Homemade MRE from Menard's

[@RicG.]

When you were eating that entree, you looked like a little kid being forced to take medicine...............LOL.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Felt like one too 😂

[@mandyshaw4097]

😂I know the feeling. I'm a old woman and I hate to see them coming with that little tiny tiny cup of my medicine. The nurse is all smiles and talking so sweet ( which is all fake ) and giggling looking right at me eye to eye. Saying I got you something...🙄 I'm like yeah I bet I do....😅 I ask her last night why can't you bring it a little latter why are u always on time at 7:00 pm every time? She just laughed.😅😂 My son came right in behind her saying, now momma be nice and take your medicine. 😂 I looked at him and said I'm getting tired of be nice all the time.lol😅 My nurse said oh your momma, she's always nice for me....😂glad she can't read minds was all I was thinking 😂. God bless you all. Really like watching ur videos sir. Blessings to you.💜

[@danaboatman954]

Thank you for taking one for the team. I would be interested in a "best of" series. This would be a series of MRE's that would be from more than one store. Best tasting, Best price, Longest storage life, etc. And maybe a cross with best price with longest shelf life.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Those are great ideas!

[@trooper2121]

First off Happy Father’s Day. Now the look on your face when you tried the Swedish meatball was priceless. Years ago before Hormel took them over they were named Top Shelf Meals and were remarkably better and Jack Links come on that package is a snack for the ordinary man. Overall another great video my friend and again have a wonderful Father’s Day.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you so much. I think I’ll get my Swedish meatballs from IKEA from now on.

[@DDiskin69]

I also really appreciate that you do take the time to respond to comments. It takes this platform idea to a very personal level, and more like a conversation with a friend

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thanks! I hope I can continue to do so. It does get busy and bogged down at times but I try to be responsive at least to the initial comment.

[@donnatelliunderwood2592]

you should try to make an mre from an asian grocery store

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I’m going to try that. I get lots of suggestions for it.

[@dougbotimer8005]

We’ve found a number of interesting food item at Menards, admittedly side, snack and dessert items. Thanks for the work that went into this MRE.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I gave it an effort. I wish I had one closer because I’m betting they get great occasional items that would work.

[@jamesvatter5729]

Your reaction to the "Swedish meatballs" was very telling. I've seen the freeze dried ice cream sandwiches at Walmart. Always figured they'd be like munching on a chunk of styrofoam.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I’ve had the Mountain House ice cream sandwich like Walmart carries before. They aren’t bad. It’s odd that they taste the same as they did but thaw texture is so drastically different.

[@andyinsdca]

@@dadbudgetadventures I get "Astronaut ice cream," which is the same thing whenever I hit an air/space museum that has them. I really love them.

[@kevyNova123]

That was the funniest episode yet, thanks for the laughs! I love how you plowed through and modded it to be bearable. Great stuff.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you so much. All I can ask for is that my audience feels entertained and maybe learns a thing or two.

[@alanbierhoff6831]

This was great! Thank you. I love Menards. I’m one of the people who recently started watching your older stuff. It’s great too

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you. That’s great to hear!

[@littleloneprepper4820]

I visited my son a few weeks ago and checked out Menard’s for the first time. I was certainly impressed. I’ve been thinking about adding some of the Compleats to my preps, but judging by the pain on your face, I might pass lol. Happy Father’s Day!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you! My experience with the Compleats so far has been that the tomato based items are better than the rest.

[@scenicdriveways6708]

Great video DBA, I've never been to a Menard's, but they just opened a new one nearby in Bowling Green, KY, so I may go check it out. I'd like to see more videos with you and Mrs. DBA making MRE's. My wife and I really enjoyed the last one you guys did. Have a great week. JT Kentucky.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thanks! I will let her know her presence is demanded! 😎

[@ritasmoot1823]

Wow DBA! That was rough. I wouldn’t have eaten that slop after the first bite. You’re a real trooper and a good sport! Looking forward to your camping content!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I get so many people saying “add some pepper” that I had to at least try 😂. New camping video coming soon.

