When you think of MREs (Meals, Ready to Eat), you probably imagine it filling up a doomsday prepper’s bunker or feeding armies on long battles. MREs are self-contained foods that are rationed into lightweight packaging that are convenient to bring on long haul army defense missions or to prepare for an apocalypse, or so we see on television. But MRE’s are convenient for many other purposes. Campers and hikers for instance, will find MREs convenient for their outdoor adventures. MREs have also been known to be distributed during times of natural disasters like hurricanes. Most recently, MREs have been proven to be a good alternative food source during the COVID-19 pandemic. But where can you find MRE items to buy in Canada these days? Keep reading to learn where you can buy MRE in Canada.
Why MRE?
MREs typically last five years, which makes it ideal to bring on long haul trips or to keep for possible apocalyptic situations where survival hangs in the balance. They also do not require special storage like refrigeration. This, coupled with its long shelf life, is what makes MREs suitable for long durations of storage.
Civilian MREs
You can buy readily available, legitimate, and reliable civilian MREs in Canada from the following sources:
Online
Thankfully, you can find almost anything online these days, including MREs. You can begin by surveying civilian MRE websites such as Meal Kit Supply, MREstar, Sopakco, Ameriqual, etc. Other reliable sites are such as the MRE Marketplace, The Epicenter, TheReadyStore.com. The best way to get the most value out of your online shopping is to survey product and shipping costs to find the most ideal purchase for your household. Online stores are also the best option amidst the recent COVID-19 pandemic as you can wait for your products to be delivered from the safety of your own home.
However, with the recent increase in demand, online stores are experiencing stock problems. You can check out some currently in-stock stores like MREMarketplace.com and TheReadyStore.com. The only downside about online ordering is that you might have to wait several months before your items are ready to be shipped.
eBay
eBay is the place to buy anything under the sun. You can find both civilian and military MREs on eBay by just typing in the term ‘MRE’ into the search bar. You will be sure to find cases of APacks of SurePacks for sale. Be sure, however, to avoid fake or homemade MREs that do not have assured product safety and quality. One way to do this is to bid for auctions with clear and good quality pictures where you can inspect the case information. Usually, you will get information on the date packed, menu types, and inspection dates, etc. to help you identify exactly what MRE you will be getting. Other than the information on the pictures, good or legitimate auctions will also provide a lot of information on the product. The more information the auction provides, the better the chances that the seller or product is trustworthy.
The latest update from eBay regarding MREs is that prices have increased everywhere due to the increase in demand from COVID-19. Current MRE prices are around $199 per case including shipping. You can also buy 10-year-old MREs for $100 a case excluding shipping.
Physical Stores
Military Gear Stores
Many military (army/navy) surplus stores sell civilian MREs. If you want a quick option, going to a physical store can guarantee that you can buy it ASAP if items are in stock. Some examples are the Army and Navy department stores or army and navy surplus shop Quinn The Eskimo.
Hiking and Camping Gear Stores
Canada has many hiking and camping gear stores where people can buy items suited for outdoor living such as tents and sleeping bags. Did you know that you can also find some hiking and camping stores selling MREs?You can also find sports stores that have specialized camping and hiking equipment to carry MREs.
Someone in the military
If you know someone in the military, there is a high chance they will know where you can buy MREs.
The recent COVID-19 outbreak has shed light on MREs as being a safe and reliable alternative food source during hard times. In Canada, you can find MREs either through physical stores such as army or navy surplus stores, hiking and camping stores, or through online purchases.
