Generally in the United States, an MRE is one complete meal designed to provide the nutritional needs of an individual operating in a high stress environment. Typically, an MRE is used by the US Military as a military ration for a single soldier for a single meal. Usually, three (3) MREs are issued per day. Soldiers and First Responders frequently use MREs. Non-military individuals and State Department customers often refer to Meal Kits as an MRE.  Sometimes a shelf-stable meal itself is referred to as an MRE.  We offer all three, no matter what you call them.

There are also MREs called Daypacks, which are particularly popular with international militaries because they contain meals for an entire day, not just for one meal occasion. Daypacks tend to have specific meal variety and calorie requirements for that particular country.

Traditional US Military MREs

Traditional US MREs contain a variety of food items packed in printed generic, tan bags – clearly not the most consumer-appealing packaging. These MREs are produced in high volume and usually stored in warehouses for years before being issued for a soldier’s dinner. Long-term shelf stability is important to our nation’s success and security in anticipation and preparation for potential war and disaster.

However, when stockpiling for potential disaster is not required, fresher food is always preferable to the consumer, including soldiers and disaster victims alike.

J&M® MREs are similar to generic US Military MREs and unique at the same time. Like generic MREs, they are intended for a single meal occasion. They meet all the US Military requirements for American-sourced items.  However, the US Military halal MRE is now produced by a different supplier and has military specific shelf life requirements, not the same as the commercial halal MRE we offer.

For almost two decades, J&M supplied the US Department of Defense with J&M® halal MREs, serving as a vital defense contractor, and shipping more than thirty (30) million MREs throughout the world in support of military operations. What made them so popular?

Innovative MREs with Consumer Packaging Appeal

With the intent to provide both fresher food items and a sense of home to those serving our country, J&M Food Products Company convinced the U.S. military to implement a commercial ration program.

Our 1996 commercial MRE début introduced J&M® halal MREs and My Own Meal® kosher MREs to American and Allied Forces with great success and consumer appreciation.

We successfully proved the competence and cost-advantage of utilizing the huge commercial food supplier network in the US, instead of military unique suppliers. When demand surged, the supplier network responded. When demand subsided, the supplier network pulled back to a state of readiness.

And with brand name, commercial graphics on packages of the food components in the MRES, soldiers enjoy the comfort of brands they recognize from home in every bite. The great taste and variety of our menus makes J&M® MREs highly desirable in the field, both in the US and abroad.

J&M® Halal MREs and Meal Kits

One 227g J&M® foil food pouch together with one bag of brand name, commercial accompaniments comprise each J&M® halal certified MRE totaling 1200 calories. Meal Kits may have differeing calories, depending upon customer needs. We found that using branded products increase their consumption and acceptability, even in the international market where specific brands may not be available.

The bag of accompaniments, labeled a My Kind of Meal®, contains such items such as granola, nuts, dried fruit, cracker bread as well as condiments, a moist towlette and a flameless ration heater. One foil pouch J&M® meal together with one accessory pack comprise one J&M® halal Meal Kit.

Including a flameless heater means that when time permits, a hot meal is possible, even in the most remote locations, under difficult circumstances. Heaters may not be used indoors, or in confined spaces as they emit hydrogen gas through a chemical reaction of water with the heating pad. Not all J&M® meal kits offered will include a flameless ration heater.

J&M® Halal MREs and Meal Kits

Packed in one Master Box with two boxes inside

J&M® Foil Pouch Meals Each consumer receives one J&M® packed in a 227g foil pouch. The eight delicious J&M® meat and poultry meals available include:

Vegetarian meals are available in four tasty varieties and are usual the dual certified as both halal and kosher, My Own Meal® brand varieties:

My Kind of Meal® MRE Accessory Pack

Each consumer also receives one Accessory Pack of brand name accompaniments, which usually include items such as:

• Pita Chips, or Cracker Mix
• Raisins, or Dried Fruits
• Dry Cereal, Granola Bars
• Nuts such as Peanuts, Sunflower Kernels, or Almonds
• Cocoa, Coffee, Creamer and Sugar
• Salt and Pepper, Candy
• Moist Towelette, Spoon and Toilet Tissue
• Flameless Chemical Ration Heater (may or may not be included)

All J&M® MRE meals and Accessory Packs are certified Halal and Dhabiha Halal by the Islamic Food & Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA).

Immediate Response for Unexpected Demand

Occasionally, a customer has the time to plan consistent monthly orders. When a contract requires consistent, large numbers of high volume deliveries over a fixed and long period of time, buyers can require specific product formulations or menus.

However, most J&M customers do not have the luxury of time. We are here to serve when you need us most. By relying upon the huge brand name supplier network in the US, we are able to respond and surge quickly. J&M responds to deploying military units, unexpected military actions, disasters, relief efforts, and refugee assistance for both adults and children.

J&M® MREs and Meal Kits are intended for use within the year, not for long-term storage in anticipation of a need. We ship from existing inventories and then for larger orders, follow those initial deliveries with new assembly.

Pricing

See ORDER FORM to find current pricing and ordering information for our meals in 227g foil food pouches.

For full Rations, Commercial MREs, or Meal Kits email us at: sales@halalcertified.com. We will send you the appropriate order form.

MREs are not always available for sale to the general public.

See also Shipping Weights and Dimensions