Outdoor Blog

How Long Do MREs Last?

Published

5 years ago

January 8, 2020

A woman standing in the fog at a campsite.

Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs) are the nutritional go-to for the military and survivalists alike. These pre-cooked meals are designed to withstand all extremes and still be delicious. You can drop them, hit them, carry them for miles in a pack and they are still fine. The apple sauce still tastes like apple sauce and the corned beef hash still tastes like corned beef hash.

There are some minor differences between the military and civilian versions like the inclusion of toilet paper and chewing gum for soldiers. Other than that they are the same. The military toughness of MREs, even the civilian brands, is what has made them so popular among hunters, campers, and emergency preppers. You can buy MREs, store them for years, then take them with you on a hike and they are still good to eat. That begs the question though, just how long can you store them? How long do MREs really last?

Man walking through the woods during the day.

Most survivalists are MRE enthusiasts and make them a key part of their diet.

Officially, how long do MREs last?

An entire MRE, when stored in a dry place at 80°F, can last for three years. That is the official word on MRE shelf life but it isn’t that simple. The reality is that the cooler the storage temperature, the longer the MRE will last and, even once some elements of the MRE have gone bad, others will still be ok to eat. Whereas an MRE stored at 120°F can still last for a month, storing it at 50°F could make it last up to five years.

Some people have even frozen their MREs in an attempt to stretch out their lifespan. This isn’t the best idea though. If a frozen MRE pouch is thawed and then frozen again it can tear and this can compromise the whole meal. If you do freeze an MRE you should plan to eat it immediately after thawing it. Also, just because it is frozen does not mean it is ok to eat it after the 5-year mark.

How can I tell how old the MRE is?

The U.S. government used to publish a shelf life chart for MREs that was so wrong people actually got sick following its advice. It basically suggested that everything in an MRE would still be good after almost ten years if only it was kept at or below 60°F. The problem was in the cheeses, cheese spreads, apple sauce, and other non-dehydrated fruit products mainly. People were trusting the chart over the appearance, smell, and taste of the food.

The point in mentioning this is that no matter what method you use to assess the shelf life of an MRE, and there are some reliable ones, you should still pay attention to the food itself before you eat it. Check if the packaging is defective, if the seals have come apart, and if there are tears in the bags. You should also check for bad odors and see if the food looks palatable.

A bit of food poisoning from a defective manufacturer can be gotten over if you’re eating an MRE at home. A survival situation or the middle of a backcountry hike makes for a different story. It is important to check for the shelf life of your MRE’s but you must still inspect the food itself before you eat it.

Still, you might be asking, since there is no expiration date to be found on an MRE how exactly can you check the shelf life? There are two main ways to check if the MREs might still be good. The first is by checking the time and temperature indicator on a case of MREs. The second and more specific method involves reading the manufacture date on the MRE.

A row of camels walking through the desert.

In especially hot places an MRE will only last for a month or so at best.

MRE time and temperature indicators

Around 1997 cases of MREs were equipped with something called time and temperature indicator (TTI). This little addition came in the form of a small sticker on the outside of a full MRE case and it looks like a small bullseye with two little red/orange circles one over the other. The smaller brighter colored circle is superimposed over the larger darker colored one so that you can see a difference between them.

As long as they are that color, the smaller inner circle brighter than the larger outside circle, everything in the box should be fresh and ready to eat. If the inner circle and the outer circle are the same color or the inner circle is darker than the outer circle than means the case of MREs has sat too long at too high a temperature.

The time and temperature indicator is fairly accurate because it can reflect the effects of temperature changes the MRE case was exposed to. If a case was stored in a cooler at 60°F for a couple of years, but at some point during that time the cooler malfunctioned and temperatures spiked, the TTI would be able to show if the MREs in the case were good or not.

MRE manufacture date

Although MREs are not individually printed with an expiration date they do have other information printed on them. Both the box and each individual pouch have a four-digit code stamped on them which can be decoded to tell you the exact date and year the MRE was made. These four digits are a modified version of what is called the Julian date code.

Basically, the way it works is that the first digit of the code is the year of manufacture while the last three digits encode the month and day of that year. As an example, a four-digit code such as 5121 would mean the MRE was made on the 121st day of 2015, or May 1, 2015. These codes will sometimes have letters at the end of them which simply indicate a particular batch. You might see 7350B which just means that MRE is from batch B made on the 350th day of 2017, or December 15, 2017.

