No Cook Homemade MRE

[@jrhalabamacustoms5673]

True Lemon, True Lime, and True Orange, I use those at work to liven up water instead of drinking sodas. To me, the lime is best, though all are good. Good choice for MRE's accessories.

[@Polzenfam]

They also have some pre-made drink mixes that are good, I have the True Lime Black Cherry Limeade and it's a really nice change of pace from straight water.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I need to find the true orange. That’s right up my alley.

[@lewismitchell5367]

I add a pack of stevia and monk fruit sweetener to two packs of true lemon, orange, or even mix lemon and lime in a quart (liter) of water. Very tasty but no calories.

[@lewismitchell5367]

I'm looking to build a MRE that can survive a Sonoran Desert summer in the truck, Temps of 140°f are possible, any ideas?

[@greyhatdone]

​@Polzenfam yes! I like their limeade too

[@veronicamorrison3144]

For the spread: my mom uses potted meat, canned corned beef, diced potatoes, diced onion, and rice to make a stew..... All of those things can be gotten in cans or dehydrated. You can make this too for an MRE for 2-4 people. Just add a bit of salt and pepper. I make this ALL the time. Its very filling.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Sounds like something worth trying!

[@PaineK]

When I was in the Army, back then, there was no ration heaters. We ate all MREs cold. When the FRHs came out, and as bad as they were. I felt so much more human. As much as I understand the need to have something that does not need to be heated is important. I dread the days of cold meals on cold days.. Thanks for the video, also, I bought the stove you had on a video you reviewed, the BRS two burner folding camp stove. I love it and highly recommend it. Cheers and thanks for what you do!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thanks for this. I get a lot of comments from people who have never served acting like cold MREs are the only way they are eaten in the field. Great to hear from someone who understands that properly prepared food is a morale booster.

[@redwolfexr]

Yeah, I got out before FRHs too -- so so many cold MREs. Although we often did have access to heat. (yes, you CAN actually stick a retort pouch in your hot coffee in a canteen cup) Even if you don't drink the coffee... More than one person left their retort on the stove and was trying to get it off and dumped on a plate without burning themselves... good times.

[@xthinker88]

I remember taking an MRE home for my brother to try. He took everything out. Put it on a plate. Microwaved it. Added the salt and pepper and the little Tabasco bottle. He said, “Hmmm. This isn’t so bad.” I said, “Now try it after it was in your pocket while you slept on the ground under a poncho for part of the night last night, and it’s halfway frozen like an MRE slushee and you’re cold and you’re digging into if after stand-to. Lol.

[@jalapenoprepper131]

Way cool to wake up to a fresh Dad Budget MRE video! 💪🏼

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thanks! Glad to hear you look forward to them!

[@dougbotimer8005]

Good job. I did something similar when, after retiring, I took a part-time job driving. I was in a different vehicle every shift, and every shift took me on a 300-400 mile road trip. A no cook meal, that I could eat in the vehicle at the side of the road, was critical. One thing I added to mine, since fresh coffee was not guaranteed, was military caffeine gum. The gum came in handy quite often. I also found canned meat, pate, at a local international market. Being veteran who ate a lot of the old pre-MRE, unheated canned MCI rations, I ate my pate spooning it right out of the can. Not very classy way to enjoy it, but tasted great to me; even liver pate. Just stocked up the True Lime for summer too. Sprinkle some on plain tuna to brighten it up. A couple packets of lemon and/or lime and a packet of Splenda in a bottle of water makes a very passable diet lemonade. Incredibly versatile little packets. Again great job. If you want a challenge, try a breakfast food MRE.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you for that. I’d like to do a breakfast MRE if I can find the things I need to do it justice.

[@davidmerriken313]

@@dadbudgetadventures Breakfast MRE might be eaiser if you go up in group size. Aim for a whole camping group size instead of individual servings. Or... go REALLY cheep and simply chuck some cereal and shelf-stable milk in a bag.🤑

[@cindyminx2985]

Oh ya, like the idea of a breakfast MRE!

[@jakeaurod]

@@davidmerriken313 I've heard of aseptic milk, and even saw shelf-stable milk on clearance at a Dollar Tree once. I've gotten powdered milk before, but it seemed to go bad more quickly than I would have expected. I've read that cans of evaporated milk can be watered down 1:1 to make a passable alternative to fresh milk, but slightly sweeter with a hint of caramel flavor - but that's a can, unless they come in plastic packets.

