If you’re looking to extend your survival stockpile, an MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) is one of the most nutritionally-dense food sources you can find in today’s market. They help sustain even the highest caloric demands through a balanced, no-prep meal. However, as many of you who may have been looking to buy a pallet or two may know, they can be awfully expensive.
Here are the 5 best places to buy MREs:
In this article, I’ll take you through each of these stores and how they can provide such excellent value on their MREs. Additionally, I’ll provide you with all the information you’ll need regarding how to find, store, and consume MREs to get the most out of their high nutritional value.
1. My Patriot Supply
This American-owned and operated company is my favorite option at this time and was built with the intent of providing regular people with the privilege of complete self-sufficiency. Military-grade MREs haven’t been purchasable by the general public, while the ones that were, came with hefty price tags. Thus, the company’s owners decided to fill the gap left in the market.
My Patriot Supply created a line of affordable military-grade products that could be accessible by the general public for their stockpiling needs. I say products because the company offers an extensive range of survivalist items, including but not limited to MREs.
I compared the prices of all the other options, and when it comes to overall value and quality, it’s hard to beat these guys.
Their MRE kits vary in price and longevity, allowing customers with varying budgets and preferences to fulfill their needs. These kits are usually very calorically dense, ideal for those who exert excessive amounts of energy throughout the day.
My Patriot Supply’s MRE meals (Click the link to see their listing) come with a variety of different dishes, including a main, a side, a dessert, and an additional snack for those still not satisfied. You can choose between a wide variety of flavors based on your preferences. My Patriot Supply’s MREs cover all possible tastes and cravings, from Lentil Stew to BBQ chicken.
Besides a flameless heater, pouches also contain a drink mix (fruit) and additional accessories, including the necessary spices as well as coffee & creamer, a candy treat. You’ll, of course, also get a spoon, napkin, and brush pick.
2. The Ready Store
The ready store is another highly-reviewed supplier that provides the general public with military-grade emergency supplies. It’s the ideal place to shop for those looking for the longest-lasting alternatives on the market, as their MREs are marketed to last for up to 30 years.
Luckily, their packaging is compact and space-efficient, so storing these MREs for decades on end won’t be difficult. Additionally, they also offer a wide range of flavor profiles appealing to the general public’s tastes.
From creamy pasta to chicken and rice and everything in between, I guarantee you’ll find your favorite meal within their extensive range of options. Go here to browse their entree options.
Related 7 Cheapest Places To Buy Freeze-Dried Foods.
3. Amazon
If you know me, you know that I am hesitant to include giant megastores as a supplier. However, I can’t ignore the opportunity for value.
Amazon is often an excellent place to find many survival pack basics, and this includes high-quality MREs, at a reasonable price. Just remember that you can find many sellers that offer the same product, hopefully at competitive prices.
Given that each item is manufactured and sold by a different supplier, you might have to do some additional research regarding the brand you’re planning to purchase. As there’s a high number of sellers promoting your product, it can be necessary to filter through many unsuitable options before finding the MREs that fits your needs and budget best. However, with enough time and research, you’ll undoubtedly find what you’re looking for.
I will do my best to keep this article up to date with my recommendation. Currently, this assorted flavor pack is the best option I see available at this time. However, definitely do your due diligence and check the other listings before deciding.
4. Emergency Essentials
I couldn’t make a “Cheapest Places To Buy MREs” list and not include Emergency Essentials. The Be Prepared brand has been offering the general public military-grade emergency products for a few decades now, the quality of which is unparalleled.
Their MREs are no exception. They offer a wide variety of high-quality options at some of the most competitive prices on the market. Their kits contain enough nutritional value and calories to cover an entire day, making them ideal for those looking to pack as lightly as possible.
Furthermore, their MREs have some of the most impressive shelf lives on the market, with some products lasting up to 30 years if stored correctly. They offer a wide range of alternatives when it comes to taste and nutrition, allowing you to cover all your macro and micro daily needs.
Related Is Beef Jerky a Good Survival Food? How Should It Be Stored?
5. Mountain House
If you look for a more specialized seller working exclusively with freeze-dried meals, you might want to pay a visit to Mountain House. The well-known company has been working closely with the US Special Forces for several decades now, meaning their experience in making stockpiling meals is unparalleled.
Additionally, if you enjoy a wide variety of options to choose from, Mountain House will be the best place to shop, as the company offers an extensive range of ready-to-eat foods. Additionally, their meals are well-known for their pleasant taste, which is more than what can be said about many other MRE brands.
Most of their meals take no longer than 10 minutes to rehydrate, making them an excellent on-the-go alternative. However, those looking to lower their sodium intake might want to shop at a more specialized store for their MRE needs. That’s because Mountain House products contain around 750 mg (0.026 oz) of sodium per serving. Some varieties may even include more.
Additionally, their servings often lean on the smaller side while not being very calorically dense. That means those with high energy expenditure levels might need to double (or triple) their stockpile before embarking on a journey.
What Is a Good Price for MREs?
A good price for an MRE case would be around $70 (excluding shipping). Prices may vary depending on brand and quality, but generally speaking, it’s the number to aim for. However, if you have specific nutritional or dietary requirements, be prepared to pay more.
If you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality MRE option, ideally, you wouldn’t want to pay more than $80 per case. You’ll find a lot of sellers trying to price their products much higher than market value, but as long as you stick to the previously mentioned suggestions, you won’t have to worry much about price, as they all offer excellent value.
How Many MREs Are in a Pallet?
