Military Rations

Our range consists of complete military rations of 3,000 kcal. These can be composed of sterilised meals or Real Field Meal rations with freeze dried meals. In the complete 3,000 kcal rations you can find 5 types of military rations: 2 meat-based, 1 vegetarian and 2 Halal certified. These rations have a detailed description of their contents attached to each product description. Military rations weigh 1.8 kg on average. They consist of a breakfast, two meals (with starter or dessert), drinks and a heating system. Real Field Meal rations are composed of freeze-dried breakfasts or meals, each Norwegian ration represents approximately 1,300 kcal. In addition to meals or breakfasts, you have supplements such as chocolate bars, dried meats, freeze-dried fruits, freeze-dried eggs, coffee, chewing gum, energy drinks... These rations are used by the Norwegian, Swedish and Swiss armies among others.

Rations used by armies

These rations play a crucial role in troop morale. They are therefore designed to be compact, lightweight and tasty, with meals that boost soldiers. These rations are often pre-packaged or tinned meals, easily prepared and consumable with freeze dried meals for example. They can vary from one army to another.

The evolution of combat rations 

Over time, rations have evolved considerably. Take American rations as an example and discover what soldiers have eaten for decades.

The US Army, like any army, has military rations. These individual rations are intended to feed soldiers at the front. This army has varied its rations throughout different wars, from the Civil War to today, including both World Wars. A look back at the history of these different military rations throughout wars.

Military rations during the Civil War.

The US Army ration in force during the Civil War was decreed by the Continental Congress. It was a garrison ration consisting of salted fish or meat, vegetables, hardtack or bread. In addition to this ration, there was also a spirits ration whose content evolved over the years.

Military rations during World War I

Three types of combat rations were used by the US Army during World War I. These were the Iron Ration, the Trench Ration and the Reserve Ration.

- The Iron Ration: these are individual rations delivered in a sealed tin box and composed of 3 ounces of cakes, pepper, salt packets and three bars of one ounce of sweet chocolate. The US Army fed its troops with this combat ration between 1907 and 1922.
- The Trench Ration replaced the previous ration. It was developed to solve a specific problem. This meal was intended for soldiers fighting on the front line who had to receive their ration daily. These individual rations were composed of a variety of tinned fish and meat. It was heavy and bulky, but resistant to pollution caused by gas attacks. Later, it was discontinued to make way for the Reserve Ration.
- The Reserve Ration was used between 1917 and 1937. It is a reserve ration created during the latter part of World War I. Initially composed of one pound of meat or 12 ounces of fresh bacon, it included hardtack, two 8-ounce tins of bread, a 2.4-ounce packet of powdered sugar, 1.16 ounces of pre-ground coffee and 0.16 ounces of salt.

Military rations during World War II

During World War II, the rations used by the US Army during World War I underwent numerous revisions. These revisions resulted in new rations.

- Ration A which is a garrison ration prepared in the kitchen. It is composed of meat and locally sourced products.
- Ration B which is a field ration prepared in the kitchen. It differs from the previous ration as it includes no fresh products.
- Ration C which are individual rations composed of foods not prepared in the kitchen and tinned goods.
- Ration K is also individual. It is a combat ration notably composed of corned beef and the bare minimum.
- Ration D is an emergency ration composed of foods that provide sufficient energy. It also includes chocolate bars.

Besides the rations mentioned, there are other special-purpose rations that the US Army uses to feed its troops. These rations have now been discontinued by the military.

- Type X ration;
- 5-in-1 ration
- 10-in-1 ration
- Mountain ration which provides 4,800 calories, discontinued in 1943
- Jungle ration provides 4,000 calories, discontinued in 1943
- Assault Lunch provides between 500 and 2,000 calories
- Assault ration, etc.

Of all the rations, the only ones still in use today in the army are rations A, B and First Strike Rations. FSR (First Strike Rations) provide soldiers with 2,900 kcal per day. They are highly effective and cover three meals per day.

These rations are banned from resale. At Freezedried & Co, we offer MRE rations that are similar to American military rations.

Compared to rations from other countries, French army military rations have an excellent reputation and are often described as the best. These various rations are still in use but are unfortunately banned from sale. The military rations we design are similar to French rations.

Finally, Arctic Field Meal rations are consumed by the Swiss and Norwegian armies.

Military rations today

Individual rations evolved and gave way to others. These are:

- Survival rations;
- Survival food module;
- Freeze-dried individual commando ration;
- Supplementary or emergency food unit;
- Individual exercise meal.

There is also a heated individual combat ration. This is a standard ration intended for a soldier's daily consumption. These combat rations have a shelf life that can vary, but on average they last two years. They have an energy value of approximately 3,000 kcal.

When to consume these military rations?

Military rations can be consumed at various times. Due to their long shelf life, they are often stored by individuals and brought out in emergencies: power outages, floods, shortages... Army rations are also popular with airsoft enthusiasts. During gameplay, they provide a quick way to refuel. They also enable complete immersion and the experience of being in a soldier's shoes. Finally, curious people also like to acquire rations to taste a soldier's meals.

Find above all our military rations for sale.