You might have noticed that the code only allows for one digit for the year, the last digit specifically, so you might rightfully wonder how manufacturers differentiate, say, 2005 from 2015. The short answer is that they don’t. It is assumed that people won’t be keeping their MREs for more than 10 years because this would be dangerous by any standard. The average shelf life of an MRE is calculated at 5 years as an ideal maximum and that clock starts ticking from the date of manufacture.

Interpreting the Julian date codes might be a little confusing at first but with a little practice, it becomes much easier.

Does long term storage affect the nutritional value of an MRE?

One MRE is designed to meet one-third of the military’s recommended daily allowance for nutrients and Calories. This typically comes out to about 1,250 Calories (13 percent protein, 36 percent fat, 51 percent carbohydrates) all spread out over the main entree, a side dish, dessert, bread, peanut butter, and a drink mix. This distribution is optimized for a soldier experiencing the duress of battle and hours of rucking and three of these MREs would be considered a full day’s worth of battlefield meals.

When MREs are stored appropriately, packaged appropriately and consumed within the right amount of time their nutritional value does not change and they are perfectly safe to eat. However, when the MREs are stored at higher temperatures and/or for longer than recommended things change. It’s all about the storage conditions.

Dairy-based and fruit-based products can go bad and they will make you sick if you eat them. Peanut butter also doesn’t do well standing the test of time. Other elements of the MRE, even if they look alright and are palatable, won’t have the same nutritional value that they would have within the recommended date ranges. Flavor also seriously suffers in old MREs. In a tight spot, they will be palatable enough but some components of the MRE won’t go down so easily.

The internet is full of anecdotal accounts of people happily eating MREs ten and even twenty-plus years after their manufacture dates. They report how they carefully avoid the foods that have gone bad and heartily enjoy the ones that haven’t. The truth is you can’t always tell if a food is dangerous to eat just from looking at it or smelling it. Also, just because one person could eat fifteen-year-old MRE ham doesn’t mean you can.

Manufacturing processes change over time too. There might be the occasional MRE entree that really does stand the test of time but that all depends on how it was made and preserved. Ingredients, storage temperatures, and package integrity can easily change from MRE to MRE. A food item that wasn’t previously made with perishable items could be now. Things change so risking your health and safety on a few internet anecdotes is not a good idea.

How to effectively store MREs

To get the most life and use out of the MREs that you have it is important that you store them properly. As previously mentioned, the temperature is the major determinant for how long your MRE remains edible. Almost everything else about MREs makes them resistant to most conditions so temperature becomes the most important thing wherever you store your MREs.

It is critical to be aware of exactly how the space you keep your MREs is temperature-controlled. If a space is kept cool by something that depends on electricity then your MREs are just one power outage or one power fluctuation away from being exposed to warmer temperatures that will shorten their shelf life. This makes the ideal storage space for your MREs a basement or interior closet. These are spaces where the temperature can stay fairly consistent and cool depending on the construction of your house.

It is also important to keep your MREs high and dry when possible. Even though the MRE packaging is tough and waterproof it is still better to keep them out of the reach of pests and stagnant water. It is best to store them on secure racks in a space that will stay around 60°F as often and as long as possible. This will guarantee you the best shelf life.

You shouldn’t freeze your MREs or store them in a freezer if you can help it. You also shouldn’t store them outside or in any place exposed to the elements. The name of the game is temperature control and maintaining the integrity of the packaging.

Remember, you can freeze your MRE but once it is thawed you have to eat it.

When to replace MREs

You can use the time-temperature indicator and the manufacture dates to determine when your MREs are past their prime. Five years should be your upper limit of time for holding on to MREs although some sources suggest you can get away with ten if needed. That isn’t universally recommended though, so five years is best.

If you are holding on to MREs for survival purposes then you should keep rotating them in accordance with their estimated shelf life. For example, if you are storing MREs at a consistent 80°F then they should last about three years.

However, let’s say you have already had them in storage for a little over two years. If something should happen where you need to rely on your MREs you might only get a little under a year’s worth of storage out of them at that point. For emergency survival purposes it is best to cycle through your MREs every year or so. That way they will stay freshest longest.

