MRE Review: Menu No.7 Meatloaf (2008)

[@HeyDeeW]

LOVE your videos. And your voice is rather soothing to listen to, which is a bonus! Thanks for posting these reviews!

[@gschultz9]

Yes. I wouldn't recommend holding it when at full power, but it would certainly work as a good warmer once a meal was heated up and the FRH still had some leftover heat in it.

[@gschultz9]

Thanks for saying so, and thanks a lot for watching!

[@Mark11340]

I have to say, that you do the best job reviewing MREs! You don't skip over things and give your opinion on how the items taste as well as draw attention to the differences between older versions and newer versions. Just had the meat loaf the other night and it was just as you described it. Your reviews have been very helpful as I have gone about purchasing individual meals. If you can, please review Beef Taco and Asian Beef Strips. Thanks again for all your efforts!

[@pernsongs]

I love your MRE videos! I find them very interesting. Plus you have a nice voice to listen to, it's very soothing.

[@gschultz9]

Now THAT'S hardcore! As much as people dislike or simply get sick of MREs I can easily understand having a nostalgic feeling for them after a time (like I myself did a while back). But to miss the smell of an FRH heating up, wow!

[@gschultz9]

That's actually a very good question. The only "problem" with MREs is that they don't include water (some commercial ones have a small packet of salt water to activate their FRH). While an MRE certainly doesn't NEED to be heated if you don't have the water to spare it can be a nice option. I don't see any reason why you couldn't use dirty water or urine to heat it, since the water doesn't come in contact with the food. As long as you clean the pouch before opening it.

[@gundog4314]

As the reigning MRE Review King...and that's a compliment lol...have you ever had anything not agree with your stomach? Keep making em and we'll keep watching.

[@monicagonzales7257]

I cant stop watching these videos, theyre so interesting!

[@Oldsmokey1]

Holy crap it said that the meatloaf had 1640 calories. I need to check my box and see what mine said it had.

[@gschultz9]

I always thought so, but apparently they are only expected to last about five years. Not sure exactly why, but I have noticed that when I use older ones they generally don't tend to work quite as well (don't generate as much heat for as long) and they tend to have the issue with the iron filings (or whatever they are) getting on the pouches when you take them out.

[@TravAkira]

I freakin' love your MRE reviews.... But honestly, breaking out the fabled "rock or something" was the funniest thing I've seen all day.

[@guafito]

ive said it before, this is the best MRE video review on all youtube. keep it up!

[@xprie]

Great review my friend, just a random question, If you are in the lack of water for example in the desert, are you able to use urin or tainted dirty water for the heating element to save water?

[@gschultz9]

I know that was kind of a general description. It's sort of hard to describe, but I guess it's similar to processed-type meat found in canned food like Chef-Boy-Ardee and that sort of thing. It's not "bad", just not up to par with the kind of stuff you'd expect to find in a nice restaurant.

[@ataylorai1]

Love how you used a rock on the table. Love your videos.

[@gschultz9]

Thank you. I hope that the translation is understandable and you can follow what I'm saying.

[@gschultz9]

So far the oldest one I've done a full review on was 8 years old (a 2003 MRE I reviewed in 2011), but I did compare a 1986 MRE to one from 2007 in a two part video. Didn't eat the whole thing, but did taste some of the components.

[@gschultz9]

No I didn't. I planned on using it--just because it was there. But it tasted pretty good and didn't really seem to need it so I kind of forgot about it.

[@olmose]

It amazes me how they can package food, such as "smashed" potatoes and have them taste decent years later. I was similarly impressed with some of my "C" rations back in the 60's. Tasted pretty good to a hungry fellow.

[@docchocobo]

I ate one by accident without looking at the date code and later found out it was 15 years old. You know what? I'm still here and it was darn good :) Seriously though, you make me hungry for one, watching this video. I'm going to go get one out of the stash. :)

[@gschultz9]

I got mine at an antique flea market quite a few years back. I don't really have a good place to recommend getting some. As with almost anything, I'd recommend checking eBay.

