Meals Ready to Eat, more commonly known as MREs, are a type of food product often used by the military because of their extended shelf life and ease of use. These pre-packaged meals are specially designed to be nutritious, calorically dense, and lightweight for easy transport. Another essential feature of MREs is their long shelf life, which is an important factor for military operations and disaster preparedness.
When stored correctly, MREs are designed to last for approximately 3 to 5 years. However, this shelf life can vary significantly based on storage conditions. Specifically, the storage temperature plays a large role in determining how long the MREs will remain safe and palatable to consume.
According to the U.S. Army's Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center that develops combat feeding programs, MREs stored at a constant 60°F can last up to 60 months (5 years), 75°F can last around 48 months (4 years), and at 80°F they can last for 36 months (3 years). At a higher temperature of 100°F, they may only last for about 22 months. If the storage temperature is as high as 120°F, MREs may only remain good for a month. Keep in mind that these are estimates and actual shelf life can vary.
After extended storage, the quality of MREs can degrade. Flavors can alter, the texture can change, and the nutritional value can decline. This doesn't necessarily mean that the MREs are unsafe to eat after these timeframes, but they may not taste as good or provide as much nutrition as they do when fresh.
Each MRE comes with a date code that shows the production date. This code, usually printed on the package, can help consumers determine the age of an MRE. The date code is typically a four-digit number where the first digit represents the year of production and the last three digits represent the day of that year (from 001 to 365). For example, a date code of 8345 means the MRE was packed on the 345th day of 2018.
To maximize shelf life, MREs should be stored in a cool, dry, dark location. Rapid temperature swings and exposure to light can degrade the food faster. Inspecting the packets before consumption for any signs of damage or unusual odors can also help ensure the food safety.
In summary, the typical shelf life of MREs is between 3 to 5 years, but that can greatly depend on the temperatures at which they're stored. For the best longevity and quality, storing MREs in a constant, cool temperature is key.