Make Your Own MREs / Homemade MREs

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[@gabriellegiardini2635]

This is awesome. I’m a firefighter/EMT and live in SC and we get stuck at work for like a week at a time for hurricane season and this is an awesome way to keep food not only at the station but on the trucks also. Also for my daughter when she goes to babysitter for that week. Also good for go bags. This is amazing.

[@MapleJokerRofl]

THATS CRAZY SON

[@IntoTheWildernessBushcraft]

I’ve been into prepping for 20 years & I have never thought of making your own MRE’s...this is genius. Thank you! 👊🏼

[@mikee5208]

ALRIGHT! LETS GET THIS OUT ONTO A TRAY! ;)

[@Superman-xr1oh]

NICE!

[@zslayer0759]

here with my 1945 us ration mmmm looks like we got a tropical bar with red planting that’s rare this is the freshest chocolate I had

[@benplays3673]

No hiss..

[@zslayer0759]

Ben Play's hmm this is not eatable (takes a bite) it has a sweet undertone

[@tomtomthecaveman]

Michael Blyzes NICE

[@bevoburn]

The only thing i'd add would be one tiny 50ml bottle of Jack Daniels to boost morale.

[@jbeard3390]

Omg, any single shot bottle.

[@seanduffy7551]

Get a vacuum sealer it saves food better

[@mog-gyveroneill2500]

...and a year later, he makes a video of using a vacuum sealer for his MRE's.. 😁

[@luiscruz-carrion123]

@@mog-gyveroneill2500 lol

[@RoguePreparedness]

Making your own is definitely fun and cost effective.

[@grendle81]

Did anyone else notice a rogue sticker in the background???

[@kathrynmullins2640]

And you include only what you like. We've been doing this for years, and did a weekend test eating only those things we'd set aside. Went very well.

[@lindabellamy1984]

I always make my own MRE's! And I have some of the same stuff in mine. You can make every one of them different! So much cheaper than regular MRE's and fresher. I also have several 72 hr & 1 week bags put together for emergencies.

[@slvpd]

Excellent. I built 4 of these last year and threw one in my pack today to go scouting for hunting. I ate everything except the rice. I had added a couple packs of franks red hot sauce which I also didn’t use. I will add a second peanut butter packet and a second tuna pack- Sunkist Thai- yum! I had stolen some shortbread cookies from the lobby at my mothers radiology clinic and they were perfect to have with the apple sauce and coffee as dessert.

[@tonymoore7939]

With the way this winter is going, near Cincinati, I made up a few of these just in case I get stuck in traffic on my way to or from work. Since I live 10 minutes from work they are more simplified. Tuna, crackers, Capris Sun drinks, granola bar, candy bar, cheese crackers, plastic spoon, and wet naps.

[@BillyBob-sd2sb]

Great tips. Thanks. With homemade mre's you have more control over expiration dates because many military MREs may be close to inspection date or you don't know the past storage conditions. With diy mre's most stuff you get at the market should be pretty fresh to begin with. Sounds like homemade custom MREs is cheaper and you know it's stuff you want to to eat because you selected it.

[@shinobi1kenobi75]

For outings I have made some with pringles cans. Viennas, small beeny weenies, snack crackers, granola bars, ect... I would like to kown more about long term though.

[@VictoriaNakaraKizer]

Tropical fruit nut mix, and banana chips, are delicious sweet treats. Grab a few from the Dollar tree.

[@octaviusgalacticus2253]

Banana chips🤢whatr those

[@VictoriaNakaraKizer]

Luke Boswell basically dehydrated banana slices. They are really good.

[@leahveal9501]

Great idea, I'm going to do this! Thanks for the tips.

[@Sanguine_Entertainment]

This is really cool in and of itself, and this is very practical - but I would love to see someone starting with something like raw proteins and flour and whatnot - and creating MRE style meals entirely from scratch to be packaged and then last 5+ years. There are a lot of chef techniques that could be put to use dehydrating proteins and veggies and such -- but putting meat through a brine or pickling vegetables would also be great. There could also be a focus on many meals that are desirable at room or cold temperatures -- and the creator would have a lot of control over the flavor profile in terms of seasoning, protein choice, rice vs pasta, etc. I know someone could just preserve some meat, then some fruit, then a carb, then some veggies, then seal it and bag it -- But it would be great to see a culinary effort put behind this to take those disparate elements and make some kind of dish. I mean, obviously this is how we got MREs in the first place, but it would be cool to see someone taking common meals and "MRE-ifying" them as much as possible - with a focus on very long lifespan when and if possible.

