Homemade MRE from Big Lots Revisited

[@davidosnoe7571]

Yes to the bonus items especially when children are involved in the food selection process.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s a great point

[@irenerex932]

Thanks for being our taste tester. A calorie booster is a good idea. Maybe Nuts, granola bar or candy. I would love to see an mre that i could leave in my car not effected by heat.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That is truly a challenge. Probably wouldn’t be an MRE so to speak but more of a field ration. Something without prepared food.

[@fergusferguson4782]

Freeze dried is the way to go. You can freeze dry an entire pizza into one small bag that weighs nothing, and eats like a cracker. Is awesome.

[@SethCohn23]

Yes to bonus items, doesn't hurt at all, your goal is ideas and discussion... Nobody has to match your MREs. I've bought items based on your review, so more reviews is always the winning move.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you so much. Absolutely the idea is to get ideas, not to replicate my results. Personal taste is everything when it comes to this.

[@alanbierhoff6831]

A very good old friend of mine (Vietnam POW) would never eat Chinese food (especially rice) until one day I finally convinced/persuaded him to try it again. Basically had to pay for it. I asked him what he wanted and he said “anything shrimp” so I ordered him Shrimp Lo Mein (because of the No Rice thing that I always respected) That’s all he ever ate anytime I ‘forced’ (it very quickly got to be a joke thing) him to get Chinese food. One day I asked him why he never got beef or pork of chicken. His reply was: you can take a lot of things (I think he said Roadkill) and make it look like beef or pork or chicken but, you’ve got to be extremely good with a knife to make it look like a shrimp 😂 How could I argue with logic like that. God Bless our Veterans 🇺🇸

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s a great point 😂

[@AlanRuechel]

I often pack the baby food pouches in my lunch bag. It's a nice pick me up when I'm driving for my job.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It’s definitely a simple source of nutrition

[@roymcintyre579]

Great viedo today. If you want to add a candy item to your MRE's. All the gas stations where l live have started carrying a product called Crazy Candy. This candy is a game changer. It is Freeze Dried Candy. I have even seen it in a different brand in the Five Below Stores in my area. There is a wide variety of freeze dried candies. Such as Skittles, Sprees, Gummy Worms, Peach Rings and even Saltwater Taffy. There are many other candies available. My favorite is the Freeze Dried Sprees. They just don't advertise them under the original name as the candies bought in the store. When I need a little sugar I grab some and they just melt while you eat them. Just thought these would make a wonderful addition as a sweet treat to your meals.

[@TheBaitShoppe-CrumpTN]

We have locals that make it, love it ❤

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I love freeze dried candy. That’s a great idea.

[@gohammergo]

I think maybe a freeze dryer could be in your future? 😊😊😊

[@roddmatsui3554]

Freeze dried ice cream is pretty good.

[@roymcintyre579]

@roddmatsui3554 my brother and I make freeze dried Sprees and Jolly Ranchers when we make freeze dried soup.

[@Gumby1978]

I haven’t been to Big Lots in years. I will visit one in the next week. Yes, add the bonus item.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Noted. Thanks for your vote!

[@WhatAndyDoes]

Thanks again. The beauty of adding options, they are options! No one is gonna make you do it or use it. Showing ideas for people to have those options is good. Also, thanks for jumping on the bad food grenade for us. Grewt job, today.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

You’re welcome. It is my honor to take that hit for you all 😂

[@displacedyankee7819]

Waking up to this made my Sunday! Might hit our local Big Lots today. Its fairly new and I've never been to this one

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Wow, thank you. Hope you find lots of treasures.

[@fredfinger7092]

Good morning. A pleasure to see another MRE video from you! I also used to shop at Big Lots quite a bit back in the day. It used to be like a treasure hunt because they really did do nothing but buy lots, and you never knew what they might have. These days it seems a lot more like any other chain store. Times change. I wonder if your experience of the Hormel Chicken entree explains how they ended up at Big Lots... might explain why the selection is limited. Maybe it's only the varieties people don't like.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That is a very good possibility

[@dianebondhus9355]

We're not fond of that particular meal either. Good thing there are lots of other choices. 😂 Thanks for taking one for the team! 🎉

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Yeah, that does not represent the company well.

