I can offer my thoughts on an NZ ORP vs a U.S. MRE though.
The NZ ORPs are issued as a 24hr ration pack and there's MUCH more than a First Strike ration, but it's an unfair comparison as the FSR is lightweight by design.
There are four menu choices for an NZ ORP, but each ORP contains two entrees, so you could consider that equal to eight MRE menus (far short of the twenty-odd on offer with MREs). They are:
A) Beef and Vege Stew / Sweet and Sour Chicken
B) Chicken Jambalaya / Moroccan Lamb
C) Chilli Beef and Rice / Chicken Casserole
D) Vegetable Tagine / Thai Chicken Curry
NZ ORPs do not contain eating utensils or a method to heat the entrees (soldiers are issued with their own mess kits and heaters). They do, however, come with a neat waterproof container for matches.
As for taste, the entrees are very similar to MREs. I would call them even in taste and quality.
NZ ORP's are a little more predictable with regard to sweet/dessert items, as they all contain chocolate bars, cookies, glucose sweets, nuts & raisins, dried fruit & muesli bars. The only variation is the type of cookies (Choc chip vs Anzac).
Interesting additions are a tube of sweetened condensed milk, which works wonders for sweetening/whitening of hot drinks and a tin of processed cheese.
The all in one' aspect of U.S. MREs appeals to me, with the inclusion of FRH and the famous spoon. Plus it's always a bit of excitement going toe-to-toe with those peelable seals!
I've done a review of the NZ ORP on my channel, plus I sent one out to Gundog4314 who is about halfway through his set of videos for his.
And Ssshhhhhhhh - In a couple of weeks you'll see what Gschultz9 has to say about them too
Cheers,
Matt.
