Why dry soups and borscht are more convenient than canned food

The weight of food is critically important for a soldier in field conditions. He carries all his gear on himself, and every extra kilogram worsens mobility. That's precisely why canned food in tin cans can't be considered an ideal ration in combat conditions.

Preparation speed is another important factor. Dry food for military personnel doesn't require difficult opening with a knife, so in this regard too it's more convenient than canned goods. Moreover, this format makes it possible to add hot meals to the ration, which are necessary for normal digestion.

Canned food in field conditions: pros and cons

Canned food is an indispensable component of the field ration. It comes in meat and fish varieties and is suitable for long-term storage. This type of food doesn't require a refrigerator. Sturdy metal cans protect the contents from moisture, dirt, and insects. After opening, the dish is ready to eat.

Canned food saves time and fuel in field conditions, since it doesn't need to be cooked or heated. Thanks to a high protein and fat content, it quickly replenishes energy reserves. But it can't be considered ideal for the military ration due to the following drawbacks:

• weight and volume. Metal cans are quite heavy and take up a lot of space. Empty containers need to be disposed of, which adds inconvenience at positions;

• excess spices and salt. Regularly eating only canned food increases the strain on the kidneys. Thirst often follows after eating canned goods;

• loss of vitamins. With the prolonged heat treatment used for canning, a large share of nutrients and beneficial substances is lost.

In addition, such food can't be considered completely safe. Rusty, bulging, or damaged cans aren't suitable for consumption. If such defects are present, the risk of botulism increases.

Dry soups and borscht: what's the advantage

These are dishes made through freeze-drying, that is, removing moisture after cooking. In this format, they turn into mixes that are packed into retort pouches. The weight of one usually doesn't exceed 100–200 grams, which matters for heavy gear.

Lightness and compactness aren't the only advantages of freeze-dried meals. Dry soups for military personnel open easily without a knife. To prepare, it's enough to pour boiling water over the mix. This can be done right in the retort pouch, which saves on dishware.

High-quality freeze-drying preserves up to 95% of nutrients, vitamins, and the natural taste of the ingredients. That's precisely why this is nutritious and beneficial food that helps you recover. Dry dishes are packaged in lightweight, compact zip-lock pouches. After use, they're easy to burn or bury, leaving no trace.

Here's an example of dishes from the ЇDLO brand's range:

A hot first course without a field kitchen

Such dishes are essential for military personnel, as they help quickly restore energy, support normal digestion, and protect against hypothermia. It's entirely possible to prepare a hot meal even without a field kitchen.

Dry borscht for military personnel is something that helps form a complete ration even at the front. The retort pouch doesn't add weight to the gear. To prepare borscht or soup, it's enough to pour boiling water over the mix and wait 10 minutes. No additional bowl or plate is needed.

What's better for military personnel to take: dry meals or canned food

At the front, these two options can be combined. However, during long-distance movements and whenever mobility and saving space matter, it's better to choose freeze-dried meals. They:

• are very lightweight and take up almost no space in a backpack;

• are especially convenient during deployments to positions, reconnaissance, or active assault operations;

• provide a quick energy boost.

«Canned food is more convenient for stationary positions, shelters, and dugouts, where there's an opportunity to store supplies».

How to choose a dry soup or borscht

Give preference to dishes based on vegetables, natural meat, and nutritious grains. Preparation time should be as short as possible — no more than 10–15 minutes. Choose portioned, sealed retort pouches so you can prepare food right in them without extra dishware.

First courses from the ЇDLO brand offer the opportunity to create a varied ration. Here you can choose soup, borscht, or cream soup, either with meat or vegetarian. All dry dishes consist of vegetables and/or meat, contain aromatic seasonings, and are excellent for a nutritious lunch.

Looking for high-quality and tasty freeze-dried meals? Check out the ЇDLO brand catalog. Here you'll find not only soups and borscht, but also pasta, potatoes, porridges, as well as energy bars for snacking, drinks, and much more.