"MREs (Meals-Ready-to-Eat) are long shelf life meals that can be eaten hot or cold. The MREs were designed by leading nutritionists and chefs to be tasty and nutritional. They are packaged in a triple-layer foil/plastic "retort" pouch. This is then sealed, cooked and not exposed to air until opened. Thus the food is actually sterilized in the pouch and blocked from future contamination. The results is an almost unbelievable shelf life, and food which retains it natural moisture and juice. They are light weight, easy to store, and easy to use. They can be heated by any number of methods, or eaten cold (they are fully cooked).
MREs typically have a five to seven year shelf life, if stored in a cool environment. Storage temperature does affect the shelf life of MREs. The chart below shows the projected storage life of MRE meals over different time periods. The effect of temperature and time are cumulative. As an example, if stored at 100 degrees for 11 months and moved to 70 degrees, would lose one half of the 70 degree storage life. The shelf life determination is based on product taste. The nutritional content and basic product safety would extend way beyond this point.
MREs provide an excellent source of prepared food for all forms of emergencies. They can also be used for non-emergency events like camping and hunting trips, scouting outings, etc."
MRE Storage Life Chart
Temperature Months of Storage
120 1
110 5
100 22
90 55
80 76
70 100
60 130