[@jakeaurod]

@@dadbudgetadventures Stroopwaffels (e.g. Honey Stingers) or individually packaged Belgian Waffles and packets of syrup could work. I think individually packaged english muffins and crumpets might work too. There's always donut gems. I've seen cans of precooked breakfast sausage patties and sausage gravy, but those are cans not packets. I wonder if Slim Jim could make a breakfast flavored sausage stick. Reconstituting and cooking powdered eggs sounds too much like cooking to fit the rules of an MRE.

[@jameselmer7543]

I'm glad you're trying the tuna thing, I bought one but was afraid to try it. Now I will!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Better than you’d expect

[@slade7499]

I would definitely love to see your shortfall item improvement video. I have started keeping a few homemade MRE's in my truck for missed meal opportunities like sporting events that run late. As always, great video. My teenager and I watch every time you release a new one.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you so much. I’m glad you’re here!

[@russellplute9757]

Would love to see a spruce up what didn't work video and thanks for all the great content.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I think I’m going to make that happen. Thanks for the support!

[@jtamsmom5]

Me too

[@cindyminx2985]

This may sound like an odd idea for a store but how about a convenience store. The reason I suggest is because one our vehicle broke down while camping in the desert. We were stuck for 4 more days waiting for a part. We had enough food for two more days but afer that the only store we had available was a convenience store. This was years ago but I was wondering if you could still follow the rules. I guess the year date wouldnt matter as much in this scenario. Maybe it's not something others would be interested in but just a thought. Really enjoying you MRE videos. Its also fun when you use them when camping.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It’s not odd at all. I’ve had several requests for such a video. Probably try to make it happen soon.

[@cindyminx2985]

@@dadbudgetadventures Fun 🙂

[@SethCohn23]

Another great video! Glad to see the tuna/bean pouch, and the true lemon!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thanks! I keep finding the coolest stuff on this mission!

[@AzraelsTear]

Just found your channel today and I REALLY am enjoying the content. I had never considered making my own MREs, but once I started watching it made so much sense. 🍻

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s awesome! So glad you’re here and finding inspiration!

[@carlh-thehermitwithwi-fi679]

i really like your channel, and it makes me look at dollar stores and all that in a new way. I don't have mylar bags, but i DO have a foodsaver unit! Maybe i need to make some. VIEWER REQUEST: Can you do an MRE for dogs? I want my best friend to eat too!

[@davidmerriken313]

Tecnicually.... you COULD just bring a ziplock of kibble along. If you wanna treat your dog, make sure to add water to the kibble dish for a min or so before feeding him AND add in one of the single serving "toppers" they sell next to the kibble at pet stores. For desert, make sure one item in YOUR mre is safe to let him eat. (low sodium, no onion or chocolate... etc) Then... feed your dog the last bite of your food! (If they have been a good boy and waited properly)

[@onlyinparadise4613]

They sell air dried or freeze dried raw dog food. If you can get free sample bags, bonus!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

The Mylar bags are not necessary but they do block out light. I started out with food saver bags and they work just fine. It’s really a personal decision as to how you package them.

[@OutlandStation]

A "how to make it better" video of initial "fails" would be great.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That seems to be the consensus. Gonna make it happen!

[@firefritter]

Especially in today's economy. It's hard to find things like this that not only taste good but, are affordable. Thanks for doing a lot of the leg work and taste testing. I'll definitely be looking into this.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

So glad to help!

[@TerryC69]

I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do watching them.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I’m having a blast. It’s not the content I wanted to be known for but I’ll take it.

[@cindyminx2985]

@@dadbudgetadventures what did you hope to be known for? 😁

[@2jedismom]

These are good ideas! I’m working on a week-long MRE setup in a .50 cal metal ammo can from Harbor Freight. Metal because as you know, I car camp and I want to deter rodents coming in my car and chewing things up, and the metal HF ammo can is gasket sealed. I do have a 12v compressor fridge so that helps. Feel free to take this idea and run with it if you want to! :-)

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s a really cool idea. Great way to store it too!

[@MndScream]

These look very tasty. I've been told there is an old Klingon proverb about serving things cold but I don't think they ever had MREs... Than you Mr. L.!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

The Kingons had it right, I think

[@nickm9102]

I have done a few options in the past. Home made jerky, and trail mix, if you have a vacuum sealer you can easily make your own and customize portions also.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

You definitely have to learn about shelf life for those items though. That’s half the struggle with truly homemade meals.