[@ThePhil4k]

Watching your videos is totally relaxing. Good stuff.

[@gschultz9]

Fair enough. Looks are one thing and taste is another. I've found that a lot of the ones that look the least appealing (the ones people say look like puke, dog food or crap on the plate) are generally pretty tasty.

[@gschultz9]

Yes, there is also a spiced apple cider drink mix. It doesn't seem like I've happened to get that in many (if any) of the MREs I've reviewed so far.

[@Andovarius]

Great review, as always. For me, this classic presentation is what I enjoy about your channel. I appreciate the alternative styles on occasion, but as long as you return to your bread and butter style, I'll be happy. I mean bread and butter buds style. You could also call your rock Barney (Rubble) or Fred (Flintstone) or just plain ol' Sumthin...

[@gschultz9]

I haven't reviewed all of them. Back when I was in the service there were only 12 meals (and most of them weren't very good). Not only have they improved a lot over time, but there are now 24 different meals (12 each per case A and B). That's now bad for a variety of rations.

[@elizabethshaw734]

That tootsie roll sitting there like that looks like the Miralax turd in the commercials! :-)

[@gschultz9]

I never really used to think that the age (talking about 5 or 6 years) had a lot to do with the taste, but the past couple of older ones I've had were definitely a bit less tasty than I expected. I wish I had a more recent Meatloaf one on hand to compare this one too.

[@gschultz9]

No, the temperature of the water doesn't matter. I've always used room temperature water.

[@gschultz9]

Because they're kind of expensive and I don't have tons of extra money I usually will buy small lots of them on eBay when I can get them (relatively) cheap. If course that means I don't get to really choose what I get, but I do try to pick lots that have something that sounds interesting or good in them. Haven't ever had the Asian Beef Strips myself.

[@pg396]

I think the Barbecue Sauce might make a difference?

[@guspaz]

I had the spiced apple cider drink mix a few times. Personally, I thought it was quite good, I enjoyed it. I remember it didn't seem to make very much. I tried to see if I had any left to check how much it made, but my leftover accessory packs are mostly coffee.

[@gschultz9]

Yeah, the drinks in the accessory packs (Iced Tea and Apple Cider) are both pretty tasty, but they only make about 6 ounces. I guess if you saved up a few of each you could make a good-sized drink eventually.

[@gschultz9]

I wouldn't say that I had a LOT of them, but certainly my fair share. I wasn't in during a time of conflict and only had to eat them during field training--not on an actual battlefield. MREs weren't introduced until the early 80s so if your dad did have to eat rations they would have been the canned C-Rations (even "worse" than MREs). If he was stationed stateside than I'm not surprised he didn't eat them much. They're meant for situations where "real" food can't be provided to troops.

[@EdgeDTrader]

i love these vids! its just the way you present them that i like

[@gschultz9]

A number of people have thought the same thing. I'd love to hear what the reaction would be if someone actually DID bring one of these in for lunch!

[@AflatoxinB]

Again a great review, thank you! When you buy MREs, do you normally pick the menus you like or the ones that are currently available? I am just asking as meals like " Asian Beef Strips" seem to be pretty rare (at least on Ebay in europe)...

[@gschultz9]

Wow! I didn't even notice that. I'm pretty sure that's a typo. It must be either 160 or 140. An entire MRE is only supposed to average 1,250 calories.

[@gschultz9]

Best bet for genuine MREs is eBay or Amazon. Just be careful to take the shipping charge into account and check seller feedback. You want to make sure you're getting what they claim they are selling (genuine MREs that are fresh and/or have been stored properly).

[@gschultz9]

Yeah, I've always liked MRE crackers, but for the most part Wheat Snack Bread is always a better option.

