Q&A for How to Prepare an MRE (Meals Ready to Eat)

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Can I use cold water?

Community Answer

I'm sure you "can," as in the meal would still be edible, but there would be a huge quality and consistency difference. I would recommend you stick with hot water if you can.

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Question

How many MREs are in a case?

Community Answer

There are typically 12 MREs in a case.

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Question

Will it work just to heat in small pot of boiled water?

Community Answer

Yes you can heat an MRE in boiled water just make sure it's medium level of heat and then cook for 5-8 minutes.

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Question

Do I have to use potable/canteen water, or can I use any water?

Community Answer

You should be okay using any water source as long as it is clean.

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Question

Are there shelf life limits on MREs?

Community Answer

MREs go bad in about 5 years, but the amount of time it takes can vary depending on the condition it is stored in.

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Question

How do I dispose of the heater water?

Community Answer

You can just pour it down the drain.

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Question

How do I know it's ready?

EMBend

Community Answer

There should be instructions to let you know how long it takes. Typically they are ready in 10-20 minutes.

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Question

Can I eat the MRE without heating? How do I prepare the MRE in this case?

Community Answer

As the name implies ("meals ready to eat"), it can be eaten directly out of the package. They're designed for military conditions where heating food may not be a possibility.

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Question

Do I have to eat it hot or can it be cold because I don't know where the heater bag may be?

Claire Compton

Community Answer

You can eat it cold, although it may not be as enjoyable. You can also look for MRE specifically for cold-food consumption.

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Question

Can I use ocean water to prepare an MRE?

Da genius

Community Answer

You should not use ocean water directly due to its high salt content. Use fresh water, or desalinate the ocean water before using it to prepare an MRE.

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Question

Do MRE entrees expire? I picked one up a few years ago and couldn't find an expiration date.

Loreleia_1234

Community Answer

MREs are designed to have a long shelf life. If it's only a few weeks past the recommended date, it's likely still edible, but if it's over three months, it's best to discard it.

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Question

Should I use boiling water or cold water in the heater?

Panda Man

Community Answer

You can use both, but hot water will work better and improve the meal's taste. Cold water will still work, but it may not be as flavorful.

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Question

Can I use hot water to prepare an MRE?

Panda Man

Community Answer

You should use hot water, as it will make your MRE taste better. Cold water does not work as well.

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Question

Can a 13-year-old eat an MRE? How old do you have to be to eat one?

Loreleia_1234

Community Answer

There is no age limit to eating MREs unless you can't prepare them.

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Question

Can I use water from a lake or pond to prepare an MRE, and is it safe to drink that water to avoid waste?

Panda Man

Community Answer

Do not drink the heater water as it is toxic. Dispose of it far from lakes or water sources to prevent contamination.

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