Historical U.S. military ration reference
Complete 1996 MRE menu list for MRE XVI: all 16 published entrée choices, menu-number changes, case structure, flameless heater context, and what was typically packed inside an MRE meal bag.
Research reviewed September 2026 · Historical reference, not a current-inventory guarantee.
1996 overview
The menu count expanded from 12 to 16, a major step toward the broader variety modern MRE cases are known for.
The MRE lineup expanded to 16 menus in 1996, adding more variety and helping set up the later 24-menu system.
Below, every numbered entrée is listed in its published menu position so researchers, collectors and shoppers can compare this year directly with earlier and later MRE generations.
Why this archive exists
MRE names, sides, snacks and accessories have changed repeatedly. This page separates the published entrée lineup from the supporting components, because component substitutions and assembler changeovers can vary even within the same production era.
DLA notes that menu changeover dates are not always exact because assemblers may delay a revision or use approved substitutions.
Year-over-year comparison
Compared with the published 1995 entrée list. A changed label can represent a new entrée, a reformulation, or a revised published name.
Pork w/ Rice
Chicken Parmesan
Grilled Chicken
Escalloped Potatoes w/ Ham
Inside the meal bag
The entrée name is only part of an MRE. A complete meal bag paired the main dish with menu-specific sides, breads or crackers, spreads, snacks or desserts, beverages, condiments, utensils and an accessory packet.
Component pairings can vary by menu number, assembler, approved substitution and changeover timing. The menu list above identifies the published main entrée lineup; it should not be used to authenticate a sealed vintage pouch or promise a particular side item.
Flameless ration heater
This year falls in the flameless-ration-heater era. DLA states the heater has been packed into MRE meal bags since mid-1992; historical sheets and approved substitutions can still show menu-specific differences.
Quick answers
There were 16 numbered MRE entrée choices in the 1996 lineup, identified as MRE XVI.
The MRE lineup expanded to 16 menus in 1996, adding more variety and helping set up the later 24-menu system.
This year falls in the flameless-ration-heater era. DLA states the heater has been packed into MRE meal bags since mid-1992; historical sheets and approved substitutions can still show menu-specific differences.
No. The numbered entrée is the best anchor for the menu identity, but approved substitutions and production changeovers can affect sides, snacks, beverages and accessories. DLA specifically warns that revision dates and substitutions are not always exact.
This archive is informational. Current products are sold according to the inspection date, menu, case or supply option stated on the live product page; this historical guide does not guarantee vintage 1996 inventory.
Research sources
National MRE Supply compiled this historical reference from Defense Logistics Agency operational-ration records and MREInfo's historical menu archive. For modern menu revisions, DLA is the primary source. For early MRE generations, MREInfo's archive cites menu information assembled from Natick records and historical ration research.
Current inventory
The 1996 menu list above is historical research. These are current products available from National MRE Supply.
Singles, packs, cases and pallets
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Select your individual entrée
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12 cold-weather meals · water required
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10 daily ration packs · 20 entrées
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