Military MREs are subject to stricter requirements than civilian MREs.  This is because these food rations are for operational and field use.  For highly active individuals, MREs must meet their nutritional needs.  Each military MRE is one self contained individual meal package which has about 1200 calories.  Each MRE case has twelve different meals so that provides the service members some variety which in turn encourages that proper nutritional needs are met.  Beyond nutritional requirements, military MREs meals are regulated for proper packaging.  This is to make sure that the MRE meal contents won’t be spoiled with variable temperatures from high altitude drops or scorching desert temperatures.  Therefore, the shelf life of MREs varies according to their storage conditions.  In ideal conditions, MREs are said to be good for as long as eleven years.  In high heat temperatures hitting 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees the expected shelf life is nine months.  For what is considered normal conditions, the shelf life is three and a half years at 81 degrees Fahrenheit or 27 degrees Celcius.

2 FACTORY SEALED MILITARY MRE CASES "A&B" 8/2013 CURRENT ISSUE FRESH $119.95 Time Remaining: 3d 18h 20m Buy It Now for only: $119.95

1 Case (16 Meals Ready to Eat) Sure Pak 12 MRE Camping Military Survival Boating $22.28 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 5h 10m

12 Military MRE Entrees, Meals Ready to Eat, MREs, Case of Entrees $46.95 Time Remaining: 1d 17h 18m Buy It Now for only: $52.95

12 Military MRE Entrees, Meals Ready to Eat, MREs, Case of Entrees $48.95 Time Remaining: 20d 22h 33m Buy It Now for only: $48.95

MRE Case Menu A Insp Date 12-2013 REAL MILITARY Mres $59.00 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 18h 39m

MRE 6 MILITARY FRESH A PACK MEALS EXP/ 2/14 $30.00 Time Remaining: 4d 8h 47m Buy It Now for only: $30.00

Two Military MRE-Inspection 06/2013, Meals Ready to Eat, Fresh! Case A and B $115.00 Time Remaining: 17h 38m

Unopened Military Case A MRE meals 1-12 $45.00 Time Remaining: 2d 17h 42m

two-2014 MILITARY MRE CASEs 1A & 1B (FREE SHIPPING) survival Meal Ready to Eat $184.00 Time Remaining: 8d 22h 8m Buy It Now for only: $184.00

1case Military MRE-Inspection 03/2012, Meals Ready to Eat, Fresh! Case A or B $50.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 8h 45m

two-2014 MILITARY MRE CASEs 1A & 1B (FREE SHIPPING) insp. 7/2014-8/2014 $200.00 Time Remaining: 23d 14h 18m Buy It Now for only: $200.00

Case of 12 MRE-Star MREs, Military Meals Ready to Eat $71.95 Time Remaining: 3d 17h 46m Buy It Now for only: $79.99

Fresh Case of Military MRE's Case B Inspection Date OCT 2014 Sealed Unopened $55.80 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 19h 20m

Military MRE lot, MREs Insp date 11/2014 Case FRESH!! Pick 4 meals $21.99 Time Remaining: 15d 12h 18m Buy It Now for only: $21.99

4 Packs of Sure Pak MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) Camping Military Survival Boating $0.99 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 10m

MRE, (6) SANDWICH BARBECUED BEEF OR BBQ CHICKEN EX.2015 USED BY THE US MILITARY $21.00 Time Remaining: 29d 2h 57m Buy It Now for only: $21.00

8 Packs of Sure Pak MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) Camping Military Survival Boating $20.50 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 5h 10m

One Military MRE-Inspection 04/2012, Meals Ready to Eat, Fresh! Case B $40.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 17h 27m

MRE Genuine Military Issue Toilet Paper; Compact Portable for Hiking, Camping... $4.99 Time Remaining: 4d 17h 35m Buy It Now for only: $4.99

4 Packs of Sure Pak MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) Camping Military Survival Boating $1.25 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 5h 9m

5 Cases (80 Meals Ready to Eat) Sure Pak 12 MRE Camping Military Survival $330.00 Time Remaining: 29d 7h 48m Buy It Now for only: $330.00

HUGE lot of MREs MilkShakes Cocoa and Cappuccinos SURVIVAL CAMPING MILITARY MRE $16.50 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 18h 19m

