MRE stands for 'Meal Ready to Eat'. The military has been using the current MREs since the 1970's to feed hungry troops in the field. MREs are able to last for years (at least ten years) and can been eaten hot or if needed cold. MREs do not contain freeze dried food but rather individually sealed retort packaging of ready to eat food. The retort packaging is made of aluminum foil wrapped in plastic. The Each MRE contains a heating element made of magnesium which when mixed with water is able to heat the food packets that should served hot.

Every MRE comes with a 1/8 oz bottle of tabasco sauce like the one pictured bellow. The tabasco sauce is intended to be used for adding a little spice to the entree however some soldiers use them for other purposes. Some soldiers use the bottles to make chess sets while others while out in the field will put the tabasco source in their eyes to stay awake while during sentry duty.

	Tabasco Bottle Back