If an MRE is exposed to extreme temperatures then it might also be time to get rid of it. As mentioned before, you can freeze an MRE but you should eat it as soon as it is thawed. If you re-freeze it the packaging can become compromised and the whole meal can go bad. High temperatures drastically shorten the shelf life of an MRE too.

At 80°F, you get a few years out of an MRE but as you approach and/or pass 120°F the MREs shelf life drops to about one month. This is why it is important to store MREs in places that stay cool naturally and don’t rely on the power to do so. A power outage can quickly shorten the life of an MRE.

Another indicator that you need to get rid of an MRE is if the bag is bloated, punctured or generally damaged. A swollen or bloated MRE or MRE component can be an indicator of the Botulinum toxin which causes botulism. Even if only one part of the MRE is enlarged you should dispose of the entire thing. The risk isn’t worth it. If the bag or components are damaged this means the food could be spoiled or infected among other things. MREs are built tough but sometimes this happens.

Under any of these conditions, it is always better to get rid of an MRE than to risk eating what is inside. If the situation isn’t a matter of life and death in which food supplies are limited, there is no reason to risk your health. If you are in an emergency situation then you will need to weigh the risks, go hungry for sure or possibly become deathly ill. The swollen botulism MREs should always be a definite no go though.

Final Verdict:

A meal, ready to eat (MRE) is an essential part of any soldier or survivalist kit. Hunters, campers, hikers, and backpackers among others have also all enjoyed the rugged utility of a delicious MRE. These meals can seemingly endure anything from high temperatures to high falls. They do have their limits though and there are other options out there. When stored in a cool dry place you can expect a five-year shelf life. Anything beyond that becomes questionable.

When MREs go bad they can go very bad and eating one of these can easily make you sick. This is why it is very important to understand just how long an MRE will last. Using the time-temperature indicator and manufacture dates it is possible to do. Also, maintaining a certain degree of common sense and attention to detail helps as well. Keeping all of this in mind makes the use of MREs easy, enjoyable, and safe.

Bonus tip: Check out a taste test of an MRE chicken burrito bowl! If you haven’t used one before you can see how they work, learn what is often included, and hear about the taste!

Outdoor Blog

Gear You Should Snag for the Great Outdoors This Season

Published

4 weeks ago

September 25, 2024

Caleb Cole

Outdoor enthusiasts know that having the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, or engaging in any other outdoor activity, quality equipment ensures not only safety but also a better overall experience. As we head into a new season, it’s time to refresh your gear collection with essential items that will enhance your adventures. In this article, we’ll explore five pieces of must-have outdoor gear, focusing on both practicality and comfort.

Shooting Glasses Are Essential for Outdoor Adventures

If you’re heading out for a shooting range session or a hunting trip, investing in a quality pair of shooting glasses is non-negotiable. Eye protection is critical when engaging in any activity involving firearms, and shooting glasses are designed to keep your eyes safe from potential hazards like debris, shell casings, and even harmful UV rays.

Shooting glasses are a key safety measure that helps shield your eyes from impact and glare. The lenses are typically made from high-impact resistant materials that can endure tough conditions, making them a must-have for hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Beyond safety, these glasses often come with polarized lenses to improve visibility in various lighting conditions. By incorporating shooting glasses into your outdoor gear, you’re ensuring not only better safety but also improved performance during your time in the wilderness.

What Should You Look For During Black Friday Hunting Gear Deals?

One of the best times to stock up on essential outdoor gear is during Black Friday. Black Friday hunting gear deals provide an opportunity for hunters to snag high-quality items at significantly reduced prices. Whether you’re after apparel, backpacks, or specialized equipment, Black Friday sales often feature steep discounts on top brands that every outdoor enthusiast should take advantage of.

This sale season is ideal for upgrading your hunting wardrobe and stocking up on essential gear that may normally be out of your price range. From weather-resistant jackets to durable boots and base layers, hunting gear can be pricey, and Black Friday is the perfect time to invest in the best equipment. By keeping an eye out for deals during this shopping period, you can save money while ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next big adventure.

Multi-Tools Are a Must-Have

Want to know the most versatile pieces of gear you can carry? It is a multi-tool. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or hunting, having a tool that can serve multiple functions is a game-changer. Multi-tools come equipped with a variety of features such as knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors, all compactly housed in a single device that easily fits in your pocket or pack.

