Armed Polite Society

Main Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: Ben on August 15, 2017, 10:50:31 AM

Title: Amazon MREs
Post by: Ben on August 15, 2017, 10:50:31 AM
Apparently Amazon is getting into the MRE market. That should be interesting. It appears the shelf life is only a year, but for people like me, whose "prepping" is more for power outages and disasters, if the meals are tasty (which it appears they're going for) I'd give them a go.

While I keep a case or two of MREs and a Costco Bucket 'O Food (dehydrated) around, all with 5-10 year shelf lives, it's all kind of "have to eat it" food. The shorter term food supplies are stuff I generally like to eat anyway and that I actually do eat to rotate them. If Amazon can come out with something closer to "fresh tasting", I'd consider them in my food rotation. Could be good for camping as well.

https://www.eater.com/2017/8/11/16130920/amazon-mres-food-delivery-shelf-stable
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: K Frame on August 15, 2017, 12:23:32 PM
Uhm... Shouldn't this be in Mess Hall Mr. Admin?
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Ben on August 15, 2017, 12:47:46 PM
Uhm... Shouldn't this be in Mess Hall Mr. Admin?

I was lightheaded from working out and not eating.
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: K Frame on August 15, 2017, 01:25:53 PM
There ya go.
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Perd Hapley on August 15, 2017, 05:52:10 PM
I thought the Mess Hall forum was reserved for, ya know, food.
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Ben on August 15, 2017, 06:07:10 PM
My understanding from the article is that this is supposed to be "everyday" or even gourmet food, much like their meal kits, that happens to be storable at room temp vs in the fridge or freezer. Made for people that don't have time to cook rather than preppers.
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Hawkmoon on August 15, 2017, 09:10:13 PM
My understanding from the article is that this is supposed to be "everyday" or even gourmet food, much like their meal kits, that happens to be storable at room temp vs in the fridge or freezer. Made for people that don't have time to cook rather than preppers.

Then not really MREs, as we commonly think of MREs.
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: RevDisk on August 15, 2017, 10:56:48 PM

I think this is more to compete with companies like https://www.blueapron.com/

I have a coworker who uses it, he likes it.
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: makattak on August 16, 2017, 08:23:27 AM
First, curse you for sending me to a Vox site.

Secondly, one of the erstwhile competitors says "I struggle to see how this solution addresses an actual consumer want or need better than fresh, prepared meals."

And that would be why you're going to lose. "Fresh, prepared meals" are likely more expensive1, are only available at limited times during the day2, and are one of the first things to go in a disaster situation.3


1: I haven't seen any indication of price, so I could be wrong. I'm betting I'm not, though.

2: Unless you're going to provide an Uber of food delivery that goes out at 4 a.m.

3: Well, except for Waffle House. They're usually the first thing back up in a disaster situation.
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: T.O.M. on August 16, 2017, 09:46:47 AM
Set aside the jokes for a moment...MREs aren't bad.  No, they aren't great cuisine, but they generally taste pretty good and fill you up.  I'm not looking for a gourmet meal every night.  There are nights I'm just hungry, want something to eat, and have no desire to do anything more than heat something in the microwave.  And, if these meals have a year shelf life, having a case or so on hand just in case would not be a bad thing.  Might have to give them a try...
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Ben on August 16, 2017, 10:00:29 AM
First, curse you for sending me to a Vox site.


I definitely apologize for that.  I didn't know they were related.

Thread drift, and more fallout from Trump derangement syndrome, while I didn't care about where links came from before (other than software safety), I now try not to give some of these knuckleheads advertisement hits and look for alternate links when available.
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Doggy Daddy on August 16, 2017, 02:38:31 PM
Uhm... Shouldn't this be in Mess Hall Mr. Admin?

I thought the Mess Hall forum was reserved for, ya know, food.


First, curse you for sending me to a Vox site.

"Admin Shaming".

It's a thing.
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Ben on August 16, 2017, 02:58:46 PM
"Admin Shaming".

It's a thing.

It's like they all just enrolled in Berkeley and are pledging the snowflake frat.  =D
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: RevDisk on August 16, 2017, 03:16:46 PM
It's like they all just enrolled in Berkeley and are pledging the snowflake frat.  =D

And they say Millennial complain a lot.
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Scout26 on August 16, 2017, 06:04:47 PM
Leave Ben Alone !!!!




