So, you’re looking to purchase MREs (Meals, Ready-to-Eat). Great! Whether you’re prepping for emergencies, planning a camping trip, or simply curious about these military rations, understanding where can you buy MRE food is crucial. This guide will walk you through the various avenues available, ensuring you get the right MREs at a fair price.
MREs are self-contained, individual field rations used by the military. They’re designed to provide a complete and nutritious meal in any environment. Before you start buying, it’s a good idea to check out guides on “How to tell how old your MREs are” and “MRE Longevity” to make informed decisions.
Understanding MRE Pricing
A fair price for a case of military MREs is typically between $60 and $80. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate, and shipping costs (around $20-$30 for a 24lb case) should be factored in. Be wary of inflated prices, especially during times of increased demand.
eBay purchasing update: During events that cause increased demand, MRE prices can rise sharply. Always compare prices and consider the age of the MREs before making a purchase.
According to the current price list from the DSCP (Defense Supply Center Philadelphia), the 2016 cost of a box of MREs was $105.05. This internal government cost is different from what suppliers charge.
Top Places to Find MREs
Several options exist when it comes to answering the question “Where Can You Buy Mre Food?”, each with its pros and cons:
1. Military Contacts
If you know someone in the military, they might be able to obtain MREs for you. Active duty personnel, reservists, and National Guard members often receive MREs during training exercises. This can be a reliable source, but availability isn’t always guaranteed.
2. Army Surplus Stores
Army surplus stores are a common place to find MREs. However, they often have the highest prices. You might see individual MREs sold for $8 or a case (typically 12 MREs) for $80. If you just need one or two MREs, this might be convenient, but it’s not cost-effective for larger quantities. If you live near a military base, surplus store prices might be more competitive.
3. Gun Shows
Gun shows are another potential source for MREs. Prices are often more reasonable than at surplus stores, typically ranging from $45 to $60 per case. Some vendors even sell individual MRE components, such as entrees, snacks, and heaters.
4. eBay
eBay is often the best place to buy MREs, outside of having a military contact or living near a base. You can find a wide variety of MRE types, dates, and quantities. Look for “Buy it Now” options to avoid bidding wars and secure a reasonable price (around $70).
Important eBay Considerations:
- Pictures are crucial: Opt for auctions with photos of the actual case you’ll receive. Avoid listings without pictures, as they may not be genuine military MREs.
Alt text: Sealed case of military MREs with visible pack date and inspection information.
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Check Dates and Menus: Look for pictures showing the packed/inspection dates and menu types. This information will help you determine the age of the MREs and the meals they contain.
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Detailed Listings: The best auctions provide comprehensive information about the MREs, including the menu, inspection date, and inclusion of heaters.
For example, a good listing might look like this:
CASE OF 12 MRE SEALED Menu B With Heaters
You are bidding on a case of 12 MRE’s with heaters. These are the ones used by our military. The inspection date is 04/2012. They are good for 5 years if stored properly. Newer Tan pouch version. This case Menu B contains, #1 Cheese Tortellini #2 Pasta with Alfredo Sauce #3 Frankfurters #4 Thai Chicken #5 Beef Ravioli #6 Turkey breast with Gravy and potatoes #7 Beef with mushrooms #8 Spaghetti with Meat Sauce #9 Chicken Stew #10 Pork Chow Mein #11 Chicken Cauatelli #12 Meatloaf with Gravy. With every main item comes a dessert of some kind, and cracker that will have either cheese spread, or peanut butter or jelly. Also an accessory packet with instant coffee, sugar, creamer, salt, pepper, spoon, moist wipe, toilet paper, powered beverage, matches and sometimes they have gum and tabasco sauce. Shipping fee depends on your zip code, if you E-mail me your zip code I can tell you the shipping charge. I DO NOT CHARGE A HANDELING FEE. I will only ship within the continental US. This weight is approx. 22 lbs. I ship UPS.
What to Avoid When Buying MREs
When considering where can you buy MRE food, be aware of these red flags:
- Non-Military “MREs”: Be cautious of “MREs” that don’t resemble genuine U.S. military MREs. These are often civilian MREs and may not meet the same standards.
Alt text: Example of civilian MRE packaging, often mistaken for military MREs.
- “Mil-Spec” Claims: Auctions listing “Mil-Spec” MREs are often civilian MREs made by companies like Wornick. While they may sound authentic, they’re not the same as military MREs. Watch out for descriptions claiming the MREs are “identical to the military rations.”
- Missing Flameless Ration Heaters (FRH): Real military MREs include FRHs. Civilian MREs often lack them, and purchasing FRHs separately can add to the cost. If the listing mentions items like “Each Meal will have 1 main meal, a side dish, dessert, accessory pack (salt, pepper, hot sauce, toilet paper, gum, napkin, spoon), jelly, cheese or peanut butter,” without mentioning an FRH, it’s likely not a genuine military MRE.
- Unreasonable Shipping Costs: Be wary of inflated shipping costs or “handling” fees. Compare shipping prices and consider the seller’s location to determine if the charges are reasonable.
Conclusion
Finding the best answer to “where can you buy MRE food” requires careful consideration of price, authenticity, and your specific needs. By understanding the different sources and potential pitfalls, you can confidently purchase MREs that meet your requirements. Remember to prioritize genuine military MREs if that’s your preference, and always check dates and reviews before making a purchase.