The practicality of a multi-tool is hard to beat. It allows you to tackle unexpected tasks, from cutting rope to repairing gear, all without needing to carry a full toolbox. When you’re out in the wild, you want to be prepared for anything, and a multi-tool ensures you’re ready to handle small emergencies or make quick fixes with ease.

Insulated Water Bottles Can Improve Your Outdoor Experience

Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of any outdoor activity. Whether you’re embarking on a long hike or spending hours in a hunting blind, having an insulated water bottle can make a difference. Insulated bottles have features that help to keep your drinks at the desired temperature for a long time, which is especially useful during extreme weather conditions.

These bottles maintain the temperature of your beverage—whether cold or hot—so you can enjoy refreshing water in the summer or a warm drink during chilly morning hunts. Insulated water bottles are also typically made from durable materials, meaning they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use without breaking or leaking. Investing in a high-quality insulated bottle ensures that you stay hydrated and comfortable throughout your outdoor excursions.

Durable Backpacks Can Enhance Your Outdoor Experience

A good backpack is the cornerstone of any successful outdoor trip. When you’re out in nature, you need a reliable, durable pack to carry all of your gear comfortably. Look for backpacks that are built to withstand harsh conditions, provide ample storage, and have ergonomic designs that distribute weight evenly to prevent strain on your back and shoulders.

Modern outdoor backpacks come equipped with multiple compartments to help you stay organized, as well as specialized features like hydration bladder compatibility, rain covers, and reinforced straps. By investing in a durable, well-designed backpack, you’ll have the capacity to carry everything you need—whether it’s extra clothing, food, or hunting gear—while maintaining comfort during long treks.

Outdoor Blog

Are You Ready for Autumn Adventures? How to Prep for an Unforgettable Outdoor Fall Guys Trip

Published

2 months ago

August 26, 2024

Caleb Cole

As autumn rolls in, the great outdoors beckons with its crisp air and colorful foliage. For those gearing up for an adventurous Fall Guys trip—think hiking, camping, and maybe some deer hunting—the preparation is half the fun and all the necessity. With a myriad of activities to choose from, how do you ensure your fall excursion is not only exhilarating but also safe and comfortable? Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the most of your outdoor escapades this fall.

Choosing Your Adventure

First things first: deciding what type of fall outdoor activity tickles your fancy. Are you looking to conquer trails with breathtaking autumn views, or are you gearing up for a weekend of tranquil camping beside a glistening lake? Perhaps, the thrill of tracking and observing wildlife is what you’re after.

Each activity demands a different approach and preparation method. Start by defining what your fall guys trip looks like. Is it a quiet escape into the wilderness, a challenging hike, or a dedicated hunting expedition? Once you’ve nailed down the type of trip, you can start tailoring your prep list to match the demands of the activities you’ve chosen.

Plan a Camping Trip

If camping is on your agenda, meticulous planning is essential to enjoy both the spontaneity and serenity of nature without a hitch. When you plan a camping trip, think beyond just a tent and a sleeping bag. Consider the overall length of your trip, the climate of your chosen destination, and the size of your group. Are you venturing into bear country? If so, bear-proof containers for your food and trash are a must.

What’s the weather forecast? Ensure your gear is appropriate for colder nights and unpredictable weather patterns. A well-planned camping experience means securing the right campsite, bringing sufficient food and water supplies, and ensuring you have the necessary permits. Also, be aware of the leave-no-trace principles to keep your environmental impact to a minimum. Planning with precision ensures you’re free to relax and revel in the beauty of the season without unnecessary interruptions.

Gear Up for Deer Hunting

For many outdoor enthusiasts, fall is synonymous with deer hunting season. If this is the core of your guys trip, gearing up appropriately cannot be overstressed. Your deer hunting gear is your ticket to not only success but also safety. Start with the basics: a reliable hunting rifle or bow, suitable ammunition, and a quality scope or binoculars for spotting your target.

