Do MREs Expire?

Meals ready to eat (MREs) were designed for the Apollo space mission and subsequent space flights. They have since by a mainstay of the American military. But from the beginning, shelf life was a prime concern.

Army Data

• Different groups estimate the shelf life of MREs slightly differently. According to the Army, the shelf life varies from a month to over 10 years, depending on temperature; higher temperatures are associated with shorter shelf life. At normal room temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the shelf life is 100 months. At 120 degrees, it is only 1 month.

Manufacturer's Data

• Womicks, which is one manufacturer of MREs, estimates slightly shorter shelf life. Its estimates range from one month at 120 degrees F. to eight years at 60 degrees or below, and seven years at 70 degrees.

Taste vs. Safety

• Both the Army and manufacturer estimates are based on taste, not safety. MREs remain safe for longer periods.

Effects of Freezing

• Freezing, especially for long periods or on a repeated basis, has been shown to reduce the flavor and safety of MREs.