Gas Station MRE Challenge

[IMR4198]

    Begins March 2 and ending March 9.  This is a seven day challenge. 
    I would be happy to host this challenge with a 'show us what you packed' day of March 2, 2025.  Pack up your home-made MRE entry and post a photo with description of the comments.  Previous challenge hosts have suggested a caloric value be reached for your entries.  Me, I don't care.  If you can live off it for a day, so be it.  Keep a count on calories if that makes you happy. 
    Leave your MRE at room temperature packed up for seven days.  On March 9, 2025 everyone opens their packs and use the contents for that day's food supply.  It goes without saying, that any and all foodstuff should be safe and edible after the seven day waiting period.   Shouldn't be a problem.  That party sized bag of Doritos probably was on the shelf at your local convenience store for months before you bought it, right?   The March 9 finish date requires a photo of crumpled packages and empty cans along with a comment on what you ate and didn't.  Naturally you aren't required to eat everything you packed.
    Go gourmet, gourmand, or junk food junkie.  According to the previous versions of the challenge, the standard packaging container will be one or two zip-lock plastic bags.  If you have a bag of pretzels, sack of Oreos, and a jar of pickled smoked sausages, you really don't need to pack them in zips.  Be sure to pack something to drink.  Water isn't strictly counted as part of the challenge, but instant drink mix of some sort is good.  If you want to pack a little camp cooker or twig stove to make coffee or heat up something, more power to you.  Napkins, spoons or forks, and gum with a toothbrush would be nice.
    All welcome.  Best wishes.  Gary (IMR)

     This is the new thread I spoke of in the above note.  There is a badge available.  It is listed in the challenge section of the awards.  These are the official requirements.   If you need suggestions for your MRE or want to see how it works, look up the previous versions of this event.  Sign on here.  G

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[Farmer X]

What with all I have going on right now, I'm a maybe. This could be a welcome diversion or a moderate roadblock. I'm hoping for the former.

[IMR4198]

    Things could look better in a month, Dan.   Everyone eats every day already, right?  That's all this is.  Just pack one days' worth ahead of time is how I look at it.  You have friends here.  Try not to give temporary difficulties too much concern.  Best wishes.  G
 

[Farmer X]

Being that the challenge is held over a weekend, I'm in. The catering truck that rolls into my shop could be a source for condiments. Now, where can I find Spam singles?

1. IMR4198
2. Farmer X

[IMR4198]

   Spam singles?  Where do you find Spam singles?  Hmmm?  I got it.  A Spam singles bar. 

I didn't know there was such a thing as Spam singles.  I always just bought the oblong can.  I love the stuff heated up with breakfast.  Fried up nice and brown.  Yum.  Down here lots of people cook slices of liver mush for breakfast.  I haven't had any in years.  Best wishes.  Gary
 

[Farmer X]

Spam is excellent when air-fried, too. Fried liver mush, on the other hand, would probably get a pass from me.

[Alan K.]

I've always enjoyed the GSMRE challenge.  Count me in.  Only thing is I work weekends in February and March, so I won't be able to eat my MRE on the 9th.  My consumption day will have to be later in the week.

1. IMR4198
2. Farmer X
3. Alan K.

[IMR4198]

    Let me look through the rule book.... article IV, paragraph D second section.... yeah, that's okay.  A week or more.  Or more is even better.  Demonstrates a better shelf-life test of the jelly-beans and Doritos.  Our friend Farmer X is pretty occupied with other stuff just now, but we have been in contact.  Last I heard, he plans on playing along. 
     Anyone else wants in on a badge that not too many have, there is still time to purchase some granola bars and the very best kinds of canned sardines.  Make up your own 1 day supply of rations in your MRE.  Make a post.  Set the thing back for a week (or more) and use the MRE for that day's food.  Everyone seemed to have a lot of fun with the previous versions of this challenge.  Best wishes and canned fishes.  G
 
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[IMR4198]

   No real need to bump up the Gas Station MRE Challenge to the top of the page.  It is the only active thread on Outdoor Cuisine going, I think.  Just a reminder that there is still a week to sign on.  Have some fun.  Make a couple of posts.  Get a badge.  Packing the MRE is set for March 2 with finish (eating the MRE)  scheduled for March 9.  There is a little wiggle room on the date.  If you post any portion a day late or so, it won't matter. 
   Might as well show the contents on a real (civilian pack) MRE.  The sealed envelopes come packed 12 or 14 in a sturdy pasteboard box.  All suitably dated outside.  Here are some photos.  Best wishes.  G
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[IMR4198]