[@comando1911]

One of the best items are "just add water" theres a whole mess of things out there like that

[@ningen1980]

That first bag is equivalent to a 24-hr MRE. Breakfast - Spam, half of the jerky, 2 of the 6 crackers, coffee. Lunch - Last of the jerky, peanuts, propel, 2 more of the crackers. (maybe half of the rice) Dinner - Rice with spam mixed in, crackers, apple sauce, juice bag.

[@clockwork421]

*throws home made MRE on a hard to find British Military meal tray* Nice.

[@purpleyeti2018]

Thank you! Between dietary restrictions and a few weird allergies (coffee... seriously lol) I have hunted every kind of mre I could find but something was always not quite right. I never thought about the dyi style, but it is perfect! Talk about a lightbulb moment! 😂

[@SonoranAstro]

I used this today, life saver.

[@MrBravo048]

Me: *Pack your own MRE* Friend: “Nah, imma drive 50 miles to McDonalds to get a feed.”

[@Yousef-hq6ml]

“Alright get me some fries”

[@treefloraken8263]

If you are going to have water, there are a few options. You can buy instant rice and add water an hour or so before eating. It won’t be hot, but it’ll be edible. Instead of a tea bag, I bring Lipton instant tea packets. A real good protein powder is soylent brand. I also use the already liquid version a lot. You can save weight, but still have great taste with small packs of freeze-dried fruit. Apples, pears, bananas, many stores now carry some. I avoid the crystallized, overly sweet dehydrated, and go with a brand like Crispy Green. Reasonable priced, and great flavor. You don’t need to rehydrate, just eat as a nice crispy snack! But if you HAVE to have the applesauce, you can add in a small packet of Nutella for some added yum! This was a fun video to watch, as you can see, it got me thinking creatively! thanks!

[@SouthernPatriot1]

brownwolf111 those Brunswick packs are 🤢 😷 no thx

[@ilovejesuschristmysaviour2819]

Cookies too!! Some of those snack size ones,love the nutterbutter ones

[@billnye198]

also, in the spirit of saving money, you can take note at the store of what seems like a good item, then order small cases of the items online if its cheaper.

[@paradyne1T101]

Make your own is always the better idea because you can add/subtract for better variety while maintaining cost effectiveness.

[@imagenethompson7249]

For a smaller thing of rice I’ve seen small containers of already cooked rice as well as mashed potatoes maybe those would work for you

[@alexperepech1023]

Blimey! It's absolutely stunning! Thank you for sharing!

[@jasonkeith50]

I have made quite a few of these so far. Thank you for all the suggestions. One additional thing I did was I wrote with a fine point black sharpie marker on the outside of the bag, a list of everything that was inside the MRE. Especially when you have kids or other people in the family, it may be nice to know what’s inside the bag before you open it, just in case someone prefers one MRE over the other during that time. I also wrote the pack date like you suggested before. Keep up the awesome videos!

[@jasonkeith50]

I apologize, I should have clarified. I write the contents of the MRE on the vacuum sealed ones. I definitely like using the vacuum sealer over the Ziploc bags because I agree with you about keeping things fresher. Thanks again!

[@lydiawells1798]

You can get rice pots. Much smaller. Ready cooked.

[@lindamcneil711]

I do this and throw them in a bucket. Hubs takes them often. I am celiac, so everything is gluten free and primarily keto (not super strict). I do pack a cup and have more heater in each. I do keep salt and pepper in them. I do have dried apples and berries for the sweet. Thanks for the other ideas.

[@dawngreen3491]

This idea is brilliant!!! I never thought of this.

[@dawngreen3491]

Thank you!!!

[@J4Y84]

When watching MRE videos here on YT, I notice them (Military MRE) Packs, store bought candies & branded foods too. (Expected Military MRE to only have coyote colored packs & identified by typewriter fonts ... Not obvious that them are 'Snickers' & Tabasco hot sauce, or 'Cordiale' liquors, Screaming out loud), so I guess the Military also shop at the Supermarket from time to time!!? 😁😁😁.. when I'm out of chips, I crushes ramens & pour in the spices & eat it like snacks!!

[@geordie8994]

I’ve been trying to get Spam Singles over here in the Uk. Only you lucky Americans can get them! Walmart won’t even mail unless I buy 35! Haha. Great video.

[@danieljaramillo87]

I really appreciate the knowledge and ideas . I thought the rice was very good.