[@richiemattes5333]

Retired Law Enforcement and US Marine Vet. I section hike the Appalachian Trail and a novice prepper, I love your videos, great work my man.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Retired LEO myself and Navy vet. Glad to have you here! Thanks for the support.

[@littleloneprepper4820]

I’ve been watching your channel for a while, and really enjoy it. I am thinking about trying to do a light weight ration pack for a week for my Get Home Bag. With the small packets available now, it should be doable. I have a few of those 72 hour kits and I’m not impressed.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

The premade kits always have the same stuff and it’s a very limited variety. I kinda want to do a video where I spend a weekend surviving on one of those to see what it would be like. I imagine it would be frustrating.

[@littleloneprepper4820]

@@dadbudgetadventures -I would like to see the video. One of the main issues I have is that entire amount of each food is in one package that isn’t resealable and it would be hard to break it down to prepare only a single serving size.

[@WarriorWisdom]

I love your videos! I have MANY "actual" MRE's as well as a lot of other food storage. However, thanks to you, I have really started thinking outside the box and making my own. Thank you!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you so much. I’m so happy to hear that! That really means a lot to me.

[@OtherSarah2]

Definitely onboard for the "make it better" video.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Looks like I’m gonna have to make that happen

[@theanonymousprepperchannel]

Them water jugs are awesome i just bought 2 recently. Great for storage.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I like it a lot. Hoping to get lots of use out of it.

[@YabusameUK]

In the UK & Vegan (don't hate me, I love the taste of meat too...) I tried your MRE challenge at Aldi this afternoon. I Managed to pick up a few entrees that look promising and I also picked up a 12 mini pack of raisins for my walking around snack but time ran out on me. Just tried the following: - Worldwide Foods Good Grains French inspired lentils - £1.35 - Calories: 296kcal / Sugars: 5.2g / Salt: 1.98g / Protein: 18.0g Had a 1 year expiry date and tasted good so will buy it again. Stuck for sides, drinks, and snacks at Aldi UK.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s so cool that you thought about this enough to give it a go! Thanks for telling me!

[@YabusameUK]

@@dadbudgetadventures , thought I'd mention my own adventure today since I was eating the Aldi lentils when you mentioned your own difficulties with Aldi.

[@RonaldDavidWillmot-wm6qn]

Yep, just came across your show. Really digging it. Better than others. I think it is a age thing. God bless the younger guys but living experience is a plus in this world. I'm subscribed and catching up. Great job! Thanks brother.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you so much. So glad you’re here!

[@kennethwilson8633]

Looked yummy…have fun stay safe.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you!

[@craftsbeautyandlife5163]

This kit looked great. I will check out the pasta bowl for sure. I would use the spicy chicken on toast point topped with cheese and put back in the oven until the cheese melts. Sounds like a good tv snack to me. 😋

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Yum! That sounds great!

[@GrayZiazanne]

Thank you for sharing!!! Yes! Shake things up!!! MREs for 2 sounds interesting! Trying other people's ideas can be a good thing. Some of the items in this video i will be looking up to try myself, so thank you for that too!!!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thanks for watching and contributing! Two person MRE is in the can…or pouch, so to speak.

[@jameskelly1680]

Looking forward to trying some of that spicy chicken! And also your 15,000 subscriber video. Great job as always.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you so much. Gotta get to work on my 15k special!

[@jimoray3]

I’m revisiting my 72 hour bug out kit for our individual bags. I plan on sealing them like you do in a Mylar Bag. I have the sealer and everything. By doing this it will organize my days and meals. Touché

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Perfect!

[@winstonalan5731]

I like your content - lots of great ideas that just make sense.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you!

[@daviddrury1316]

Good stuff. Thanks

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you!

[@muddyshoesgardener]

Underwood Chicken Spread reminds me of the Argueta Pate. More budget friendly.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I’m gonna try that soon. Already got some ready to go.

[@rosskleinmann2626]

Great video, I enjoy the concept! It would be great for the occasions when I am backpacking and just want to eat quick and keep moving.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Exactly. That’s a perfect application of the concept.

[@davidmanen5495]

Fun video with a lot of great ideas. Thank you

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kathleenkbaker6749]

I enjoy your videos and learn a lot you were correct I would enjoy seeing a video with the suggestions sent in to you keep up the good work

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I think I’m going to need to do that video. Lots of folks seem to want me to make it.

