U.S. Military to Roll Out Plant-Based MREs in 2027—Troops Brace for Bland Meals
An Army soldier hands a meal, ready-to-eat to a Navy sailor outside of Fort Cavazos, Texas, June 8, 2025, during the initial phase of the Joint Emergency Medicine Exercise 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Julio Hernandez)
The Department of Defense has announced that U.S. troops will soon have access to plant-based Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs), a move welcomed by animal rights groups and advocates of sustainable food.
According to Mercy For Animals, a nonprofit that has long lobbied for the change, the shift represents a “monumental” policy update following years of advocacy by lawmakers and activists. Beginning in 2027, four of the 24 current MRE options will be replaced with fully plant-based meals.
The organization estimates that this change could result in more than 6.5 million plant-based MREs being distributed annually to service members. The U.S. Army confirmed the updates in a September 22, 2025, report.
Julie Edwards, senior food technologist at the Army’s Combat Feeding Division, provided details about the upcoming MRE 47, which is set to debut in 2027:
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Fully plant-based entrees will replace the current vegetarian MREs
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Snacks such as plant-based “animal crackers,” protein bars, recovery bars, and fruit-flavored cereal will be included
Mercy For Animals called the update a cultural milestone, noting that it demonstrates “compassionate choices integrated into one of the world’s largest institutions.”
What Are MREs?
MREs are prepackaged meals designed for service members in combat or other situations where traditional cooking is not possible. Each package includes an entrée, side dish, snacks, beverage powder, utensils, and accessories like matches. Because these meals often serve as the only source of nutrition in the field, they are carefully designed to be as nourishing as possible.
Growing Demand for Plant-Based Options
While MREs have been essential for military operations, plant-based options have not historically been available. Mercy For Animals conducted a 2022 survey of 226 active-duty service members, finding that 81% believed the military should offer more plant-based options, and 69% supported the introduction of plant-based MREs. More than half of those surveyed indicated they would choose plant-based meals if available.
Advocacy and Policy Changes
Mercy For Animals worked with more than 25 volunteers connected to the military—including recruits, active-duty members, and veterans—to influence Congress and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Legislation introduced by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act required the DLA to study demand for plant-based MREs and submit a plan to provide them. While the report was delayed, the advocacy helped drive ongoing policy discussions within the Department of Defense.
The Pentagon Announcement
On September 22, 2025, the Pentagon confirmed that work on MRE 47 is underway. Edwards explained that new plant-based items, including snacks and entrees, are being developed based on service member requests. The four vegetarian MREs currently available will be replaced entirely with plant-based options.
Officials and advocacy groups say the change could reduce reliance on animal products in the military while offering more compassionate food choices to service members.
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