U.S. Military mre's 4 unopened, no reserve w/heating elements inside each one $22.50 (12 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 4h 47m

MRE, (6) SANDWICH BARBECUED BEEF OR BBQ CHICKEN EX.2015 USED BY THE US MILITARY $20.00 Time Remaining: 29d 2h 55m Buy It Now for only: $20.00

8 Packs of Sure Pak MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) Camping Military Survival Boating $8.50 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 5h 10m

3 Military MRE Meals (1) $17.95 Time Remaining: 2d 4h 16m Buy It Now for only: $17.95

Military MRE, Meals Ready to Eat, Case, Lot #0025, FREE SHIPPING $70.68 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 6h 4m

1 Case (16 Meals Ready to Eat) Sure Pak 12 MRE Camping Military Survival Boating $20.50 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 5h 10m

Case of 6 MRE Military (Meal Ready to Eat) Entrees Variety Pack $21.99 Time Remaining: 11d 18h 43m Buy It Now for only: $21.99

8 Packs of Sure Pak MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) Camping Military Survival Boating $2.25 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 5h 10m

3 Military MRE Meals (4) $17.95 Time Remaining: 2d 4h 25m Buy It Now for only: $17.95

Case of 12 MRE-Star MREs, Military Meals Ready to Eat $71.95 Time Remaining: 1d 17h 18m Buy It Now for only: $79.99

Real Military MREs case B menu (13-24), 9-2013, 100% Fresh, Free Shipping!!!! $75.00 Time Remaining: 4d 6h

6 CASES 72 Meals MREs MRE Ready Eat Genuine Survival Military Rations 2013 BONUS $599.99 Time Remaining: 22d 21h 5m Buy It Now for only: $599.99

1 Case (16 Meals Ready to Eat) Sure Pak 12 MRE Camping Military Survival Boating $26.00 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 5h 10m

12 Cases Ready to Eat 144 MRE Genuine Military Meal Camping Survival 2013 FRESH $1,159.99 Time Remaining: 11d 11h 38m Buy It Now for only: $1,159.99

1 Case (16 Meals Ready to Eat) Sure Pak 12 MRE Camping Military Survival Boating $20.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 5h 10m

One Military MRE-Inspection 04/2012, Meals Ready to Eat, Fresh! Case B $42.41 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 5d 17h 35m

Sure-Pak Genuine GI Military MRE Meals (12 Meals) $109.99 Time Remaining: 5d 13h 47m Buy It Now for only: $109.99

HUGE lot of MREs Hot Beverage Bags resealable bags SURVIVAL CAMPING MILITARY MRE $8.99 Time Remaining: 2d 18h 24m

1 Case (16 Meals Ready to Eat) Sure Pak 12 MRE Camping Military Survival $65.00 Time Remaining: 20d 8h 12m Buy It Now for only: $65.00

Military MRE Meal Ready to Eat Case Menu 13-24 Box B (ACTUAL SHIP COSTS NOT $50) $22.71 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 8h 33m

HUGE lot of MREs Vegetarian, Chili Mac SURVIVAL FOOD CAMPING MILITARY MRE Sealed $20.49 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 19h 56m

US MILITARY MRE MEAL MENU 12 VEGGIE BURGER COMPLETE MEAL READY TO EAT NEW $6.95 Time Remaining: 2d 12h 58m Buy It Now for only: $6.95

4 Packs of Sure Pak MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) Camping Military Survival Boating $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 5h 10m

2 CASE 24 Meals MREs MRE Ready Eat Genuine Survival Military Rations 2013 BONUS $208.99 Time Remaining: 16d 17h 57m Buy It Now for only: $208.99

MREs Genuine Military Issue Four Unopened Packs $16.00 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 41m

12 Military MRE Entrees, Meals Ready to Eat, MREs, Case of Entrees $46.95 Time Remaining: 3d 17h 46m Buy It Now for only: $52.95

MRE, (6) BACON CHEDDAR SANDWICH ISSUED TO US MILITARY MARINES INS.2015 $20.00 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 11m Buy It Now for only: $20.00

Two Military MRE-Inspection 06/2013, Meals Ready to Eat, Fresh! Case A and B $115.00 Time Remaining: 2d 17h 36m

MRE Genuine Military Issue HDR Accessory Pack: Sugar, Salt, Pepper, Moist Towel $4.99 Time Remaining: 19d 17h 19m Buy It Now for only: $4.99

