The Gas Station MRE challenge

[Sos24]

Today a package finally arrived with a couple items (not all) that will go in the GSMRE.

The Beef and Cheddar, Jalapeño Jack and True Lemon drink mix.  Considering the Pizza and Apple Turnover are MREs, they don’t qualify but may get tried none the less soon.

[Nix]

Today a package finally arrived with a couple items (not all) that will go in the GSMRE.

The Beef and Cheddar, Jalapeño Jack and True Lemon drink mix.  Considering the Pizza and Apple Turnover are MREs, they don’t qualify but may get tried none the less soon.
(Image removed from quote.)

Ooh, I've got some of that True Lemon mix. (Have some packed in my GSMRE now.  ) I like it. Mixed with some cool water, I find it refreshing and I'm encouraged to drink more.

When Mrs Nix tried it she said, "I think you like it because you're thirsty."  She may have a point, but I've got a few to take along to make filtered swamp water more palatable. 

[Nix]

I didn't realize that you could buy individual MRE items like that. Interesting........

[Sos24]

I didn't realize that you could buy individual MRE items like that. Interesting........

A few places sell them like that and I like it because it allows just getting the main parts that you want.

[Nix]

Opens the possibility of "Custom MRE's".   

[ElevenBlade]

Ooh, I've got some of that True Lemon mix. (Have some packed in my GSMRE now.  ) I like it. Mixed with some cool water, I find it refreshing and I'm encouraged to drink more.

When Mrs Nix tried it she said, "I think you like it because you're thirsty."  She may have a point, but I've got a few to take along to make filtered swamp water more palatable. 

The True Lemon is quite good... somewhat addicting, in a Doritos sort of way.  I also tried the lime and grapefruit, but I don't like those as much.  Which is a bit of a disappointment, because the Lemon prompted me to get three boxes of the Grapefruit without trying it out first...   

[Nix]

Thanks for the tip!

I get it at my local supermarket. They only flavor available is the True Lemon.   

[ReamerPunch]

I still can't believe how tasty those cups are. I'll go again and clear out the shop. And go to the second shop they have in the shopping centre and clear that shelf too.

 
I've gone to three shops and didn't find find a single one! How long does it take to restock your shelves?

[ReamerPunch]

Sounds good, RP. Strong work to get your GSMRE dialed in already.   

I think mine is set as well. I haven't altered it in the past week, so I'm probably done.   

I'm impressed by how dedicated you are being to the keto koncept. No tomatoes....? Oh, that's a bit sad and would probably be a fruit too far for me. Man does not live by peanut butter cups alone!   

Don't be too disappointed about the Spam: 2g of carbs per Single Classic. 

I've been working on it for a couple of weeks, and being on a diet helped eliminate lots of otherwise great options.
I wish I had found a nice little packet of olives, or pickles, or a smaller portion of dried tomatoes or something. I really wanted to include some kind of shelf stable vegetable.
Those single spam packets are cute though. I was thinking of adding a whole can of spam, but that's too much for one mre. Or is it?

[Fuzzbucket]

A Jaffa Cake Donut is coming out - My guess is he's set up his tent outside the supermarket so he can be first in line.

Not... Long... Now...

[magentus]

Not... Long... Now...

(Image removed from quote.)

Got your pocket money ready?

[Nix]

I was thinking of adding a whole can of spam, but that's too much for one mre. Or is it?

Interesting question. A can of Spam contains a little over 1000 Kcal. So a can of Spam is an MRE.

Three (3) cans could qualify as your 24-hour GSMRE. 

Not that I'd advise that. But If Fuzzy can't get a hold of a 24 hour supply of Jonuts....he might consider it.

[Nix]

I got my hands on some Texas Pete. Obviously a showdown was required.

From my last MRE test (2007 Veggie patty in BBQ sauce), I saved a packet of Wheat Snack Bread. Since this is the GSMRE challenge, it seemed only appropriate to use this well aged snack bread to test our two contending hot sauces.




First up, let's take a look at the ingredients:

Tabasco (5oz) : distilled vinegar, red pepper (Tabasco), and Salt
Texas Pete (6oz) : vinegar, aged peppers (peppers (Cayenne), salt, vinegar), water, xanthangum, and benzoate of soda.