  The first photo shows the main dish in the olive drab (OD) pouch.  Might be something like a vegetable lasagna or maybe ravioli.  The ones I had were low sodium.  The brown cracker package has a couple of square crumbly crackers.  Some crumblier than others.  You can see this pack was folded to begin with.  Not atypical.  There are two Pop Tarts behind that (blue pack).  These were all brown sugar and cinnamon and compressed into one flattened lump. 
   Photo two shows the clear plastic outer wrapper.  Tough plastic.  Might need a knife to open.  Inside is the OD self-heater pouch.  Add a little water and a chemical reaction heats the main course which you insert.  Some work.  Some don't.  There is a sealed pack with a spork or sometimes a spoon, salt, pepper, spice pack, and a napkin.  There are two packs of jelly (different flavors) and a Tootsie Roll.  The tootsie generally looks like it has been stomped.  Sometimes the jelly packs leak, but usually they are okay. 
   The package has text saying that each individual should be given two of the packs for a day's rations.  That was news to me but it made sense.  You could live on just one pack per day, but you would be hungry.  Depending on exterior temps and how active you happened to be. 
    GI rations are different, but these are civilian packed and low sodium, like I said.  The main course is tasteless without sometime to give it some zip, so the salt, black pepper, and spice pack are a must.  There are no drink mix/coffee in these packs and no peanut butter.  Which is regrettable.
Contents vary according to maker.  One maker has sunflower butter and some sort of biscuit/soft hardtack.  Some are packed with a smoothie in a pouch.  Best wishes.  G
 

[nate j]

I don’t think I will be able to participate due to family obligations, but I will be cheering y’all on!

[IMR4198]

Some cheerleading is always welcome, friend Nate.  Best wishes.  G
 

[gra_farmer]

Interested and a little confused in equal measure?

So we buy/put together a camping / emergency food items, enough for a meal...take a picture(s) and share on 2nd march, and another picture(s) on 9th march and share?

Or a picture each day from 2nd to 9th March?

If it's as I understood I am in....I have been thinking about getting my get-home-bag together for a while, so it will be apart of that.

Pencil me in...

1. IMR4198
2. Farmer X
3. Alan K.
4. Gra_farmer

[IMR4198]

Hi Gra,
    Our version of an MRE should contain items easily bought as a gas station or convenience store.  Available anywhere you live.  Pack enough for a whole day's rations.  Three meals plus a snack if you want.  Show what you packed on March 2.  Since an MRE is made to be stored, we will store the items for a week in their packaging.
    On March 9 (or a day or two later?) use your MRE contents for that day's rations.  Three meals.  Naturally you wouldn't want items that would spoil or degrade during the week's storage.  So you can't pack a ham sandwich and a quart of ice cream.  Room temperature storage only.
    Post a photo of your contents on March 2 with comments if you wish.  Post a second photo on March 9 when you unpack and make your meals.  Water doesn't need to be included.  We assume that everyone has access to water.  Things that need to be heated up are okay.  Coffee.  Tea.  Canned items or something from a pouch or plastic wrap can be heated if you wish.  Just as long as it can be stored for a week.  Or longer.  All items should be stored for the week in a portable package.  Ziplock bag.  Back pack.  String bag.  Paper sack.  Doesn't matter, as long as you can carry it.  You don't have to eat everything you pack, but you only eat from your MRE on the final day.  Packaged camping or outdoor food is not allowed, since you can't generally buy that at a convenience store.  Likewise military rations or actual MREs are not allowed.  Pack eating utensils and salt, pepper, or whatever seasoning you like.  Welcome aboard if you decide you would like to play.  A badge is available.  You can always look up the last time this challenge was held for hints.  Best wishes.  Gary
 

[gra_farmer]

I am in.... mine will be different from most, I try not to eat junk food, and primary eat fresh meat and veg.  I am a no to very low sugar and salt person too...I also avoid grains....pretty much a keto diet...so this will be a challenge to think about.

 

[Dane]

Now I understand. Thanks gra_farmer and Gary. 
This sounds fun. Count me in. It is allowed to dehydate the ingredients, I suppose? 

[IMR4198]

1. IMR4198
2. Farmer X
3. Alan K.
4. Gra_farmer
5. Dane

Dehydrate is okay.  I am having trouble making posts today.  Welcome aboard.  Best wishes.  G
 

[Farmer X]

My food for 9 March is just about ready; I still need to purchase a couple of additional items. It turned out to be pretty similar to what I'd eat over a normal weekend. A pack-out photo will be posted tomorrow.

