Ration Cold Weather 3 B by SO-PAK-CO

[SirG2020]

Hi everyone.
I just opened up this RCW and need your help with identifying the date it was packed. I’m not sure if it’s 1992 or 2002. What do you think? Thanks for any info.
Also, notice that the main is not as stated on the bag and only one spoon included.

P.S. I forgot the chocolate disks aka M&Ms on photo with all components but it was also part of this ration

[Amelieee1]

Most likely to be 1992. The 1998 run was Wornick and afaik that was the last contract. Seen one or two cases with an early 1999 date but to my knowledge most of the production was over by 1998.

[SirG2020]

Thanks so much for that info. My son and I will be digging into this 32 year old treasure tonight. It looks to be in a very good shape so our hopes and excitement is pretty high.

[norge]

its from 1992

cheers ken

[cavguy]

Agreed, its from 1992, the mains at this point were packed in one container and not cubed like the earlier RCW mains). If it was stored in a cool environment, which it looks like, the main will very much likely still be good. Though the nuts in the brownies tend to go bad over the years anyway and the granola bars turn a bit odd tasting. The oatmeal bars usually last a substantially longer than the granola bars.

[SirG2020]

Thanks guys!

Cavguy you’re spot on. Every single item except the brownie was not only still edible but actually delicious! The drinks were still loose powder and reconstituted perfectly. Only the brownie was suspicious. It tasted good overall but after the first nibble and about 2-3 minutes my mouth felt moisture being sucked out from the side I chewed it on and quite bitter taste appear. The walnuts must have gone rancid as we saw chunks of them inside the brownie. Decided not to eat any of it. I had high hopes because the M&Ms were still loose and completely intact inside their bag. We’re keeping that sealed for now though. 14 hours later now and neither of us had any issues!
Anyways, my 11 year old and I couldn’t stop saying “wow” and “no way” the whole time we ate it all. Truly an amazing experience with a 32 year old time capsule.