[@SusanP674]

Interesting picks, I liked it! I would love to watch a video of you "re-doing" some of the items that didn't turn out.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Gonna work on that!

[@janita7014]

Thanks for the new ideas! I’ve started experimenting with my own MREs! I think the chicken spread would be good on a tortilla or even dipped on Fritos!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Absolutely it would!

[@CraigSheppard]

Fantastic meal! I'll have to check for that canned chicken... if I can find it. Looking forward to your next one and the 15k special!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you. Can’t wait to drop that 15k video

[@miscelany2]

I wonder if the chicken spread would make a good soup base to mix with hot water and a pouch of cooked pasta or rice? I have never tried the spread myself.

[@SethCohn23]

The ingredient list makes me think not: mech separated chicken, canola oil, milk proteins... Might be fine mixed with rice or pasta as mix-in, but I suspect it won't "soup" well.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Hard to say but I agree with Seth. Probably better as a coating than as a soup.

[@kevinbaker6168]

I was wondering about doing a test using some of the Temu camping/backpacking stoves. I have seen some where they do the stick/alcohol/gas/"esbit" stoves. I think that might be informative particularly if you compare weight and cost as well as efficiency, which was their main focus. I like the idea of doing the protein or other extra item to the single meal. I would also like to see you do a 24 to 36 hour ration pack load out and taste test.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That would be fun to test

[@susanolson3611]

thanks 😀

[@dadbudgetadventures]

You’re quite welcome

[@Gumby1978]

Another great video! Thanks

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thanks! So glad you liked it!

[@TheRealAnarchrox]

Anither great video. Thats a good SHTF (if you get the acronym) to grab and go but you could also probably heat the tuna pack for a warm option for those so inclined. I could imagine one of these in the trunk of the car or in the glove box if the car breaks down and you're waiting for a tow.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Definitely. You never know when that need will arise…or the world will end. Either way, you’re ready

[@pictrtker]

Awesome video!! Keep up the good work!!!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you so much!

[@JenniferMiner-w4n]

A video with our suggestions for remaking stuff !

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I think I need to make that happen

[@Paleopiper]

Really loving your videos! Thanks for the great content ! Have you tried any of the Omeals food pouches? They come with a water-based heating pack and self-heat in 3-5mins. I just picked a few up at our local Sierra Trading Post store for $6.99. Haven’t tried them yet, but they seem pretty slick.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Haven’t tried them but I have a couple. Will probably review them soon.

[@JamiesCaniacManiac]

This video was great, luv the smart bowls for backpacking! Have you thought about a Ethnic grocery store ? Asian-Russian-Indian (where you can’t necessarily read all the labels)

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I have just started exploring ethnic stores and my first was not a success. We will see what happens as I keep searching.

[@lizdimps1498]

I would dig your take on a breakfast MRE.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Seems all of a sudden lots of folks want a breakfast MRE. I’m gonna try but it will be a challenge. Not a lot out there for that.

[@lizdimps1498]

It will definitely be a challenge. Even more so with it needing to be ready to eat.

[@alpinealpine2793]

Best eaten cold-revenge. I know I've got to stop being so dark 😂. It's been a long life, with no end in sight. Good video Dad.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Not at all. I was trying to think of how to incorporate that into the title so I’m right there with you.

[@frankhinkle5772]

I thought the same thing. Maybe he was making a cold MRE to punish someone with who had been mean to him!

[@alpinealpine2793]

@@frankhinkle5772 😂😂😂

[@Bucky749]

When you buy the tuna creations for your self do have a favorite flavor ? In our house it’s lemon pepper .

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I’m not sure I have a favorite. It depends on what I plan to eat them with.

[@scenicdriveways6708]

Another great video BDA. Really enjoyed it. My wife says she's going to look for some of those smart bowls as a lunch option for her to bring to work. JT Barren County, KY

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s how I use them. I keep a couple in my desk drawer along with some individual rice packs. Perfect for lunch.

[@RPrice_OG]

Some sugar or honey packets might go well with the powered lemon. You can use it or not.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Absolutely. Would be perfect

[@frankhinkle5772]

That was pretty good, and a good idea. Maybe for every five or ten MREs we make maybe we need at least one Cold one.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Good idea

[@ottopartz1]

I always keep some tins of Podravka paté in my cupboard. I really like snacking on the stuff.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I need to look into that. I’m finding that really enjoy some of these.