[@frankhinkle5772]

As I watch more videos from you and other channels, I am appreciating your rules more. And that you don't just shop and pack the MRE, but you taste the results and give us feedback. I do think the calorie boost is an excellent idea.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you so much. I’m glad you can see what I’m going for

[@frankhinkle5772]

@@dadbudgetadventures I watched one guy whose MREs were just his lunch in a gal ziploc bag. He talked about eatting them cold or warmed in the sun. But he didn't try anything that way. Does it work? It was more about how much he could cram into the bag. Not how he sourced it or the price per meal(s) because this was a meal and snacks for a long day away from home. Your channel is more about how you think and plan. Will these items work together? Good work.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you. I know you can do some sun warming but I’d hate to go with just that.

[@yourbluewaffle]

In addition to the sugar booster, a protein booster would be nice too. A packet of nuts would probably suffice in most cases. Maybe a mint/ gum too since most MREs seem to have those.

[@willames363]

YES! More protein also! Thank you

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Great ideas!

[@yaledragon8628]

Wonderful ideas Dad Adventures!!!! All of your reviews help me as I'm living out the back of my truck. I love the no refrigerator options that you show!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you. Always love hearing that these videos are having real world applications.

[@SethCohn23]

Suggestions to look for: Isadora Mexican Food pouches Indian pouches (variety of brands) Tuna/Chicken pouch flavors FreezeDried vegetables (snacks similar to apples, but cauliflower, okra, broccoli, etc) Rice pouches (various flavors) Korean coffee sticks Individually wrapped crackers, cookies, etc

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Great suggestions!

[@artoliver8740]

Sausage gravy comes in pouches too.

[@alishaparr577]

I love those freeze dried fruits as a truck driver who travels for a living. The apple isn't my favorite though the strawberry and pineapple are amazing. The metal lunchbox cooker sold at truck stops gets hot enough to cook a meatloaf from scratch.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I think this one might cook meat as well but I haven’t tested it yet. Probably do more with it and see what it’s capable of.

[@jamesmiller6834]

I already do that. I call mine snack 1 and 2. Also do the same with the drink. One Hot (usually Coffee) and a water mixed drink. Keep them coming.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I’ve thought about adding a hot and cold beverage in each. If I were building for my use and not just for the videos I probably would.

[@lskazalski]

I like the idea of a hot and cold drink, even if it were just hot tea and a hydration powder mix like Liquid IV or Propel

[@frankhinkle5772]

I like having a hot & cold option.

[@susieramick7202]

We like individual bags of cookies or Teddy Grahams in our emergency kits. The packages of lunch box kits have been reasonably priced lately.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Nothing like an emergency pick-me-up!

[@steveturner3999]

I’ve had the same experience with the chicken and mashed potatoes Compleats. Took one taste and never again. Hormel used to make a smokey pasta dish that to me had the very best taste. It was primarily pasta and sauce but the flavor was great. Can’t find them anymore. Thanks for the revisit. As far as adding another item goes, the more the merrier. If you’re hungrier than normal the extra item could make the meal truly comforting. If you’re not so hungry it can be saved for another time. Looking forward to the next video.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Great stuff. Thank you for that!

[@jeffbrown9648]

Personally i prefer the Salisbury steak. I add the fruit puree packs as an addition to my breakfast item, so yes to the additional item. Great video.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Haven’t tried the Salisbury steak yet. Might need to do that soon.

[@CMarie404]