[@becmoss]

Depends on what you like in rice, what I suggest is the asian rice you can get, it's easy to get and they give you a smaller portion while also being pretty filling

[@hallard069]

I like it, a real 'ready to eat meal'. So many people put together meals that require 20-30 min of cooking that really takes it out of the 'ready to eat' category. I've been making these and copying the Canadian LMC - light meal, combat rations lately. Those generally run in the 800-1200 cal range and generally snack items because real MREs at $8-10 each are just too expensive. Have you done a calorie count on the meals you made? Or do you just go by it being a meal for that time frame.

[@Iridium242]

I have not done a calorie count, but I still have them all packed so when I get back (Have to run out) I will do a count and post it in a pinned comment. I just kind of went by "This should be enough to fill anyone up for a lunch or dinner" rule lol, Thanks for watching!

[@judithharp6389]

WOW, you give me hope! I have to have gluten free food (medical necessity) and I’ve searched for freeze dried gluten free foods. But I have not been able to find certified gluten free yet... making my own makes perfect sense! Thanks!!!

[@Iridium242]

Also check on some thrive life stuff, its freeze dried but gluten free on some items, I have the link to my thrive site in almost all my videos so it might be able to help. Glad I could help!

[@chippywarren9706]

For me this video has become so relevant with things going on. Thank you so much indeed. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars Sir.

[@melaniexoxo]

Mine are going to be Spam, Snickers, Slim Jims, and Mounds candy bars. And a multivitamin. (I'm ok with melting) oh yeah and that instant coffee!

[@Iridium242]

Sounds good, that is the cool thing about these, you can put in whatever you want! Not a bad idea to add a multi to these as well.

[@tonythebutcher1959]

That rice is pretty dry if ya don’t cook it. May want to a some soy sauce packets or something else.

[@missmable6015]

I'm a new subscriber. Your version of MRE's is pretty cool. Think I'll make me a few. Thanks for sharing.

[@jasonkeith50]

I apologize, I should have clarified my previous comment an hour or so ago. I write the contents of the MRE on the vacuum sealed ones using a sharpie marker. I definitely like using the vacuum sealer over the Ziploc bags because I agree with you about keeping things fresher. Thanks again!

[@YellowFeverVintageSkiDoo]

I would take the expiration date of the spam or chicken and put it on the ziplock bag

[@warpedmine9682]

This is very useful i just found you today and I'm instantly hooked

[@ajgalbot1192]

A good snack or meal bar, in my opinion only, is a bar call fit crunch, by chef Robert Irvine. It's a protein meal bar. It has 300 calories, very very little sugar, and 30 grams of protein. I can't remember off hand the carb count, I think it's between 16-23 grams. But it's the best tasting protein bar I've ever tried. Maybe it's something to look in to?

[@geneirvine9710]

Good ideas! Thanks

[@xjew4ux]

Who here in april 2020 ?

[@ByAnyMeans000]

👋

[@vebtinkerbellable]

This would be great to put together for homeless kits.

[@FrostSoul-qs6kq]

everyone always forgets to add laxative .... because MREs are notorious for pluggin your plumbing ... (This is just a joke dont do it literally , laxative can cause dehydration and worse)

[@KaylynnStrain]

thanks for the mention, I recently added a few pouches of dried halal chicken, it's in one of my recent mail call videos, I would transfer that to a snack size ziplock bag to get rid of the bulk the air filled pouch has. peanut butter packets would be a great option also

[@Iridium242]

Very cool, yeah I think I can do that with the pre cooked rice, there is a lot of rice in there (too much really) and a lot of air as well. Might transfer that out to a good ziplock!

[@JulieHiltbrunner]

Hi Kaylynn! I recognized your name immediately. Peanut butter is the best!

[@FullSpectrumSurvival]

Great video iri!

[@survivalcomms]

Great video. I pack my backpacking meals the same way. There is a good book called "Recipes for adventure" on DIY dehydrated meals . I met the author on a trip and his diy meals were fantastic. Thanks for sharing !

[@Iridium242]

I have to check that book out, I will see if I can find it online.. Thanks for watching!

[@pamt8430]

I have been struggling with my Get Home Bag. Now I have a plan. Thanks!!!

