Best source to get fresh MREs for a reasonable price?
Posted by Sea_Perspective6891@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 80 comments
So I've been trying to find a good source to buy fresh made MREs ideally in 10-12 packs for at or under $100 a box & includes entre, flameless heater(would be nice but doesn't have to) cracker or bread, side & desert & utencils. I'd like to be able to use them for both emergency food & as a quick easy to make meal. The ones I have come across all seem to have been pretty old & not stored very well. Best deal I came across was Sopackos low sodium 10 pack for $60 but they tasted kinda old & probably weren't stored well before getting sold. I've also tried FEMA rations which were Ok but also tasted a bit old & probably not stored properly before sale.
TheSensiblePrepper@reddit
Your "reasonable price" is unrealistic today. Three years ago, sure but not now. Remember that any MREs you find are after the Government has their chance or were sold off by the Government after they bought them and didn't want them anymore. That's why they are so close to or past inspection.
The best source I have found is MRE Depot. They are actually the manufacturer and package many MRE components. So they will sell you their "overruns" from Government contracts. This means you can actually get MREs that are around a year old at most. You can also buy individual items from them and MRE items that aren't usually sold to the public at all.
Keep in mind that you do have to pay for shipping and that gets pricey.
Regardless of how you feel about him, the owner of this company is friends with Canadian Prepper. So they offer 15% off your entire purchase by using code canadianprepper at checkout. Hey, 15% off is 15% off.
Feeling_Chance_744@reddit
MRE Depot isn't the manufacturer of anything. They just buy surplus MREs and sell them
TheSensiblePrepper@reddit
No, they are a manufacturer. You don't need to believe it for it to still be a fact.
Feeling_Chance_744@reddit
What do they manufacture?
TheSensiblePrepper@reddit
Several of the components, sides and specialty items. The owner/founder also owns and runs Freeze Dry Wholesalers.
Feeling_Chance_744@reddit
Lol. The owner of Freeze Dry Wholesalers bought some Harvest Right machines and is operating illegally without a USDA inspector. He doesn't have a USDA establishment number.
I guarantee you he doesn't make ANYTHING that goes in an MRE. The entrees have well-known producers. So do the bread products (mostly Bridgford) and the spreads (Sopacko, et. al).
TheSensiblePrepper@reddit
Great, who is the owner of both companies then? What is his name?
Feeling_Chance_744@reddit
Steven Cyros
TheSensiblePrepper@reddit
Fantastic, you can use Google.
Now look into the company holdings listed with him and interviews that he has done. What you will find is that he has been Freeze Drying since the 90s and started being a Government Contractor out of his Garage back then. His main facility is out of Utah and has custom commercial equipment that was long before Harvest Right was a company.
How do I know all this?
Because I own three Freeze Dryers, two from Harvest Right, but the first one I bought secondhand from....Steven Cyros. I have known him for several years.
But again, just because you don't believe something doesn't change it from being fact. So believe whatever you want.
Feeling_Chance_744@reddit
Why can't the guy get a USDA inspector out there? You know one has have to have one on site full-time anytime food is being processed. USDA provides them for no charge. Why would he not do that?
TheSensiblePrepper@reddit
It isn't required. Could he do it? Sure, but why? He has setup arrangements with the USDA to not need it. Just like Costco does for their meat processing.
His processes exceed those standards and those standards don't apply to freeze dried products.
You would be shocked how few companies have USDA Inspectors.
Feeling_Chance_744@reddit
Not how it works. It’s required. Grocery stores and butchers are exempt because they sell directly to end-consumers (no wholesale distribution) and they don’t ship products interstate. Federal Meat Inspection Act. Specifically, 21 U.S.C. 606 requires inspectors. The section that exempts retail stores is 21 U.S.C. 623(a) (IIRC)
TheSensiblePrepper@reddit
Or.....they can make arrangements with the USDA. You always have options.
Plus, making products for the Military are different rules. On top of Freeze Dried Wholesalers and MRE Depot are....retail stores.
Feeling_Chance_744@reddit
Selling in interstate commerce. That’s the problem.
TheSensiblePrepper@reddit
And
And yet it's happening, isn't it?
Feeling_Chance_744@reddit
Lazy government?
TheSensiblePrepper@reddit
Well then they have been lazy for 30+ years on this. I am sure we can both at least agree that is likely true.
Feeling_Chance_744@reddit
What does he produce for MREs? I asked that earlier and got a vague answer.