I miss the old Big Lots from a decade ago, back when it was just a big messy treasure hunt. Truly excess "lots". Never knew what would be on the shelves. I loved the huge food section for the interesting variety that would appear. Stuff I wouldn't normally find or be able to afford. Lots of neat snacks. Really helped when I didnt have a big food budget. Just not the same once they cleaned up the store and started having a regular inventory, with most of it being furniture. Just been awhile since I have last taken a peek. I know some food stuff still exists. I just miss the mess, haha. Ah well. I vaguely remember trying a Compleats some years prior, and thought it so bad that I didnt bother buying any variety of Compleats. It wouldn't surprise me if it was that one. Then in the past couple of years I decided to give them a try again, and found that I really like the turkey and dressing, beefy mac n' cheese, and the roast beef dishes. Now I need to try (retry?) that chicken one just out of curiosity. I like the idea of an extra item. Wild card. Something to boost calories, or morale, or to help fill the gap. Always fun to see something like that so long as you enjoy it too! Sometimes I get those purees. At the end I will add a little water and shake it up to get the last bits out. If you are liking the idea of the sipping soup, Campbells "Well Yes!" line has some really nice options. Def good warmed up (wonder how it would do simmering in the pot), but I have had ones that were tasty even cold. The DIY MREs you put together seem more satisfying than a military MRE or gov't Humanitarian Aid (which I love, but not always a lot of variety and the snacks can be hit or miss in freshness). I like how you present these for use anytime-- keep a meal at the office, keep a meal in the car, keep a meal ready to grab when feeling sick/tired/lazy (we've all been there!), and for camping, hiking, and of course.. emergency. Adjustments can be made for our individual preferences, situations, and budget. It is fun to see what you come up with, and the commentary/discussion in the comment section. Thanks!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you so much! I think I might steal the idea of the “wild card” item. I like that.

[@rickscaggs3089]

Big lots, likked it when it had that close out. Yard sale vibe, big adventure.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It’s a bit of a treasure hunt these days.

[@Tacticalocd]

I use one of these but a much older version regularly for my lunches in the big trucks. Great Video sir!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you. I really like the lunch box. Think I’ll look at doing a full demo on it soon.

[@mommiedearest5337]

No need to ever review a Hershey chocolate bar. It speaks for itself. 😊 Great video!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I mean, if I get to eat the Hershey bar I’m not gonna miss out on that 😂

[@sandraschick1916]

I truly appreciate all the effort you put into these videos❣️ Thanks!! 😊

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you! I try to make them worth watching.

[@NewHampshireJack]

Dried fruit is abundant in our local Philippine markets. Freeze dried fruit, with its longer shelf life, probably not except for imported products online. If ever you get a chance to purchase dried guyabano, go for it. Guyabano ranks right up there with perfectly prepared dried bananas and pineapple. It is my favourite! We have to limit soup for long term storage to the instant dry soup powders available in commercial restaurant size containers and if you search, individual sachets perfect for the camp kit. It is rare to find variety other than cream of mushroom soup in a can. Our troops may be a tad spoiled, they like Toblerone miniatures in the kits. Locally produced chocolate is never seen in the northern Philippines, at least where we shop. Apparently, most of this fine quality chocolate is exported. We will continue the search.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Sounds like some really great options!

[@jesseduncan9612]

Kudos for drinking the cold tomato soup. I was cringing and happy you made it through that okay. Don't know that I would have made it.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It wasn’t horrible but I definitely prefer to eat hot things hot.

[@neutronjack7399]

It's me again. The calorie booster is an excellent idea. The C-Rations and MREs always included CANDY.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s a great point!

[@theanonymousprepperchannel]

Been waiting for this one! 👍 I agree on the calorie booster item. It never hurts to have that extra boost in morale.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I agree. A little something extra is always a good option.

[@eastcoastrailroad8209]

All of our taste buds are different. I have found that all of the hormel meals are excellent. Great video

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s is exactly why I show lots of options. Just because I don’t like it doesn’t mean someone else won’t love it. Exactly the concept behind building your own kits!

[@jameskelly1680]

I love that cooker! Gonna have to throw one of those in my work truck. Ooooh. I just thought of a neat combo. Freeze dried pineapple with a Spam single and some rice. I love the fruit pouches and the idea of a calorie/protein booster category. You can always stick it in your cargo pocket or glove box if you don't eat it immediately.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That sounds amazing. Might have to do a MRE style fried rice video.

[@jabrilanderson8365]

I’d say yes to the booster. Thanks for the cheers! Good people and good content!! Keep it up.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thanks for watching and for the support!

[@RobertMcMullen-p3q]

I love the idea of an extra item but I call it another walking around snack. I always have 2 when I camp. 1 to enjoy hiking in and another after we get a fie going for a coffee before we set up camp. And with that Hormel meal, it is 1 of the worst but I found if you get those salt and pepper packets from gas stations or wherever along with a few mustard packets and "pretty" it up they are much more edible. Least you found out how bad they were in a test unlike me during a camping trip. keep up the great videos, enjoy seeing different idea for amp meals and the travel vids are amazing.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you so much. I truly appreciate the support and kind words.

