How long do MRE's Last? MRE Expiration

MRE Meals & Their Shelf Life | Survival & Preparedness

Today, we all know an emergency situation can occur at any time. That’s why it’s necessary to always be prepared with food that you can grab and eat. When a large-scale emergency strikes, you won't be able to get to the store because it’s likely going to be shut down and the streets could be chaotic. Your power will be out, causing the food in your refrigerator to quickly spoil. Without food that doesn’t require refrigeration, you and your family won’t have anything to eat. You could end up going days or even weeks without food. With MREs, you can protect yourself and your family from unexpected crises. These ready to go meals are great for those who live in hurricane and earthquake zones.

MREs, also known as ready to eat meals, are military field rations that are becoming increasingly popular for emergency preparedness. Designed for military use, MREs supply rations in sealed packages that's lighter than a can and can survive intense drops and other impacts. These ready to eat meals can last for quite a while in the right conditions. They are ideal to store at home for any type of emergency or in your car in case your vehicle breaks down during a long road trip. It’s a good idea to buy MRE meals in bulk because they last a long time without having to be refrigerated.

MREs are meant to stand up to extreme weather conditions, but they're not invincible. The cooler the storage condition, the longer they last. The average MRE shelf life lasts five years in 75 degrees F. If kept in cooler conditions, they can last well over 10 years and still be safe to eat. However, you should note that an MRE will only last about a month if stored in 120 degrees F.

MRE Inspection Expiration Date

The date on an MREs is the “inspection date” rather than an expiry date. The inspection date is typically three to five years after the meal was packed. It’s used as a reminder for you to check that the meal’s packaging is in sound, that there are no signs that the meal is going off. But, if you are in a rush and all you have to eat is a five year old MRE, then use your sight and sense of smell to make a judgement call about whether it is safe to eat.

Army Navy Outdoors’ MREs have been tested in combat situations under extreme conditions. We purchase our MRE fresh from the packing facility on a regular basis to ensure they never sit around and are packed fresh. All components are field tested and fully cooked so they can be eaten right out of the pouch. An added benefit is that there’s no water required to reconstitute the food.

Stock up on MREs to have peace of mind. Don’t wait until it’s too late and stay prepared to ready to eat meals. Browse our selection of MREs online (https://www.armynavyoutdoors.com/food/) for fast shipping and free shipping with orders $99 or more.