[@batsonlogging]

Good Video, I have actually eaten the earlier ones in the Field when I was in the USMC. They are not bad, and when you do finally get to eat, they are wonderful. Ever been hungry?

[@deerbuster853]

ive watched almost all of your mre videos. I had to get one for myself. I got the chicken and noodles and it was very good. I am going to buy 2 more for deer season this year. I hope you keep posting the videos.

[@Orion55901]

how were they

[@gschultz9]

Yes, these meals aren't "light" in any way. Remember, it's meant for someone who would be using up a lot of nutrients and needing a quick energy replenishment.

[@gschultz9]

Sounds good! I hope it will be much less than 15 years old this time!

[@gschultz9]

You got it! I'd bet that a fresh one of these would be quite tasty indeed!

[@gschultz9]

It seems like there's already a lot of that stuff out there and I'm not really sure if I'd be able to add anything interesting to the mix.

[@gschultz9]

I've been lucky so far and have never gotten sick from anything in an MRE (I always knock on wood when I say that though). While I try to be careful there's always that possibility with some of the older ones.

[@TheRealFuzzyDerp]

your videos take me back to when i was in the army cadets good times

[@Raprada]

"Rock or something"

[@gschultz9]

I plan on making more, I just can't churn them out as fast as I'd like to.

[@alexthornton3147]

Love the vids man, i watch them all time. Keep it up!

[@gschultz9]

I'd rather not get into too many details, but I will say that I've had some that have stopped me up to some extent and others that did the opposite.

[@gschultz9]

I do have one more of them and do intend to review it. Just need to find the time to get it done. Stay tuned...

[@yaky17]

Good review, where did you get your tray? I want to get one too!

[@Aeity]

I find that if something looks better, generally it tastes better than if it looks terrible (obviously something bad tasting will always be bad tasting, no matter how good it looks, but I'm sure you get the meaning)

[@domnnate]

this is my favorite mre to eat

[@docchocobo]

You know though, The food was surprisingly in good shape, I mean it was a little aged, but you kinda expect that, as the taste is always a LITTLE off from preservation. I must admit though, I am intrigued as to the meatloaf meal. Ive never had one of these. Ate lots of chilli mac menus though. I still think that the chicken with noodles and vegetables menu is great. I completed my 2013 inspection and took one of those bad boys down out of the pile. Love those little Tabasco bottles too. :)

[@hell0philip]

Do the FRH's ever go bad? Or does a new one work better than an old one? Techincally, as long as there is no moisture...the chemical reaction should work, right?

[@Raccoonpolice99]

Personally, for me, I just love listening to your voice. The MRE review is just frosting on the cake. :v

[@abeeebaby]

You finally got your "rock or something" lol :D awesome video (:

[@devlinbaker8012]

I have now watched all your mre videos I would love it if you could make some more videos

[@GreatIntellect13]

Looks like I'm gonna have to try this one out. Thanks for the vid!

[@kickinbackinOC]

Cool videos.....like the narration.....neat stuff!

[@kumbackquatsta]

never heard of butter buds until now

[@sherriwilliams6963]

Wish there were more menus to choose from.

[@insanerikki]

"On a rock or something" makes me chuckle every time I hear it.

[@JTVION]

MRE'S look so delicious

[@TinaMarieStopka]

Did you eat a lot of MRE's when you were in the military? My dad was a Marine, but they did not have these back then. He was enlisted during the Vietnam war. But he didn't have to go there because my uncle was there. And my uncle didn't talk a lot about his time in the Marines. But I understand why

[@SOCKER719]

its more ground turkey or beef mixed with some spices (and cheese if you so please) then cooked in a bread like fashion

[@kingprincessxkimpetras4451]

This. And hubby got a huge kick out of it too!

[@kaylachayennej2863]

your videos make me hungry lol! Overall, how do MRE's taste?

[@bqbeefburgerman]

Very interesting video, how do you decipher the date code?

[@wavecreatures]

Awesome review!