[@j.l.emerson592]

I used to love shopping at Tuesday Morning before it went belly up last year. They usually had some very high end foods, something along the line of premium gift type foods. I liked getting the jarred stuffed olives, jarred marinated mushrooms, the meat gift sets with dry sausages & canned meats, the premium candies, the premium chocolates, the expensive pastas, the cheese & cracker gift sets, etc. They were like Big Lots & were selling closed-out goods from other stores. Tuesday Morning is still open online but I haven't seen a brick & mortar store for more than a year.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Yeah, all of ours have closed up. I think they are quickly going away.

[@generationTEOTWAWKI]

You have a great way describing the stuff you try. Thanks man, I got a lot of good ideas from your channel

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you so much!

[@ConnieLeimbach]

being a otr for 46 years i always did what your doing.been stuck in places for hours or days with little food so i had the 12 volt cooker wow what a game changer with all the dif meals out there

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That thing really does come in handy

[@ohmyet2173]

When you think about shtf you will be doing much more physical work than you do today. Walking to a new location? Hunting, gardening or foraging. Building shelter. So yes a calorie booster would definitely be a benefit!!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Also I think if I were building these for SHTF I’d probably bulk them up even more than that. Seems like there would be a lot more need for calories and sugars.

[@DDiskin69]

I love the channel, and have commented before. Where I live, in southeastern lower Michigan, the Big Lots are generally poorly maintained, relatively dirty, with a lot of empty shelf space. I used to shop at them all the time, for the same reasons that you stated, but have rarely been back since Covid. I would not trust the quality or shelf life of anything that they sell due to their backroom storage and stocking practices. From my understanding, use by dates are acceptable if the item in question was stored under proper circumstances. At our local Big Lots, I cannot be assured of that anymore. That being said, I think that the chai tea would be better with a bit of powered, or shelf stable, creamer. Also, if you have not done it, I would like to see a video made from Ollie's. I know that you have used their products in past videos, but I do not believe that I have seen an entire menu done from them. Thank you very much for all of your hard work and efforts. It is appreciated and very entertaining.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I have done a meal from Ollie’s, in fact it was one of the first ones that started this crazy ride. But since their stock is constantly changing I’ll probably revisit them in the future.

[@stevenrogers4832]

New to your channel, like it a lot. Great ideas, and your approach is spot on. Thanks for your time. See you on the trail.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you! I’m so glad you’re enjoying it.

[@ckelley6940]

Bonus item sounds good, always enjoy seeing your choices!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you!

[@stevenlengyel3806]

A second snack or calorie booster is a great idea, if only as a morale item. Another thing I would suggest is gum or some sort of dental hygiene item. MREs in the US all have a couple chiclets and other countries use a small toothbrush and paste. I tuck a couple Colgate wisps in mine if I don’t have any gum.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

When I’m packing a regular MRE I would have that but the ones I’m doing at a single location for the videos aren’t set up that way. These are more for demonstrating the items I’m finding.

[@jessicahaynie113]

Enjoying your channel since finding it. Both new and old videos. Additional calorie or protein snack is a great idea.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you! So glad you’re exploring the older stuff too. I think the extra item is probably going to happen.

[@Mikek-ny9rw]

Calorie booster is a great idea, just found ur channel, enjoying so far

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Glad to have you!

[@DebZaragoza]

I paused before you tried the soup to comment...I'm laughing as you try the cold tomato soup! Even though it's creamy, I'm thinking, "That's a little bit like a V-8", which could also be something to include if the expiration dates work...also, YES to the bonus item! 😀

[@dadbudgetadventures]

So glad you enjoyed that! I’ve had a couple suggestions for V8 so it might be something I need to watch for.

[@ronmcclellan4608]

A morale booster would be to include a different picture of loved ones in each mre

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Sure thing!

[@jaxwade-reed6139]

I found you by looking for other homemade mres ideas. We do 24-hour family mres packs. They are so useful in the summer when we get storms & lose power.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Great plan! Always good to have easy options when the lights go out.