There are 48 MRE cases in a pallet divided into A and B categories. The average weight of an MRE case is about 10 kg (22 lbs), meaning that the average pallet can weigh up to 480 kg (1058.22 lbs).
While the number of cases in a pallet is standard throughout the industry, their weight and volume may vary from brand to brand. Therefore, if you have specific mass limitations, always make sure to check your suppliers’ website for additional information first.
How Much Does a Pallet of MREs Typically Cost?
A pallet of MREs usually costs anywhere between $5,000 and $6,000. Luckily, most of the options available on the market lean toward the lower end of this range; however, higher-quality or specialized varieties may cost you more than $6,000.
Although it may seem like a hefty sum to pay for your MRE supply, keep in mind that a pallet can last you for years, depending on your consumption. Most meals provided in these pallets offer a substantial 1,500 calories per serving. Therefore, those going on long, energy-requiring journeys will be able to maintain all their caloric needs.
Additionally, most pallets sold today have a shelf life that exceeds the 5-year mark, while their components are high-quality and regulated using military-grade standards.
Related Can Humans Eat Dog Food to Survive in an Emergency?
How Much Does an MRE Weigh?
A single MRE weighs, on average, 624g (22 ounces). This weight includes packaging and any additional components that accompany a meal. Furthermore, an MRE contains, on average, 1,300 calories, meaning that most adults won’t need more than two a day.
Dragging 624 g (22 ounces) along for a single MRE might seem unnecessary at first; however, when you consider the fact that only two of them contain all your daily caloric needs, the concept becomes much more reasonable. As previously mentioned, a single MRE comes with various dishes, including entrees, sides, desserts, and snacks.
How Many MREs Do Soldiers Carry?
Most soldiers carry 2-3 MREs per day and never more than four. This amount is more than enough to cover their extensive caloric needs. Plus, due to their weight, carrying more MREs would be highly impractical.
Depending on the length of their deployment and individual energy levels, soldiers usually keep this daily intake in mind when choosing the right number of MREs for them. They tend to be conservative with their predicted needs, as most chow halls are open 24 hours a day, offering additional meals when necessary.
How Long Do MREs Last?
Most MREs last an average of 10-15 years when stored correctly. However, depending on the manufacturer, some brands may have a shelf life of 5 years while others can last up to 30.
You should always try to store MREs in their manufacturer-advised conditions. Usually, you’ll want to opt for cooler, low-humidity environments to store your MREs in. Temperature can play a significant role in whether your meal will be good to eat for a month or a decade.
Additionally, the date printed on the back of the package is more of a general guideline rather than a hard-set limit; therefore, always use your sight or smell to determine whether an MRE is safe to eat.
Is It Safe To Eat a 20-Year-Old Mre?
It’s generally safe to eat 20-year-old MREs as long as they’ve been stored properly. However, the fact that the meal can still be edible doesn’t necessarily mean you should consume it. In short, try to avoid these MREs if possible, but if not, chances are you’ll still be OK to eat them.
Is It Really Illegal To Buy Military MREs?
It is illegal to buy real military MREs. All varieties open to public consumption are inspired by the food consumed in the military; however, they’re not the exact same. Therefore, try to avoid brands charging extra money for “real” military MREs.
Although there have been some instances of soldiers trying to sell their MREs for a profit, there can be some serious legal consequences for all parties involved in the commercial sale of genuine military MREs. For this reason, I’d recommend avoiding these situations altogether.
Are MREs Bad for You?
MREs aren’t bad for you. Generally, MREs are packed with nutritional value and don’t appear to have any adverse effects on the consumer’s gut health. However, as with any other single food group, they can’t be safely consumed for extended periods.
Only consuming MREs for a week or two won’t have any negative impacts on your body, as you’ll also see in the following sections. A typical day consisting of these meals will supply you with adequate macronutrient ratios. However, an MRE diet won’t provide you with the necessary amount of fibers and micronutrients that can only be acquired through the consumption of fresh produce.
Can I Eat MRE Every Day?
You can eat MREs every day as long as it’s not for extended periods. Continuous consumption of MREs and nothing else can comfortably sustain your bodily functions for 2-3 weeks, after which severe deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and fibers will start appearing.
How Many Days in a Row Can You Eat MREs?
You can eat MREs as the sole nutrition source for up to 21 days. However, if you’re simply incorporating MREs into a healthy, balanced diet, there’s no limit to how often you can eat them throughout the week. Just make sure to keep an eye on your sodium intake.
A study conducted by army researchers found that soldiers can use MRIs as the only nutrition source for up to 21 days with no adverse effects on their health. Having said that, the long-term side effects that the frequent repetition of this diet can have on the human body haven’t been studied yet.
For more, check out Where to Buy Bulk Beans (The 6 Best Places).
Related Articles
Jim James is a published author and expert on the outdoors and survivalism. Through avid research and hands-on experience, he has gained expertise on a wide variety of topics. His time spent at college taught him to become really good at figuring out answers to common problems. Often through extensive trial and error, Jim has continued to learn and increase his knowledge of a vast array of topics related to firearms, hunting, fishing, medical topics, cooking, games/gaming, and other subjects too numerous to name.
Jim has been teaching people a wide variety of survivalism topics for over five years and has a lifetime of experience fishing, camping, general survivalism, and anything in nature. In fact, while growing up, he often spent more time on the water than on land! He has degrees in History, Anthropology, and Music from the University of Southern Mississippi. He extensively studied Southern History, nutrition, geopolitics, the Cold War, and nuclear policy strategies and safety as well as numerous other topics related to the content on survivalfreedom.com.