[@freakyflow]

Pros and Cons of this : Pro's : You can pick what you want to eat Wider range of foods And add up the cost to a AVG $12 MRE pack and see if you get more for less Con : You have to find out the expire date And if they last the same time frame as a MRE As the point of a MRE is to be long lasting Store goods VS dehydrated foods in a mylar bag vacuumed sealed with oxygen absorbers And UV protected Made types of store foods have open pockets of packaging which allows mosture to enter I just started making dehydrated foods for MRE style packaging Great for storage of foods on sale and Camping Idea being 3 months of foods stored incase of Job loss, Prepping, Not having to get the store on a long weekend when its packed full of people Xmas/thanksgiving and overall one less thing to worry about

[@patm5594]

This is a great idea. I am going to make one to keep in my car, but living in Minnesota I need,to think about freezing

[@tonymoore7939]

Put it in a small cooler. That should keep it f ty on freezing.

[@alancarter4270]

Good video and well articulated. I use MRE. and I make my own as well an vacuum seal them in a food saver. You dead on to about your remark regards certain restrictions ones may have not to mention saving loads of money.

[@Iridium242]

Thanks, yeah I want to pick up another food saver. Ours died last year, but a new one is on the list.

[@trekkingbushcraftadventure9633]

Hi.Thanks for the interesting Video.Greetings from Germany.

[@nemmajean]

just made some for pretty cheap. Thanks for the idea!

[@grizzlytaco3447]

I love your MRE's! I prefer to make my own too! I put just what i like in them! I like the apple sauce, ill have to put that in mine too! Hope your doing well George!

[@Iridium242]

Thanks! Yeah doing great here now that I got rid of that sinus/chest infection.. that was annoying.

[@grizzlytaco3447]

Iridium242 Thats the worst! Its been going around! I'm trying to avoid it! Glad your feeling better! Take care my Friend!

[@mehchocolate1257]

@@Iridium242 how do I make one of those anyway

[@heruhcanedean]

Can you use a flameless ration heater to heat compleats and uncle ben's ready rice? I enjoy a warm meal and a FRH is easier to pack then a mess kit. I can get FRH's from the local surplus store $11.95 for a 12 pack

[@farmercorby8281]

So I'm 14 and I can't go to the shop and get this stuff btw I'm British. So I have pasta and porridge and about to add canned potatoes what else should I add and can you mainly recommend house hold food. I'm going to add rice. Idk If brown rice would last longer tho. Could you give me some tips :)

[@Iridium242]

I love brown rice, but it does not last as long as white rice, however for a small portable MRE type meal, it should be fine for at least a year or so if you pack it right. Canned food is ok, but its heavier, things like oatmeal, and tuna work great too.

[@vedo_tri9010]

cool video but unfortunately there is no stuff like this to buy in my county :(

[@tedsamuels3203]

This is great...the MRE s today are over priced and taste like crap ,re -baggage and re-dated junk like something the military 🪖 threw out ? Yes , I like homemade MRE s . And ,I can try out my food before I go into the wilderness hiking and Should of don't work..When your already out there ? THANKS FOR YOUR VIDEO..REALISTIC IS WORTH WATCHING ? GREAT VIDEO

[@jjjones9932]

MRE in California is close to 20 dollars with heater! ya this video was made in 2018.

[@OffgridMichael]

Throw in a packet of coconut oil or two. Can add close to 300 extra calories with minimal weight. Packets of peanut butter are awesome too. If anyone can direct me to where I can find packets of that jalapeño cheese from the DOD MREs let me know!

[@rath748]

Would consider adding raisins as they are packed with energy

[@Iridium242]

I thought about buying them when I picked up the juice boxes, you are right, they would make a good snack inside these meals. Thanks!

[@mayrarodriguez7623]

Thanks for the ideas very helpful I was looking for camping ideas the guys like to go hiking and I had no idea what to get them for the backpacks

[@ryanjay707]

I’ve bought 16 cases of MREs at 65 dollars a piece, so basically 5 bucks a MRE so very lucky to get that price

[@HummerGirl88]

Great ideas. My problem is finding gluten free ready entrees as I have Celiac disease.

[@Iridium242]

I will keep an eye out for gluten free stuff, if I can find enough perhaps I can put together some gluten free home made type MREs and do a video on it. Its harder to find but it is out there. I know there are some thrive life items that are gluten free so I can start with them.

[@abortedfetus2817]

How would I heat the rice or chicken up while camping would I just warm up water and place the bag in the hot water

[@45ACP_9mm]

I'm going to add this to my project list. Thanks for the ideas.

[@GONEWILDFILMS]

Video Request: Please review Winco Foods Mre's. Thanks for the awesome tutorial.

