2026 Update: MRE 46 & The New CCAR
Major Shifts in Operational Rations: As of 2026, the new MRE 46 menus are entering the field with significant changes based on soldier feedback. Notable menu updates include the arrival of Cuban-style Beef Picadillo, Thai-Style Red Curry, and the return of Buffalo Chicken. These entrees replace the legacy Beef Taco filling, Pork Sausage Patty, and Jalapeno Pepper Jack Beef Patty. The 2026 update also modernizes the accessory pack: anticipating that newer soldiers consume less hot coffee, MRE 46 introduces caffeinated chews, gels, and gums, alongside new snacks like S’mores recovery bars and freeze-dried chocolate peanut butter bites.
Additionally, the Close Combat Assault Ration (CCAR) has officially replaced the First Strike Ration (FSR). Fully available for procurement as of late 2025, the CCAR is 17% lighter and 39% smaller than its predecessor. It is designed to sustain high-mobility troops for up to 7 days with nutrient-dense, compression-processed foods that require no preparation.
This site is all about U.S. military operational rations – both current and from the recent past. You’ll also find information on some foreign rations (Canadian and British). Feel free to contact us if you have any information on rations from other countries.
MREs have been under development for over forty years. As a result, many changes have been made to the contents, packaging, and appearance of MREs. I’ve attempted to cover all these changes and provide pictures wherever possible. MRE stands for Meal, Ready-to-Eat and is currently the main individual operational ration for the U.S. military. MREs are meant to be completely self-contained meals that provide all the nutrition a solider-on-the-go needs to sustain him/herself. Typical contents include entree, side dish, crackers, peanut butter/cheese spread, dessert, instant coffee/tea, matches, toilet paper, spoon, and a heater to heat the main entree. While everything in an MRE can be eaten cold, it usually tastes better warm.
You can buy MREInfo-approved MREs here.
Civilian MREs
Meal Kit Supply BUY NOW >> | Ameriqual APack (Legacy/Limited) | MREStar |
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| Sopakco Sure-Pak 12 | Wornick Eversafe (Discontinued) | |
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U.S. Military MREs (Meals, Ready to Eat)
| MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) | MCI, or Meal, Combat, Individual (C-Rations) | RCW (Ration, Cold Weather) |
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| FSR (First Strike Ration) | Other Current Operational Rations | |
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MREs from Other Countries
| British 24-Hour Ration Pack | French RCIR | Italian Combat Ration |
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| Canadian IMP | German EPa | Russian IRP |
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Click to see the Australian Combat Ration Pack.