A lot of people keep MREs in their bug-out bag, car or camper. They’re easy to store and can last a long time.

Make sure to store them in a cool, dark place so they last longer. Also, check the Julian date code before you buy second-hand MREs. You never know what kind of conditions they’ve been stored under.

1. They’re Easy to Carry

MREs are convenient and portable, making them a great option for emergency food storage. They’re lightweight and easily fit into bug-out bags, truck beds, campers, and other vehicles. Each meal comes with its own flameless heater, main entree, and accessories such as spoons and napkins. They contain plenty of calories and nutrients, providing you with the energy you need to survive in harsh environments.

When stored at room temperature, MREs are rated to last 3 to 4 years. However, their shelf life will decline with harsh environments or extreme temperatures. When purchasing MREs, look for auction listings with pictures that show the packed date, inspection date, and menu type (see this page to learn how to read these labels). This information will help you ensure that the MREs you’re buying are still edible.

2. They’re Affordable

MREs are an important part of emergency disaster response because they provide immediate nutrition and can be distributed quickly. They also offer a variety of options that meet the diverse dietary needs of affected populations.

MRE meals are expensive, but they’re worth stockpiling as a supplement to your other emergency foods. They’re also a great option for people who don’t have access to cooking facilities or clean water.

The biggest reason MREs are so expensive is because of the packaging. Military MREs need to be designed to withstand harsh conditions, and that reflects in the price. Other costs include production and shipping, which are all added to the final product. In addition, many MREs come with a flameless heater that requires additional money to buy and use.

3. They’re Versatile

Despite their association with the military, mres can be useful for civilians during an emergency. These ready to eat meals will provide you with all the nutrients and calories you need for survival in a crisis. They are also long lasting, surviving for up to five years at typical 75°F temperatures.

MREs come with utensils, which makes them great for a quick meal in the field. They also include heating equipment, which you can use to heat up liquid foods or to reheat a frozen entree. Some MREs also include condiments and mints to help you enjoy your meal.

Additionally, these meals can be stored in your bug out bag, backpack or camper without requiring refrigeration. This makes them an essential component of your preparedness plan.

4. They’re Nutritious

A typical MRE contains plenty of calories to fuel your body and keep you alive during an emergency. They also contain the nutrients your body needs to survive.

But if you plan to use MREs for longer-term survival meals it’s important to supplement them with dietary fiber. Long-term MRE intake can cause constipation, which can lead to a perforated bowel and death.

You can supplement MREs with items like shelf stable crackers, a few packs of instant soup and some dried fruits or chocolate bars. Be sure to include condiments and small packets of salt, sugar and pepper as these can improve the taste of the food. Also consider adding some freeze-dried fats as these can help boost energy levels, but be careful as they go rancid quickly.

5. They’re Easy to Prepare

If you’re a prepper, having MREs on hand can be handy for bugging out or simply to have as a backup in case of emergencies. They’re affordable, lightweight and take up very little space in your bug-out bag or car.

You can also make your own homemade MREs for a fraction of the cost by buying dehydrated foods such as couscous, instant ramen, quick-cooking rice or oats and packing them into resealable plastic bags with oxygen absorbers and heat packs (to avoid spoilage). If you poke holes in these bags before vacuum sealing, you can get more compact final bags. You can also add freeze-dried fats such as butter or oil to keep you satiated longer, but remember that these will go rancid more quickly.