What's in Menu 9 MRE? The Beef Stew Ration Breakdown

Since 1981, the Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) has been the standard-issue combat food ration for the U.S. military. Menu 9, featuring a hearty Beef Stew, has been a consistent presence on the MRE menu list for many years, offering a familiar and filling option for soldiers in the field.

Quick Summary

This article details the specific contents of the Menu 9 MRE, focusing on its main entree of beef stew and accompanying items, such as snacks, beverages, and the accessory pack. It explores the typical components and notes potential year-to-year variations in this well-known military field ration.

Key Points

• Entree: The central item is a Beef Stew with tender meat, potatoes, carrots, and peas.

• Accompaniments: A typical Menu 9 includes multigrain snack bread, peanut butter, and grape jelly packets.

• Dessert and Snacks: A vanilla pound cake and a pack of candy, often Skittles, are standard treats.

• Beverage: A carbohydrate-fortified lemon-lime powdered drink mix is included for hydration.

• Accessory Pack: An essential kit with a spoon, coffee supplies, hot sauce, gum, salt, and hygiene items.

• Heating Method: The Flameless Ration Heater (FRH) uses a chemical reaction to heat the entree without an open flame.

• Variations: While the main components are stable, some contents, like snacks or dessert, can vary depending on the pack year.

A Deep Dive into the Menu 9 MRE: The Beef Stew Ration

For decades, the Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) has served as a critical lifeline for soldiers, offering a self-contained, nutritious, and durable meal designed for the harshest conditions. Among the numerous options, Menu 9 has established itself as a well-regarded classic, centered around its Beef Stew entree. While specific components can change slightly from year to year due to product improvement initiatives, the core elements of the Menu 9 ration remain consistent. Below is a detailed look at what a typical Menu 9 package contains.

The Hearty Entree: Beef Stew

At the center of the Menu 9 MRE is the Beef Stew entree. This main course features tender pieces of beef combined with a mix of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and peas, all in a thick, savory gravy. The stew is designed to be easily reheated using the included Flameless Ration Heater (FRH) for a warm and comforting meal. For those who prefer extra flavor, the menu also comes with a small bottle of hot sauce to spice things up.

Companion Spreads, Snacks, and Desserts

The entree is just one part of the Menu 9 meal. A variety of other items are packed to provide additional sustenance and variety. These typically include:

• Multigrain Snack Bread: A soft and fresh-tasting bread that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with spreads.
• Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly: Individual packets of creamy peanut butter and sweet grape jelly offer a classic spread combination for the multigrain bread.
• Pound Cake: A vanilla or marble-flavored pound cake often serves as the dessert, providing a sweet finish to the meal.
• Candy: A pack of Skittles or another popular candy is frequently included, adding a quick sugar boost.

Beverage Mixes

Every MRE includes a powdered beverage mix, and Menu 9 is no exception. This typically consists of a lemon-lime flavored, carbohydrate-fortified beverage powder. The powder can be mixed with water in the provided hot beverage bag, though it is usually dissolved in cold water to make a refreshing drink.

The Essential Accessory Pack

One of the most important elements of any MRE is the accessory pack. This small packet contains all the tools and condiments needed to consume and enjoy the meal properly. For Menu 9, the accessory pack includes:

• Spoon: A durable plastic spoon is standard issue.
• Coffee Kit: For a caffeinated lift, the kit provides instant coffee, sugar, and non-dairy creamer.
• Salt: A small packet of salt for seasoning the entree to taste.
• Gum: A piece of sugar-free chewing gum is included for dental hygiene.
• Hygiene Items: A moist towelette and a small piece of toilet tissue are also provided.

A Look at Menu 9 Variations Over Time

While the core elements of Menu 9 have remained consistent, there have been some minor variations over the years. A quick check of MRE historical records reveals that some components can be swapped out based on availability or product improvements.

Component	Typical Item	Potential Variation
Entree	Beef Stew	Beef Strips in Tomato Sauce (in older variations)
Dessert	Vanilla Pound Cake	Cherry Blueberry Cobbler (in some cases)
Spread	Peanut Butter & Grape Jelly	Jalapeño Cheddar Cheese Spread (in some older versions)
Snack/Bread	Multigrain Snack Bread	Italian Bread Sticks (older MREs)
Candy	Skittles	M&Ms (in some variations)

The Importance of the Flameless Ration Heater

The FRH is a key innovation that changed the perception of MREs from cold, unappealing meals to hot, satisfying ones. The FRH works by using an exothermic chemical reaction; adding a small amount of water to the heater packet triggers the reaction, which generates enough heat to warm the sealed entree pouch. This allows soldiers in the field to enjoy a hot meal without needing an open flame, a critical advantage in combat situations where a fire could reveal their position.

Conclusion

Menu 9, with its reliable Beef Stew entree, offers a complete and satisfying meal for those in the field or preparing for emergencies. From the main course and dessert to the essential accessories and flameless heater, every component is carefully selected to provide both nutrition and a sense of comfort. Though minor variations occur over time, the fundamental contents of what's in Menu 9 MRE remain a testament to the meal's long-standing place as a military and civilian survival staple. For the latest details, it is always best to check the manufacturer's specific pack date and contents list.

Reference for further reading

• MRE Info: MRE Menus

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Beef Stew entree in MRE Menu 9 always the same?

The main entree for MRE Menu 9 is consistently Beef Stew, but minor ingredient variations and specific recipes may change slightly based on the pack year as part of the military's continuous product improvement program.

What is the purpose of the hot sauce included in the MRE?

The hot sauce is included to enhance the flavor of the entree, as military rations are often intentionally seasoned mildly to appeal to a broader palate. The hot sauce allows individuals to add a personal touch of heat.

How do you heat up the meal in a Menu 9 MRE?

To heat the meal, you use the included Flameless Ration Heater (FRH). By adding a small amount of water to the heater bag, it triggers a chemical reaction that creates enough heat to warm the entree pouch.

What is in the accessory pack of a Menu 9 MRE?

The accessory pack typically includes a spoon, instant coffee, creamer, sugar, salt, sugar-free chewing gum, a moist towelette, and toilet tissue.

Are civilian MREs the same as military issue Menu 9?

No, civilian MREs are not identical to military issue ones. While based on similar technology, civilian versions are produced by private companies and often feature different meals and components. It is illegal to sell military-grade MREs on the retail market.

Does the Menu 9 MRE contain vegetarian items?

Menu 9 is not a vegetarian meal, as its main entree is Beef Stew. For vegetarian options, individuals should look for specifically designated vegetarian menus, which are also part of the full MRE ration cycle.

How long does a Menu 9 MRE last?

When stored properly in a cool, dry environment, MREs typically have a shelf life of 5 to 7 years. Many suppliers note a ten-year lifespan under ideal conditions.