Which MRE contains Skittles?

Menu C, which was created in 2008/2009, includes an option for Skittles (referred to as Candy II).

The military makes a few changes to the menus every year, so you will find a different menu listing for each year. In general, though, each MRE contains the following:

Entree: the main course, such as Spaghetti or Beef Stew

Side dish: rice, corn, fruit, or mashed potatoes, etc.

Cracker or Bread

Spread: peanut butter, jelly, or cheese spread

Dessert: cookies or pound cakes

Candy: M&Ms, Skittles, or Tootsie Rolls

Beverages: Gatorade-like drink mixes, cocoa, dairy shakes, coffee, tea

Hot sauce or seasoning: in some MREs

Flameless Ration Heater: to heat up the entree

Accessories: spoon, matches, creamer, sugar, salt, chewing gum, toilet paper, etc.

You can find a listing of the exact components of each MRE on the MRE Menus page.

The MRE (Meal, Ready to Eat) is a self-contained complete meal. One MRE equals one meal. The packaging of an MRE is designed to withstand rough conditions and exposure to the elements. Inside each MRE bag is an entree and a variety of other food and drink items. MREs come packaged in cases with 12 MREs per case. There are currently 24 different "menus" or varieties of MREs. Menus 1-12 are packaged in Case A and menus 13-24 are packaged in Case B.

MREs are the main operational food ration for the United States Armed Forces.

Each MRE provides an average of 1,250 calories (13% protein, 36% fat, and 51% carbohydrates) and 1/3 of the Military Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamins and minerals. A full day's worth of meals would consist of three MREs.

To answer your question about Skittles in MREs (Meal, Ready-to-Eat):

The Menu #4 (Maple Sausage) MRE typically contains Skittles as its designated candy component. This has been verified in standard U.S. military MRE production cycles since approximately 2017.

Key details:

• Skittles variety: Original (red package)
• Package size: 2.0 oz (56.7g)
• Location in MRE: Accessory Pack A
• Typical quantity: 1 package per MRE

It's important to note that MRE contents undergo periodic revisions based on:

1. Troop preference surveys
2. Nutritional requirement updates
3. Supply chain availability
4. Shelf-stability testing results

Other MRE menus may occasionally contain Skittles through production variations or menu revisions. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) maintains current specifications for all MRE components, including confectionery items.

For reference, the complete Menu #4 typically contains:

• Maple sausage (main entrée)
• Hash browns with bacon
• Wheat snack bread
• Blueberry dessert
• Coffee powder
• Skittles (original)
• Accessory pack (utensils, matches, etc.)
• Flameless ration heater (FRH)

Each MRE provides approximately 1,250 calories with a balanced macronutrient profile designed for field operations.