[@ritasmoot1823]

@@dadbudgetadventures awesome! I really enjoy your content.

[@BandGeek2210]

Love to see some of your prepping ideas

[@dadbudgetadventures]

More of that coming soon

[@DDiskin69]

Hello again, my friend. Something in the news that I thought that you might be interested in. This week, Big Lots filed for bankruptcy. As for your content. You are one of 15 channels on KZbin that I make sure to watch everything that you put out. I love all of your content, mainly because I find you so personable and quietly entertaining. You have a very relaxing Southern accent that I just love, and you just know how to be very creative. So anything that you put out, this fan will watch. Please take care, and keep the awesome videos coming.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you so much. That means a lot.

[@MinuteMan1999]

Lights, camera, action! Happy father's day. Like the space ice cream choice. ✌️🇺🇸

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I’m glad I found that. I feel like it was the redemption of this MRE.

[@Olyphoto7]

Big hit for the team. Dramatic recreation: “Hey Bob, just a little red dye and voila!, blood orange.” “Pete, you gotta quit drinking at lunch.”

[@dadbudgetadventures]

😂

[@daveh7720]

When he said the drink had a little bitterness to it I wondered about that. I have a genetic trait that makes some red food coloring taste bitter to me. (The red used in frosting roses on cakes tastes especially strong.)

[@jameskelly1680]

Kind of like Red Velvet Cake.

[@jakeaurod]

@@jameskelly1680 I recall hearing the Red Velvet cake was originally just chocolate cake that used cocoa powder that had been processed differently than European chocolate that stayed brown. As for blood orange, it just takes like orange with black pepper... or maybe that's just artificial blood orange.

[@Gumby1978]

It sounds like had and adventure putting the MRR together. Happy Father’s Day.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It was fun. Thank you!

[@dwatkins8130]

another missed opportunity - scoop the meatball stuff with a Pringle. 🙂

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I scooped enough with the spork. Didn’t have any left in me for experimenting 😂

[@mattparker2716]

Had a video idea for you that I hope is unique. Bulk buy and build 12+ units from Sam's and or Costco. Great video as usual, thank you.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I keep meaning to try one at Costco but I keep forgetting about. Gonna have to get on that.

[@DaliwolfBacon]

I really enjoyed this video! I live in Milwaukee, WI and we have several Menards near by. If you are ever in the area again, look for a Woodman's. They are a HUGE grocery store, and I think you would find quite a few shelf stable options for your MRE's. Also, you should try to create a breakfast MRE! I am binge watching your videos, so maybe you have already done one...but if not, that might be challenging and fun :)

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I have tried really hard to do a breakfast MRE but there’s just not much out there for that. Once you get beyond cereal bars and Pop Tarts nobody really makes much for that. I really wish I could find some cool items for that.

[@DaliwolfBacon]

@@dadbudgetadventures That's a great point. The options are probably very limited. I am going to look around and see what I can come up with :)

[@hallard069]

I love my local Menards! Their sales are pretty good and always surprised with their grocery isle but you do have to watch their dates.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Definitely. I’ll try another round in the future I think.

[@AzraelsTear]

Another great video, when I saw Menards I immediately thought it was a joke and you were going to have a bag of sawdust... 🤣 I love the other content and wouldn't mind seeing more of it. How about the best of both? I would love to see a video that goes into the challenge of making a good MRE that is packed for weight and size. Not just talking about opening it, but the whole process, picking the items, packaging it and then putting it to use on a camping video, let the MRE be the co-host. Love the content, thank you for what you do! 🍻

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Great suggestions. Thank you!

[@donpappas3205]

Best part of Menard's? 11% rebate!!!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

11% seems so random. Surely there’s a reason they picked that.

[@russellbenson8544]

You are the man. I really enjoy you videos and the honest reviews on the products. This is a little late to mention. Your videos on the products at HEB your entree was Herefords shredded beef. I would highly suggest the roast beef selection and I promise you won't be disappointed. Even though your not in Texas anymore the Hereford roast beef is available on Amazon. I would not recommend the Jambalaya though.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I have found a few of their products here and there but have not seen more than two varieties in a single store. Wonder why nobody carries their full line.

