Homemade MRE from Food Lion

[@robertgregory5260]

Very nice. The Food Lion name comes from the parent company is from Belgium. There is a lion on the Belgium coat of arms. Except for the fruit bar, good choices. Until Wally World showed up; Food Lion was the largest employer in Virginia.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Yeah they should be ashamed of that fruit bar.

[@patnd5c68]

The story I've heard about the name is that the new owners of the stores chose "Food Lion" to replace "Food Town" as they would only have to purchase two (2) new letters for the sign on each store, resulting in substantial savings.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s the most American business thing I’ve heard in a long time. And I would bet it’s accurate 😂

[@alanbierhoff6831]

Like Vance and Pence? 😂

[@livingproof9622]

Never heard of food town.

[@ThrillsInBrazils]

Best instant coffee I’ve found yet is the Black Rifle Coffee Co. available at Walmart. Thanks for all your hard work!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Be careful how loud you say that. I got a lot of static for using them in one of my MREs 😬

[@research903]

I have built several of your MREs and use them when camping, hunting, etc. One difference from yours id that I make them what we used to call "field-stripped". Actually mine are more semi-field stripped. I created an "accessories & condiments" pak. In it I have condiments (salt, pepper, sugar, sauces, seasonings, utensils, wet wipes, etc.. The seasonings and sauces are from the $1 sauce bin at Walmart. The sizes are perfect and a great variety. In this manner, when camping I just grab one A&C pak and the number of MREs I need for that outing. Saves a little weight and space. When I was active duty, we learned that "ounces equals pounds". Keep up the good work.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Great points. Thanks for sharing!

[@douglassnyder8163]

I use Black Rifle instant coffee

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Don’t say it out loud here, folks gonna jump you for that. I found that out the hard way.

[@rollinronin8125]

For the value minus the seasoning a can of chicken is around $2.50 for a 10oz serving. While a pouch of chicken is around $2.50 for a 2.6oz serving. The can is heavier but you could cook out of it on an open flame and other things as well in rotation. A pouch relies on cookware. And is easier and lighter to pack. Both can be waten uncooked from their package.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Great points. It’s all about packing what you need without wasting anything so if you need the smaller portion then that pouch works. If you can eat the larger portion then use the can. It’s all about individual preference.

[@rob280]

Enjoyed the video, as always. Not sure of their coverage but they just opened a "Lowes Food" store in our area, (South Carolina). They remind me of a medium size grocery store between a Fresh Market and a Kroger.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I will add it to the list!

[@rockyraab8290]

For future vids, I just found Ben's Street Food (formerly Uncle Ben's). Comes in several flavors. I had Gumbo, with chicken and sausage. Pretty good, with a mild cayenne after zing. Just under a year shelf life, but it may have been sitting there a while. Supermarket.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I just had someone send me a picture of those but I haven’t found them in my stores yet. You can bet I’ll be watching though.

[@thestraightupguide]

I make a lot of meat-free meals anyway and I've been experimenting with which ones dehydrate well for storage. It would be great to know that if a challenging situation arose, I'd have my comforting and nourishing chickpea cauliflower curry ready and waiting!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Definitely!

[@dougbotimer8005]

My favorite dessert in the old MCI, pre-MRE, was the fruitcake. I’d be in hog heaven if I ever found shelf stable fruitcake.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I so wish there was a company making those things today.

[@dougbotimer8005]

Classico is my favorite instant, but I drink it black. Cream and sugar is for coffee that doesn’t stand up by itself.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

My dad was a black coffee drinker but it’s never been my thing. Some folks really love it that way though and I respect that.

[@Irish1Eric]

You have been so many places. Might have to start redoing places. Love the videos. Thank you for the content

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I’m doing a little of that as I find cool items. One day I will run out and I’m not sure what will happen then 😬

[@billmacfarlane8864]

Great video! Interesting that Natures Promise is the store brand for Food Lion because it is also the name used for the store brand at Stop and Shop. Some other stores to try, Stop Rite, P&C, Tops, Grand Union.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I will add them to the list. Thank you!

[@greyhatdone]

Glad you went to the Roar Store, I regularly shop there. I'm not a starbucks fan, I normally drink cafe bustelo or cafe la llave. The Starbucks via Italian roast instant is really good if you prefer a more robust cup of coffee.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Roar Store 😂. I love that locals always have a great nickname for their grocers.