Real Military MREs, Case A & B, 100% Fresh, 5-2013, Free Shipping!!! $150.00 Time Remaining: 4d 6h 4m

8 Packs of Sure Pak MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) Camping Military Survival Boating $1.26 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 5h 10m

1 CASE 12 Meals MRE Ready Camping Genuine Survival Military Rations 2013 BONUS $104.99 Time Remaining: 19d 17h 30m Buy It Now for only: $104.99

4 Packs of Sure Pak MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) Camping Military Survival Boating $0.99 Time Remaining: 3d 5h 10m

US Military MRE Menu 2 Pork Rib Complete Meal Ready to Eat-Brand New $9.99 Time Remaining: 20d 34m Buy It Now for only: $9.99

Two Military MRE-Inspection 03/2012, Meals Ready to Eat, Fresh! Case A and B $100.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3d 20h 30m

3 Military MRE's meal ready to eat chicken beef pork chili sealed $15.50 Time Remaining: 18h 1m

Military Outdoor Emergency Rice Food Combat C Ration MRE Beef Powder Bibimbap ① $6.99 Time Remaining: 13d 8h 39m Buy It Now for only: $6.99

Unopened Military Case B MRE meals 13-24 $45.00 Time Remaining: 2d 18h 7m

MREs have often been compared with freeze dried food as well since it is used by the government to provide for service members as well along with the disaster relief efforts.  Freeze dried food pouches and cans do have the advantage of having longer shelf life than MRE meals.  With the Mountain House freeze dried food, they purport to last up to 25 years in the right storage conditions.  Freeze dried food is easy to consume as well.  All you have to do is add water and it comes out tasting very much like the original menu.  You can also find pretty extensive menus for Mountain House freeze dried food.  As far as cost goes, freeze dried food costs less than an individual MRE meal.

If you are looking for the 2009 military MRE menu, you can find it below:

01  Chili with Beans
02  Pork Rib
03  Beef Ravioli
04  Maple Sausage
05  Chicken Breast
06  Chicken w/Noodles
07  Brisket Entree
08  Meatballs with Marinara
09  Beef Stew
10  Chili & Macaroni
11  Vegetable Lasagna
12  Veggie Burger with BBQ Sauce
13  Cheese Tortellini
14  Spicy Penne Pasta
15  Beef Enchilada
16  Chicken Fajita
17  Sloppy Joe
18  Beef Patty
19  Pot Roast with Vegetables
20  Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
21  Tuna
22  Chicken with Dumplings
23  Chicken Pesto & Pasta
24  Buffalo Chicken

U.S. military MREs are actually not supposed to be sold for commercial purposes.  However, this doesn’t stop sales of cases of MRE on eBay.  If you have no problem with buying military MRE, things you want to look out for are the packing and inspection date and the menu offered.  You also have to be aware that since this sale is prohibited by the U.S. government, you’ll have little recourse in legal actions should you find something wrong with your MRE.  In other words, buyer beware.  Since the military MRE comes to you second hand, you also do not have any idea how it was stored and what temperature conditions it was subjected to.  On the other hand, if you do get your hands on a case of genuine military MRE, it is a bigger meal than the civilian version and there’s more variety in the case as well.  Military MREs are also less expensive than civilian MREs.

two-2014 MILITARY MRE CASEs 1A & 1B (FREE SHIPPING) survival Meal Ready to Eat $184.00 Time Remaining: 8d 22h 8m Buy It Now for only: $184.00

1 Case (16 Meals Ready to Eat) Sure Pak 12 MRE Camping Military Survival Boating $26.00 (14 Bids) Time Remaining: 5h 10m

MRE Case (meal ready to eat) Meals 13-24 $36.00 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 17h 45m

12 Military MRE Entrees, Meals Ready to Eat, MREs, Case of Entrees $48.95 Time Remaining: 20d 22h 33m Buy It Now for only: $48.95

Two Military MRE-Inspection 06/2013, Meals Ready to Eat, Fresh! Case A and B $115.00 Time Remaining: 17h 38m

Wise Emergency MRE Surival Food Meat & Poultry Supply with 60 Meals Ready to Eat $129.00 Time Remaining: 21d 15h 28m Buy It Now for only: $129.00