[@mayrarodriguez7623]

That’s a great idea I will make some kits for my daughter What size bag did you use it looks smaller than the gallon but bigger than the sandwich size Lol you got all my favorite snacks

[@Iridium242]

These are Quart sized bags, but I have since resealed them in my vacuum sealer with vacuum sealer bags, comes out much better and you can be sure no air will get in. I have to think of some more meals to put together and I will make more of these using the vacuum sealer too.

[@tomsmith91193]

That is a outstanding video thank you I run out of ideas of to pack

[@Kurogane_666]

I'm thinking about doing this for myself due to the fact I'm highly allergic to all forms onion and every single one of them has guess what?? Onion, dehydrated onion, flakes, powder or granulated

[@darrellbowen1582]

Great info and video bud ! Thank you for sharing.

[@yeesssirr4848]

I wouldn't pack juice packets like me pre sun or khool aid because they don't carry to much liquid

[@kelcysun6915]

I like the IWI sticker in the background. You get a like especially for that.

[@Sticky745]

Cool mre suggestions! I’ll take note 😁

[@Iridium242]

thanks!

[@lorettawinters7687]

Have you checked out the cold weather MRE's. There excellent. High in calories. If shtf you'll need higher calories, to burn. You'll be more active. Pack as you use, but your calorie intake will increase, due to your calorie burn off. Love your channt

[@Iridium242]

Yup done reviews on them and have a good deal of the cold weather ones stashed away, They are really good

[@danielsummerville6799]

I can still eat the alfredo if I'm not pregnant, right?

[@thecman26]

Some of those precooked meals are really tasty! The southwest mac n cheese is REALLY good!

[@lilz8848]

Try M&I'd for candy that won't melt .

[@adamcey5977]

Hand warmers would work for heat.

[@Iridium242]

Great idea.. I wonder if they get hot enough, Sounds like an idea for a video :) Thanks!

[@laineybugger]

Iridium242 did you ever test this? I have a case of hand warmers lol

[@smartgirlnyc]

What kind of cooking kit do you use?

[@tonythebutcher1959]

Good ideas. My wife has food allergies

[@debbi7775]

Cool !! Thanks 🙏🏻 I am vegan!! It’s hard to find vegan ones !! ( m r e ) 😘

[@tonythebutcher1959]

Gotta break down MREs. There is KZbin videos on it.

[@Iridium242]

Yup I have done videos on it as well I field strip them

[@TheSemtexCow]

Thought of different thing for your juice drink. I get the super concentred fruit juice for my son while we’re outdoors, just add water. Weights 3oz, and gives 20 drinks. Thanks for your great videos, Chris.

[@Iridium242]

Nice what is the brand of that juice, that's a great idea. Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed the vid!

[@TheSemtexCow]

In the UK there branded Robinsons, made by Britvic soft drinks. I’m over in Florida in a few weeks, if I spot the same item at Walmart I’ll post back what it’s branded in the USA.

[@Iridium242]

Cool thanks! I will look as well if I find them I will do a vid on them too

[@TheSemtexCow]

No problem, I’ve enjoyed making loads of things I’ve learnt from you, be good to help in return.

[@TheSemtexCow]

If your that interested I could bring a few over and post them from the USA. We always carry them as my sons so fussy lol.

[@KingParisBuckingham]

I like taste of salt but some spam have way too much salt?

[@jaypadulchick1355]

Thanks for the great idea! I put 2 of them together for myself.

[@Iridium242]

You are welcome, glad I could give you some ideas!

[@ForeignMRE]

Very good idea.

[@alicesigford7459]

Thanks you for let us know

[@hardtocontemplate]

flake chocolate does not melt thats what i use if you can find it in the use cadbury flakes im from new zealand

[@g.flanary8084]

Good information. Thanks

[@craigbetts1586]

some good info there, thanks

[@jeffgrey663]

Im gonna slap some dollar store mres in.

[@Jb_outdooradventures]

im eating veagan cookie dough right now

[@nodnalkrats56]

What size bags are you using in the video?

[@Iridium242]

Quart sized ones I think, they were an unusual Shape wider rather than taller.

[@nodnalkrats56]

Iridium242 I noticed the odd sizing too, figured I'd ask. Great video, by the way!

[@PhatGirlzRule]

I just bought a case of MREs for 65 bucks which is $5.42 each

[@mayrarodriguez7623]

phatgirlz rule that’s a great deal I never understand the dates on the boxes

[@willowcreekjim]

Good vid bro