[@Jayman2800]

I expected the potatoes to be instant as opposed to thermo stabilized in a retort pouch

[@bunirolls]

That actually didn't look so bad lol i'm tempted to want to try it.

[@youlikemyhand9528]

In these older videos of yours, you sound so depressed, but it's still very interesting

[@gschultz9]

Exactly!

[@devlinbaker8012]

and I've been thinking couldn't you if needed also use the heater to warm your self was well

[@ajsgamez]

one question do you have to put warm water in those heathing bags or does it not matter if i put cold water in it

[@gschultz9]

Thank you.

[@BassTechnologic]

U forgot the BBQ sauce

[@temoure8146]

I love you're videos man, keep em up!!!! xD

[@SuperRoo22]

I actually laughed out loud when you placed the rock on the table :D

[@zeroplanet9]

You need to get T-Shirts made with "rock or something" on them. It's like your catch phrase.

[@tbone73034]

I have to wonder, with all the MREs you've consumed while out of service be it for review or your own enjoyment, do you get really stopped up and constipated? I know for when I brought several for a week long camping trip that I made sure to bring a couple stool softeners as I tended to already get stopped up and didn't want to blow a gasket passing a processed brick. (Pardon my graphic phrasing).

[@gschultz9]

That's an understandable question. I've tried to avoid having those issues by never eating more than two MREs per month or so. Every once in a while I'll find myself taping two videos in a couple days (like when we went camping last year). But then I won't have any more for weeks. Any constipation effects don't seem to be too bad that way. I'd be able to post videos more frequently if I just ate more, but I'd rather keep some semblance of health and keep myself "moving along" as mormal as possible!

[@Kevin-ev7hw]

When you are out in the Field you are suppose to be drinking your water and keep you intake up.

[@BeatlesandWebkinz]

At my school they would just ask me "What is that?" and then stare at me while I prepare it.

[@gschultz9]

I don't really plan on changing things up (if it ain't broke, right?). The 40 oz video was really just for fun--not a true review video.

[@NGSPC4Life]

this use to be my favorite MRE i could eat this and the "hotdogs" cold and its best if you could trade out your juice for cheese spread and add it to your potatoes, i miss the milk shakes they use to have

[@gschultz9]

Homemade? That would DEFINITELY be a lot better than this one was.

[@stormyk6]

Great video, as usual.

[@lloydhembury925]

Nice rock or something

[@deraifu]

Hmm...is the wheat snack bread being phased out?

[@Gunitz89]

A question, an MRE can go bad? or it have a indefinite shelf life?

[@MattsMovies99]

Looking at the nutrient facts, you would think they would try to supply army guys with lots of protein and non sugar items. But that's just me.

[@gschultz9]

I see what you're saying, but keep in mind that these are designed for soldiers under stressful field conditions (and these days they'd be in a very hot environment). The sugars, fat and calories are meant to replenish stuff soldiers would use under such conditions, and give them some quick energy. I'm sure that the food cooked and served in mess halls would be a lot more nutritionally balanced.

[@jean9910]

Not to mention quantities of sodium that would be hard on the kidneys.

[@MattsMovies99]

Jean-Francois Prince true.

[@gschultz9]

The sodium is killer for anyone just eating these for fun (like I do for these videos, and which is part of the reason I don't make more than I do), but in a high stress situation where a lot of salt is lost through sweat it would be yet another important nutrient to replenish.

[@Jaysann22]

Matt Johns Probably because they figure that keeping GIs happy is more important than their overall nutrition...

[@joshuajoshuaknight]

Finally new review!!!!

[@BeatlesandWebkinz]

This would be so funny if I brought one of these to eat during lunch at school. "HEY! Who wants the toilet paper?!"

[@BrianBurma]

What is your favorite MRE meal?

[@gschultz9]

I may be a little too complete sometimes, but I guarantee that if I didn't do that someone would complain.

[@Daemien65]

Best cooking vid ever !