Tabasco provides a paltry 35mg of sodium per tsp. Texas Pete does slightly better with 90mg of sodium per tsp.

They say everything is bigger in Texas and it's clear that not only do you get more Texas Pete in a bottle, but you also get more ingredients. So, at first glance, Texas Pete would seem to have the edge.

But...let's see how they work in semi-field conditions.





You may well think that this Wheat Snack Bread looks like an abomination and an insult to bread. If so, I'd have to agree. However it has a strangely appealing sweetness and pleasant chewiness. It does seem a bit dry and "thirst provoking", but, to be fair, it is 14 years old.

So, the playing field being prepared, it is time to get out contestants out in action for battle.





As you can see, I applied a liberal amount to a piece of the snack bread.

My first impression was that Texas Pete was easier to pour because of the wider opening in the bottle. The Tabasco has a small 'pin hole' shaker top. As a result the Texas Pete flowed easily and uniformly onto the target bread. The Tabasco made a bit of a mess. Texas Pete sauce is a bit thicker and more viscous. That xanthan gum technology appeared to be paying dividends.

Texas Pete is consistently rated as being a bit spicier than Tabasco (750 SHU vs 700 SHU). This makes sense because cayenne peppers are usually a bit hotter than tabasco peppers.

In tasting both sauces, I can't really tell the difference in terms of heat. Flavor is a different matter.

Tabasco has a bright, sharp, fruity flavor. The intense vinegar tang really highlights the fruit flavors of the Tabasco pepper.

Texas Pete brings a more earthy, mellow, fruit flavor. It doesn't seem as sharp or acid to me. And, I think the xanthan gum and water might dilute the flavors a bit.

On the snack bread, Texas Pete seemed to harmonize or meld with the bread flavor. The flavors tended to move into the background. In contrast, the Tabasco sauce's flavor was more notable and stood out.

I like the flavor of both cayenne pepper and tabasco peppers, so it's a bit hard for me to say one is the winner over the other. It may be worth having both on hand so that you can use the sauce that suits your mood. I grew up with Tabasco and it will always have a place in my pantry (and MRE). I liked the Texas Pete--it would be a preferrable sauce on a BBQ sandwich, I think--but I'm not sure it will be a regular in the pantry (if for no other reason than it was a bit harder to come by).

Finally, I'll say that Crystal hot sauce sits somewhere between Tabasco and Texas Pete. Like Tabasco, Crystal uses only three ingredients: peppers, vinegar, and salt. But, like Texas Pete, it uses the cayenne pepper. I find the Crystal is also a brighter and sharper sauce. I feel the flavor of the cayenne peppers are more noticeable and pronounced. Between Texas Pete and Crystal, I'd choose Crystal. But, in a bowl of chili. Texas Pete might be preferable.

Pick your own poison! 

[Sos24]

I got my hands on some Texas Pete. Obviously a showdown was required.

From my last MRE test (2007 Veggie patty in BBQ sauce), I saved a packet of Wheat Snack Bread. Since this is the GSMRE challenge, it seemed only appropriate to use this well aged snack bread to test our two contending hot sauces.

(Image removed from quote.)


First up, let's take a look at the ingredients:

Tabasco (5oz) : distilled vinegar, red pepper (Tabasco), and Salt
Texas Pete (6oz) : vinegar, aged peppers (peppers (Cayenne), salt, vinegar), water, xanthangum, and benzoate of soda.

Tabasco provides a paltry 35mg of sodium per tsp. Texas Pete does slightly better with 90mg of sodium per tsp.

They say everything is bigger in Texas and it's clear that not only do you get more Texas Pete in a bottle, but you also get more ingredients. So, at first glance, Texas Pete would seem to have the edge.

But...let's see how they work in semi-field conditions.


(Image removed from quote.)


You may well think that this Wheat Snack Bread looks like an abomination and an insult to bread. If so, I'd have to agree. However it has a strangely appealing sweetness and pleasant chewiness. It does seem a bit dry and "thirst provoking", but, to be fair, it is 14 years old.