[@ottopartz1]

@@dadbudgetadventures the Podravka ones are all good and on the milder side. The other brand in my ethnic store I believe is Alex or something similar. Those are good as well and have more interesting flavor options, but they haven't been in stock lately.

[@Karzir1]

The Argeta meats on Amazon are crazy expensive. Hopefully I can find some locally to try.

[@SethCohn23]

In bulk (48 cans!), it's slightly above $2 a can (he paid $3 i think at store), and in smaller quantities, its a bit over $3 from a few vendors. Always be careful on Amazon as there are massive price differences and people who sell scammy outrageously priced items when a bit of searching will find it listed for far less.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I had not checked there but I have found that most of the things I find for these videos are either more expensive or you have to buy insane amounts on Amazon. Finding them locally is the way to go.

[@kurttestruth7757]

Walmart was like $2.25 the only thing I found as a draw back and would recommend to eat them on a regular is the some have soy flour and soy protein. Soy produces estrogen in the body. A couple did not have soy products and had whey protein instead much better choice. The ingredients are available online.

[@WhatAndyDoes]

Revisits and updates are always good. Thanks, as always!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Cool. Gonna see what I can do

[@gregvanderboom5011]

While not instant, the spicy chicken sounds like it would be good to make a stuffed shells pasta dish. I've been looking for the single serving honey pack without any luck. Where did you get them I haven't found what episode did you covered it. I enjoy your videos thank you so much.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

The honey was at my Walmart Neighborhood Market

[@kimberlysandberg3058]

Can you do one that is breakfast foods?

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I think that would be cool if I can find the right stuff.

[@Eurynomea]

Are these for bugging out or little bush crafting weekend jaunts at the state park?

[@dadbudgetadventures]

They are for whatever you need them for. I kept them in my desk in case I can’t break away for lunch. I take them camping and I have them on hand for small disasters. They serve many purposes.

[@2jedismom]

Try two things from Aldi…the freeze dried strawberries and the chocolate covered freeze dried strawberries and bananas. Mmmm! I did a price comparison of the freeze dried strawberries and ounce per ounce, they were the cheapest brand. (At the time I checked, anyway.)

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I love all those things. Working on Aldi and hope to have something soon

[@bitbyterjr]

There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of varieties of canned seafood out there that would work both in hot or cold MRE's. Smoked varieties are usually very nice as are other flavours (lemon, spicy, etc).

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That there are. And depending on your preference you can really have a lot of options.

[@alphapennsylvania9439]

it would be nice to have a little popup in the video of the total cals protein etc after the listing of items.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It’s in there near the end

[@sasariwtf]

Man, I'm so jealous by the MASIVE variety and assortment of stuff in amarican stores. Making MREs would be so easy if we had those bowl things, I mean that is literally already an MRE. And the true lemon thing? Game changer for me. It is possible to find... "similar" things in specialized stores but you'd have to say at the very least 10 dollars for a single one of those small mre portions

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It’s interesting that these things appear to be so limited outside the US. Then again, our government approves a lot of consumables that other countries don’t for good reason.

[@trooper2121]

A good video with different opinions. That being said years and years ago our MRE’s seemingly always had M&M’s or Tootsie Roll’s in them. My question is do they even still make Tootsie Roll’s. I haven’t seen them in years in the store anymore. Thank you

[@dadbudgetadventures]

They do make them still. Might throw one in to one of my meals some time.

[@CrystalLynn13]

Please make one that doesn't have artificial sweeteners. A lot of the options you show my family can't eat because of an allergy to artificial sweeteners. Thanks . I enjoy the videos.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I do try to find them when I can. I’ve used a couple here and there.

[@dianebondhus9355]

Nice video! Do they have a less spicy version of the chicken spread for spice wimps? 😂

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I think they do just a chicken spread so yeah! This one wasn’t terribly hot but I’m not the best judge when it comes to that 😂

[@mr.somebody1493]

I add one or two Stevia packets to the Tru Lemon in 12-16 ounces of water. makes a nice drink.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Yep. Make your own lemonade

[@mr.somebody1493]

@@dadbudgetadventures Tru also makes a sweetened drink pack...Of all the Tru packets, lemon is by far the best IMO.

[@Snuffy03]

I use all these. Except the Argeta spread. I have never seen that

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It’s not a terribly common product. You have to find just the right store for it.

