Question about the differences in MREs

[Morrac]

I was looking at what was for sale on this site and I have a questions about the differences in the Meal Kit Supply, Sure-Pak, MRE Star, and Apack rations. Are they civilian versions of the US Military MREs or are they different? Are they different menus but contain the same stuff as the US Military MREs or are they completely different?

Thank you.

[SentientTootsieRoll]

By looking at pictures and menus of them, they look to use a mix of things. I believe the entrees are usually the same ones you would receive in a military MRE. Many of the civilian ones also don't appear to have as much food or things like matches in the accessory pack. The owner of mreinfo.com did a good job providing info on what you'll get in them. http://www.mreinfo.com/civilian-mres/

I still prefer the military MREs, mostly for nostalgic purposes. My dad used to bring home cases for us to eat for fun and I always enjoyed ripping open that brown bag and wondering just what was in it.

[RockyRaab]

They are indeed all different. Some have about the same quantity of items as a real MRE, some a bit less (like a TOTM). I think they all use entrees that are identical (or very close) to issued meals. Because some of them also supply items for Canadian IRPs, those entrees may be a bit different; just as good or better, btw.

Years ago, I bought a case of what were advertised as MREs. In each meal were an entree, a pack of commercial saltines, a packet of grape jelly, a spoon, and a drink mix. That's all. No heater, no side dish, no snack, no dessert. Needless to say, I never ordered those again. So my advice today is to carefully review the listed menus, compare prices especially for shipping, and buy the best deal.

I would NOT buy "genuine" MREs from ebay. Some may be fine, but most of the ones I've seen were well past their inspection date, with unknown storage conditions, and black market (which is what they are) prices. My opinion.

[BlackDogBob]

They are indeed all different. Some have about the same quantity of items as a real MRE, some a bit less (like a TOTM). I think they all use entrees that are identical (or very close) to issued meals. Because some of them also supply items for Canadian IRPs, those entrees may be a bit different; just as good or better, btw.

Years ago, I bought a case of what were advertised as MREs. In each meal were an entree, a pack of commercial saltines, a packet of grape jelly, a spoon, and a drink mix. That's all. No heater, no side dish, no snack, no dessert. Needless to say, I never ordered those again. So my advice today is to carefully review the listed menus, compare prices especially for shipping, and buy the best deal.

I would NOT buy "genuine" MREs from ebay. Some may be fine, but most of the ones I've seen were well past their inspection date, with unknown storage conditions, and black market (which is what they are) prices. My opinion.

Very well said. The only thing I would add is that if buying MREs as a collector, then go for Military. But if buying for consumption while hiking, camping, or prepping for disaster, you might want to go commercial to guarantee freshness.