Members of the Survival forum on AR15.com frequently have group buys of Mounain House products at greatly reduced prices. You might keep an eye out for a future buy.

Although the dehydrated foods require water and fuel to use, they are worthwhile for short-term emergencies. Especially, bug-out type scenarios where weight is a major consideration. It's just another option to have. No perfect solutions are out there.

BTW, Most of the Mountain House meals are pretty good.