[@YabbaDabbaDoTime]

My favorite instant coffee is Maxwell House but you absolutely must follow the directions, otherwise it's not good. I buy the huge box of individual serving packs about once a year. I prefer a pour over but I keep a half dozen of the Maxwell House packets in my lunchbox and get home bag.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It’s interesting that you have to be so precise with an instant coffee. You’d think it would be pretty flexible but I’ve had a few people tell me that it requires just the right preparation.

[@funker419]

Nature’s Promise is sold by a company called Hannaford. A New England based company with ties to the Stop & Shop market chain. So it seams Food Lion now stocks Nature’s Promise as a storebrand even though it was originally a Stop & Shop store brand.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Interesting. Even store brands are technically national brands I guess.

[@judithrichardson8213]

Hi DBA. I am a bit of a coffee snob, and really the only coffee we have in our house is Nescafe Gold Blend, which I drink black with no sugar, while my other half likes his really strong with a little milk and a sweetener. We only buy it on offer and if we can't get it on offer, we go without. However, I have recently discovered NYCoffee Salted Caramel 3in1. It comes in single serve sachets, and although I don't actually like salted caramel things very much, I think these are DELICIOUS. I get them from ASDA here in the UK, but I know you can get them from that well known online rain forest. If you can get your hands on some, they would be a great addition to an M.R.E. I look forward to all your videos, and was very happy to see how much stuff your viewers got for Joey the Roadie. I would have liked to help, but being disabled, and on a small income, I am afraid it was not possible. Much love and respect as always from the South East of England. xx

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Don’t sell yourself short, just leaving this comment helps so much! Not only does it feed the algorithm, I get a tremendous amount of pleasure from hearing stories and input from my audience. Thank you so much!

[@craftsbeautyandlife5163]

I love the Hot Tamales with coffee. Sounds strange but I like it.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It was much better than expected. I guess cinnamon isn’t completely alien to coffee so it should work, just not something I would have thought of.

[@soyoucametosee7860]

​@@dadbudgetadventures a touch of cinnamon in hot chocolate just send it to the moon!

[@CraigSheppard]

Food Lion is a staple here in NC, it usually has lower prices than our other two options, Harris Teeter and Lowe's Foods. We shop at Harris Teeter the most and it probably has the best variety, but Food Lion has a lot of "down home" food, just good solid home cookin choices. Teeter is a solid store, they're headquartered in Matthews, NC i believe. On your travels if you ever come across a Wegmans, they are fantastic. They've started to creep south in VA and NC, not sure about TN. On the opposite end of the spectrum, another rare store that is hard to find these days is IGA. We had one in the rural area I grew up in, but there aren't many left I don't think. It's always fun to see one if you happen to be in a small town. Always love your content, looking forward to the road trip behind the scenes ep! 👍

[@greyhatdone]

@CraigSheppard I'm in nc too and I like publix as well. not for meat or produce(too high). I get some good bogo deals and they have alot of digital coupons.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thanks! I will add them all to the growing list. I’m gonna have to do a national tour just to hit up all these stores!

[@jimt5996]

I like the Colombian Nescafé coffee I think it taste like real brewed coffee and that’s what I always use when I go camping or backpacking

[@dadbudgetadventures]

This one was pretty good. I need to look for more of their stuff.

[@steveturner3999]

"If you can get past the smell it tastes pretty good." I spit out my Crystal Light when you said that. My mind went somewhere.............

[@greyhatdone]

@steveturner3999 yeah I'm 5 years old too😆

[@dadbudgetadventures]

People out there looking for ways to insert “that’s what she said” into my content 😂

[@midwestadventures1975]

There is a store chain near me called HyVee. They have a lot of choices but usually more expensive. They also allow local business to sell their products.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

There is one near where my folks live. I plan to hit it up next time I’m out that way.

[@PerryBarnett-ky3kb]

Smart & Final is a warehouse type store, anyone shopes in store, they cater mainly to lunch trucks and smaller restaurants,

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I e never heard of them until viewers started mentioning them. I need to see where the closest one is

[@All_the_good_handles_are_taken]

Sunday morning routine, pack for this week's trip, coffee and a Dad's Budget Adventure homemade MRE video. My favorite instant coffee is the Nescafe three in 1. Coffee, creamer and sugar. Since you seem to travel alot to get to the different grocery stores to build these meals have you thought about trying to build and MRE from truck stops? I know it will cost three times as much but the choices would be interesting

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I have and there is some commentary about it in my upcoming video about this road trip. Stay tuned for that one.

