sound error on older videos like this one - I'd also lost the first 10 seconds of this review stating it's a US MRE - it jumps right into "And this one, etc" - which works well enough! I never found another 2009 maple patty in this good of condition. A 10 year old ration at the time, 6 years later after filming - this one is finally out there! A true gem of a review with really cool preserved shelf stable food of the pioneering kind - a fascinating transitional breakfast menu that led to what we have today for Maple Sausage Patty.
