Meal, Religious, Ready-To-Eat (MRE), Halal Ration - Choose 2027 or 2028
Meal, Religious, Ready-To-Eat (MRE), Halal Ration - Choose 2027 or 2028
The Meal, Religious, Ready-To-Eat, Halal Ration is a ration to feed those individuals in the Military Services who maintain a strict religious diet. Each meal consists of one halal certified entrée and corresponding religiously certified complementary items. Each case of Halal rations contains twelve different meals, eight meat entrees and four vegetarian entrees, and component/accessory items all of which shall be Halal certified. Each meal will provide a minimum of 1,200 calories.
The primary differentiator from standard operational rations is the restriction on ingredients and preparation:
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Zero Pork or Alcohol: Absolutely no pork, pork by-products (such as lard or gelatin), or alcohol can be used anywhere in the meal components.
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Certified Halal Meat: Any meat used (beef, lamb, or chicken) must come from animals slaughtered by a sane Muslim adult, invoking the name of God (Allah) at the time of slaughter, and ensuring the blood is entirely drained from the carcass.
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Accredited Certification: The production, handling, and packaging facilities are thoroughly inspected and certified by an official Islamic religious authority to eliminate any risk of cross-contamination with Haram (forbidden) substances.
12 - Menus (menus may vary):
Halal MRE menus feature a diverse mix of meat-based and vegetarian entries, often highlighting Mediterranean, South Asian, and traditional American styles:
| Meat-Based Menus | Vegetarian Menus |
|
• Beef Stew • Chicken Stew • Jalfrazi with Lamb • Saag Chole with Lamb • Beef Goulash • Vegetable Barley Stew with Lamb
• Lentil Stew with Lamb
• Chicken and Vegetables |
• Cheery Rolled Oats with Almond Flavor • Lentils in Masala Sauce • Saag Chole (Spinach and Chickpeas) • Vegetable Barley Stew |
Inside an Individual Pouch:
Just like a standard issue ration, a Halal MRE is completely self-contained. A single meal pouch typically includes:
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The Entrée: The main cooked meal (e.g., Chicken Stew), packed in a sterile retort pouch.
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Complementary Side Items: Religiously acceptable snacks such as dried fruits (cranberries, raisins), dry roasted peanuts, trail mix, or specialty cookies.
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Dessert/Spreads: Items like chocolate or vanilla pudding, peanut butter, or jam.
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Beverage Base: A powder drink mix (like orange or fruit punch) or nutritional beverage powder.
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Flameless Ration Heater (FRH): A water-activated chemical heating sleeve that allows the user to heat their entrée without an open flame.
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Accessory Packet: A heavy-duty plastic spoon, napkin, wet towelette, matches, and seasonings (salt, pepper, sugar).