(https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/cArBGrwM4jhHB4clSE_03A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjtzbT0xO3c9NTAwO2g9NDE1O2lsPXBsYW5l/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/ymusic-heard/crocker2007.jpg)
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: MikeB on August 16, 2017, 06:50:17 PM
So are we actually talking MREs or is this more like canned/packaged food that would be rotated on a yearly basis? If it tastes good I would not turn down reasonably priced food that keeps for up to a year.. It would be similar to canned goods, but with a shorter shelf life. If it tastes good easy to rotate. If it lasts longer it might be easier to justify taste not so good vs. nutrition and longer term survavability.
Title: Re:
Post by: K Frame on August 16, 2017, 07:12:07 PM
THOSE ARE HURTY WORDS, YOU BULLY!

WAAAAAAAA!

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Perd Hapley on August 16, 2017, 07:15:10 PM
Please do not invalidate Mike's experience.
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Ben on August 16, 2017, 08:00:31 PM
So are we actually talking MREs or is this more like canned/packaged food that would be rotated on a yearly basis? If it tastes good I would not turn down reasonably priced food that keeps for up to a year.. It would be similar to canned goods, but with a shorter shelf life. If it tastes good easy to rotate. If it lasts longer it might be easier to justify taste not so good vs. nutrition and longer term survavability.

I haven't seen anything that says exactly what they are, other than as Rev noted, they are like BlueApron meals but shelf stable. The description I saw made them sound like they were packaged similar to MREs, though then you have to wonder why only one year shelf life?  If packaged the same, they should have at least several years.

Then again, maybe they do, but Amazon or whoever is just going to stick a "1 year" date on them. Or else maybe they are in fact packaged in a way that limits shelf life. Or the people reporting on them are just saying "MRE" because it sounds cool.
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Perd Hapley on August 16, 2017, 10:03:00 PM
I haven't seen anything that says exactly what they are, other than as Rev noted, they are like BlueApron meals but shelf stable. The description I saw made them sound like they were packaged similar to MREs, though then you have to wonder why only one year shelf life?  If packaged the same, they should have at least several years.

Then again, maybe they do, but Amazon or whoever is just going to stick a "1 year" date on them. Or else maybe they are in fact packaged in a way that limits shelf life. Or the people reporting on them are just saying "MRE" because it sounds cool.

(http://i.imgur.com/NuFbsEo.png)
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: makattak on August 17, 2017, 02:26:56 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/NuFbsEo.png)

I never really cared for pop tarts EXCEPT the cinnamon and brown sugar ones. And not even those unless they were toasted.

So, as I'd just have to be choking them down, I suppose those could work as MREs, too.
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: 41magsnub on August 17, 2017, 02:50:47 PM
I never really cared for pop tarts EXCEPT the cinnamon and brown sugar ones. And not even those unless they were toasted.

So, as I'd just have to be choking them down, I suppose those could work as MREs, too.

The cinnamon and brown sugar pop tarts are in some MREs...
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Perd Hapley on August 17, 2017, 02:58:58 PM
The cinnamon and brown sugar pop tarts are in some MREs...


 =| What? Back when grunts were grunts, we had chocolate-covered oatmeal bars, and slabs of dehydrated strawberry. (Which were both awesome.) They must be cutting costs.
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Scout26 on August 17, 2017, 06:03:40 PM
I never really cared for pop tarts EXCEPT the cinnamon and brown sugar ones. And not even those unless they were toasted.

So, as I'd just have to be choking them down, I suppose those could work as MREs, too.

Blueberry Pop Tarts, toasted, with some (okay, a lot) of melted butter on top...

[insert YUM smilies here]




Title: Re:
Post by: lupinus on August 17, 2017, 07:07:56 PM
I'm partial to the s'mores Pop tarts

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Perd Hapley on August 17, 2017, 07:24:24 PM
I prefer the apple tarts my wife makes.
Title: Re:
Post by: K Frame on August 17, 2017, 07:50:01 PM
The cherry ones are fantastic.

