Looking for gluten free MREs

Started by rpayne88, January 25, 2016, 05:29:56 AM

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rpayne88

I have Celiac disease.  As a result, I CAN NOT tolerate ANY gluten whatsoever.  Gluten is a naturally occuring protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats.  For several years now, I've been using lurabars in my 24 hour pack and Honeynut Chex cereal (which is certified gluten free) in my 72 hour pack.  There are two issues with this setup:
1. Although I'd be fine for a few days, I would undoubtably end up with nutritional deficiencies living off cereal (such as lack of sufficient protein,) and
2. I would really prefer a hot meal during multi-day missions.

I would like to know if anyone knows of anyone who makes gluten free MREs and sells them to the general public.  I'd need more than the 5 meals suggested in the task guide as I would likely not be able to eat any food provided by CAP.

I know I could use gluten free soups, but I have three issues with this as well:
1. Soup gets boring after a few days, and
2. I would need a stove, and by extension, somewhere to store the propane tanks at home, which I don't have (evidently, propane tanks should not be stored indoors due to a fire hazard, yet they should not be stored above 100F.  Temperatures in central MD can get above 100F.  Plus if I left them outdoors, I'd be liable to leave them behind when I get the call at 0300.)
3. Cans are heavy and bulky

In summary, I'm looking for something that can be heated with an FRH that is light weight  nutritious, has a long shelf life, and, most importantly, is gluten free.

Thanks

LSThiker

The military has not exactly made leaps and bounds in their field food choices.  Nevertheless, backpackers and other outdoor type people have been "leading" this change:

Backpackers Pantry is a decent meal choice and they have gluten-free items.  The downside is you need to carry extra water.  Unlike military "MREs", these meals are dehydrated.
http://www.backpackerspantry.com/products/gluten-free.html

*This is usually what I carry on short to medium length hikes for dinner so I am partial to BP Pantry. 


Plus there are numerous other sites out there that dedicate to this very topic.  Go to google and type in "gluten free backpacker food" and you will find great resources:

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=gluten+free+backpacking+food 

LSThiker

I missed the part about heating water.  Apparently, not reading well last night. 

A stove does not require propane.  In fact, most field stoves never use propane.  There are a few options depending on where a person lives, the water conditions, and fire hazard conditions. 

When backpacking, I carry either a canister gas stove or an alcohol stove depending on where and what time.  Some places ban alcohol stoves, but still allow canister gas stoves during partial fire bans. 

There a billion websites dedicated to this very topic.  Nevertheless, REI has a good 10,000 ft overview:
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-stove.html

Al Sayre

You can also find stoves that use trioxane tabs and other non-propane/liquid fuels.
Wardens has some here:  http://wardenssupplyco.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=143_149
Lt Col Al Sayre
MS Wing Staff Dude
Admiral, Great Navy of the State of Nebraska
GRW #2787

Garibaldi

Quote from: Al Sayre on January 25, 2016, 05:14:21 PM
You can also find stoves that use trioxane tabs and other non-propane/liquid fuels.
Wardens has some here:  http://wardenssupplyco.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=143_149

Or just use trioxane tabs, if you can still find them.
Still a major after all these years.
ES dude, leadership ossifer, publik affaires
Opinionated and wrong 99% of the time about all things

coudano

I've not seen an actual mre that was gf, and even if you compiled one that didn't have any apparent gluten ingredients, I would be very unlikely to trust it, also unlikely to trust that it isn't cross contaminated.  If you find a source though, please share.  I know people who would be very interested.

On water...   remember, if you are carrying a wet pack mre, you are carrying water there too, it is just already in the package...  whether you carry it inside the package or outside (in your hydro pack) you carry it either way...

I don't really see why you couldn't use the heater from any mre to heat your non mre foods...  spit in a mouthful of water, prop against a rock or something, wait a few minutes and enjoy...

You might get into trouble with melting a thin plastic like zip lock bag...  but if you use something like foil I think you would be fine.

   see if you can collect some from friends who just don't use theirs next time you are at a mre eating event...   you could probably pile up a half dozen pretty quick if you wanted to.  Those things usually just go in the trash otherwise...