Sure-Pak Mre's 16 Pack Meals Ready To Eat Emergency Food $35.00 (18 Bids) Time Remaining: 9h 1m

Sure-Pak Mre's 16 Pack Meals Ready To Eat Emergency Food $30.99 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 9h 2m

5 Cases (80 Meals Ready to Eat) Sure Pak 12 MRE Camping Military Survival $330.00 Time Remaining: 29d 7h 48m Buy It Now for only: $330.00

Sure-Pak Mre's 16 Pack Meals Ready To Eat Emergency Food $38.00 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 9h 1m

Unopened MRE (Meal Ready to Eat), Various Flavors - Survival Emergency Rations $8.00 Time Remaining: 19d 14h 52m Buy It Now for only: $8.00

Sure-Pak Mre's 16 Pack Meals Ready To Eat Emergency Food $35.00 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 9h 2m

Sure-Pak Mre's 16 Pack Meals Ready To Eat Emergency Food $35.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 9h 1m

Case of 6 MRE Military (Meal Ready to Eat) Entrees Variety Pack $21.99 Time Remaining: 11d 18h 43m Buy It Now for only: $21.99

4 Packs of Sure Pak MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) Camping Military Survival Boating $0.99 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 10m

US Military #20 Ready-to-Eat, Individual Meal Spaghetti $5.00 Time Remaining: 5d 18h 52m Buy It Now for only: $5.00

12 Military MRE Entrees, Meals Ready to Eat, MREs, Case of Entrees $46.95 Time Remaining: 1d 17h 18m Buy It Now for only: $52.95

8 Packs of Sure Pak MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) Camping Military Survival Boating $20.50 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 5h 10m

Lot 6 MEAT Meals Ready To Eat~*COMPLETE DINNERS*~Survival~Emergency~FOODS~MRES $42.49 Time Remaining: 25d 26m Buy It Now for only: $42.49

Case of 12 MRE-Star MREs, Military Meals Ready to Eat $71.95 Time Remaining: 3d 17h 46m Buy It Now for only: $79.99

12 Cases Ready to Eat 144 MRE Genuine Military Meal Camping Survival 2013 FRESH $1,159.99 Time Remaining: 11d 11h 38m Buy It Now for only: $1,159.99

MRE Case (meal ready to eat) Meals 1-12 $26.02 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 15h 25m

1 Case (16 Meals Ready to Eat) Sure Pak 12 MRE Camping Military Survival Boating $20.50 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 5h 10m

MRE Meal Ready to Eat Sealed Box A Menu 1-12 NEW 11/2014 (-1) $84.50 Time Remaining: 17d 9h 45m Buy It Now for only: $84.50

1case Military MRE-Inspection 03/2012, Meals Ready to Eat, Fresh! Case A or B $50.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 8h 45m

**MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) Entree Variety Pack Lot; Emergency Food Survival $21.00 Time Remaining: 23d 19h 27m Buy It Now for only: $21.00

MRE Case (meal ready to eat) Meals 13-24 $31.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 15h 24m

One Military MRE-Inspection 04/2012, Meals Ready to Eat, Fresh! Case B $40.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 17h 27m

1 Case (16 Meals Ready to Eat) Sure Pak 12 MRE Camping Military Survival $65.00 Time Remaining: 20d 8h 12m Buy It Now for only: $65.00

Military MRE, Meals Ready to Eat, Case, Lot #0025, FREE SHIPPING $70.68 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 6h 4m

**MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) Entree Variety Pack Lot; Emergency Food Survival $10.99 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 36m Buy It Now for only: $10.99

4 Packs of Sure Pak MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) Camping Military Survival Boating $4.25 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 5h 9m

1 Case (16 Meals Ready to Eat) Sure Pak 12 MRE Camping Military Survival Boating $26.00 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 5h 10m

MRE, MEAL READY to EAT 2016 INSPECTION. DATE FRESH! $68.00 Time Remaining: 5d 4h 18m Buy It Now for only: $68.00

MRE Case (meal ready to eat) Meals 1-12 $20.50 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 17h 46m

17 Complete MRE Meals - Survival Rations - Ready to Eat Food!!!! MANY DIFFERENT $125.00 Time Remaining: 17d 12h 30m Buy It Now for only: $125.00

