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Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 8.0 oz.
Calories: 230
Calories from fat: 40
Total Fat: 4.5g or 7% DV ( Daily Value )
Cholesterol: 60mg or 20% DV
Sodium: 1470mg or 61% DV
Total Carbohydrates: 16g or 5% DV
Dietary Fiber: 1g or 4% DV
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 30g
Vitamin A: 2% DV
Vitamin C: 2% DV
Calcium: 10% DV
Iron: 20%
Expectations:
I have really high expectations for this MRE. A good brisket is worth it's weight in gold when you're hungry, and it is shaped like bacon!
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Realities:
Row skeptically looked at the little side dish, and took his usual small bite. After his bite he said "Hmmm, if this is what Alpo taste like, then I like it. It tastes good even with ketchup!" He asked for more after his side dish was gone, and that rarely happens.
Red Ant, the four year old, decided that it was not good. We asked why, and he said that he just likes the regular ones.
Sweetheart: "It'd be really good with rice. It has that standard brown gravy flavor, oh and it's tender, but no so much that it falls apart." She also thought that it had an excellent texture and it got two thumbs up. She would "definitely eat it again!"
The brisket was very meaty tasting. It had a good texture, but a tad too salty for my liking. I personally would have preferred a few chunks of fat on the slices of brisket, but fat doesn't preserve very well. That being said, it is an excellent MRE. The gravy is decent and very sop worthy. I don't image any of the gravy would go to waste in the field or campsite. My plate was wiped clean with homemade bread...
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Final Thoughts:
This MRE is one of my favorites, and I can see the fickle four year old wanting more of it after a long day of running through the woods. While it only officially gets three stars, I could see Red Ant's taste changing in a few years. Of course, if I ordered them today, they would still be good in five years. These are without a doubt a home run entree from the Armed Forces.
Stars * * * (3)
It has been a while since I had one but I liked the beef stew ones.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, the beef stew was another outstanding MRE.
DeleteTHANKS. Finally one I'm not afraid to try!!
ReplyDeleteOne of the top three that we have tried...I highly recommend this one. Of course, buy a sample before committing to a large purchase.
DeleteGood advice! My main problem is food allergies -- all members of the nightshade family -- so anything with chili as an ingredient or seasoning; red, green or yellow peppers; potatoes or lots of tomatoes is out. Doubt MRE's have eggplant or tomatillo)
ReplyDeleteI can handle some tomato, but not a robust red sauce or big chunks. Makes me ill and achy for days. Not what you need if you're in a situation to eat MRE's! (Medically, I'm missing the enzyme to break down the alkaloid solanine, inherited trait from my Dad. Most people can handle a bit without symptoms)
You can click to enlarge the box image, on the review, to read the ingredients. I figured it was easier than typing all the ingredients out onto the blog.
DeleteSome MRE are very good. They just cost so darn much that I can only justify a few cases as "ready to go" emergency rations. Like Monsoon Matriarch my daughter has food allergies so we make up her own ration packs for her apartment. However, my son, his girlfriend, and my daughters boy friend can all eat MRE so we keep a couple of cases there. Just enough to get them back down here, or to friends if the need should arise.
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail on the head...cost of the MREs. While I believe that MRE have a place in preparedness, such as rapid movement or stealth camping (no fire or stove), the MREs are only a short term solution. At our place we plan on using MREs for a 30 day period, supplemented with a few cold canned goods.
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