Yes.
Most MRE's have a shelf-life of 5 years at room temperature.
That said, I've eaten MRE's that were several years past expiration date, and everything was fine except the bread - though edible it tasted odd.
Premade backpacker meals are good, and if you are a bit adventurous military MREs are not the worst way to go. Bothe require you to just add water, the backpacker meals the temperature of the water will affect the temperature of the food. With the MREs they come with heater packs that you add water to.
Makes MREs edible.
6
32
No, and a lot of what's said about MREs is urban legend (such as the gum being formulated to plug up the old rectum). Health problems... if you eat them habitually, they'll fatten you up rather quickly. MREs are intended to be eaten in a heavy work environment, and they contain some 2000 or calories.
39 ft
alignmetn hardware
Interesting question. Having experienced MREs when they were first introduced, I would have to say no. Quite the opposite actually. Those who eat MREs on a regular basis learn quickly to get bread and butter, a lot of butter from the field kitchen, and chase a few slices with a lot of butter with the MRE contents. I suggest keeping a couple bottles of magnesium citrate back at garrison for when you return from the field.
21 days
MREs didn't exist in World War I. They came along later.
Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) can have a shelf life of 12 to 24 months when stored in optimal conditions, such as a cool, dry place. However, if kept in ideal conditions, some MREs can last up to five years or more. It's important to check the packaging for a production date and consume them before the recommended expiration date for best quality. Always inspect MREs for any signs of damage or spoilage before consumption.
They do not go bad in a day, but they go bad in a week.