[@wyrock7846]

The chicken spread sounds like it would make a good filling for home made ravioli.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That sounds like a valid plan right there.

[@keeperofthegood]

That chicken spread is good, all their lines I like. If you were in a safe space, normal home space, or a long term place, then this may be something to look into doing. If you needed to eat to live through; power failures, storm damaged, shelter hopping then nope. The USA has a population of German settlers that remain today fairly original to their origins. Long story short, a food item the Pennsylvania Dutch had and shared used the organ and remnant meat scrapings of hogs (waste not - want not) called Scrapple. The settlers took this food and adapted it to what was common in the Americas. Thus the big difference between German original and American redo is the use of cornmeal. Here on the tube you will find a fair number of hunters sharing the making of Scrapple using game meat (deer). The easiest way to wrap your head around Scrapple is this: Polenta made with Pâté. This fine meat product in the tin (and related makes) can do a good stand in for the hog scrapings and/or game meat Pâté (especially when you are cooking for just yourself). I have used this companies products (and others) with cornmeal, rye flour, sorghum flour and barley flour in making a Scrapple-type dish. It does do a fair job, and does taste quite good.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I’ve seen that scrapple is a revered local staple in some places. Even down to having scrapple festivals to celebrate it.

[@keeperofthegood]

@@dadbudgetadventures Indeed it is very well loved. Where I live, you wont find it very often, outside of pioneer and reenactment villages. Where it is a living part of the culture it really does have a place of respect :) As I said, on the tubes there are some really good videos on it and you can really respect the culture around it, as it is a family day event in its making. I have made it with meat from the butchers :) as I am not a hunter but for me, honestly, it is simpler to use the tinned meat, and though different yes it is still good. :)

[@MinuteMan1999]

Never seen those smart bowls before. I imagine that actually could be heated and taste good too.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

The ones I keep at work I don’t necessarily heat but I add them to rice that has been heated so it warms up the contents as a result. I haven’t tried heating the main itself but it’s probably good that way.

[@muddyshoesgardener]

A reason to bulk up your MRE: to have something to share, or if something spills or is rotten/ inedible.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Great point. Always good to have something expendable.

[@zander9418]

I know the rules are there to keep the vidoes more like the real MREs, and that you arent a food review channel, but I would be interested in seeing you trying the dried meals that they offer at the grocery store. Really like the videos though! Glad I found the channel! best wishes!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s not a bad idea. Might have to try that

[@ronmckickass5714]

Lol @ walking around snack. If im depending on an MRE, im definately not just out walking around snacking.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Ya never know

[@skittlemenow]

Really though any military MRE is carefully designed to meet one days complete nutrition requirements for a very active soldier. It even has extra sodium to replace the salt lost in sweating and to aid in hydration. The MREs on this channel are carefully picked by one person to satisfy his own preferences in foods. Neither of those is at all random food thrown into a bag. If you had that it could be all candy or three raw potatoes and a pound of dried apricots. Love those tuna pasta salads got some off amazon and they are the kind of thing you would keep around just for the occasional lunch.

[@skittlemenow]

Pretty sure Carnation Instant Breakfast is the same thing as Ovaltine they both made by Nestle.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you for getting it!

[@mr.somebody1493]

Aldi's 100 calorie nut packs are awesome.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I like that they were unsalted. More natural flavor that way.

[@mr.somebody1493]

@@dadbudgetadventures I really like the almond packs.

[@mikedendooven6484]

I didn’t see or hear, but where did he buy the smart bowl at?

[@SethCohn23]

Walmart? Definitely available all over.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That one came from Dollar General but they are available at every grocery store in my area.

[@mikedendooven6484]

@@dadbudgetadventures Thank you!

[@ckelley6940]

Chicken spread on a flour tortilla yum

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s a winner right there

[@veronicamorrison3144]

You should make an exclusively breakfast mre

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Guess I’m going to have to do that. I’ve suddenly had a lot of requests for it.

[@1974heathinn]

That chicken looks interesting. I need to go hunt some down.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It was really good. Hope you find it!