[@roymcintyre579]

Great video this week. Food Lion was great choice. I use to shop there when we moved to Tennessee for a while for my wife's job. Lately we have had a few Dollar General Market Places Pop up here in NW Ohio. We haven't been to one yet. But if you are near one give it a go for a MRE.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I may or may not be dropping that location next week. 🤫

[@roymcintyre579]

@@dadbudgetadventures Food Town was a major chain here. They had at least 50 stores in NW Ohio and Michigan. They closed all but one store in Toledo Ohio. Food Town and Kroger were the stores to go to. Then Food Town went under. Now the major stores here are Kroger, Meijer and Walmart. If you can find a Meijer close to you. That would be the store to make a MRE. They have a great international isle as well.

[@altha-rf1et]

we had one near us, liked it a lot, then when they closed Albertson brought them out

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Grocery stores seem to come and go a lot. Every few years since I’ve lived where I am now we would get a new one and about the time we get used to it they would leave.

[@cigardaddy9745]

Bought the trucker lunch box , love it perfect for heating mres...👍👍

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It really is a great tool. Very versatile for travel.

[@scenicdriveways6708]

Another great video DBA, Are you an Amazon Prime member? If so, how about doing an MRE that you order completely from Amazon Prime, and have delivered to your house? Great video, keep-em coming. JT Kentucky

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I have done just that and it made for an awesome MRE. Scroll back a bit and you’ll find my Amazon MRE!

[@dougbotimer8005]

Indian is a good choice for several reasons. One being lentils and rice combine to form a complete vegetarian protein meal. I’ve never met a lentils and rice dish I didn’t like. Indian offers a lot of variations to red beans and rice. And there is so many variations on red beans and rice. Now I’m hungry…..

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Me too, thanks 😂

[@jesseduncan9612]

Not sure why Nescafe is different in the US than it is in Great Britain and Europe. In England, Scotland and Ireland, most motel and hotel rooms have a tea service with tea bags and instant coffee tubes. The instant coffee there is actually between okay and pretty good. Unfortunately they have milk instead of creamer and finding Coffe Mate or a similar product is difficult and they really frown upon you bringing your own into their country. Great video as always!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Wow, that’s fascinating! Thanks for sharing that.

[@raelenecronin1827]

Commenting to up your channel. Thoroughly enjoy your videos. Please keep them coming!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you so much!

[@ottopartz1]

The South Korean 3 in 1 coffee sticks with some instant nescafe are where it's at for me. The G7 brand is the one I get.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I am going to need to find those

[@joaomarreiros4906]

The best coffee brands around here are a local brand, Delta (absolutely unbeatable) and Nescafe products, their instant coffee is the best and I actually bring them in packets in my trips or to work, you can store them in a dry place, inside a container, and they keep good for ages... And, I am a coffee drinker, and a coffee needs to be bitter and smooth to be good, cappuccinos and other coffee drinks are the ones meant to be sweet... But you should always put a little sugar in your dark coffee even if very little (like me), to counter the acidity, I add, traditional here, some cinnamon on my coffee.

[@joaomarreiros4906]

Just to explain the cinnamon we had to the coffee is either a stick of hard cinnamon you let to rest in your expresso or a simple pinch of cinnamon, if you put too much it wont taste good.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s great information. Thanks for sharing!

[@wretchedmess]

Oh man, Hot Tamales are delicious, and Mike & Ikes. And Good & Plenty (a polarizing candy, for sure). Those latte creamer packs are really cool. Mixed with rice, and raisins or fruit (perhaps from trail mix?) it would be a not-awful rice pudding dessert.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Ok, now I gotta try that with the latte creamer.

[@craftsbeautyandlife5163]

Apple banana bar..you took one for the team.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It’s so weird! And really just not good. I’ve had more of them since (trying to get rid of them) and they don’t get any better.

[@craftsbeautyandlife5163]

@dadbudgetadventures good thing are small. Lol

[@frankhinkle5772]

And we appreciate knowing what to stay away from. Thank you!

[@reneerupert5830]

WOOHOO, I got the order placed! Look for a package to arrive on Friday the 9th. There's something for you and for Joey's get home bag 🙂

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s so amazing of you! I’ll be watching!

[@reneerupert5830]

@@dadbudgetadventures I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[@Marlah4]

Ever try the uncle Ben’s style rice packs to mix it up other than just white rice? Great video as always :)

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Not specifically. I’ve done other flavored packs but the Minute Rice cups are a smaller portion and the size works out for a single serving.