1 Case (16 Meals Ready to Eat) Sure Pak 12 MRE Camping Military Survival Boating $20.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 5h 10m

8 Packs of Sure Pak MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) Camping Military Survival Boating $8.50 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 5h 10m

MRE Meal Ready to Eat Sealed Box A Menu 1-12 NEW 11/2014 (-2) $84.50 Time Remaining: 17d 9h 47m Buy It Now for only: $84.50

8 Packs of Sure Pak MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) Camping Military Survival Boating $2.25 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 5h 10m

US MILITARY MRE MEAL MENU 12 VEGGIE BURGER COMPLETE MEAL READY TO EAT NEW $6.95 Time Remaining: 2d 12h 58m Buy It Now for only: $6.95

SURE-PAK 12 MRE. 12 MEALS READY TO EAT. CASE OF 12 MEALS $45.00 Time Remaining: 1d 13h 24m

Case of 12 MRE-Star MREs, Military Meals Ready to Eat $71.95 Time Remaining: 1d 17h 18m Buy It Now for only: $79.99

Lithuanian,Lithuania, Combat Ration MRE, MEAL READY TO EAT .CAMPING FOOD $24.99 Time Remaining: 7d 12h 29m Buy It Now for only: $24.99

4 Packs of Sure Pak MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) Camping Military Survival Boating $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 5h 10m

MRE, MEAL READY to EAT, w/ MILITARY HTR 2016 INSPECT DATE FRESH! MILITARY MRE ! $70.00 Time Remaining: 29d 21h 40m Buy It Now for only: $70.00

One Military MRE-Inspection 04/2012, Meals Ready to Eat, Fresh! Case B $42.41 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 5d 17h 35m

Military MRE Meal Ready to Eat Case Menu 13-24 Box B (ACTUAL SHIP COSTS NOT $50) $22.71 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 8h 33m

Emergency MRE Surival Food Supply 25 Year Shelf Life 60 Meals Ready to Eat $129.00 Time Remaining: 12d 16h 16m Buy It Now for only: $129.00

ONE Sealed MRE Case A Inspection Date Dec. 2014 Meal Ready to Eat Insp 12/2014 $26.00 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 5d 18h 37m

US Military MRE Menu 2 Pork Rib Complete Meal Ready to Eat-Brand New $9.99 Time Remaining: 20d 34m Buy It Now for only: $9.99

4 Packs of Sure Pak MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) Camping Military Survival Boating $0.99 Time Remaining: 3d 5h 10m

8 Packs of Sure Pak MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) Camping Military Survival Boating $1.26 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 5h 10m

6 Military MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) Drink Mix Variety Pack; Shakes, Cocoa..... $12.00 Time Remaining: 17d 21h 24m Buy It Now for only: $12.00

Two Military MRE-Inspection 06/2013, Meals Ready to Eat, Fresh! Case A and B $115.00 Time Remaining: 2d 17h 36m

9 MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) $40.00 Time Remaining: 19h 41m Buy It Now for only: $40.00

12 Military MRE Entrees, Meals Ready to Eat, MREs, Case of Entrees $46.95 Time Remaining: 3d 17h 46m Buy It Now for only: $52.95

Two Military MRE-Inspection 03/2012, Meals Ready to Eat, Fresh! Case A and B $100.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3d 20h 30m

MRE Meal Ready To Eat Menu #8 Marinara Sauce with Meatballs/Real Deal/Brand new $10.99 Time Remaining: 23d 1h 5m Buy It Now for only: $10.99

6 MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) Complete Meal Variety Pack; Emergency Food Storage $45.00 Time Remaining: 19h 43m

The manufacturers of civilian meals ready to eat are listening to the public demands for more variety in the menus.  Each year, a greater selection emerges.  There are five main brands of civilian food rations and they include:  Ameriqual aPack, Sopakco Sure-Pak 12, Wornick Eversafe, Menu C, MREStar.  The packaging and contents of these companies are quite similar to the military version as the first three companies listed actually produce MREs for the military.  If you are buying civilian MREs, the chances are it won’t be left in the scorching desert sun and will be “fresher” when you get it.   You can then properly store it for your own emergency preparation without worries if it will go bad.

Whichever MRE meals you choose, be it military or civilian, know that you are doing the right thing in being prepared for any disaster.