REVIEW: REAL Field Meal Artic Ration

Everyone has to eat, and preferably delicious, because life is too short for bad food. Those who want something good even in the field had it not so easy with MREs and EPAs, but REAL Field Meal from Norway, available at EMERTAC, have made it their mission to bring good food to the people. We tested an Arctic Field Ration from them.

In the header image you can see the contents of a field ration from REAL Field Meal. In addition to the main course, you get an energy drink, 2 protein bars, 1 dessert, chocolate, a multivitamin pill, chewing gum, instant coffee (which didn't make it into the picture), a spoon, and a resealable bag so that everything stays together after opening. Very well thought out. It all reminds a bit of the contents of an MRE, just not in monotonous brown.

The label of the packaging, in which everything is hermetically sealed, can be peeled off to reseal the packaging. The package weighs just under 500 g and measures approximately 20 x 20 x 7 cm.

Unfortunately, the label cannot be removed destructively one more time, but at least the ration can be resealed once. Overall, a complete field ration provides around 1,300 kcal.

For the later storage of small items, the resealable bag is included, in which everything finds enough space. A real plus point.

Now to the main course in the green bag. Since REAL Field Meal consists of dehydrated food, you only need water, preferably hot, for preparation. As the label reveals, everything is simple, which is true.

On the side of the package, there are two tear notches and a description, everything here is very coherent as well. We did not use the "EAT" notch, as otherwise the closure of the bag is lost, if you don't finish eating or want to save something for later.

This is what the contents look like before adding water. Not particularly visually appealing, we admit. The bag weighs about 150 g, which is very light.

As already mentioned, the dishes need to be mixed with about 300 to 350 ml of water and let sit for 8 minutes. Afterwards, it looks like a proper meal. The taste is really excellent. Everything is well seasoned and nice and warm. While the contents are sitting, the bag can also be used to warm hands.

Here is one of the protein bars. A very tasty protein bar that is a bit firmer than its supermarket counterparts. But that doesn't diminish the taste.

The peach-flavored energy drink delivers on its promise. Although the word "Energy Drink" is a bit misleading. There is no guarana or caffeine in it, just a lot of sugar, which is exactly what you need when you are on the move.

A dessert is a must, so we gave our full attention to the MRE-style packaged Cinnamon Bun.

This is what it looks like without its wrapper and on a plate. A cinnamon-filled Pop Tart. We were really surprised at how good this dessert tasted.

CONCLUSION: REAL Field Meal is a valid alternative to previous field rations, as long as you have access to water and a stove. Due to the dehydration of the main course, it is very light and suitable for transport. In terms of taste, REAL Field Meal has been the best of all the rations we have tested so far. So treat yourself to something good to eat, because life is, as mentioned earlier, too short for bad food.

Available at EMERTAC.at (Exclusive dealer for Austria):

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