[@shell3939]

Hey, Nature's Promise is Food Lion's organic all-natural brand, so yes, you are right. 😁Thanks for the good video.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you for clarifying that! Much appreciated.

[@CraigSheppard]

Here's a crazy idea ... Could you make an MRE from the IKEA market?! Hah! I have no idea if their shelf life would work, but they have some random stuff in that food market at the bottom floor of their stores!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I was recently there and I didn’t see much in the way of useful products. But I’ll check again occasionally and see if they get new stuff.

[@HarshmanHills]

eating good there my friend. have a good weekend

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you. Living a good life here.

[@lukebull5343]

IV been watching for awhile and loving your vids! Have you done a MRE from Aldis yet?

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I have. It took me a while to make it happen but I did it a couple months back!

[@jtamsmom5]

Hot tamales are a great dessert. Those are one of my favorites

[@dadbudgetadventures]

These were gone not long after the video wrapped. I really enjoyed them.

[@JamiesCaniacManiac]

75% of my AT backpacking trip food was from Food Lion, you should try and hit up a WinCo (West coast)

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Yeah they are on the list if I get out that way. Lots of cool places I still haven’t been.

[@benreynolds181]

I have a couple location suggestions: Love's and Kum & Go.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Got a video about that coming up in a couple weeks!

[@HFVidShotz]

Hear my food roar!!😂 Thanks for another great MRE!!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

You’re quite welcome!

[@dawnrene]

Sir, have you heard about Piggly Wiggly? Now that makes sense!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

There is one across the state line from me and I plan to head to it very soon.

[@Brykk]

What is YOUR favorite regular coffee? Just the straight black coffee, before creamer or sweetener. I like the tasters choice or nescafe. Alone they arent the greatest, but they are the best when i add the nondairy creamer. Btw, i have never found anything that is a processed banana product that is worth a darn. I dont like most processed/dehydrated fruit products. Im the same with red apple products. I love green apple flavored products (although most of them add malic acid for sourness).

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I don’t drink black coffee, that’s my dad’s thing. But my go-to is Iron Bean. I keep a stock of the Fierce cups on hand and I like to blend their salted mocha caramel with Integrity if I want a little fresh brewed flavored coffee.

[@Brykk]

@@dadbudgetadventures sorry, i was meaning which coffee you preferred as a base for the additives. Lol Ill have to check out the iron bean.

[@VSP55555]

Hi from Argentina, have you got a 7eleven store near or sort of ? Thank you for videos.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

We don’t have them where I live but I’ve seen them when I’m traveling.

[@jamesmiller6834]

I wnata see the trip

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That will be hitting in a couple weeks. Got another stop to share before that one drops.

[@suewilliams7522]

We have many Asian food stores in our area, have you thought about one of those type food stores for MRE? They have many prepackaged foods to try.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

We have a big international market in our town and I built one there a couple years ago before I landed on this video format. I will probably revisit that soon.

[@lucyalderman422]

Can you use the hot water from it for coffee after it’s used for cooking

[@dadbudgetadventures]

The lunchbox? Absolutely! It’s not going to be piping hot but it’s a great way not to waste water.

[@jameshollingshead1845]

The Apple and Blueberry bars are my favorite. We get the mixed box from Costco. The Strawberry is my 2nd favorite. The mango ones are kind of meh

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Apple blueberry sounds pretty good.

[@tweetybirdmom]

i get ideas from these videos

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s what I’m here for! 😎

[@shrinecastle1121]

I'd like to see the road trip video.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s gonna drop in a couple weeks!

[@DonP_is_lostagain]

Did you take the last train to Clarksville? 😉😊 When it comes to rices, I usually mix mine, unless a recipe specifically calls for a particular type of rice. Jasmine and Basmati mixed with plain white rice is fairly tasty.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I did not. I took a slow backroad with a traffic jam 🫤

[@billykl2790]

Food Lion is the best grocery store. I always prefer to go there over any other store

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I enjoyed my outing there.

[@Tsi2quick]

I'm about 30 minutes from the Food Lion HQ and we call it Food Kitty here. 😂

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Meow

[@craigr6186]

Woohoo first comment of the video, and I get excited every Sunday for the new video. Always great content

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Thank you. Congrats on being first!

[@ZTRAVLR]

THANKS AGAIN DBA, GREAT VID......Z

[@dadbudgetadventures]

You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@willieeverett8978]

I hope there was a WEIS on the trip.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

There was not. Is that one I need to hit up?

