What's in these food drops ?

Meal, Ready-to-Eat, Vegetarian (VMRE) rations have many of the same items as the widely used MRE, except that no entrée or component contains ingredients that are derived from animal or animal by-products. However, vitamins and minerals are present in amounts required for military operations. Components are selected to complement each entrée as well as provide necessary nutrition. The components vary among menus and include bakery items, crackers, spreads, beverages, snacks, candy, and hot sauce. Each meal also contains an accessory packet. The contents of one MRE meal bag provides an average of 1200 kilocalories (12% protein, 38% fat, and 50% carbohydrates). 

While the entree may be eaten cold when operationally necessary, it can also be heated in a variety of ways, including immersion in hot water while still sealed in its individual entree package. A flameless ration heater has also been packed into each meal bag to heat the entree. 

The shelf life of the Vegetarian MRE is three (3) years at 80 degrees F. However, the shelf life can be extended through the use of cold storage facilities prior to distribution.