Meals Ready to Eat (MRE)

Forum: Dark Universe - MREs are still readily available throughout the known universe's human occupied sectors, but somewhat more expensive then the second generation of long term storage foods, Synths. However, many consider them worth the cost, especially when one considers the difference in taste and overall quality compared to the cheaper synthetic foods.

MREs were initially developed by the military during the 20th century for use by soldiers in the field. In the early years of the space programs, they were adapted for use by the astronauts and cosmonauts of Earth.

Over the years the manufacturing techniques which produce these ready to eat meals have greatly improved. Thanks to these improvements, meals which could be stored for only about a decade, may now last up to fifty years.

These foods are designed to require little in their preparation. In most cases, some water and a heat source is all they need. However, a few require both. Also, there are meals which come with their own heat pack and/or water packet, they may simply need to be set up and their heat pack activated. The fully contained meals tend to be the more expensive.

In deep space, and at many stations MREs are the norm. Fresh food may be available in some sectors, but is usually too costly for the common person.