[@NewHampshireJack]

We were fortunate to find one brand of Japanese curry, ready to eat, packaged in a sachet. Add a can of quality chicken and you have a great main. School opened but students in our area could not attend due to flood waters that had not yet receded. The first few days were accomplished on-line. Beautiful Bride is at the school as I type. We plan to spread out the troops gear in several locations around the campus to prevent total loss if one or two areas suffer a catastrophic event. She will claim lockers for additional storage if any are available. We are doing the final packing of the school kits that will provide the basics needed for three plus days (72+ hours) for our three students. They will have breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks plus a few treats such as Oreo cookies in packs of three, nine packs to a carton. . We have added sleeping pads (something to sleep on,) a blanket to roll up in (something to sleep in) with a mosquito net and a tarp (something to sleep under) in the event they might have to sleep outdoors. First aid kits, cordage, cook kits, stoves with fuel and even firemaking kits, yeah, it is all in there. The older troops know how to use the gear they are supplied with. Right now, my only worry is who will be able to use the P38 and P51 can openers in the main kit? We will have to serve Bush's baked beans again soon so they can practice opening a non-pop top food can! That was a problem when they were younger. I believe we have prepared the troops and made them as ready as can be. Thank you for much inspiration as we built these kits. My Social INSECURITY check should be available for withdrawal around the 5th or 6th of the month. We will now turn our attention to restocking what was consumed during the tropical storm and flood. We also plan improvements to several systems inside our home base to make "next time" less stressful.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

This is such an amazing story to follow. You have no idea how happy and proud it makes me to be part of it and to be continually updated on progress. Y’all are amazing.

[@karenbruster1693]

I have a foodlion near me, what department did you find the lentil and chickpeas? I have been looking for them and not finding them.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

They are with the Asian foods section.

[@onlyinparadise4613]

Costco MRE vs. Sam’s Club MRE. Fight! 🥊

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Now there’s an idea!

[@rollinronin8125]

How do you know when the truckers lunch box has completely heated your meal?

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It’s a guess really. If I check and it doesn’t seem hot enough I just come back later. I should probably figure out a better formula but so far this works.

[@mindymilton8585]

@@dadbudgetadventures I’m new to your channel…what’s the scoop behind the lunchbox? Why did you choose it? TIA

[@charylliss3741]

Slept In, sorry I'm late😳

[@dadbudgetadventures]

You didn’t miss much. We’re always here for you!

[@mikehart1513]

Hot Tomales are my favorite I love cinnamon .

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I had forgotten how good they were. The fierce cinnamon were better than the originals.

[@Treashuntr2020]

What brand of truckers lunchbox do you have?

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I’d have to look it up but there’s a link in the description box of any video where I use it.

[@Treashuntr2020]

@@dadbudgetadventures Thanks, I’m new to your channel! 👍

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I’m glad you’re here!

[@dtalon92]

Gone in 2 bites. That's It!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s about all you’ll want too

[@russellbenson8544]

I like Trader Joe's Colombian instant coffee.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I’ve had that before. Pretty good coffee.

[@sixpakshaker88]

An Uncle of mine called it LION FOOD.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It would be more interesting if lions hunted for you while you hunted for your food. I could get behind that idea.

[@Gumby1978]

I have driven by a Food Lion but never shopped there.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Check them out some time.

[@marianbrinley4389]

Love me some hot tamales!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Oh yeah

[@reneerupert5830]

Did you catch the last train?? 😉

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Negative. I drove myself there in the most frustrating way possible (the trip video will explain) 😂

[@reneerupert5830]

@@dadbudgetadventures 😂😂😂😂 ill bet you sang that song 😂😂

[@tonyporenshenko425]

Could never afford a truckers lunch box

[@dadbudgetadventures]

These aren’t terribly expensive but I’m sure it’s not for everyone’s budget.

[@tonyporenshenko425]

@dadbudgetadventures ya my budget is pretty tight I receive only 620 a month from social security so after rent car insurance and phone I'm tapped out

[@CMarie404]

"nothing to give away about what's to happen"🤣 random comments like that make me lose it. The "That's It" bars are hit and miss for flavor combo. I like that they list the fruit equivalent ie 1 apple + 10 cherries-- that's it! no added sugar or anything else. But the banana though..I thought that would be amazing, but it was 🤮 I wonder if some initial aroma is the off-gassing at opening the packet. Ok so, it never occurred to me to use condensed milk in my coffee. Probably because I nearly always just drink it black. But what a clever idea to have it available in packets. As a prepper I am already all for packing cream and sugar for the added calories and full belly feel. Being condensed, it adds convenience (1 product) and versatility- stireed into something or snacked on straight from packet like you showed, or use it to flavor up some unsavory choices: drizzle it over hardtack, or to dunk a That's It bar into 🙃 Thanks!

