So, what is an MRE? The MRE (Meal, Ready to Eat) is a totally self-contained complete meal. One MRE equals one meal. The packaging of an MRE is designed to withstand rough conditions and exposure to the elements. Inside each MRE bag is an entree and a variety of other food and drink items. MREs come packaged in cases with 12 MREs per case. There are currently 5 different “menus” of MREs you can choose from. Menu 1 contains the following: Chili with Beans Cheddar Cheese Spread Vegetable Crackers Cornbread Pepperoni Pizza Cheese Filled Crackers Grape Beverage Powder, Carb-Fortified Hot Beverage Bag