TheSensiblePrepper@reddit
A lot.
His latest products are the UGR-E but he also makes all of these products.
Feeling_Chance_744@reddit
1. AmeriQual Group, LLC
UGR-E & other Operational Rations
Why this matters: AmeriQual is the only contractor in some ordering periods with retort tray capacity + integrated flameless heater assembly specifically called out in UGR-E specifications.
2. The Wornick Company / Baxters North America, Inc.
UGR-E, UGR-A, and individual ration components
Wornick historically held the UGR-E award prior to AmeriQual entering that space and continues to supply modules as a qualified producer.
3. SOPAKCO, Inc.
UGR-E & other group rations
TheSensiblePrepper@reddit
And who is the owner of all those companies?
Feeling_Chance_744@reddit
If you can give me one of his contract numbers I’ll look it up and then shut up.
hectorthesecond@reddit
im wondering when thesensibleprepper is going to either disclose he is a paid promoter of this company or realize $12 per MRE is not sensible.
hectorthesecond@reddit
hmm doesnt seem like you have a solid answer for Feeling_chance_744's questions. If you are being paid to promote/market a particular $12/meal MRE price-gouging company you should probably disclose that.
Feeling_Chance_744@reddit
Feeling_Chance_744@reddit
Feeling_Chance_744@reddit
Not him!
Feeling_Chance_744@reddit
So not only is this guy freeze-drying, he's retort packaging too?
Feeling_Chance_744@reddit
Trust me, I’ll take care of you and your bullshit illegal business, Cyros.
You and your fake federal-looking uniform selling fake land contracts.
I’m on a mission.
Feeling_Chance_744@reddit
I’m not saying a lot of people don’t do it. There are hundreds of illegal homemade beef jerky sellers on Etsy.
Dangerous_Way2804@reddit
MRE Depot is running $140 a case. That's $12 a meal. That's insanely pricey. You're better off getting a 4-week food supply from My Patriot Supply. They've had the same price for several years now, which works out to $3 a meal, 3 meals a day, 2000 calories.
TheSensiblePrepper@reddit
Remember that MRE Depot is actually the manufacturer of many of the components in the MREs. You're paying more for a single reason.
When you buy MREs from a Reseller, what you are buying is old stock that the Government sold to Privacy Companies. Some of these can be fresh, but most are on the end of their Inspection Date. Many aren't stored in a Climate Controlled Environment either.
At MRE Depot, unless specifically mentioned, your getting Government Contract Overruns. So the MREs your getting were just made. You're paying for that fact.
I am actually planning a post for all those "Survival Bucket Food" brands. My Patriot Supply is two stars at best. Lots of empty carbs too.
Dangerous_Way2804@reddit
Empty carbs? I mean, you're not supposed to be eating them 7 days a week as part of your normal diet. It's emergency food, for when the shit goes down and you just need the calories.
As far as MRE inspection dates, inspection date is not expiration date, it's just when it's supposed to be checked to make sure it's still good. MREs can last for a decade if you store them somewhere cool.
TheSensiblePrepper@reddit
Most people don't understand that and plan on eating it for every meal for the entirety of what they have. That will not work out for them.
While you're correct about the Inspection Dates you're assuming they are being stored in a "cool/dry place" before being resold. Many aren't because they don't care. So you're taking a chance.
AggravatingAd9394@reddit
This aged well
TheSensiblePrepper@reddit
It's still valid information and the owner has said several times that the code I provided will always be valid.
AggravatingAd9394@reddit
Cases can be found for $30-$40 EVERYWHERE now bro
TheSensiblePrepper@reddit
Sure they can. Check the inspection dates carefully.
Sea_Perspective6891@reddit (OP)
Yeah I'm starting to notice how crazy the prices have got on a box of the military ones. Been a while since I last really looked for them. Used to be I was able to get a case of them for $80 at my local surplus store now they can be over $130. I'll probably use MRE Depot as a source for the real stuff.
TheSensiblePrepper@reddit
Hopefully it works out for you.
Prepper-Pup@reddit
You've got a few options. You likely won't find new MRE's for less than $100/case.
https://theepicenter.com/ sells just the entrees/sides in addition to the full meals. XMRE also has civilian meals.
If you want best bang for your buck though- go with recent-surplus HDR's (Humanitarian Daily Rations.) By far the cheapest option. They lack a flameless heater/accessory pack, but you get a lot more calories for your dollar (35 bucks for 10 days of food - 2,000 cal/day.)
