In a significant shift in military food provisions, the US military will replace four vegetarian MRE options with fully vegan alternatives starting in 2027. This change follows years of advocacy by Mercy For Animals, a nonprofit organization focused on animal welfare. The move comes after a survey showed strong support among military personnel for more plant-based options in their rations, with many expressing interest in vegan meals due to health and sustainability concerns.

The introduction of vegan MREs is seen as a win for animal welfare, as it could reduce the reliance on animal-based ingredients and offer more humane meal options for service members. By phasing out vegetarian options in favor of entirely vegan meals, the military aims to provide more inclusive meal choices for personnel with dietary preferences or restrictions. The transition is expected to be completed by 2027, with ongoing testing and development of plant-based MREs in progress to ensure that the new options meet nutritional needs in challenging environments.