Category: Military gear

According to the U.S. Army, proper hydration is a mission-critical factor for troop performance and safety. While civilians might reach for Liquid IV, soldiers rely on specially formulated and field-tested oral rehydration solutions to stay mission-ready, begging the question: what is the Army version of Liquid IV?.

According to the Committee on Military Nutrition Research, caffeinated gum was recommended for military operations for its speed of absorption and action. While the term 'MRE gum' has entered civilian lexicon, it actually refers to two distinct products: a caffeinated version for energy and a xylitol-based version for oral hygiene. This distinction is crucial for anyone seeking the real facts behind this widely-discussed military ration component.

According to the U.S. Army's Combat Feeding Division, the newest generations of MREs include specific caffeinated products to meet the needs of modern soldiers who are less likely to drink coffee. This update has prompted many to question: does MRE gum have caffeine in it? The short answer is yes, specialized military energy gum does contain a significant dose of caffeine for quick effect.