I noticed today that I am inclined to do the same thing. I've got a bucket in the back of my car with some emergency stuff, and today while checking it, I found a Mountain House meal (Chilie Mac, FWIW) and a complete MRE. (CDN Beef Ravioli, FWIW.) There was a pack of peanut M&Ms in the MRE, and since I wasn't sure of the date, I ate them. LOL! They were fine and are now replaced with a fresh Clif bar. S'mores flavour, my kids favourite.