From what I hear, low sodium MRE's aren't the best. Another option is finding a reliable seller on Ebay for military surplus rations.
AggravatingAd9394@reddit
This aged well
Prepper-Pup@reddit
...or not as well. Since the usual supplier for HDR's is now out of stock ._.
AggravatingAd9394@reddit
$40 a case is the new average, I can link 5 sites that sell at that lol
anonymous3840@reddit
Could you for us that want to buy?
AggravatingAd9394@reddit
Literally go on Amazon and you’ll find tons of listings, eBay as well
Prepper-Pup@reddit
Yeah that looks about right- the usual supplier ran out but they're out there. Unfortunately the cases are usually 2+ years old vs newer.
Slowlybutshelly@reddit
I looked on Amazon for HDrations and found some with heaters.
Prepper-Pup@reddit
Are you sure they aren't re-packaged or MRE's? HDR's don't come with a heater included to my knowledge.
Slowlybutshelly@reddit
You can check Amazon yourself
Prepper-Pup@reddit
I did- and they didn't mention having any heaters. HDR's are not packaged with heaters, while MRE's are- so there may be a bit of confusion.
Slowlybutshelly@reddit
How are we seeing different things on Amazon?
Prepper-Pup@reddit
I have no idea.
If the listing says "Humanitarian Daily Ration" and the meals are in an orange package, they will not have any heaters enclosed if they are from the factory.
If they are in brown packaging, those aren't HDRs, and are mis-labeled MRE's, which are only 1200 calories and do have a heater.
Slowlybutshelly@reddit
Just DM you
Virtual-Feature-9747@reddit
This site looks like a good option. Decent price and they aren't 5 years old already.
Prepper-Pup@reddit
I think it's a good one, especially for picking up individual entrees/snacks you want vs the whole meal.
Sea_Perspective6891@reddit (OP)
Ok thanks I'll consider that option. I can always buy flameless heaters if I wanted them badly enough but if I'm making MREs at home anyway I either microwave them or boil it in water. Buying military MREs is always a gamble though & almost always 5 years past their inspection/test date at least whenever I tried buying them.
Prepper-Pup@reddit
Most welcome. There's lots of sellers who have them only about a year or so past their inspection date- so they are certainly out there.
Munkymandan@reddit
Mre mountain. Cost a little more but the freshest best inspection dates. Just got a case last month.
SnooStories251@reddit
Real MRE here in Norway are good quality. You may find better offers now as our krone is quite low. They are good quality.
Financial_Resort6631@reddit
The BEST MREs are the LRRP and the Arctic. Both have mountain house freeze dried meals and are WAY WAY lighter. Regular MREs you need to field strip.
littlewolfteeth@reddit
You can buy Chef 5 Minute Meal MREs off of Amazon for $88. I'm not sure about the quality but they are my favorite brand and I get mine from FEMA camps after a hurricane hits our area. Mine sit for a while before I use them and they are my favorite as far as quality. The activator pouches in them still work unlike the Sopacko ones I have, and the quality is much better compared to that brand.
RandomDragon314@reddit
Ask a military friend. They sell (usually fairly current) individual ones at larger commissaries for <$5.
Virtual-Feature-9747@reddit
Fresh is the key word here. Seems like most of the MREs I see were packed several years ago.
To the ones suggesting other options: You are not wrong. MREs are not the best long term food option in terms of cost, variety, nutrition, weight or really anything else. However, it's good to have a mix of dry goods, canned goods, freeze dried food (commercial or home made) and MREs.
Sea_Perspective6891@reddit (OP)
Yeah. For long term emergency food I just got a box of those vacuum packed ration bars. Those things have a 20 plus year shelf life.
MeatTornadoLove@reddit
Mountain House is better tasting that most MREs in my opinion.
You should try multiple options while camping!
ScrapmasterFlex@reddit
I recently got 40 Sopakco Lo-Sodiums for $99.60 total. That's $2.49/ea shipped. I personally do not feel you can beat that with a stick, short of having access to taxpayer-funded cases of USGI MREs that you can tactically liberate (which I surely don't.)
The difference IMHO is the packing is a little less robust and you don't get as many "extras" in these, but I can live without them. There's not as many sides and seasoning stuff (like hot sauce, coffee, cheese spread, main sides etc.) but they certainly will get the job done.
