X-MREs: Extreme Meals Ready to Eat

[gschultz9]

Here's a little update on the X-MRE company. Looks like the Commercial MREs section of the MREinfo website is going to have to be updated soon. This certainly looks like it's a legitimate new company putting out civvie MREs (like Meal Kit Supply). I did hear back from the company after sending along my note to them. After a little back and forth they sent me one of their "6 Pack" cases of standard meals. I got it a few days ago and just filmed a video introducing the company and showing the opening of the case. Once I get around to reviewing some of the meals I'll post a review in the appropriate area. A couple of interesting things about these MREs--they come in a brown bag (like the Meal Kit Supply ones), so you can't see what's inside like you can with most commercial MREs in clear bags. There's no other printing on the bag to indicate what meal you're getting. On the back of each bag is printed a menu number, and inside the case there's a piece of paper that lists all the components of each menu (#1-#6 in this case). It's interesting that they went with the brown bags, but decided against printing entree information on them. My guess is that they save a lot of money by not having to print twelve (or however many different entrees they have) different bags. This works fine with the clear bags where you can just look inside and see what's in there, but in this case it means they have to print a menu number on the back and include a menu list with the case. Not sure how it works if you buy individual meals--maybe it's just a surprise when you open it up! It is a nice touch to list ALL the components on the sheet of paper, but seems like it would be easier to simply print "Menu No.1: Ratatouille" on the bag--especially if the info sheet gets lost.

Anyway, I guess I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm glad that they sent me the 6-pack to review. It's nice that they offer their MREs in cases of 6 and 12 for people with different needs. I was kind of hoping they'd also send along one of their 24 Hour Rations and maybe one of their Express Meal Kits. These actually seem to be a bit lame, as you're spending $7.99 for just an MRE entree along with a FRH and an accessory kit that includes a spoon and napkin (not sure what else). It would indeed make for a good portable lunch on the go, but seems kind of expensive for how much you get with it. They also sell individual MRE components (in quantity too) and FRHs on the site. I'll try to post some more information as I find it and hopefully will have a full review up soon.

The menus included with the 6-Pack are:
Menu 1: Ratatouille
Menu 2: Chili and Macaroni
Menu 3: Spaghetti With Beef Sauce
Menu 4: Chili With Beans
Menu 5: Vegetable Lasagna
Menu 6: Cheese Tortellini In Tomato Sauce

[RockyRaab]

X-ELENT!

[ElevatorFan73]

It kind of reminds me of the Meal Kit Supply MRE's, steep price but now that I've looked at it, it doesn't look too bad.

[gschultz9]

Yeah, they remind me quite a bit of the MKS ones (so far at least). The main reason I suppose is the brown bag. The price is similar (with the expensive selling price offset by the free shipping. These seem to be a little "cheaper" than the Meal Kit Supply ones, but a close look at the contents of the meals shows that these only have an entree (like most commercial MREs usually have) and no side dish like the Meal Kit Supply ones give you.

[ElevatorFan73]

I just noticed something that is a pro - these actually have a hot beverage bag, unlike MKS which gives you coffee but leaves you clueless on how to make it.

[j-son]

So do you guys eat mre
Foods for fun or just stockpile them?

I have several cases stockpiled but never hope to netted them.

[Ruleryak]

I love rations and eat them every now and then as a special meal. Cases getting old in storage is as good an excuse as any to break some out for camping, traveling, etc. I survive on MREs and UGRs for a week and change in the desert for fun each year (Burning Man). I stockpile and I collect, so I have cases that are never intended to be eaten, and cases that will be eaten someday - disaster or not.

[RockyRaab]

I don't collect; I eat 'em. MREs and TOTMs are my choice for fishing trip food or a long day at the gun range. I use the "leftovers" like osmotic cranberries or pound cake as road trip snacks.