Civilian MRE Comparison (2025 Update)

So how do the major brands of civilian MREs compare to each other? Which one most closely resembles the military MREs? Which one packs the most calories per case? We’ll attempt to answer those questions and more below.

Note: The findings and results below have been updated to reflect the 2025 market. Note that Wornick (Eversafe) and Ameriqual (APack) are largely discontinued or no longer sold directly to civilians under these specific brand names. Prices have increased significantly due to inflation and supply chain costs compared to previous years. We are not affiliated with any of the MRE producers or dealers.

 

Specification Comparison

	Meal Kit Supply	Ameriqual APack (Legacy/Scarce)	MREStar	Sopakco Sure-Pak 12	Wornick Eversafe (Discontinued)
Number of unique entrees	12	N/A	6	12	N/A
Meals per case	12	N/A	12	12	N/A
Total calories per case	~15,000	N/A	~13,800	~13,500	N/A
Average calories per MRE	1,250+	N/A	1,150	~1,100	N/A
Case Price1	$160 – $180	Secondary Mkt	$125 – $135	$140 – $160	Secondary Mkt
Price per MRE	~$14.50	N/A	~$10.80	~$12.50	N/A
Heater Included?	Yes (Standard)	N/A	Yes	Yes (Standard)	N/A
Manufacturer’s Website	Click here	Legacy Only	Click here	Click here	Legacy Only

¹Case price is an estimate based on 2024/2025 online retail pricing. Prices fluctuate with inflation. Shipping is usually extra unless purchasing via major prime retailers.

 

Spoons

A key part of every MRE is the spoon. This is what gets the food from the pouch to your mouth. Here’s a comparison picture of the spoons historically used by these manufacturers: From left to right – Meal Kit Supply, APack, MREStar, Eversafe, Sure-Pak. (Click on the picture for a bigger version.) Update: Most current production civilian MREs (Meal Kit Supply and Sopakco) now use the standard 7-inch military-style brown or white plastic spoon. The legacy “wide mouth” spoons found in older APacks are largely gone from the primary market. Meal Kit Supply consistently provides the high-quality 7-inch spoon.

Individual Reviews

Meal Kit Supply

Meal Kit Supply remains the “gold standard” for civilian MREs. They have expanded their variety significantly since our original review. They now typically offer 12 unique menus per case, including excellent breakfast options.

Pros: Best variety on the market—12 unique menus per case means no menu fatigue. High calorie count (~1,250+ per meal). 5-year shelf life is guaranteed and clearly stamped. Includes Flameless Ration Heaters (water-activated) in every pack.

Cons: These are the most expensive civilian MREs (approx $160-$180/case), but the quality and variety justify the premium.

 

Ameriqual APack

Status: Legacy / Hard to Find. Ameriqual APacks are no longer widely available as a direct-to-consumer brand in 2025. You may find Ameriqual rations repackaged under different emergency labels or as “reduced sodium” institutional cases, but the classic “APack” retail line is effectively dormant.

Pros: If found, they generally had high calorie counts and good durability.

Cons: Availability is spotty at best; mostly old stock.

 

MREStar

MREStar continues to serve the budget-conscious market. The entree quality is decent, but the component variety remains lower than premium brands.

Pros: Lower price point than Meal Kit Supply or Sopakco. Good option for bulk emergency storage where variety is less critical. Entrees are tasty, though often standard retort fare.

Cons: Limited menu variety (usually 6 menus repeated). Side components can be repetitive (e.g., same nut mix or cookies in every bag).

 

Sopakco Sure-Pak 12

The Sopakco Sure-Pak 12 remains a staple of the industry. In recent years, they have improved their calorie counts and menu variety to better mirror military specs.

Pros: Authentic military components. Modern production runs now often feature 12 different menus (Case A/B style) rather than the old limited 6, though this depends on the specific retailer batch. Calorie counts have improved to approx 1,100–1,200 range. Durable packaging.

Cons: Price has risen significantly ($140+ range). Components are strictly utilitarian—functional, but less “gourmet” than some competitors.

 

Wornick Eversafe

Status: Discontinued. Wornick was acquired by Baxters North America. The “Eversafe” brand as a primary civilian retail product is no longer in regular production.

Pros: Historical versions were excellent and high-calorie.

Cons: No longer available fresh. Any “Eversafe” MREs found for sale today are likely expired or nearing the end of their shelf life. Use caution if purchasing.

Buying Civilian MREs

Check out the Buying Civilian MREs page. Also see the individual civilian MRE pages (linked above) for dealers of specific MRE brands.