[IMR4198]

   I can hardly wait to see if you found the SPAM singles.  Best wishes.  G
 

[Alan K.]

I am in.... mine will be different from most, I try not to eat junk food, and primary eat fresh meat and veg.  I am a no to very low sugar and salt person too...I also avoid grains....pretty much a keto diet...so this will be a challenge to think about.

 

There are worse things than tinned bully beef for 3 meals a day and snacky snacks, but it's only for the 1 day.

[AzteCypher]

Wasn't sure if I'd be able to do this challenge because I analyzed what I normally eat and a lot of it wouldn't keep out of the fridge for more than a day.  Started thinking back to what I ate in my college days which gave me some ideas so I raided the pantry today to make my selections.  I think I got it covered so count me in.

1. IMR4198
2. Farmer X
3. Alan K.
4. Gra_farmer
5. Dane
6. AzteCypher

[Dane]

I'll try and start this out then. I hope I did it right?

So my intention was to dehydate at least some of the food myself. I tried with some vegetables, but the result wasn't very successful. I think I used too much oil perhaps. It didn't dry up properly. I've had luck before, but this wasn't very inviting, neither by the looks nor the smell of it.
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So instead I went to my local grocery store and bought the following set, which I'm kind of pleased with and looking forward to preparing and eating:
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- Breakfast: Two packs of crisp bread with cheese spread.

- Lunch: Can of chili.

- Dinner: Can of spaghetti bolognese.

Both cans has some sort of accessories added to the top in a small cup.

- Snacks: Marcipan and chocolate bar, nuts.

- Drinks: Tea, two bags.

- Storage: Drybag.
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I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone makes.

[gra_farmer]

Looking forward to this challenge, and possibly a little to much food, here is my offering bought from local stores.



And stored in a small canvas bag. A light my fire spork to eat it with, and double wall water bottle. I will need to cook the quinoa, but I might miss it out altogether? As I have oatmeal biscuits (with stem ginger  )





Now I made this challenge a little harder for myself, as I scanned everything with a healthy food app 'Yuka' everything had to score higher than 50/100, and I will be working out the calories and balancing nutrition using 'Noom'

The plan is as follows:

Breakfast - Oatmeal biscuits and coffee

Snack - potted chicken on oatmeal biscuits

Lunch - sardines, quinoa, stock cube, salt and pepper crunch, canned peas and carrots

Dinner - mackerel in mustard, canned peas and carrots, quinoa and stock cube

Snack - salt and pepper crunch

Let's see what happens??? I'll post the calories for the whole bag, and work out the calories for the meals....to be posted later.

I'll also pull together the cooking kit, and the get home bag contents, as it gets built.

[Fireman]

Looking good, guys!  I didn't see this in time to get ready given my current no dairy, no wheat diet.  I suppose eating things I can find in the yard (starfruit and the neighbor's cat) doesn't really count as an MRE. 

Good luck, my brothers!

[IMR4198]

Day 1 Packing day

    Well this isn't such a large meeting of the MRE challenge, but it looks like we got a good collection of the fun people.  I suppose that everyone knows that MRE stands for Meal Ready to Eat.  Probably should have said that from the start.  I just finished off three cases of the stuff this winter.  The hurricane aid people sent pallets of these things.  Take one, free.  I kept seeing them with the sign, so I would pick up one.  Next time downtown, I would pick up another.  I think they finally stopped shipping them here. 
    I used to do lots of outdoor stuff.  Fishing, etc.  Streams and rivers.  Carried my gear in my pockets.  Knife.  Toilet paper (you never know).  Might take a snack.  A candy bar in a pocket.  Something easily carried.  Generally for fishing buddies that meant a can of sardines or some vienna sausages.  Another outdoor favorite was a can of Beanie Weenies.  White beans in tomato sauce with sections of..... vienna sausages. 
    I don't eat too much meat now.  Vegetables or pasta.  Neither one carries very well, and you have to heat it up.  So, I went back to my fishing roots and gathered the sort of thing I used to carry.  Health food?  Well, no.  Might as well take a look. 
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[IMR4198]