LSThiker

Quote from: Garibaldi on January 25, 2016, 05:47:34 PM
Quote from: Al Sayre on January 25, 2016, 05:14:21 PM
You can also find stoves that use trioxane tabs and other non-propane/liquid fuels.
Wardens has some here:  http://wardenssupplyco.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=143_149

Or just use trioxane tabs, if you can still find them.

In my opinion, I think the Esbit (Hexamine) works better than trioxane.  Same concept though.  Although trioxane will evaporate as oppose to the hexamine. 

LSThiker

Quote from: coudano on January 25, 2016, 06:14:03 PM
You might get into trouble with melting a thin plastic like zip lock bag...  but if you use something like foil I think you would be fine.

It should not, but it is always best to try before.  I would use the freezer brand bags though.  You can pour hot water into ziplock bags and it won't melt the bag.  In fact, I do not really carry a pot.  I boil the water, let cool for a minute or two, then pour into a ziplock bag, which contains my food.  The bag does not melt simply because the water cools by waiting and by contact with the food.

That being said, an MRE heater is a bit different.  So best to experiment at home.

A.Member

#8
It's not a matter of the military "making leaps and bounds in food offerings".  Celiac Disease is a disqualifier for military service, so there is no attempt to make/accommodate gluten free MREs/TOTMs.  As others pointed out, there are numerous civilian retail options, check REI and other outdoor specialists.

That said, we're still recommending 5 days worth of MREs in a pack?  That's silly.  Frankly, the entire 72 hour pack thing needs to be revisited.  In my ~15 years as a member, with exception of some specifically designed activities, I've never once seen an occasion, exercise or real, that required anything more than a 24 hour pack.  No one is spending the night in the woods (unless they really want to), so carrying around a bunch of extra crap isn't needed.
"For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return."

coudano

Quote from: A.Member on January 25, 2016, 07:10:36 PMCeliac Disease is a disqualifier for military service


Is it?

Do you have source?

Pace

Quote from: A.Member on January 25, 2016, 07:10:36 PM
That said, we're still recommending 5 days worth of MREs in a pack?  That's silly.  Frankly, the entire 72 hour pack thing needs to be revisited.  In my ~15 years as a member, with exception of some specifically designed activities, I've never once seen an occasion, exercise or real, that required anything more than a 24 hour pack.  No one is spending the night in the woods (unless they really want to), so carrying around a bunch of extra crap isn't needed.

:clap:
I knew I wasn't the only one thinking this!
Lt Col, CAP

LSThiker

Quote from: coudano on January 25, 2016, 07:25:50 PM
Quote from: A.Member on January 25, 2016, 07:10:36 PMCeliac Disease is a disqualifier for military service


Is it?

Do you have source?

It is a disqualifier for initial entry.  However, as with most other chronic diseases, if diagnosed after entry, then it is up to a MEDBOARD to decide.  If they feel you can be easily managed, they may make you a non-deployable Soldier.  However, chances are they will recommend separation. 

LSThiker

Quote from: A.Member on January 25, 2016, 07:10:36 PM
That said, we're still recommending 5 days worth of MREs in a pack?  That's silly.  Frankly, the entire 72 hour pack thing needs to be revisited.  In my ~15 years as a member, with exception of some specifically designed activities, I've never once seen an occasion, exercise or real, that required anything more than a 24 hour pack.  No one is spending the night in the woods (unless they really want to), so carrying around a bunch of extra crap isn't needed.

Agreed.  Nevertheless, I wanted to at least answer the main question, rather than going on a tangent. 

THRAWN

Strup-"Belligerent....at times...."
AFRCC SMC 10-97
NSS ISC 05-00
USAF SOS 2000
USAF ACSC 2011
US NWC 2016
USMC CSCDEP 2023

Holding Pattern

Quote from: rpayne88 on January 25, 2016, 05:29:56 AM

1. Although I'd be fine for a few days, I would undoubtably end up with nutritional deficiencies living off cereal (such as lack of sufficient protein,) and


On point 1, I'd suggest packing a vitamin supplement in your 72 hour pack, and see about acquiring GF protein bars for protein. Luna bars, if memory serves, are gluten free and would supplement your protein (and some of them dare I say it actually taste good,) but you'll want to of course doublecheck that any ones you buy are confirmed gluten free.

