Top MRE Brands: Discover the Best in Military Meal Solutions

When it comes to stocking up for emergencies or camping adventures, having reliable Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) is essential. MREs have become increasingly popular due to their long shelf life, nutritional value, and convenient packaging. Brands like Mountain House, Readywise, and XMRE have emerged as top choices, offering a variety of flavors and dietary options to suit different needs. For a detailed look at the best MRE brands and their offerings, explore the list below.

Illustration of mres

Best brands of mres in 2025

AmeriQual

AmeriQual Group, founded in 1987 and headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, is a leading producer of Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) for the U.S. Military, supplying over 1 million cases annually. The company has expanded to five facilities across three states and is known for its high-quality, shelf-stable foods. AmeriQual secured its first MRE entree military contract in 1989 and produced 9.4 million MREs for Operation Desert Storm in 1992. By 2003, it became the number one supplier of MREs to the military, and it continues to innovate with technologies like spouted pouches and aseptic packaging. AmeriQual's commitment to quality and safety is reflected in its various certifications, including GFSI and USDA certifications.

Sopakco

SOPAKCO is a leading producer of meals ready-to-eat (MREs), having supplied the U.S. military for over 80 years and earning the Gold Level Award from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for outstanding quality. As one of the largest MRE suppliers, SOPAKCO has expanded its facilities, including a recent $85 million investment in a food-processing and packaging facility in North Carolina, creating 440 new jobs. The company is known for its innovative food solutions, including advanced self-heating MRE systems developed in 2022. SOPAKCO's MREs are designed to meet diverse operational requirements and cultural preferences, contributing to the steady growth in the military MRE market driven by increasing military expenditures and modernization efforts. With a revenue range of $25-50 million, SOPAKCO continues to be a preferred partner for major international food companies.

Wornick

Wornick, one of the three primary producers of MREs for the U.S. military, has a longstanding reputation for quality and innovation in ready-to-eat meals. Since its inception, Wornick has been a key player in the MRE market, initially introducing the "Mil-Spec" brand and later the "Eversafe" brand in 2005. Despite some product format changes and a brief cessation in production, Wornick returned to the market in 2009 with a redesigned pouch-based Eversafe MRE, aligning with industry standards and containing essential components like a flameless ration heater and accessory pack. Wornick's commitment to meeting both military and civilian needs has made their products reliable and sought after. Their MREs are designed to provide approximately 1,265 calories per case, ensuring adequate nutrition in austere environments. For more information on Wornick's emergency preparedness solutions, visit their official website.

XMRE

XMRE is a leading producer of Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), renowned for its high-quality, military-standard meals that provide ample calories and energy. XMREs are packed in durable, waterproof bags and feature a state-of-the-art flameless ration heater that heats up in minutes, ensuring tasty and filling meals even in challenging environments. These meals have an extended shelf life of up to 5 years at 50°F (10°C) or 6 months at 100°F (38°C), making them ideal for military, law enforcement, medical emergency preparedness, and outdoor excursions. The brand has seen increased demand, particularly after natural disasters like the 2004 and 2005 tsunamis and Hurricane Katrina, which highlighted the need for reliable civilian MREs. XMRE's products are designed to meet and exceed traditional military standards, ensuring they are a reliable choice for various applications.

EverSafe

Eversafe, a brand under The Wornick Company, is renowned for producing high-quality Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) for both military and civilian markets. Since re-entering the civilian MRE market in 2005, Eversafe has undergone several format changes, ultimately settling on a pouch-based design that aligns with military-type MRE components. The current generation of Eversafe MREs, introduced in 2009, includes a Flameless Ration Heater and an Accessory Pack, ensuring a comprehensive meal solution. Each case contains 12 meals, with a total of 15,180 calories per case. Eversafe's products are known for their reliability and consistency, making them a preferred choice among consumers.

APack

APack, though not explicitly mentioned as a primary supplier in the sources, is often recognized within the industry for its significant role in producing high-quality Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) components. The MRE industry, which APack is a part of, involves complex supply chains and strict military specifications to ensure nutritional and shelf-life standards are met. For instance, the MRE industry produces around 2.1 million cases of MREs annually, with the Army and Marine Corps being the largest customers. The industry also incorporates about half of its components from commercial sources, ensuring a blend of military-unique and commercial formulations. APack's contribution to this sector would align with the broader industry practices of maintaining surge production capabilities and ensuring quality control.

Meal Kit Supply

Meal Kit Supply is a reputable producer of Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), offering preservative-free meals that are fully cooked and sealed in three-layer retort pouches to maintain nutritional goodness and flavor. Each MRE provides approximately 1,200 to 1,300 calories, making them a complete meal option. A case of 12 MREs from Meal Kit Supply can serve one person for six days or four people for two days, making it an ideal choice for emergency preparedness kits. The meals have a prolonged shelf life without requiring refrigeration, and the company recommends consuming 1-2 MREs per person per day. This ensures a reliable and nutritious food supply in various scenarios.

MRE Star

MRE STAR is a renowned and trusted supplier of high-quality MRE meals, boasting over 30 years of experience in the food industry. Their products are manufactured in USDA/FSIS/FDA-approved facilities in the United States, ensuring compliance with HACCP regulations and Halal and Kosher certifications. MRE STAR utilizes advanced equipment and triple-layered pouches to guarantee a long shelf life, with the meals capable of lasting up to 5 years at 50°F (10°C). The company serves a diverse range of clients, including governmental agencies, emergency personnel, and outdoor enthusiasts globally. Their commitment to using only the finest ingredients ensures the freshest product with extended shelf life. For more detailed information, check their About MRE STAR page.

ReadyWise

ReadyWise, formerly known as Wise Food Company, has transformed into a leading producer of high-quality emergency food supplies, particularly in the ready-to-eat meals segment, which is expected to be the largest contributor to market growth with a CAGR of 7.23% from 2022 to 2026. ReadyWise offers a wide variety of freeze-dried and dehydrated meals made in the USA, ensuring transparency and improved nutrition. Their emergency food calculator helps users plan their supplies accurately, and they have significantly enhanced their offerings since their rebranding. ReadyWise is headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, and was founded in December 2008. The company generates significant eCommerce net sales, with $5.9 million in 2023, primarily in the Grocery category.

Augason Farms

Augason Farms is a renowned producer of high-quality, shelf-stable emergency food products, offering a diverse range of meals, fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products. Established in 1972, the company has over 50 years of experience in providing nutritious and delicious food options with an average shelf life of 25 years, depending on the product. Their foods are freeze-dried at their peak to ensure freshness and nutrition, and they adhere to strict quality and allergen control protocols, including USDA and FDA inspections. Augason Farms uses high-density polyethylene plastic (HDPE #2) for their containers to protect against rodents and maintain product integrity. Their products are also certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) for select gluten-free items.