So, the playing field being prepared, it is time to get out contestants out in action for battle.


(Image removed from quote.)


As you can see, I applied a liberal amount to a piece of the snack bread.

My first impression was that Texas Pete was easier to pour because of the wider opening in the bottle. The Tabasco has a small 'pin hole' shaker top. As a result the Texas Pete flowed easily and uniformly onto the target bread. The Tabasco made a bit of a mess. Texas Pete sauce is a bit thicker and more viscous. That xanthan gum technology appeared to be paying dividends.

Texas Pete is consistently rated as being a bit spicier than Tabasco (750 SHU vs 700 SHU). This makes sense because cayenne peppers are usually a bit hotter than tabasco peppers.

In tasting both sauces, I can't really tell the difference in terms of heat. Flavor is a different matter.

Tabasco has a bright, sharp, fruity flavor. The intense vinegar tang really highlights the fruit flavors of the Tabasco pepper.

Texas Pete brings a more earthy, mellow, fruit flavor. It doesn't seem as sharp or acid to me. And, I think the xanthan gum and water might dilute the flavors a bit.

On the snack bread, Texas Pete seemed to harmonize or meld with the bread flavor. The flavors tended to move into the background. In contrast, the Tabasco sauce's flavor was more notable and stood out.

I like the flavor of both cayenne pepper and tabasco peppers, so it's a bit hard for me to say one is the winner over the other. It may be worth having both on hand so that you can use the sauce that suits your mood. I grew up with Tabasco and it will always have a place in my pantry (and MRE). I liked the Texas Pete--it would be a preferrable sauce on a BBQ sandwich, I think--but I'm not sure it will be a regular in the pantry (if for no other reason than it was a bit harder to come by).

Finally, I'll say that Crystal hot sauce sits somewhere between Tabasco and Texas Pete. Like Tabasco, Crystal uses only three ingredients: peppers, vinegar, and salt. But, like Texas Pete, it uses the cayenne pepper. I find the Crystal is also a brighter and sharper sauce. I feel the flavor of the cayenne peppers are more noticeable and pronounced. Between Texas Pete and Crystal, I'd choose Crystal. But, in a bowl of chili. Texas Pete might be preferable.

Pick your own poison! 

Very nice and thorough review and comparison.  I think the testing platform for the sauces was a good choice.

Your points are very good about the differences in ingredients and flavors possibly giving each their own use on occasion.

For my house Texas Pete is usually the general goto for just adding a little extra heat or flavor to a food not to mask or flavor the dish.  Other sauces are used in the cooking process that have more pronounced or specific flavors.

I intend to do my own tasting of Crystals, and might even do a three way head to head, but I have to actual get to the store that I believe sells it.

[Nix]

Very nice and thorough review and comparison.  I think the testing platform for the sauces was a good choice.

Your points are very good about the differences in ingredients and flavors possibly giving each their own use on occasion.

For my house Texas Pete is usually the general goto for just adding a little extra heat or flavor to a food not to mask or flavor the dish.  Other sauces are used in the cooking process that have more pronounced or specific flavors.

I intend to do my own tasting of Crystals, and might even do a three way head to head, but I have to actual get to the store that I believe sells it.

I first encountered Crystal in the Gulf area of the states. Many restaurants serve it or use it in secret sauces and batters. I remember having some "Crystal Shrimp" in one joint in Mississippi. I thought the dish used a special sort of shrimp. Well, gulf shrimp are special by they are especially good when fried with a batter that adds some Crystal hot sauce.

I recommend trying it, for sure. However, I'll caveat my recommendation by saying that Crystal is closer to Tabasco because of the more intense vinegar element. Now that I use Crystal in gumbo and red beans & rice, I like to keep it on hand.  But if Tabasco seem too acid or 'vinegary' for you, you may not like it as much as I (and the whole Gulf coast) do.

[Borg]

But but does it have a royal warrant? Seems the queen is no stranger to splashing a few glugs of the old tabasco on her chips

[Nix]

Who can doubt the Queen's judgement in these matters?

 

[Nix]

I've made a few tweaks, but I think my MRE is done now.