THRAWN

Quote from: Starfleet Auxiliary on January 25, 2016, 07:50:42 PM
Quote from: rpayne88 on January 25, 2016, 05:29:56 AM

1. Although I'd be fine for a few days, I would undoubtably end up with nutritional deficiencies living off cereal (such as lack of sufficient protein,) and


On point 1, I'd suggest packing a vitamin supplement in your 72 hour pack, and see about acquiring GF protein bars for protein. Luna bars, if memory serves, are gluten free and would supplement your protein (and some of them dare I say it actually taste good,) but you'll want to of course doublecheck that any ones you buy are confirmed gluten free.

He's packing Luna Bars. He's looking for alternatives.
Strup-"Belligerent....at times...."
AFRCC SMC 10-97
NSS ISC 05-00
USAF SOS 2000
USAF ACSC 2011
US NWC 2016
USMC CSCDEP 2023

NC Hokie

Quote from: coudano on January 25, 2016, 07:25:50 PM
Quote from: A.Member on January 25, 2016, 07:10:36 PMCeliac Disease is a disqualifier for military service

Is it?

Do you have source?

My daughter made it as far as MEPS and was disqualified at that point for celiac disease. The Air Force recruiter had no interest in submitting a waiver request and she had no interest in pursuing any other services.
NC Hokie, Lt Col, CAP

Graduated Squadron Commander
All Around Good Guy

Holding Pattern

Quote from: THRAWN on January 25, 2016, 07:52:42 PM
Quote from: Starfleet Auxiliary on January 25, 2016, 07:50:42 PM
Quote from: rpayne88 on January 25, 2016, 05:29:56 AM

1. Although I'd be fine for a few days, I would undoubtably end up with nutritional deficiencies living off cereal (such as lack of sufficient protein,) and


On point 1, I'd suggest packing a vitamin supplement in your 72 hour pack, and see about acquiring GF protein bars for protein. Luna bars, if memory serves, are gluten free and would supplement your protein (and some of them dare I say it actually taste good,) but you'll want to of course doublecheck that any ones you buy are confirmed gluten free.

He's packing Luna Bars. He's looking for alternatives.

I assumed his typo was for the more common larabar since it was one word vs the luna bar which is 2 words.

sardak

DoD Instruction 6130.03 Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services
Establishes medical standards, which, if not met, are grounds for rejection for military service. Other standards may be prescribed for a mobilization for a national emergency.

Section 13(c)(3) - Current or history of intestinal malabsorption syndromes (579.9), including but not limited to celiac sprue,...

Mike

THRAWN

Quote from: Starfleet Auxiliary on January 25, 2016, 08:13:45 PM
Quote from: THRAWN on January 25, 2016, 07:52:42 PM
Quote from: Starfleet Auxiliary on January 25, 2016, 07:50:42 PM
Quote from: rpayne88 on January 25, 2016, 05:29:56 AM

1. Although I'd be fine for a few days, I would undoubtably end up with nutritional deficiencies living off cereal (such as lack of sufficient protein,) and


On point 1, I'd suggest packing a vitamin supplement in your 72 hour pack, and see about acquiring GF protein bars for protein. Luna bars, if memory serves, are gluten free and would supplement your protein (and some of them dare I say it actually taste good,) but you'll want to of course doublecheck that any ones you buy are confirmed gluten free.

He's packing Luna Bars. He's looking for alternatives.

I assumed his typo was for the more common larabar since it was one word vs the luna bar which is 2 words.

I went the other way...either way, you gave some solid advice.
Strup-"Belligerent....at times...."
AFRCC SMC 10-97
NSS ISC 05-00
USAF SOS 2000
USAF ACSC 2011
US NWC 2016
USMC CSCDEP 2023

THRAWN

Quote from: sardak on January 25, 2016, 08:15:26 PM
DoD Instruction 6130.03 Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services
Establishes medical standards, which, if not met, are grounds for rejection for military service. Other standards may be prescribed for a mobilization for a national emergency.

Section 13(c)(3) - Current or history of intestinal malabsorption syndromes (579.9), including but not limited to celiac sprue,...