[@Captain-Max]

New subscriber, you popped up on my recommendation this morning. I love the concept as for many years I've been a believer in having at the minimum a months worth of a wide variety of shelf stable food on hand at all times. At 73 with limitations I'll be bugging out in my own kitchen, but I don't plan on starving. Now to get back to binge warching. Good videos!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you! I’m glad you’re here. Hope you enjoy the other content.

[@willames363]

Good video, thank you. Yeah, I like the calorie booster idea. If you’re running hard tending things after an emergency that with the extra sugar and the ease of consuming would be welcome imo. I like the budget notion of the solution from BigLots. Thank you

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thanks! Great point!

[@michaelconrad7301]

If you'd like a suggestion for a new store to try for homemade MRE items, see if they have an H-Mart in your area. H-Mart is a national chain of Asian supermarkets - would make an interesting and exotic change, lots of very unfamiliar foods (to the western palate) but some look really good. They even carry Korean Army MREs in some of the stores.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

We don’t have that store but we do have a couple Asian markets. I need to go check them out.

[@sandraschick1916]

Protein boosters seem like a great idea, especially for diabetics. It would help keep blood sugar more steady.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Definitely

[@JAB671]

From what I can find, the Hormel Compleats type shelf stable meals were first released around 1987 as Hormel Top Shelf. I remember them hitting stores because at the time I was in High School and worked after school as a bagger/stocker at the local grocery store. That means I and my coworkers were likely some of the first members of the public, in our area, at least, to see them. We all talked about them. At the time shelf-stable boxed milk (which I first tried as a brand new thing at the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville) was still a relatively new thing, to us, so a 'T.V. dinner' that didn't have to be kept in the freezer was such a novel thing that most of us wanted to try them. I remember those first ones being pretty good. Of course they were processed food and had a bit of that 'shelf stable food' taste but were pretty much as good as any frozen T.V. dinner I had tried. They were handy - right there on the shelf - for a lunch at work on weekend or Summer workdays if the deli didn't have anything I wanted so I ate a few and remember them all being pretty good. Once I no longer worked at the grocery store I didn't eat many of them for a long time. From the article I read the name was changed a couple of times over the years and sometime around 2007 they were 'relaunched' as Compleats. A little over a decade ago I started getting into the idea having an emergency supply of food storage that doesn't require refrigeration and began building a supply. Naturally I thought the Compleats, which I had enjoyed when they were first released (under a different name) would be perfect. Yeah, not so much. I have tried a few of them in the last, few years and, to me, they range from 'edible if I didn't have anything else' to 'this is so nasty I might rather starve'. None that I have tried more recently have been even a fraction as good as what I remember of the originals. Now, some may think I have simply gotten pickier at 52 years old than I was at 16 but to counter that let me say that I love fried SPAM and one of my favorite, quick lunches is a can of 'roast beef in gravy' (certain brands - I think the Hormel and Walmart brands are nasty but some brands are good) served over a pouch of microwaveable rice (I sometimes dump the meat/gravy into the pouch with the heated rice, microwave a few more seconds to heat the meat/gravy and eat right out of the pouch). So it isn't that I am a compleat food snob (see what I did, there?) it is just that these things, for the most part, aren't very good. It is a shame, too because you can get a pot of water hot (I don't think I would want it boiling) over a campfire or backpacker stove and drop the plastic container with the lid still on it into the water then let it sit for a few minutes to warm it up. I have experimented with doing that and they heat up just fine. If they didn't taste terrible they would be a good option for camping, emergency storage, etc. since you can heat them just by boiling water. I haven't tried the spaghetti or Alfredo as I got so turned off by the ones I have tried but, as you said they are pretty good, I'll likely give those a chance.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It seems like companies are constantly changing recipes but making the product worse instead of better. Not sure why they keep doing that. Thanks for sharing this!

[@JAB671]

@@dadbudgetadventures It probably comes down to money but it almost seems like some companies take it as a challenge to see how terrible they can make a previously decent product and still get people to buy it

[@ShemaHatSticker]

I like the "calorie booster" idea! You could have just an episode of your favorites or "top ten" of any one category too like top entree, drink, side, walking, desert. Thanks for Awesome vids!!!!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s a great idea! Might just need to do that.