[@mikehart1513]

Pringle used to have a cardboard sleeve inside the tube to help keep them intact

[@dadbudgetadventures]

They have fallen so far 😂

[@jameswatson5011]

What I have found works great is take a 20 oz bottle instead of a 12 oz and use two drink mixes seem to be a lot better. Still maybe a little sweeter but hits the spot.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Good idea!

[@dianebondhus9355]

The freeze dried ice cream sounds like a nice addition to an MRE. I think I'll let the grandkids try it before it's needed though. You never know with kids if they'll like it. 😁 How about doing some cooking while camping episodes? Any camping trips in the works?

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I am leaving this afternoon for a camping trip. Should have some video in the next couple weeks.

[@nobodysbusinesswhocares]

Yay! I love Menards! I've never been a fan of the Compleats. They just don't taste that great. Thanks for taking one for the team...again haha!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

This one was definitely not good. Shame too, I had high hopes.

[@Kiki-D-Kimono]

I recommend the True Lemon brand of drink mixes. Thry also have packets of lemon, lime, orange, & grapefruit to season food or add to water.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

So far they’ve had some pretty good products.

[@shaynehawkins713]

Question. The mylar bag ill assume keeps the food lasting longer? Plus can i put hot water in one to hydrate food? I want to move away from the expensive mountain house meals.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Yes to both. It keeps air and light out and has a zipper lock that can also be heat sealed.

[@shaynehawkins713]

@@dadbudgetadventures I'm so doing this. I can use them to collect water as well. Thank you for the info. Not to expensive on Amazon for them. Ill stick my daily hygiene in each one to. Plus those toilet paper tablets. The 3mm thick ones are odor resistant. I ran into a bear a few weeks ago. Eating food left out by mistake. Not doing that again. Again thanks for the info. These are great ideas.

[@emclu]

I shop there a lot for home improvement projects but never tried the food there. It's funny they have some of those items there as I didn't expect freeze dried ice cream, but would definitely agree the hormel entree didn't look appetizing. And since I own a freeze dryer, i think depending on what they make the ice cream out of, that can determine texture. I've tried regular ice cream bars vs non-dairy for my wife and found the non dairy seemed to hold up structure better. Thanks for the content!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Interesting. I really want to get a freeze dryer eventually. Seems like the experiments could be fun.

[@emclu]

@@dadbudgetadventures Definitely. I use it to make seasonings and to help prolong food, including canned food. But if you do get one, it's good to use desiccant packets, a vacuum sealer, and the mylar, but I saw you have the mylar part covered. :) Glad I ran into your channel. Appreciate the videos. They definitely give me ideas of things to look for when making MREs.

[@RUSTYSURPLUS]

Howdy DAD great videos and very creative. Also were do you get the bags that you make the MRE's and put the components in ? Do they have a resealable top ? THANK's RUSTY

[@dadbudgetadventures]

They are from Amazon and there should be a link in the description box to the ones I use. They have a zipper top and can be heat sealed too.

[@RUSTYSURPLUS]

@@dadbudgetadventures OK THX Dad let me look

[@RUSTYSURPLUS]

@@dadbudgetadventures Found em THX DAD

[@Draconis72]

Was wandering through the local family dollar and found sriracha decided to try it and now I buy 4 at a time. Surprised how good it was, now its my new add to anything to see how it tastes.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Definitely a way to salvage mediocre food!

[@PaineK]

I find it amazing that Hormel thought these meals were so good they submitted them to the DOD for consideration as an MRE. I am also not a fan of most of those meals. I am glad you were able to get to the Menard's. Thanks again for your reviews!

[@choossuck7653]

When did hormel submit to the DOD?

[@choossuck7653]

Do you have a source by any chance?

[@dadbudgetadventures]

You’re quite welcome. I agree. It’s insulting that they thought this was good enough for the troops.

[@catsabotage3362]

​@@dadbudgetadventures I mean, the vomlette made it.