[@ashesfall4]

you could try mixing a little boullion cube and a small jalapeño velveta packet with some water into thr chicken spread and make a spicy chicken soup of sorts. Top with some spicy chips or somethin. Could be different and fun.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That would be interesting to try

[@livingproof9622]

“Walking Around Snack” is my code name at hockey games.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

😎

[@richwalter3107]

Can I make a suggestion?? Build a comprehensive spreadsheet listing items by each requirement and brand. Retailers obviously vary by region so wouldn't need that.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Hmm…that sounds a lot like work 😂

[@JAB671]

Nice one! What is the nationality of the spicy chicken? We have several international groceries in my area but each of them is largely dedicated to a specific country or region of the world. Knowing where the chicken spread is from would help decide where to find it. I think a video revisiting the Carnation and water would be great! If you identify methods that work well they would probably work with other things, too, like chocolate powder to just make chocolate milk, etc. I can't bring myself to try the tuna bowls. I love tuna sushi/sashimi, love seared/grilled tuna (best rare) and enjoy a good tuna salad sandwich made with canned tuna. Eating it straight out of the can/pouch isn't my thing, though, and mixing it with beans, etc. does not sound like an 'improvement' to me. Starkist started doing flavored chicken packets in their 'Creations' line to go along with the tuna 'Creations' and I wish a company would make 'chicken bowls' in packets like those tuna bowls.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Yeah not everyone is going to like the formula in the pack. Mixing your own stuff isn’t a bad way to go.

[@fishhead1227]

I’d like to see a little bit of revenge in there if it’s best served cold.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s a booster item

[@SethCohn23]

Ok, I know you've said you couldn't find Chicken Nuggets for kids to do a kids MRE. Just found this on Amazon while pricing the chicken spread: "Chicken Nuggets Russian Astronaut MRE Cosmonaut Meal Space Food - Emergency Food". Tube food, but 2 year shelf life, also hamburger and pizza. Perfect for a wacky video

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I saw those and was curious. A little scared, but curious.

[@proudchristian77]

Any such thing as vegetarian mre's ?

[@dadbudgetadventures]

There are MREs available for all kinds of restricted diets. Not a lot of variety but they are out there.

[@SethCohn23]

The "Humanitarian" MREs are vegetarian, and relatively cheap (for a normal 'real' MRE), but search on KZbin, cause many tasters don't like em. There are plenty of homemade veggie options. Loma Linda pouches, Indian pouches... Very easy to do a meat free MRE if desired.

[@RonaldDavidWillmot-wm6qn]

Yeah in the army , 78' to 82, west Germany. Cold c-rats. In the field were brutal in 20 below.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Seems like you’d be eating spaghetti popsicles!

[@David-lr2tj]

Every time I see MRE, I just think "Ham & Muthafuckas!!"

[@dadbudgetadventures]

😂

[@mrbuck1911]

Use the true lemon and a pepper packet on your canned or bagged chicken.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That would be really good. Might need to try that soon!

[@greyhatdone]

The true lemon powder is good on chicken and seafood. I bet that chicken spread would be good in a bean burrito.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Ooh, those are great ideas!

[@greyhatdone]

thanks...the true lime is nice if you don't have fresh limes on meat for tacos as well. with a little Chipotle pepper powder, good stuff. love your videos, thank you for making them❤

[@Chibilee3827]

What is sad the use to have more in the jerky packs

[@dadbudgetadventures]

They figured out people will still pay the same price for less. Shrinkflation is a very real thing.

[@Zookeeper63]

The Revenge MRE………best served cold!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

So glad someone caught that 😂

[@williamstewart1883]

I find walnuts and almonds to be the worst nuts. I love cashews and peanuts.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I prefer pecans above all else but there’s not really any I’ll turn away

[@gregvanderboom5011]

Revenge is a dish best served cold! ;)

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Revenge of the MRE 😎

[@redwolfexr]

"Brainz, Brai.... is that Spicy Chicken Spread?" --- One of the things I greatly missed in US MREs after working with the French was the GOOD cheese and potted meats to go on crackers. US "squeeze cheese" and "peanut butter" just sucked in comparison.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

The zombies don’t stand a chance.

[@carlh-thehermitwithwi-fi679]

ALSO---i make my own beef/pork jerky. use the dehydrator, then the foodsaver. A little work and time, yes. DUMB CHEAP!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Making your own is much more cost effective. Jerky is so expensive.

[@SJ-db1lh]

I love the $ General Dark Chocolate Bars! I also keep TruLemon/Lime packets in my hip bag, backpack, first aid kits, etc. I love them, tt gives a little flavor to water without adding sugar. I am really enjoying your videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thanks! I’m glad you’re here!

[@CeciliaLopez-r7p]

I like to put vanilla protein powder into my coffee

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s a great option!