Mike

Teacher's pet...
Strup-"Belligerent....at times...."
AFRCC SMC 10-97
NSS ISC 05-00
USAF SOS 2000
USAF ACSC 2011
US NWC 2016
USMC CSCDEP 2023

Garibaldi

Quote from: sardak on January 25, 2016, 08:15:26 PM
DoD Instruction 6130.03 Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services
Establishes medical standards, which, if not met, are grounds for rejection for military service. Other standards may be prescribed for a mobilization for a national emergency.

Section 13(c)(3) - Current or history of intestinal malabsorption syndromes (579.9), including but not limited to celiac sprue,...

Mike

Wow, I should have been disqual'ed myself. I can see how they wouldn't want to mess around with that for a variety of reasons, from not being able to get off the pot, change in dietary requirements, constantly running to the latrine...disrupting training. Plus, imagine being out in the woods on ambush, when all of a sudden...

I'm not trying to make light of these diseases. I have something that they can't diagnose that fits all the symptoms of Crohn's, celiac disease, IBS, and so on.
Still a major after all these years.
ES dude, leadership ossifer, publik affaires
Opinionated and wrong 99% of the time about all things

THRAWN

Quote from: Garibaldi on January 25, 2016, 09:19:31 PM
Quote from: sardak on January 25, 2016, 08:15:26 PM
DoD Instruction 6130.03 Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services
Establishes medical standards, which, if not met, are grounds for rejection for military service. Other standards may be prescribed for a mobilization for a national emergency.

Section 13(c)(3) - Current or history of intestinal malabsorption syndromes (579.9), including but not limited to celiac sprue,...

Mike

Wow, I should have been disqual'ed myself. I can see how they wouldn't want to mess around with that for a variety of reasons, from not being able to get off the pot, change in dietary requirements, constantly running to the latrine...disrupting training. Plus, imagine being out in the woods on ambush, when all of a sudden...

I'm not trying to make light of these diseases. I have something that they can't diagnose that fits all the symptoms of Crohn's, celiac disease, IBS, and so on.

I pinged my brother on this. He was a used car salesman...er....recruiter not too long ago, and apparently, in the Navy, the logic is just that. Special diets, inability to consistently perform basic duty, nondeployable. If you have it when you try to enlist, it's a PDQ. If it develops while you're in, you most likely are looking at a med discharge. Hopefully, some of those folks would consider CAP or the CGAUX or the SDFs so they can serve.
Strup-"Belligerent....at times...."
AFRCC SMC 10-97
NSS ISC 05-00
USAF SOS 2000
USAF ACSC 2011
US NWC 2016
USMC CSCDEP 2023

A.Member

#23
Quote from: Garibaldi on January 25, 2016, 09:19:31 PM
Quote from: sardak on January 25, 2016, 08:15:26 PM
DoD Instruction 6130.03 Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services
Establishes medical standards, which, if not met, are grounds for rejection for military service. Other standards may be prescribed for a mobilization for a national emergency.

Section 13(c)(3) - Current or history of intestinal malabsorption syndromes (579.9), including but not limited to celiac sprue,...

Mike

Wow, I should have been disqual'ed myself. I can see how they wouldn't want to mess around with that for a variety of reasons, from not being able to get off the pot, change in dietary requirements, constantly running to the latrine...disrupting training. Plus, imagine being out in the woods on ambush, when all of a sudden...

I'm not trying to make light of these diseases. I have something that they can't diagnose that fits all the symptoms of Crohn's, celiac disease, IBS, and so on.
Celiac Disease is an auto-immune disease, so it's impact is much greater than a simply having something you ate disagree with you.  Consuming gluten results in damage to the small intestine and nutrients cannot be absorbed.  This can ultimately lead to a number of other serious longer term complications.  Since there is no cure, the only option is to control via diet.

So, moreso than just running to the latrine, consider going through weeks of Basic and other training scenarios without proper nutrition and calorie intake along with long term medical implications.  Not good. 
"For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return."

coudano

Well that's the reason I asked because...

A) The actual diagnostic /criteria/ for celiac are pretty stringent.  A lot of people are walking around (rightly) calling themselves celiac who have not, for example, had an intestine biopsy.

B) A good number of people who are disposed to celiac don't necessarily become symptomatic until later in life for whatever reason.

C) A lot of people are walking around, feeling generally like crud, but have no idea why.  They are celiac, but have never been diagnosed with it, or have been misdiagnosed with something else instead.