[@steveturner3999]

The only Hormel Compleats I ever tried that I really truly enjoyed and bought repeatedly is not available anymore. It was a smoky bacon flavored pasta, like an alfredo. The flavor was truly desirable and I enjoyed them although the bulk of it was the pasta. You're a hero for taking on another Compleats! Now to see you try another Russian Space Pizza.....................

[@dadbudgetadventures]

No more space pizza. Not gonna happen! 😂

[@neutronjack7399]

Maybe crush up the Pringles and mix them in with the Swedish meatballs.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Would certainly give it some texture.

[@roymcintyre579]

There is a gas station that sells a line of freeze dried candy called Crazy Candy. They have a couple different Astronaut Ice Creams they come with two sandwiches in each pack. One is Neopolitin and Vanilla. The second is Mint Chocolate Chip and Chocolate. Go to a local gas station like Speedway, Ridies, Race Track or a Truck Stop like Pilot or Love's to make a MRE. Great Video today.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I’ve tried a couple and failed so far but I’m gonna keep at it until I get it.

[@aleks8771]

It would be awesome if you would tell us about the stores that you go to. Maybe tell us what part of the country they are in(HEB only in south TX?), and if they are expensive compared to others (Whole Foods or Walmart), higher quality or lower type items filled with chemicals, are their employees happy and well paid? IDK, just stuff like that.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I do that when I can. I don’t always have the time to research all of that though. Maybe if I get to where I’m doing this as a job full time.

[@gbaf2005]

Thanks for another great video and Happy Father's Day!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

You’re welcome. Thank you so much!

[@garrykniffen1461]

I didn’t see the link for that bowling shirt you were wearing.I’m somewhat interested, (it even matched that shelf stable ice cream sandwich)👍 Good video though, thanks.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I didn’t add one but I may since I’ve had several people ask about it.

[@CynthiaRockroth]

Why didnt you get a can of soup for a side? They carry Campbell's. I get stuff there all the time because its great on a tiny budget.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Campbell’s soup is condensed and has to be mixed with water or milk as opposed to eating it out of the can. Also, I try to avoid adding heavy cans of food if I have other options. I’m not against it, it’s just not what comes to mind when I’m building my MREs.

[@donbrowne8358]

I liked the Compleats beef stroganoff chicken with stuffing and chicken and noodles

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I’m slowly but surely working my way through them to see what’s good and what’s not. I’m gonna keep trying them until I can’t do anymore.

[@michaelwatts3342]

Another fun MRE video. Thank you for taking one for the team 😂. I’m with you on the Hormel meals. I love some and hate others.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thanks! I really wish they were better. So much potential.

[@starRunnerX]

No One? Really? 🎶"Save big money at Menards"🎵

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I just had someone sing this to me in person 😂

[@jakeaurod]

I love Menards. Unfortunately, they don't take SNAP/EBT. I try to go there a couple times a month for hardware, but the nearest ones are still half an hour away. I am reminded of a store chain local to IL, IA, WI and MI called Blaine's Farm & Fleet that you could try if you get up this way. It's probably more like a Tractor Supply. If you did get up this way, you might check out Woodman's Market and Valli Produce, both of which are large supermarkets, which should make it really easy to find items for MREs. BTW, since you've been building DIY MREs and Canned C-Rations, do you think there's room to expand to meals that only require hot water reconstitution, or is that video market oversaturated? A lot of people focus on dehydrated meals in a bag. However, I wonder if combining different ingredients, like packet meats into minute rice or instant mashed potatoes with instant sauce mixes might be different.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I’m probably going to do some dried food meals this winter since that kind of product is good for cold weather rations.

[@j.markkrzystofiak9907]

Save big money! Yeah, about half of the conpletes are good. The ones with pasta are the best. They are cheap enough to just try them all and stock up on the ones you like.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Yep. I’m working my way through them.

[@prestongivens3594]

Can I get a link to where you talk about your bags and how you use them? This is useful tech, and heroic research 🧐

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I haven’t done a video just about the bags but I may do that soon. Lots of interest in those things.