   The thing between the sporks and the tiny toothpaste box is a toothbrush in a plastic wrapper.  Paper towels, of course.  Instant coffee, peach flavored drink mix in the tubes, and a packet of cocoa with sweetener.  Might not drink the peach stuff. 
    Breakfast:  Pop tarts.  I threw in a photo of a sak-a-like.  It will go in the bag as well.  Won't need it and I always carry something better anyway.
    Lunch:  Vienna sausages.  Beanie weenies. 
    Dinner:  Actually, the folks who live here say Breakfast, Dinner, and Supper, but that appellation seems to be antiquated.  Anyway dinner.  Tuna with a chocolate twinkie type thing.  This kind is called a swiss roll. 
     Snack:  Barbecue pork rinds will fill in just in case someone gets snack happy.  Just full of good things.  Both food groups.  Fat and calories.  And don't forget preservatives to keep you young and other good additives.  Yum.  Yes, I know the use by date is out.  Won't matter.
    That's it except for a fishing/outdoor people story later.  Might need to put in a photo of pork rinds.  A bag.  The whole thing went into an ordinary plastic bag with a twist tie to keep it closed.  Best wishes.  G
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[IMR4198]

     I decided to take a photo of the bag with contents.  Not very big.  Just as sure as I didn't take a photo, somebody would ask to see one.  At the last minute I decided not to put in the Dollar Tree scout knife. 
      My Dad (and grandfather, and uncles) worked with an old timer named Duff.  Duff had a last name, but it was just picked out of a hat.  He was born in a mining camp and spent his young years there or in some logging camps.  His mother was cook in these camps and someone in the camp was Duff's father.  Never learned to read or write.  There are no schools in a mining camp.  My Dad met up with Duff one day while both of them were fishing and decided to talk and spend the day.
      My Dad never carried anything to eat outdoors.  Neither did his brother Rob, who was a big outdoorsman.  A day with Duff changed my Dad's view.
      Along about the middle of the afternoon Duff decided to make a little camp on this particular day.  He wore a big old jacket with pockets.  He made a little fire, and started bringing out wrappers of things from his jacket.  Had a little pan.  Cooked some home cured bacon in it, then fried some fish.  Biscuits in another wrapper.  Dad might not have carried anything with him, but that didn't mean he couldn't eat. 
      After Dad got married, my mother would put a paper bag with a couple of biscuits and ham in his hunting jacket.  When he went with his older brother Rob, he got grief for it.  He would sit down somewhere and eat and Rob would look at him like he was a child and make remarks.  Rob never learned.  He would be out all day and maybe all night and come home starved as a wolf.  Nobody carried anything to drink.  If you knew where to look there were plenty of springs in the mountains.  Bend down and get a mouthful of pure water so cold it felt like your teeth would split.  I have done it lots of times. 
       I used to go fishing with my Uncle Rob sometimes.  Every time it was an adventure.  Not a good one.  He would gripe at me and find faults.  You had to wear good shoes when you were with Rob, because there was always a good chance that you might have to walk home.  He was one of the worst drivers I ever knew and a trip over rough roads would keep you tight fisted and biting down. 
       Anyway I never carried something to drink on a day fishing trip but a can of sardines or beanie weenies was nice outdoors.  Or a candy bar.  When I was a kid, anyway.  Best wishes.  G  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  

[Farmer X]

I've known a few people who could give Rob a serious run for his money.

This is looking like a heck of a fun challenge!

Packout Day

Here's everything packed out in one of the drawers of a disused dresser. It was the best I could do on short notice.

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Breakfast: two packets of oatmeal (which needed to be consumed anyway) and donuts.

Lunch: Ramen, potato chips, and Vienna sausages.

Dinner: the aforementioned potato chips, Chunky soup, and a Little Debbie oatmeal cream pie that was camera-shy.

Snacks: trail mix, Cheez-It snack mix, and pretzels and peanut butter.

Beverages: Café Bustelo instant coffee sticks, a can of coconut water, and a bottle of Jones soda. This was the hard part, as high fructose corn syrup is bad enough. I refuse to consume anything containing aspartame, surpluses, or other substances of that ilk.

[nate j]

 

[IMR4198]

Well, we have some entries (or entrees?) today.  Lots of yummy stuff.  I could have easily eaten the vegetable with broccoli mix that friend Dane was attempting to dehydrate.  Sauteed it would have been great.  I am glad to see that I am not the only person who likes quinoa.  The oatmeal biscuits look yummy.  Friend Farmer X mentioned that he had to go to a more static sort of storage due to pets.  Friend Gra has gone the extra mile and is figuring out the calories, nutritional sufficiency, etc.  Friend Nate and friend Fireman are welcome with their cheerleading.  Always good to have people interested.  Best wishes.  G