Written Review: US Halal Menu 10 - Beef Stew
Hi folks!
Here, we continue our exploration of the modern US Military Halal rations. Today is menu 10, beef stew.
This is a 2025 production with an inspection date of 2027. These have a 2 year date instead of 3 like modern standard MREs.
Pics 1-4 show packaging and contents. As we've seen with previous menus, gone are the flimsy packaging, instead opting for packaging more in alignment with modern standard MREs. We still see some significant differences, such as the accessory kits. We also see, again, items that are similar to what is in modern standard MREs but different (e.g., the oatmeal cookie in modern MREs vs. the Oatmeal Round in these Halal).
Not shown is the beverage base. Again, it contains maltodextrin, which I am not against. It simply makes the calories too high to be worth consuming from my perspective. It shall be given away at some point.
Pic 5 shows the oatmeal round. A familiar item for sure, but noticeably different from the oatmeal cookies in MREs. These are more sense with a firmer bite, but still maintain that familiar flavor profile that we all know and love from an oatmeal cookie. A wonderful item for sure.
Pic 6 is the beef stew. Again, this item has the familiar flavor of the modern MRE beef stew, but yet, it is noticeably different. The main difference here is the beef. The beef in the Halal is much less processed and has a more natural bite and feel, making it seem more wholesome and hearty. I dare to say, however, that in terms of overall flavor, it may be a bit more bland than standard MRE beef stew. Regardless, it was a great meal that I did not doctor in any way (no salt, no pepper, no chili flakes, nothing).
Pic 7 is the blueberry turnover, well heated in my toaster oven, which really turned that filling into a magnificent blueberry napalm. A truly different experience eating that with hot filling vs. cold. Bright blueberry flavor with a wonderful texture.
Pic 8 is the trail mix that includes actual M&Ms. Yes, they are listed in the ingredients. This mix has walnut halves in it! It's just fantastic! The only downside is that it is not salted. Crunchy and delicious.
We have seen these modern Halal menus deliver effectively and consistently, and this menu is no different. We have 2 menus left in this case, and one is one of the only true remaining breakfast menus left in modern MREs since the maple sausages demise this year (2026) from the MRE lineup. That menu is cherry rolled oats with added almond flavoring! Stay tuned for a review on that one soon!
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https://youtube.com/@waffelseatsrations?si=tSX-ZKBHOTnXLmS\_
Take care!