[@paulhearn9842]

Thank you for your sacrifices that you make for us.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I’m honored to do it 😂

[@redwolfexr]

Swedish meatball sauce is basically beef stock, heavy cream, and a little flour to thicken it. Its the only part they got right.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

The formula, yes. The taste, nope.

[@jesseduncan9612]

Not a swedish meatball fan at all. The freeze dried ice cream sandwich looked good, will have to try one on my next hike.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That was the redemption of this MRE for sure.

[@KarlaMalone-u9k]

Love your videos! You should do one from an Asian or Mediterranean market if you have one.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thanks! I have a couple around and I will make that happen before too much longer.

[@thebadidealab3627]

dang I just put the Swedish meatball meal in one of my kits

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I had such high hopes

[@thebadidealab3627]

@@dadbudgetadventures I'm about to do a video about a very strange food I bought

[@gregvanderboom5011]

Thank you for the video!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@terrancemcintyre8062]

haven't gone thru all your vids.....but do use a freeze dry machine ?

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I don’t. I’m not KZbin rich yet. 😂

[@VSP55555]

Mint and chocolate 😊. Thank you for your videos.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

You’re quite welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@robertborchers4314]

Hey nice shirt, where did you get it.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I don’t recall where I picked it up specifically but it’s from Steady Clothing.

[@robertborchers4314]

@@dadbudgetadventures thanks

[@robertborchers4314]

@@dadbudgetadventures you need to get them to sponsor your channel cool stuff

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I wish! That would be amazing!

[@robertborchers4314]

@@dadbudgetadventures going to ask them on my behalf plus would like to get a shirt my self

[@STB-jh7od]

Swedish meatballs, makes me think an Ikea MRE should be next.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thought about that but most of their stuff is frozen or in jars. It would be epic if they had the stuff though 😲

[@patmartinez2489]

I tried the Completes a few years back and didn't find even one I liked. A couple I had left got thrown in the trash. I have been going back to some of your older videos, I like the camping ones. Just happy I found you and your entertainment.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I’m glad you’re here! I’m trying to get back out there for more camping content. Got the camper hitched up and ready to go today, in fact.

[@annettejones7777]

I really miss Menard's. We don't have them where I live now.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I have to drive 6 hours to the closest one.

[@craftsbeautyandlife5163]

Love the shirt..I need to buy my hubs one.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It’s my favorite one!

[@1974heathinn]

I love pringles, but I found that those little plastic containers are garbage. We bought a mix pack at Sam’s. We got more crushed chips than full chips. I like the Swedish meatballs, but they don’t usually look like the globulous mass you have there. Crushed up Pringles sour cream and onion may be a good additive to kick it up. In Murfreesboro, there is a small business that does freeze dried ice cream sandwich bites. Those things are so addictive

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I love just about anything freeze dried. I’m gonna have to buy my own when I get rich and famous on KZbin 😳

[@reneerupert5830]

Happy Father's Day! Compleat weren't bad when they were a dollar but now? I got turned off them with the chicken and mashed potatoes. By the look on your face it looked like you were forced to eat canned cat food 😂😂😂 another great video!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It was not good. The pasta was unbelievably mushy in this one 😬

[@reneerupert5830]

@dadbudgetadventures I could tell. Not to be gross but it looked gross.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It was soooo gross.

[@reneerupert5830]

@@dadbudgetadventures 😂😂😂😂 I felt bad for you!

[@Saltpork305]

I knew when you showed the swedish meatballs you were in for a bad time. I frequent Menards regularly and love cheap Swedish meatball dishes. I had to drown it in black pepper to make it palatable. It's a definite miss. Menards also stocks Mountain house in their camping section but that would likely not work for a video.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It’s a miss by a mile 😂

[@craftsbeautyandlife5163]

If I were packing those chips I would put the whole container in a zip top baggie for extra protection.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I might even vacuum seal them

[@craftsbeautyandlife5163]

The only Hormel meals I have had the courage to try was during night shift in the winter ...spaghetti and the stew. They were both ok.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s about the highest praise anyone can genuinely offer them.