[@micahwest5347]

Calorie booster and or protein booster sounds like a great idea.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thanks!

[@lukebull5343]

I like the booster idea

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Cool. Thanks!

[@shaynecarter-murray3127]

Calorie booster is a great idea. Could make a difference for a high metabolism person, or a mood booster if the day was rough.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Definitely

[@livingproof9622]

Great video. I was showing your channel to a guy today that I know. I told him do you want to see your doppelgänger. Yes I know a man that looks like you. He did a double take whoa! And his wife of 30+ years said you looked like his brother and him mixed. 😂 so there’s a guy in Texas that could pass as your kin folk. Keep up the good videos and I’ll keep sharing.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s kinda crazy. Thanks for sharing the channel and the story!

[@cheekysaver]

I know a MRE doesn't need to have perfect nutition. Peanuts and dried apricots are very high in potassuim. If everything else is high salt... unsalted peanuts work goo. 40 grams of dried apricots have 450 mgs of potassium. 1/3rd cup of peanuts has about 350mgs of potassuim. 800mgs plus your normal food. Gatorade has 75mgs of potassuim. Chocolate can have potassuim as well. If it was in a get home or get out bag where you have a hike... that becomes super important.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

For sure. Especially in warmer weather.

[@janita7014]

I love these videos! I found another application for these MREs. I recently had Covid. The minimal preparation required was perfect on the two days when I felt really sick but needed to eat. Thanks!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Great point. Sometimes you need food but just don’t have it in you to do a lot of prep.

[@MindfulCraftsMore]

Great idea and I appreciate your candid honest review. For the chocolate, some have sensitivities to it and really wish they could eat it, but can’t. Either way all of the options that you share with us are very helpful. Thank you so much.🥰👍🏽

[@dadbudgetadventures]

You’re so welcome. Thanks for the continued support!

[@jamesvatter5729]

Good stuff. Totally agree about the freeze dried fruit. In the mid 80s, the army issied us MREs with freeze dried items. Most were like Styrofoam! The beef patties, etc. lacked, but the fruit was outstanding!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It’s hard to beat

[@TerryC69]

Hi DBA! My experience with any of the Hormel Completes has been negative. As you point out, taste is a subjective thing, but I am not surprised that you didn't like it. Thanks for the great content.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you! I’ve tried a couple others with varying degrees of satisfaction but this one was so bad 😳

[@connorpenrod397]

Adding another item sounds good to me, though I definitely don't think there's anything missing from the last ones. Food is so person/situation specific that it would be impossible to make one that's right for everyone. Sometimes you need more fat, sometimes more carbs, and sometimes more protein. But if you just need to bunk down for 24 hours, you can survive on pretty much anything.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

For sure. But tell that to the trolls 😂

[@SIXPACK110]

Here in AZ in the summer we heat our lunches on the dashboard of our trucks...In cooler weather, we can put things on the engine block to heat them up. There is always a way to put a warm meal in your belly

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Absolutely. There are so many ways to cook without fire.

[@nitrotmann]

Yes please include the boosters in the future.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

👍👍

[@bigdawg-cl2db]

Appreciate the honest opinions of food smell and taste. We would be leaning on p ropane grills with a bit of charcoal stoves,too.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Charcoal makes everything better!

[@SusanP674]

Great video, and yes to supplemental protein/calories!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you!

[@cindyminx2985]

I agree on the bonus item I'd lean towards protein because if I'm having an extra hungry day, increasing protein seems to really help. Sometimes you need a little extra, you can always save for later. For me, freeze dried bananas were a no go but so far everything else has been good. I wanted to like those entree's but unfortunately, I agree, not very good.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Protein is a much neglected component in MREs. I agree it is important to ad more.

[@markw.3743]

Ok, Captain Keyboard here level 4 Troll ( yes middle management) . We watched your videos and submitted the forms , all is ok ! So continue with your videos, and we’ll be watching ! Have a good day sir !

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I’ll be awaiting your commentary when I trigger your particular switch, sir. 😂

[@mpick3885]

Enjoyed the video, keep doing what you’re doing!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you. I’ll keep at it as best I can.