They taste almost exactly like the sour cherry pie that my Grandmother used to make.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Fly320s on August 18, 2017, 08:28:08 AM
Toaster Strudel for the win!

https://www.pillsbury.com/products/toaster-strudel
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: makattak on August 18, 2017, 08:31:28 AM
Toaster Strudel for the win!

https://www.pillsbury.com/products/toaster-strudel

Now THIS I can agree with. Those were always tasty. (I might have to go get some, I think it's been 15+ years since I've had one.)
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: RocketMan on August 19, 2017, 06:16:54 PM

 =| What? Back when grunts were grunts, we had chocolate-covered oatmeal bars, and slabs of dehydrated strawberry. (Which were both awesome.)

Back when grunts were really grunts, we had dried out, stale chocolate bars that came foil-wrapped in a can.  Tasted like dried chocolate mud, and we were glad to have them.
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: bedlamite on August 19, 2017, 08:21:12 PM
Blueberry pop tart:

(http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/56b361066e97c62c008b4c92/kesha-releases-her-first-new-song-since-her-sex-assault-legal-drama.jpg)
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Fly320s on August 21, 2017, 07:32:04 AM
Blueberry pop tart

I'd eat that. 

Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Fly320s on August 21, 2017, 07:33:39 AM
Speaking of nasty MREs, my first one was a dehydrated pork patty.  And I didn't have any hot water to re-hydrate it.  It was like eating a crunchy cobweb.
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: K Frame on August 21, 2017, 08:23:37 AM
The pork patty was called, among other things, Satan's Hockey Puck by people I know who ate it.

I didn't think it was too horrible, but it wasn't good.
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Perd Hapley on August 21, 2017, 08:49:55 AM
Blueberry pop tart:



Who dat is?
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Ben on August 22, 2017, 11:06:43 AM
I'd eat that for a dollar. 



FTFY.  =D
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Scout26 on August 22, 2017, 11:45:54 PM
There's a whole lot of crazy in those eyes....
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: RoadKingLarry on September 12, 2017, 03:53:38 AM
Back to the subject of food...
It's been a couple of decades or more since I've partaken of freeze dried camping foods.
I'm taking a week at the end of the month and plan on some camping in less.than remote areas, drive up campsite is the plan. While I  could drag out and prep my ancient camp kitchen stuff and do real camp cooking I'm going to be alone and the main objective is photography and not so much camping per se.
I'm thinking about loading up on some Mountain House stuff just for the simplicity.
I kind of liked the stuff from 30ish years ago but has it improved any? And for.those that use it.or similar, what's good?
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Ben on September 12, 2017, 09:42:35 AM
The MH biscuits and gravy is quite tasty. Otherwise I don't have any standouts. I grabbed a big variety pack a couple of years ago when Costco had them for cheap and have been using them when I do my overnight "trout assault" trips when I pack in light for a quick overnight to be on an alpine lake first thing. I've not eaten any dinners that I don't like, but generally find them "meh". I just don't care in the circumstances where I use them. :)
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: bedlamite on September 13, 2017, 01:27:11 PM
IMO, the packaged meals are kinda spendy for what you get. I've been taking cues from the backpacking crowd and getting the dehydrated pouches for motorcycle/kayak/backpacking trips. Idahoan mashed potatoes (5 for $4) are good, Knorr rice/pasta sides ($1ea), Salmon/Tuna/Chicken, etc. in the pouches. Canned works too if the extra weight isn't a problem. All relatively cheap and available at Mal-Wart. You can also dehydrate fruit and [urlhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ptx6MKzaB-8]ground beef[/url]
Title: Re:
Post by: Boomhauer on September 15, 2017, 10:19:53 PM
I used the Mountain House meals some when I was in the field more...they aren't terrible for the most part

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Jim147 on September 17, 2017, 11:52:03 PM
The little girl and i like the biscuits and gravy when we go camping. Since we do most of our camping at the cabin we go for canned food or the dry packages of like chicken and rice or beef stroganoff you can get at the store for a dollar. We fill out our food ith some fresh fish she catches or the mammal dumb enough to get in front of the gun.
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: RoadKingLarry on September 17, 2017, 11:57:42 PM
Tried a couple. Mountain House, Breakfast Skillet and Bisquits and Gravy. Both were pretty good,  the Breakfast Skillet was some lacking in visual appeal but tasted good.  I'll pick up a few for my trip.
Title: Re: Amazon MREs
Post by: Jim147 on September 18, 2017, 12:01:43 AM
She liked the breakfast skillet at the start and then hit a texture she didn't like. So she won't do the egg meals anymore.