[@bikerider76058]

I love the Turkey and Dressing and the Chicken and Dressing

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Haven’t tried those yet but I will eventually.

[@RobertFireLionBlueHawkWinkler]

Try Jack Links Beef sticks for something as a good snack.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Might get some of those at some point. The rest of their stuff is pretty good

[@CMarie404]

I've never tried freeze dried ice cream. That sandwich piques my interest. Your expression with that Hormel 😆 The sacrifices you make for us. Still made me hungry though. Wondering now if I have a pack tucked away somewhere to try. I really like the turkey and dressing. Weird little packs of food that I really dont mind. But I imagine something will eventually gross me out.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It’s just so hit or miss with these things. I wonder if they know how bad their stuff is?

[@jtamsmom5]

Woohoo it is Sunday, it's time for a new video.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

So glad you look forward to it! That makes me happy.

[@BandGeek2210]

Yet another….great video! No lie..l GUESSED the jerky and figured astronauts ice cream. Now….as for the entree’s flavor…probably delicious with the proper amount of one special ingredient…..STARVATION!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

😎

[@robinfisher8569]

Oh my goodness your face when you tasted that stuff. The hormel meals are okay kinda, the spaghetti, chili, beef stew, meatloaf and turkey with dressing are ones I have tried and are decent. Would I go out of my way to eat them eh, but for this purpose totally fine.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Sounds like we share the same opinion on these things.

[@Brykk]

Happy fathers day!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you so much!

[@NewHampshireJack]

We appreciate your warning DBA! The new wholesale club in our small Philippine city is now open and to our surprise, one variety of Compleats was on the shelf. Why oh why did it have to be Swedish meatballs in creamy sauce? We purchased one piece, knowing that some of these Compleats main dishes may be "sketchy" at best. Beautiful Bride, youngest son and Beautiful Daughter were out on business as eldest son and I watched your review of this main dish. I swore him to secrecy so the rest of the taste testers may form their own opinion. Thankfully we have accumulated canned chili with and without beans and Bush's original baked beans. We also found eighteen (18) packs of Kraft macaroni & cheese individually packed in plastic sachets. That is important in our tropical environment so that the macaroni will not take on foul odors from damp cardboard boxes. Yes, they will require cooking but it will be easy to turn these bad boys into a decent camp meal with the canned ham, Spam or BBQ flavour Amour Vienna sausage. I am no fan of eating out of a cans but hey, shelf stable products for the 72 hour school emergency kits is the goal here. Some of these products may be eaten directly our of the can sans heating!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Love it. You should let them try the Swedish meatballs and watch their reaction 😬

[@NewHampshireJack]

@@dadbudgetadventures You bet, testing the Swedish meatballs is on the agenda. We are doing at least on test everyday now while the troops decide witch products to include in their kits. Once again, thank you for your continuing inspiration.

[@craftsbeautyandlife5163]

I would love to see more prepping and your beautiful wife. Love seeing you guys together ❤️.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Cool! Both of those are gonna happen

[@lisah336]

Regarding AC, I've noticed other YTbers have to shut off their AC to make videos due to noise. So they cool the space down, then film. Rinse and repeat.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Yeah. Gonna have to look into that.

[@Hunt4lyf]

I really enjoy these MRE videos but having Celiac I can’t make use of most of your food you use. Have you thought of trying your do dietary based MRE’s? Gluten, soy, corn, dairy free type foods?

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I have deliberately avoided doing restricted diet MREs for the simple fact that I don’t know enough about the specifics (which can vary greatly) and I would likely get it wrong. I do not want to present something that makes someone sick or causes them discomfort because I was ignorant about what I was doing.

[@TheRivrPrncess]

Yes, Pringles is getting very sloppy about keep their chips intact. I do love the Hormel small packaging and wish Stouffer's/Lean Cuisine would make their meals in small packages.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Portion control made easy

[@kevinbaker6168]

Hey Budget Dad, I just thought of a source you haven't tried yet. See what you can do at an Amish food store. Might be your biggest challenge yet

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I absolutely intend to try it. I was going to on a recent trip but was only in the area on Sunday and they were closed.