[@HarshmanHills]

another awesome one. and always good to go back and review what you have already done

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you so much!

[@OtherSarah2]

Bonus item ftw -- I'm partial to HEB's Select Ingredients Cinnamon applesauce.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Those are always a great option. Applesauce is easy to keep up with and use it when you need it.

[@bravotwozero535]

Any additional options would be appreciated. Being in Canada, we don’t have the same choices. I can sometimes find importing options which really justifies buying a freeze dryer.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I would so love to have a freeze dryer. Unfortunately the cost is such an obstacle.

[@lskazalski]

Even a regular dehydrator would be worth it.

[@roxannejohnston3311]

Thanks so much for taking the hit and trying new things. It is greatly appreciated.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I’ll keep at it until one of these things tries to kill me, I guess.

[@johnfincher496]

When it comes to Hormel Compleats the ones with chicken are all disgusting. Turkey and dressing isn’t bad at all. But otherwise stick with the beef. Also Dinty Moore is another Hormel brand and they have some items in the same form factor as well. Think beef stew. Definite yes to calorie boosters. Many of those could also be deserts. Or the snack. Long live multitaskers! Great video.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you so much. Appreciate the input!

[@johnfincher496]

@@dadbudgetadventures Appreciate the inspiration! I’ve been rolling my own MRE’s for a while but it’s nice to see ideas from others. Often at the grocery store I spend a very long time in the dry goods aisle looking at retorts. Especially ones I’ve never tried.

[@r.c.t.travels]

Great video! Did you know that folders makes single serving coffee bags like tea bags. It is fresh single cup coffee not instant. We get them in the coffee section at Walmart. My family uses them for when we only want 1 cup or for camping.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I have heard that but haven’t seen them locally. I will grab them if I see them though.

[@geraldbock1012]

I like the idea of a calorie booster. I see you have some of Nate's single use honey packets. I have those to put into go bags or homemade MRE's. Honey (real as opposed to the Chinese ersatz brands) is an excellent barter item.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

For sure. That honey is a hit for me.

[@westernbitterfish]

Have you done a pass through cost plus world market? They might have some pretty unique options? One of them that I go to has a whole wall of single serve things that would be good little boosters to a single meal

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I don’t have one near me, however, in a couple of weeks I will be in a place that does and I plan on checking while I’m there.

[@DigitalPetrol]

Unintended perk of the soup is you have a bonus cup for beverages later on.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

For sure! Great point!

[@gregorysmith3097]

I vote yes on the calorie booster. I'd also like to see you add in cold beverages since most people won't be cold brewing their teabag. For the Hormel Compleats, I've had one of the chili mac meals that was pretty good. I've also had the Dinty Moore beef stew, I think that one was more processed tasting than canned Dinty Moore.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Might start doing hot and cold options. Makes sense to have that so you can make whatever your situation allows.

[@TheJkilla11]

Yes they did with little ration heaters for them in the mid 90s, my sister brought some home I think turkey and gravy, tasted awesome but super salty. Nice channel btw!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you. I’d love to see the setup for the originals. Would be interesting to find one now.

[@TheJkilla11]

@@dadbudgetadventures yeah, also my sister brought like two cases home and this is why I can't eat Hormel complets to this day lol.

[@FishersOutdoorAdventures]

I also think that a drinkable VH juice would go along way if it’s has the one year shelf life conditions

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Good idea

[@FishersOutdoorAdventures]

V8 juice

[@soyoucametosee7860]

Our local forest fire service cabin keeps The Completes in their supply pantry. They rotate them out if they don't get used. The instructions on the packages that i have left call for heating in a micro wave for only 60 seconds. I would also note that the sealed plastic cover should be concaved indicating that the seal is not broken.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s cool information. Thanks for sharing.

[@carlrobison6065]

I like the idea of a 'bonus' item where needed. If the meal is lacking in protein, bonus protein. If the MRE is lacking in calories, bonus calories. Lack of vitamins... etc...

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Good idea!