But good luck getting good deals these days , I had some in my cart in January 2020, less than $4/ea for real-deal US Mil MREs and shipped etc. Good production date of just the last year etc. And then Coronavirus hit and they went up three times overnight, $12 each, up to $14/ea at one point plus shipping. Geez, some of those fancy British/French/German even Polish 24hr Ration Packs are going from $75-100+. The US civilian "Z-Ration" is like $35 for the 24hr version and it's another $11 shipping. And the 24hr version they sell is 2 meals and 2 granola/fruit-style Breakfast Bars for breakfast. It's not like you get 3 full main hots.
freddit_foobar@reddit
Be mindful that MREs have a limited shelf life based on manufacturer date as well as the temps that they were stored in. The hotter the temps the shorter the shelf life.
If you are looking at fresh off the assembly line, with a shelf life of 5+ years, you're going to be looking at $100-150/case.
Sopakco https://www.surepak-12.com/buy-now/
Ameriqual https://readymeal.com/
Wornick https://longlifefood.com/ - Amazon store with components avail, not many full cases
The cheaper ones on eBay/Amazon/surplus stores seem to be stuff with 2018-21 manufacturer dates and inspect dates of 2023-25.
Sure, they're running from $32-$50 per case, but remember they are nearing the end of their shelf life depending on the temps stored and shipped in.
As others have mentioned, you can DIY your own with off the shelf products like tuna or chicken pouches and other accoutrements from Walmart or your local grocery store.
Plenty of DIY MRE tutorials on YouTube, here is even a website for a guy that'll do it for ya: https://custommres.net/
You could fill a tote with off the shelf items for a lot less than one case of MREs. Could be various canned goods such as chili (no beans), beef stew, Chef Boyardee, etc. Some single-serving fruit cups, various Tuna/Spam/Chicken pouches, granola/protein bars, trail mix pouches, single serve electrolyte powders, instant coffee, crackers, jerky, mashed potato pouches, etc.
FctFndr@reddit
Major surplus and survival.com
They have MRE deals all the time
2lros@reddit
https://armynavyoutdoors.com/mre-and-emergency-food/?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&_kx=o-rH--KSATGgdDIrb1leifKyf-d1r00kMaaNpKc1x-jJeAzHmfBepaF95jj55lsf.QvrDzj
mountainsformiles@reddit
Whoa! Those are great prices!
Web_Trauma@reddit
great deal going on right now. $2.49 per MRE
https://www.preppingdeals.net/deals/that-daily-deal-20-pack-mre-w-heater
Unobtanium_Alloy@reddit
A LOT of the customer comments/reviews are unfavorable to say the least
GreyBeardsStan@reddit
Stash food you like that is shelf stable. Dehydrate meals at home. Anything but buying MREs. They are heavy, overpriced, garbage.
kkinnison@reddit
I made the stupid rookie mistake of going on a bike Trip, carrying camping gear, and MREs for food.
MREs are Full of Fat and sugars, and designed to eat on the go when you are hiking/marching all day, and you don't have time to cook. Very dense calories. Very heavy to carry. And the food can sometimes very bland and very unappitizing unless you get one of those tiny Tabasco Sauce bottles
if that is what you want, go for it.
really better off getting Freeze dried food. Tastes way better, very light, lasts a lot longer, and you can tailor it to your tastes.
jms21y@reddit
you can build your own MRE-type of meal (for the quick/easy meal part) just going to walmart. cooked rice in microwavable pouches, roast beef, chicken, tuna, ham in foil pouches (hell, walmart even has tamales in foil pouches in the spanish food aisle), packages of sandwich crackers, and kool-aid/gatorade/crystal light beverage powders.
going to be fresher and less expensive.
dittybopper_05H@reddit
Your local stores. You can buy everything you need to make up your own MREs at a fraction of the cost of purchasing them.
See Dad Budget Adventures on YouTube for some examples.
Cute-Consequence-184@reddit
It might be better for you to invest in some freeze dried cans and just make your own.
Badger_Joe@reddit
Make a friend in the Reserves like I did.
Every 2 months he brings me a case of 12.
Forest_Spirit_7@reddit
You’d be better off going with a different emergency food source. Though I also have MRE’s, and they are handy in certain situations.
I have found them at local preparedness supply stores, and surplus stores at 10$ a pop. That doesn’t seem to be the standard anymore though. Search for these types of stores in your area and go shopping. eBay isn’t cheap anymore