[@louise4410]

I think you should go to a winco food or cash saver

[@dadbudgetadventures]

They are on the list!

[@stevemorris7845]

I do miss your camping videos but I do enjoy the mre videos I will suggest if you come across a piggly wiggly give it a try

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Going camping later today so there will be more of that soon. Haven’t hit the Pig yet but I think there is one right across the state line so I’m going to try it soon.

[@stevemorris7845]

@dadbudgetadventures but I enjoy all your content you do a great job with everything

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you so much!

[@stevemorris7845]

@dadbudgetadventures welcome sir keep up the good work and informative videos

[@robertjordan4755]

"mush pasta" 🤣

[@dadbudgetadventures]

So mushy 😬

[@ferdmazzia4884]

how about a Love's or Pilot Truck stops????

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I’ve tried twice and failed but I’m going to keep trying.

[@veronica978]

You should try cvs they have pasta you could get

[@dadbudgetadventures]

They are on my radar. Gonna do that soon!

[@englandshannon]

How about a SHTF outdoor scenario, cooking on a fire started with a Ferro rod, with questionable water from a creek. With the way this world is going that might be the norm before long.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Think I’m gonna do that

[@redwolfexr]

Bribing the wife with chocolate mint to ignore the onion breath... yeah we see you!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Dangit, you figured me out 😂

[@ZTRAVLR]

GREAT VID D.B.A. HAPPY DADS DAY. THOSE FREEZE DRIED ICE CREAM SNWCHS ARE GREAT.....Z.....

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you! It was the redeeming item for this meal for sure.

[@ZTRAVLR]

@@dadbudgetadventures GREAT

[@johndavidlynn8653]

Happy father's day. How about doing a gas station MRE.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thanks! Ive made a couple failed attempts at gas stations but I’m going to keep trying!

[@rogerclark9285]

Now you have to do an MRE from Fleet/Farm.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I don’t have them around here but I’ll definitely look for them when I’m traveling.

[@JAB671]

First I have to know if you purposefully wore a shirt that looked like the chocolate mint ice cream sandwich or if that was a happy accident. Secondly, I have been on my own, personal journey to find out which of those Hormel meals are at least tolerable. I wish they were all actually good because they are easy to store, would work for longer term storage and just in regular circumstance make for a quick, easy lunch. They would also work well if the power is out - I usually heat them by putting them in a pot of water and heating the water because if the power were out I would heat them that way on a camp stove so I want to know how they would taste heated that way. They are also 2 for $5.00 at my local grocery store and I figure $2.50 isn't bad for lunch if they are actually edible. So far I am coming to the conclusion that none of the varieties with mashed potatoes and gravy are very good. I tried one that was like a sliced beef with mashed potatoes and gravy. I was able to eat it all but was not impressed - which is too bad because that could be a go to. I mean, how do you screw up roast beef with mashed potatoes? The spaghetti isn't bad but I am not a big fan of that sort of thing. It is certainly better than Chef Boyardee, IMO. The Salisbury steak version is one of the better ones I have tried. It has sliced potatoes which I think are a lot better than the mashed. Don't get me wrong, I'm not likely to be craving the Salisbury steak but I wouldn't dread it, either. I have a few more to try - the chicken and dumplings (I don't have high hopes), the Chicken Alfredo and the Dinty Moore beef stew (Dinty Moore is not at the top of my list even for standard, canned beef stew so we'll see) are among them. Oh, btw, Hormel used to have a few varieties of the Compleats that were breakfasts. I tried one that was scrambled eggs with something else I can't remember - I think my mind has blocked out the trauma. Like you, I don't like wasting food which Is why I forced myself to take a second bite before throwing that abomination in the trash. I don't know if they are still making the breakfasts but if you ever come across one you should NOT try it. They also made a few varieties for a while that they had supposedly developed in consultation with medical professionals and that were supposed to be for people who are on restricted diets due to health conditions. I don't think those lasted long.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

The wardrobe decision was not deliberate but it’s awesome you spotted that! As far as the Compleats, I’ve found the tomato based dishes are decent but the chicken gravy dishes are all but inedible. Avoid the egg noodle pasta too because it’s so cooked down it becomes mush. The DM beef stew isn’t bad, I had it in a prior video. Might try the Salisbury steak and see what my thoughts are on that.