[@gregvanderboom5011]

Go for calorie booster! I think Big Lots used to be called Pick and Save in my area. I've never thought of buying food there. Thank you for the video, I appreciate you.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@TimLewallen]

In a pinch, you could rinse out the soup container and use it for hot or cold beverages.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Definitely

[@jewelsbeach2186]

I actually like the Hormel Chicken and Mashed Potatoes. Your review of it is valid and accurate. I have found that the trick is to season it with garlic salt. It makes it much more enjoyable for me.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Some hot sauce couldn’t hurt either.

[@scenicdriveways6708]

Great video DBA, I really enjoyed it. Have a great week. JT

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you. So glad you enjoyed it!

[@mwsebastian]

I regularly eat Hormel Completes, including the chicken and mashed potatoes meal. The chicken and mashed potato meal is not great, but not bad. I suspect you got a bad one. A couple years ago, Hormel actually introduced a new formulation for the mashed potatoes that made the meal taste a little better. That said, I refer to the chicken and mashed potato meal as "wet dead chicken". The chicken and mashed potato dinner and the chicken and stuffing meals are the only two containing recognizable meat. All of the other meals use some variant of pressed and formed mystery meat. I just discovered your channel a week ago, and I'm enjoying the home made MRE videos.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thanks. I’m so glad you found the channel!

[@Robinhood55]

Would be cool to know the macros of the total meals. Like protein, carb, sodium

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Calories, protein, and sodium content are shown near the end of the video.

[@Robinhood55]

Apparently I was still asleep typing this, I’d like to see the carb count along with the other macros

[@mattbuffington6471]

Have you considered trying to do an MRE from Menards? Just a thought for somewhere different.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I’d like to. We don’t have one nearby but there is one where my folks live. Next time I’m there I’m gonna try it.

[@FishersOutdoorAdventures]

I’m a type two diabetic and if you’re going to add a sixth item, I would add something to boost the sugar levels be at a protein bar with peanut butter or a graham cracker peanut butter sandwich. Anything along those lines to help you get to your next mail

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Great suggestion!

[@MistySlocomb]

I like your current premise. I don't think the add-on calories are necessary. I understand if you choose to do that, but I really don't think they are necessary.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Surprisingly I’m getting as many votes against as I’m getting for. I did not expect that.

[@jtamsmom5]

I don't think it's necessary to add a calorie booster but it's nice to at least show sometimes. Thanks for all your mres. Don't forget, trolls will be trolls.😂

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Trolls need an opportunity to troll, for sure. I’m glad to contribute to their needs 😂

[@valeriedoyle]

Love your videos! If these are intended to be a whole days worth of calories, by all means add the extra items. If only intended to be one meal of three for the day, no more is needed.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thanks! That’s useful input

[@CarolGraham-u9u]

I enjoy your videos 🤗 I like that you like nicely flavored food!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thanks!

[@Olyphoto7]

Definitely add a booster. I always err on the extra side.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Nothing so frustrating as eating the last bit and realizing it wasn’t enough. Especially when there’s not a way to get more.

[@Olyphoto7]

@@dadbudgetadventures I’ve had long backpacking trips where I’ve carried an extra pound or two just in case. I never go hungry 😋

[@seanpenrod]

Great video video! I like the idea of homemade MRE'S.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you!

[@dougbotimer8005]

Did you happen to watch how much power the cooker was drawing? I’m weighing alternative power outage cooking methods before spending money. We have an Ecoflow River Plus, as well as our vehicle if we’re in an evacuation scenario. So your video has me wondering if a truck cooker might be a better option than flameless chemical heaters. We’re old and not going anywhere with transportation.

[@alishaparr577]

It would be cheaper than flameless chemical heaters if you are pretty sure to have a power source.

[@dougbotimer8005]

@@alishaparr577 I’m thinking so

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I meant to document that but completely forgot to track it. Maybe I will do a video on the various electric cook systems to see what uses the least power.

[@dougbotimer8005]

@@dadbudgetadventures That would be a good video.

[@tryllyam]

Another good video. I love that you use biodegradable sporks with your MREs and may need to look into some for our Con adventures. And dang it! I was really hope that chicken and mashed potato dish was going to be yummy, even if it is bad for me. Now I know I can safely avoid it.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

These are perfect for cons. They tend to be iffy with food availability so bringing your own is a great plan.

[@michaelleckey6157]

Love the videos! Keep them coming

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you!