Total weight, in its waterproof roll-top bag, is 1,548 grams (1.5 Kg or 3.3 pounds).

Energy count is....

Breakfast:  794 Kcal
Lunch:       822 Kcal
Supper:     977 Kcal
Snack:       791 Kcal
Accessory:  90 Kcal

Total:       3474 Kcal


Obviously I've overshot the 2400 Kcal minimum; however, I'm still below a standard three MRE ration for a day (normally about 3,600 Kcal). So I'm happy with where I've landed in terms of energy. I think macro nutrients are pretty good as well with protein > 100grams and carbohydrate > 400 grams (the usual target for a military 24 hour ration).

Ration size and weight is a bit larger than I'd like. I'm only using about 5L of an 8L bag, but it still seems a bit larger for a 24-hour ration. Both weight and size could probably be reduced by eliminating some packaging and the somewhat indulgent elements of the accessory pack. But....why skimp on indulgence if you don't have to?

Here is a shot of my completed MRE, now on the shelf in 'storage' until Chow Day, 05 June 2021. The water bottle and gallon water jug are for size comparison only.





I'm looking forward to Chow Day!

I'm curious to see what you guys have come up with. I'm curious to see how much of my MRE I actually eat. I'm curious to see if some of the past-due items are still good. And I'm curious to see if Fuzzy goes all green and ill after eating a box of Jonuts.

[McStitchy]

This isn't really much of a challenge for you....is it...?   

 

[McStitchy]

I've made a few tweaks, but I think my MRE is done now.


(Image removed from quote.)




Total weight, in its waterproof roll-top bag, is 1,548 grams (1.5 Kg or 3.3 pounds).

Energy count is....

Breakfast:  794 Kcal
Lunch:       822 Kcal
Supper:     977 Kcal
Snack:       791 Kcal
Accessory:  90 Kcal

Total:       3474 Kcal


Obviously I've overshot the 2400 Kcal minimum; however, I'm still below a standard three MRE ration for a day (normally about 3,600 Kcal). So I'm happy with where I've landed in terms of energy. I think macro nutrients are pretty good as well with protein > 100grams and carbohydrate > 400 grams (the usual target for a military 24 hour ration).

Ration size and weight is a bit larger than I'd like. I'm only using about 5L of an 8L bag, but it still seems a bit larger for a 24-hour ration. Both weight and size could probably be reduced by eliminating some packaging and the somewhat indulgent elements of the accessory pack. But....why skimp on indulgence if you don't have to?

Here is a shot of my completed MRE, now on the shelf in 'storage' until Chow Day, 05 June 2021. The water bottle and gallon water jug are for size comparison only.


(Image removed from quote.)


I'm looking forward to Chow Day!

I'm curious to see what you guys have come up with. I'm curious to see how much of my MRE I actually eat. I'm curious to see if some of the past-due items are still good. And I'm curious to see if Fuzzy goes all green and ill after eating a box of Jonuts.

Wow... you've got all that in your MRE ? 
If I keep progressing like I did so far I'll end up with a can of tuna and some crackers 

[McStitchy]

Not... Long... Now...

(Image removed from quote.)

It's just the same but with a whole in it.
What's the point? 

[Nix]

Wow... you've got all that in your MRE ? 
If I keep progressing like I did so far I'll end up with a can of tuna and some crackers 

This isn't a feline challenge...... 

[McStitchy]

[Nix]

[McStitchy]

He he...  yes. That must be done somehow 

[magentus]

It's just the same but with a whole in it.
What's the point? 

You better bloody well take that back 

It's a Jaffa cake donut. Possibly the single most important invention in the history of humankind you oaf. And Fuzzy has been queuing outside in his pants for two weeks to get a taste of its Majesty so have some respect.

[Nix]

We see the Jonut as having a hole. Perhaps the Jonut sees us as having a hole to fill. Did you ever consider that? 

And there's poor Fuzzy being driven mad by the question......

[McStitchy]

[Nix]

 

Now finish the coffee and get to building your GSMRE!   

[ReamerPunch]

So just take a jaffa cake and plug the jonut's hole. Problem solved.