[@aaronrhoades509]

😂😂😂 you hit the nail on the head it's just like grabbing an MRE a crapshoot whether you got $hit or a feast ❤👍🎊🎉🇨🇱🇨🇱

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Exactly. That’s why we are trying as many different options as possible. Always gonna be some hits and some misses.

[@aaronrhoades509]

@@dadbudgetadventures don't get me wrong I absolutely loved it I want you every week

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I truly appreciate that. Thank you.

[@tjfm59]

on the single sevre pringles, they throw your carb counting off foe diabetics. 14-15 chips is what you get on the cans as 1 carb of 15 carbohydrates. in thse singles you get 11 chips. as far as the main goes, this is one you can feed to the dog. hate swedish meatballs. wonder how the drink mix would taste if combined with another flavor. on the freeze dried ice cream bar. i looked for 1 item in the wrapping. was the wrapping cut. other manufactors of this product cut the wrapping on both sides. this seems to get more moisture out of the product during the freeze-drying. an your comment of it beeing a little chewy is another indicator of this. i did hit my local dollar tree the other day. the date rule still proves the biggest issue. but only spent 6.25 for the meal. some items had under 6 months on them others had well over a yr or 2 on them.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

For me the dates are about making it more challenging. But if I’m packing for a trip or specific use I’m not that concerned about it.

[@johngaither5522]

Me and my wife love Menards

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It’s a cool store. Wish we had them closer.

[@brucelarson4283]

They have small cans of baked beans you could have used as a side🤔🤔🤔🤔 or cups of soup. Or mash potato cups. Or cups of Mac ND cheese.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

The potatoes and pasta don’t fall within the rules. I could do soup I guess.

[@brucelarson4283]

@@dadbudgetadventures p.s. thanks so much for the vid!!!👍

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@BDrisco1982]

I'm not sure if this even possible but what about an MRE made at a farmers market.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That would be a chore but you never know

[@BDrisco1982]

@@dadbudgetadventures agreed. just thinking out loud. Thank you for all the hard work!

[@justindionne8744]

Menard's Walmart and Lowe's child lol.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Absolutely!

[@damiensanguinaire]

Everything we buy here in Michigan at Meijer, Wal-Mart, dollar tree, etc. We buy from (especially nonpreserved fruits especially) lose flavor and go bad quicker and taste worse than before recently.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I think about of stores are putting out overripe fruits and veggies lately trying to cut food waste costs by selling people things that ten years ago would already be thrown out.

[@damiensanguinaire]

I completely agree and it makes it harder to get "fresh" food without a bunch of preservatives, etc. The will last. I try not to eat big box store bread for that reason. I would like to try to make my own maybe from Sunflour, acorn flour, etc since they grow locally. I prefer Sunflour (i.e. Sun flower flour) to acorn as it requires additional processing to remove tannin from it before milling them.

[@patriciacooke886]

Definitely not IKEA Swedish meatballs.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

NOT…AT…ALL 😬

[@nitrotmann]

Pk energy seems to need that 16.9 to 20 oz for me. And so far ii still think the PK grape is the best one.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Nope, not for me. Ever since I was a kid grape flavor was a no- go. Made it hard to be a kid, for sure. 😂

[@VSP55555]

Hi from Argentina. Do you have farm market in your town? Mre from a farm market Will be healthier I Guess. You can have honey, canned veggies and salted ham, etc. Nuts. Can you visit one? You can make a direct video, reels❤

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I do. I might have to try that!

[@danhandke5012]

👍 Happy Father’s Day 🎉

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you!