Are you looking for a reliable and cost-effective way to ensure your survival food is always readily available in case of an emergency? Learn how to make your own MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) at home and prepare your bug out bag with confidence. Our comprehensive guide provides you with step-by-step instructions and valuable tips to create nutritionally balanced, shelf-stable meals that can last for years without refrigeration. Don’t wait until disaster strikes, start building your preparedness today with this DIY approach to MREs.

How to Make Your Own MREs for Your Bug Out Bag at Home – A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Preparing for emergencies is an essential aspect of life. There are several things to consider when prepping for emergencies, from having a well-stocked first aid kit to having an emergency food supply. One way to ensure that you have enough food in an emergency situation is by creating your MREs or meals ready to eat. MREs are perfect for emergencies because they are lightweight, easy to store, and have a long shelf life. In this article, we will discuss how you can make your MREs for your bug-out bag at home.

Why create your MREs?

• Making your MREs helps ensure that you have enough food in an emergency situation.
• Homemade MREs are customizable and can cater to specific dietary requirements.
• You can also save money by creating your MREs instead of purchasing costly store-bought ones.

What do you need to make your MREs?

• Ziplock bags or vacuum seal bags
• Emergency Food Supplies such as:
  • Freeze-dried fruits and vegetables
  • Jerky, canned meats, or fish
  • Energy Bars
  • Granola or Cereal bars
  • Dehydrated soups and pasta dishes
  • Nuts and Trail mixes
• Utensils such as spoons, forks, and knives
• Condiments such as salt and pepper

How to make your MREs

1. Choose the foods that you want to include in your MRE.
2. Separate the foods into individual portions, considering your dietary requirements and the number of people in your family.
3. Place the individual food portions in Ziplock bags or vacuum seal bags.
4. Add utensils, condiments, and any additional seasoning to the bag.
5. Label the bags with the date of preparation and the contents of the bag to keep track of expiration dates.

How to store your MREs

• Ensure that your MREs are stored in a cool, dry place to avoid spoilage.
• MREs should be checked on a biannual basis, and any expired items should be replaced.

Conclusion

Preparing your MREs is an excellent way to ensure that you have enough food during emergencies. By following the steps above, you can create customizable, cost-effective, and long-lasting MREs. Keep in mind the importance of proper storage and regular checks to make sure that you have an emergency food supply that will sustain you and your family.

FAQs

1. Should I make my MREs or purchase readymade ones?
   Always opt for making your MREs as it gives you the freedom to customize the meals according to your dietary requirements and saves a lot of money compared to store-bought ones.

2. Can I use plastic containers instead of Ziplock or vacuum seal bags?
   While plastic containers can work, they take up more space and are less convenient than bags.

3. What are some examples of protein-packed MRE snacks?
   Canned tuna, beef jerky, and powdered protein are some of the best protein-packed snacks to include in your MREs.

4. How long will my MREs last?
   When stored in a cool and dry place, MREs can last up to five years, but it’s recommended to replace any expired items every six months.

5. Can I include fresh fruits and vegetables in my MREs?
   No, fresh fruits and vegetables have a short shelf life and will not last in MREs. Opt for dehydrated or freeze-dried options instead.