Military rations

Our range consists of complete military rations of 3000 kcal. These can include sterilized dishes or Real Field Meal rations with freeze-dried dishes. In the complete 3000 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 of their product sheets. The military rations weigh an average of 1.8 kg. They consist of a breakfast, two dishes (with starter or dessert), drinks, and a heating system. The Real Field Meal rations are composed of breakfasts or freeze-dried meals, each of the Norwegian rations represents about 1300 Kcal. In addition to the dishes or breakfasts, you have supplements like 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 the armies

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

The evolution of combat rations

Over time, rations have evolved significantly. Let's take the example of American rations and discover what soldiers have eaten over the decades.
The American army, like any army, has military rations. These individual rations are intended for feeding soldiers on the front lines. This army has varied its rations over different wars, from the Civil War to today, including the two World Wars. Here is a look back at the history of these different military rations over the wars.

Military rations during the Civil War

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

Military rations during World War I

Three types of combat rations were used by the American army during World War I. These are 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, packets of salt, and three one-ounce bars of sweetened chocolate. The American 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 lines and had to receive their ration daily. These individual rations were composed of a variety of canned fish and meat. It was heavy and bulky but resisted pollution caused by gas attacks. Later, it was abandoned in favor of 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 a pound of meat or 12 ounces of fresh bacon, it included sea biscuits, two 8-ounce cans 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 American army during World War I underwent many revisions. These revisions resulted in new rations.
- Ration A, which is a garrison ration prepared in the kitchen. It consists of meat and locally obtained products.
- Ration B, which is a field ration prepared in the kitchen. It differs from the previous ration as it does not include any fresh products.
- Ration C, which are individual rations composed of non-kitchen-prepared foods and canned goods.
- Ration K is also individual. It is a combat ration mainly composed of corned beef and the bare minimum.
- Ration D is an emergency ration composed of foods that provide enough energy. It also includes chocolate bars.
Despite the mentioned rations, there are other specific-use rations used by the American army to feed its troops. These rations are now abandoned by the army today.
- Type X ration;
- 5-in-1 ration;
- 10-in-1 ration;
- Mountain ration, which provides 4,800 calories, discontinued in 1943;
- Jungle ration, which provides 4,000 calories, discontinued in 1943;
- Assault Lunch, which provides between 500 and 2000 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. The FSR (First Strike Rations) provide soldiers with 2900 kcal per day. They are very effective and cover three meals a day.
These rations are prohibited for resale. At Freezedried & Co, we offer MRE rations that are similar to American military rations.
Compared to the rations of other countries, the military rations of the French army have a very good reputation and are often considered the best. These different rations are still in use but are unfortunately prohibited for sale. The military rations designed by us are similar to the French ration.
Finally, the Arctic Field Meal rations are consumed by the Swiss and Norwegian armies.

Military rations today

Individual rations have evolved and have been replaced by others. These include:
- Survival rations;
- Survival food module;
- Freeze-dried commando individual ration;
- Complementary or emergency food unit;
- Individual exercise meal.

There is also a reheatable individual combat ration. It is a standard ration intended for the daily consumption of a soldier. These combat rations have a shelf life that can vary, but on average they can last two years. They have an energy value of about 3000 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 case of emergency: power outage, flood, shortage... Army rations are also appreciated by airsoft enthusiasts. During a game, they are a quick way to eat. They also allow for total immersion and to feel like a soldier. Finally, the curious also like to get rations to taste a soldier's meal.
Find below all our military rations for sale.