The US Army has announced plans to replace all vegetarian MREs with plant-based options by 2027, in response to feedback from service personnel. This marks the first time plant-based options will be included on the menu, with four out of 24 MREs being vegan-friendly. The update aims to provide soldiers with nutritious, ethical, and animal-friendly food choices.

The US Army regularly updates military rations based on popularity, weight, and nutritional benefits. The introduction of plant-based MREs follows advocacy by Mercy For Animals, with a survey showing a majority of active-duty service members believe plant-based options should be available. This move towards plant-based options aligns with a growing trend of increased interest in vegan and plant-based diets among military personnel.

While the number of vegans in the military has not been officially quantified, there is a belief among those serving that there is a growing number of plant-based personnel. The UK's Royal Air Force recently won the right to wear vegan uniforms, highlighting a shift towards accommodating plant-based lifestyles within military settings.