Hi DirtyDave. If you don't mind, I'll just answer you in public in case anyone else might be able to use the info and/or contribute.
As for what's available, download and check out the spreadsheet here:
http://home.comcast.net/~justabiker/mh.xls
It breaks down to this:
Cans: 10 servings per can
Pouches: 2 servings per pouch (some with 4 servings)
Pro-Paks: 1 serving per pouch
The food comes in cases of 6. So that's 6 cans per case or 6 pouches per case. For the cans, that's a ton of food per case - 6 #10 cans.
Some people like to stock up ln the cans. That's definitely the most economical way to go because the price per serving drops down to around US$1.30. But with the cans, once you open then, you're pretty much committed to eating everything in there within a couple of weeks. This stuff will last 5-10 years - but only as long as it remains sealed. Once you open it up, the clock starts ticking. If you have a family (3-4 people) this is probably a good option because one can could serve 2-3 meals. But if you just have one or two people, it might not go as fast.
Me personally, I stuck with pouches for the last group buy. Since it's just my wife and myself, I thought the pouches would be a good fit. Also, they're easier for putting in bug-out-bags and for taking on camping trips. The pouches are great! You just rip off the top, take out the little oxygen absorbing pack, pour in hot water, ziplock it closed, and wait 8-10 minutes. Then you can just eat it out of the bag.
If you go with the pouches, you can get the 20oz double-serving pouches or the 16-oz single-serving Pro-Paks. The Pro-Paks are vacuum-sealed just like the MCW entrees. This makes them take up less space than the 20oz packages. Each type of pouch has its advantages. The 20oz pouches are a little cheaper but you only get two 10oz servings or one giant 20oz serving. The Pro-Pak pouches give you a single, big 16oz serving but you pay a little more for it.
What I did last time was just order one case of each type of Pro-Pak (there are 8 types) and then a bunch of the regular double-serving pouches, too. So when I'm real hungry, I can eat a Pro-Pak and when I'm not so hungry (or am sharing with someone), I can use a regular pouch.
They do have 4 serving pouches available but I figure if I want that much food, I'll just order a case of cans.
As for which entrees to get, that's a personal choice. If you have the time, I'd recommend going to a sporting goods/camping store and buying some of the individual packs to give them a try to see how you like them. Also be sure to check out the threads from ar15.com that I mentioned above - some of those posts contain links to reviews.
My favorites so far are:
Beef Stroganoff
Spaghetti
Lasagna
Chicken and Rice