Clothing is next on the list; opt for layers that can easily adjust to changing temperatures and are also camouflaged to blend in with the fall environment. Don’t skimp on a good pair of boots—comfort, warmth, and durability are key when you’re on the move. Also, essential gear like a hunting license, deer tags, a first-aid kit, and even a GPS or compass should be non-negotiable items in your pack. Remember, the right gear not only enhances your chances of a fruitful hunt but ensures you can do so safely and responsibly within the ecological balance.

Map Your Route

Mapping your route is crucial whether you’re hiking, camping, or hunting. This involves more than just selecting a trail or a campsite; it means understanding the terrain, noting water sources, identifying potential shelter spots, and being aware of exit points in case of emergencies. Topographic maps, GPS devices, and even mobile apps can be incredibly useful tools for this.

Spend time familiarizing yourself with the area through these resources, and always carry a physical map and compass—you never know when technology might let you down. It’s also a good idea to inform someone about where you plan to go and expected return time is a safety must. Properly mapping your route not only helps in avoiding getting lost but also maximizes your interaction with nature, letting you find those hidden spots that make a trip memorable.

Prepare Physically and Mentally

The physical demands of outdoor activities, especially in the unpredictable weather of fall, should not be underestimated. Start conditioning your body weeks in advance, particularly if your trip involves strenuous activities like long hikes or hunting. Cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and hikes with a loaded backpack can prepare your body for the exertion to come.

Equally important is mental preparation. Familiarize yourself with survival skills, such as how to start a fire, basic first aid, and how to stay calm in unexpected situations. A physically and mentally prepared adventurer is more likely to enjoy the trip and handle potential challenges effectively.

Pack Smart

The final step in preparing for your outdoor trip this fall is packing. Since fall weather can be highly variable, layering is key. Include a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Besides clothing, pack essential gear tailored to your activities—this could include a sleeping bag rated for colder temperatures, waterproof bags to keep gear dry, cooking equipment, food supplies, and safety items like a whistle, flashlight, and multi-tool. Be mindful of the weight and volume of your pack; every item should justify its place in your backpack by being essential or serving multiple purposes.

Outdoor Blog

BougeRV Showcases Sustainable Innovations at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024

Published

4 months ago

June 26, 2024

Jonas Muthoni

BougeRV is thrilled to participate in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024, scheduled from June 17-19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. As North America’s premier outdoor industry trade show, the event is a convergence of top brands, retailers, and industry professionals showcasing the latest in outdoor gear and innovations. BougeRV’s participation is a perfect example of their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly outdoor living solutions.

At the head of BougeRV’s exhibit is the Rocky Portable Fridge, a robust and versatile cooling solution designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts. This innovative fridge features dual-zone capability, allowing it to function simultaneously as a refrigerator and a freezer. Built with heavy-duty materials, the Rocky Portable Fridge is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including shockproof capabilities up to 40°. The fridge’s efficient energy consumption, coupled with a battery protection system, makes it perfect for off-grid adventures, aligning perfectly with the sustainable ethos of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

The Rocky Portable Fridge also shows off an impressive temperature range from -4°F to 68°F, allowing for precise temperature control. Its smart storage solutions, including a removable divider and basket, ensure that items remain organized and easily accessible. The fridge can be powered by a 12V/24V DC car port, a 100-240V AC wall outlet, or an optional portable power station, providing unparalleled versatility. This adaptability is crucial for modern adventurers who require reliable and efficient cooling solutions on the go.

In addition to the Rocky Portable Fridge, BougeRV is showing several other cutting-edge products designed to enhance outdoor experiences. The CRPRO 30, a compact and high-performance fridge, is perfect for campers and RV enthusiasts. Its advanced cooling technology and robust build make it a reliable companion for any journey. Similarly, the 4000BTU Portable Air Conditioner is tailored for overlanding and camping, offering powerful cooling with user-friendly features such as dual adjustable air outlets and an IPX4 water-resistant design. These products are expected to attract overlanding enthusiasts eager to explore the latest innovations in outdoor living.

BougeRV’s participation in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is really and truly about connecting with other industry leaders, exploring emerging trends, and demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. By attending this prestigious and engaging event, BougeRV aims to highlight their dedication to providing high-quality products that cater to the needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts.

For more details about BougeRV and their innovative products, visit the BougeRV website. BougeRV’s involvement in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024 highlights their dedication to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, positioning them as a leading brand in the outdoor industry ready to make a significant impact at this breakout event.