How to Prepare an MRE (Meals Ready to Eat)

Last Updated: September 12, 2022

MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) are meals that the military eats while overseas or not at their regular stations. They are easy to store, compact, convenient, and contain all the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Steps

1
Open up the MRE bag.^{[1]
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2
Look for a plastic bag that is labeled with "heater".

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3
Fill the heater up with water until it goes to the fill line.^{[2]
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4
Let the heater sit for a minute so it can heat up.
5
Insert the entrée, still in its package, into the heater.
6
Prop the heater up with the entrée so it can heat properly.^{[3]
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7
The MRE will be heated and ready to eat in a few minutes.^{[4]
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Community Q&A

Question

Can I use cold water?

Community Answer

I'm sure you "can," as in the meal would still be edible, but there would be a huge quality and consistency difference. I would recommend you stick with hot water if you can.
Question

How many MREs are in a case?

Community Answer

There are typically 12 MREs in a case.
Question

Will it work just to heat in small pot of boiled water?

Community Answer

Yes you can heat an MRE in boiled water just make sure it's medium level of heat and then cook for 5-8 minutes.

Warnings

The heater gets very hot, so be cautious.

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Don't use the heaters indoors, they put off a poison gas.

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Never pour used heater water down the drain or near any fresh water areas.

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If you do not use the heater remember to activate and dispose of it properly.

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