There have been several posts recently regarding the best type of foods to store in a vehicle during the summer. I've got in the habit of storing an MRE in the compartment under the seat of my ATV, which I keep under a canopy in the backyard. Over the weekend I pulled out the one I stashed last July 1st and did a taste test.

It was the Meat Loaf with Gravy meal and it was packed in April, 2005. Since July and onward through the winter it had been exposed to daily temps ranging from 110 F. down to about 0 F. More significantly, it has probably undergone at least a dozen freeze/thaw cycles. And during two two-week stretches in August and October it withstood some violently bumpy traveling.

I found it not only still edible but surprisingly tasty. I have had the same entree in the past and could really tell no difference in the flavor between this one and one that had been stored in my basement at 70 F. year around. The mashed potatoes--never an MRE strong suit--were pretty watery. I suspect that was a result of the repeated freeze/thaw cycles. Once they were heated and thoroughly stirred up they turned out pretty well, especially when mixed in with some gravy.

The cookie, the crackers, the jelly, and the candy (Tootsie Rolls) were, as expected, unaffected by the heat or cold. I ate it all leaving only the Cocoa which I don't particularly care for. I'd bet it was ok too. I even chewed the Chiclets gum, and amazingly enough I did not go into a murderous, caffeine-induced psychosis (like somebody hinted might happen. )

All in all I think if somebody is looking for a food to store in a vehicle and wants a little extra measure of safety beyond that of canned food, then MRE's might be the way to go. The fact that the packaging is designed to withstand a pretty stiff impact doesn't hurt either.