D) Not all celiacs symptoms include the intestinal distress commonly associated.  For example, some people get skin rashes instead.  They are still malabsorbing but not necessarily having gut wrenching ab pain, mopp level 4 gas, or explosive diarrhea.

E) I personally know more than a couple of people in military service who have come to be in the military under one of the above auspices, and get by just fine by managing their own diets (to an average passer by, they just look like a picky eater).  Including basic/field training, and deployments.  If you aren't /diagnosed/ or don't report symptoms at inprocessing (even if you have them)(or don't understand that you are symptomatic)(or don't understand the vocabulary to explain your symptoms) ; or if you are not symptomatic at the time you enter the military...   then the gate is open.  That's a pretty wide gate, yeah?   Even if you become symptomatic after you have served for six years...  see above, all the reasons why you might never be diagnosed and restricted or removed from the military after the fact.



I can sympathize that it might be difficult to provide gluten free options to military members in some (pretty limited) situations.  And by pretty limited, i'm considering things like SOF or LRP, submarines, and probably people stationed at a FOB.  However, anyone at a main large base, large ship, or any number of the thousands of people that do their jobs worldwide without ever leaving the states (i.e. any flavor of administrative types, RPA operators, cyber, space) there is no real sense, in my opinion, from restricting people from the military in those roles.   A celiac should even be able to eat gluten free in basic training, by picking from the available foods, although there is of course a risk of cross contamination.  I have seen the military bend of backwards for religious accommodations with regards to food, it doesn't seem like that big of a deal to fix, to me.

Celiacs in particular, who maintain a gluten free diet, are just as healthy and strong and intestinally stable (not to mention smart, agile, etc) as their gluten eating counterparts.  Infact, celiacs might have a chance of being generally healthier, since a lot of convenience/junk foods that are terrible for people are off limits to celiacs.


A.Member

#25
Quote from: coudano on January 25, 2016, 09:43:54 PM
whole post
Don't disagree but I also don't make the rules.

Also, not reporting Celiac during MEPS is asking for a world of hate to come down on you later.
"For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return."

Garibaldi

Quote from: A.Member on January 25, 2016, 09:52:00 PM
Quote from: coudano on January 25, 2016, 09:43:54 PM
whole post
Don't disagree but I also don't make the rules.

Also, not reporting Celiac during MEPS is asking for a world of hate to come down on you later.

Not self-reporting anything that is a detriment to completing your contract is asking for a world of hurt. Traffic tickets, that time you experimented with a mind-altering substance at your high school graduation a week ago, etc.
Still a major after all these years.
ES dude, leadership ossifer, publik affaires
Opinionated and wrong 99% of the time about all things

coudano

I'm not suggesting that you don't report a known, documented, and diagnosed medical condition at MEPS.

However, there is often a pretty far leap between "i believe that I feel less cruddy when i don't eat bread, and I read the word gluten in an internet site one time" and full up /diagnosed/ celiac disease.


rpayne88

Quote from: coudano on January 25, 2016, 07:25:50 PM
Quote from: A.Member on January 25, 2016, 07:10:36 PMCeliac Disease is a disqualifier for military service


Is it?

Do you have source?

Yes, I tried to join the Air Force and got DQ'ed.

rpayne88

Quote from: Garibaldi on January 25, 2016, 09:19:31 PM
Quote from: sardak on January 25, 2016, 08:15:26 PM
DoD Instruction 6130.03 Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services
Establishes medical standards, which, if not met, are grounds for rejection for military service. Other standards may be prescribed for a mobilization for a national emergency.

Section 13(c)(3) - Current or history of intestinal malabsorption syndromes (579.9), including but not limited to celiac sprue,...

Mike

Wow, I should have been disqual'ed myself. I can see how they wouldn't want to mess around with that for a variety of reasons, from not being able to get off the pot, change in dietary requirements, constantly running to the latrine...disrupting training. Plus, imagine being out in the woods on ambush, when all of a sudden...

I'm not trying to make light of these diseases. I have something that they can't diagnose that fits all the symptoms of Crohn's, celiac disease, IBS, and so on.

Did they take biopsies yet?  That is the ONLY definitive way to diagnose Celiac.