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That stuff has so many possibilities. It’s great over rice too! But straight shots are always acceptable.

[@alanbierhoff6831]

The Food Lion in downtown Pittsboro, NC is HORRIBLE! How did corporate fix that? They just built a brand new one 11 miles north of the nightmare location 🤦‍♂️ I shop at Harris Teeter, Publix, Walmart and Piggly Wiggly. I would shop at Lowes Foods but apparently they have the same exact business model as Food Lion because they just built a new, second store 9.1 miles south of their HORRIBLE location 🙄🤦‍♂️🙄🤦‍♂️🙄🤦‍♂️🤯 Hopefully, it’s just a move in advance of them closing the bad locations 🙏🏻

[@dadbudgetadventures]

That’s always odd to me when a company builds down the block from their own store.

[@efcsscfe2208]

Inclusion of meat has no relevance to a thermallyprocessed product. The big difference is meat adds cost. Get a package of thermally processed chicken and put it in there if you want to add proteins.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Good idea

[@danhandke5012]

👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️

[@dadbudgetadventures]

😎

[@cheekysaver]

Ummm no. That is not how canning works. Chick peas take the exact same time to can and require a pressure canner just like meat. In fact, when we don't have enough jars to fill the canner with a meat based item... we do what most do and toss in a can of beans until it is full. Same amount of time and pressure base. (pressure needs to be adjusted up for altitude.) 1 pint, 75 mins at 10lbs of pressure. 1 quart 90 mins. Retort pouch Beef for a up to 4 ounce serving 65 mins. 1 cup serving 75 mins. 2 cup serving 90 mins Retort pouch beans up to 4 ounce 75 mins. 1 cup serving 85 mins and 2 cups 90 mins. Retort meals are precooked... cooled and put in the pouch cooled... then vaccuum sealed in a chamber vaccum... then pressure canned. If it is commercial or at home... the only difference is the size of the equiptment. USA national library of medicine did a assesment of the shelf life of food in retort pouches. Short version is 1 to 8 years depending on the product. Entrees are 2 to 8 years. Doing your own at home is really doable... but straight in jars and the food can be cooked while it is being canned in a jar. Both ways have merrit for different reasons.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Good info, thanks

[@ImionsaeXwb77]

gas station MRE next..... i can see nuts, spam already

[@dadbudgetadventures]

An entire can of Spam if seen so far is any indicator.

[@RicG.]

I think the sodium level you posted might be off. I looked up each individual item online and here's what I came up with: Coffee - 4.7 mg Creamer - 30 mg Fruit Bar Apple-Strawberry - 30 mg Fruit Bar Apple-Banana - 30 mg Rice - 200 mg Tuna - 250 mg Lentil Chickpea Curry - 820 mg ______________________________ TOTAL SODIUM: 1364.7 mg* Your Posted Sodium: 820 mg *Assumption I made was that you would consume all of the rice, tuna and lentil-chickpea curry, since you poured it out onto the plate. 😊

[@dadbudgetadventures]

Hmm, wonder where I messed that up. I bet I misread the package on the curry.

[@displacedyankee7819]

Pggly Wiggly??

[@dadbudgetadventures]

I think there is one just across the state line from me so it’s on my radar.

[@livingproof9622]

You say options but Curry in every bag of mains is not options. Curry is yuck.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It’s not in every bag but I do find a lot of it. I have to go with what I have to work with.

[@SethCohn23]

Tuna really varies, all of the off brand tunas seems a step below starkist, for example. YMMV. Coffee: the korean coffee packets put nescafe to shame Rice ratio: those tubs are smaller than a 8oz rice pouch, and I find most pouch meals need more rice for a proper ratio of rice to food, but that's me.

[@dadbudgetadventures]

It’s definitely about preference. I like the smaller cups because I don’t necessarily want to feel like I have to eat that much like using the bigger pouches. And I don’t want to waste what I can’t eat. But appetites are extremely varied so it’s good that there are options for all.