Frequently Asked Questions About SurePak-12 Meals

Who is SOPAKCO?

SOPAKCO, Inc., is a world leader in the design, processing, and packaging of processed foods using traditional and emerging packaging technologies. The South Carolina-based company has been the largest supplier of Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs) to the U.S. military for more than 30 years and is a preferred partner to many major international food companies. Learn More.

What are SurePak Meals

Sure-Pak Meals are fully prepared shelf-stable foods that are storable for up to five years based on storage conditions. These convenient, ready-to-eat meals come in delicious favorites like spaghetti with meat sauce, meatloaf and grilled chicken. No refrigeration is necessary and self-heating options are available.

How are SurePak Meals used?

Sure-Pak Meals were originally developed for use by the military for times when formal meal preparation was not possible. The meals are fully cooked, nutritious, lightweight, and simple to store. This has made them popular for emergency preparedness meals as well as on-the-go meals for hikers, campers, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

How are SurePak Meals different from military Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs)?

Military MREs contain an average of 1,250 calories per meal. Sure-Pak Meals contain 900 to 1,250 calories per meal. Military MREs contain extra items not included in Sure-Pak Meals such as gum, candy, toilet paper, and hot sauce.

What are self-heating options?

Sure-Pak Meals can be eaten cold or hot. If a hot meal is preferred, there are several heating options. Pouches can be placed in direct sunlight or on a heated surface. The pouches also can be placed in boiling water. A flameless, self-heating option is available, but is not recommend for the young or elderly as it does pose a risk of injury due to high heat. Click here for more information.

How many meals come in one case of SurePak?

There are 12 individual meals in each case of Sure-Pak.

How many calories does each SurePak Meal contain?

Sure-Pak Meals contain between 900 to 1,250 calories per meal, depending on the entrée and individual components. A minimum of two meals per person per day is recommended for a 72-hour period.

How long will SurePak Meals last?

Sure-Pak Meals can be stored for up to five years based on storage temperature. This is known as “shelf life.” Shelf life may be extended if stored in a cool temperature. Heat may shorten shelf life. Freezing is not recommended as it may damage the seal on the pouches used to package the entrees and side dishes, causing them to spoil. Temperature Shelf Life*

70° Fahrenheit 5.5 years
80° Fahrenheit 4 years
90° Fahrenheit 2.5 years
100° Fahrenheit 1.5 years

* Based on NATICK’s study of Meals Ready-to-Eat, which uses packaging and production technologies like that of Sure-Pak 12. This information is provided as a general indication of the effects of storage temperature on Sure-Pak Meals and is not a guarantee of the actual shelf life.

How do I find the expiration date on my SurePak Meal?

Because the shelf life varies based on storage temperature, Sure-Pak Meals do not have an expiration date. There is, however, a pack date on the bottom of the case in the form of a four-digit number such as “5123”; the “5” represents the year “2005”; the “123” represents the actual day of that year or Julian date; this case was packed on the 123rd day of 2005.

What are the weights and dimensions of the SurePak-12 Meals case?

A: Each individual case is 16.75”L x 9.25”W x 11”H. A case of Sure-Pak 12 Meals without heaters weighs 19 pounds. A case of Sure-Pak 12 with heaters weighs 20 pounds. A pallet is 44”L x 52”W x 43”H and is stackable. One pallet of Sure-Pak 12 Meals without heaters 962 pounds. One pallet of Sure-Pak 12 Meals with heaters 1,010 pounds. *Weights are approximate and may vary.

How many cases come in a pallet?

There are 48 cases per pallet.

How do I order SurePak Meals?

Sure-Pak 12 meals can be ordered in bulk or by the case. To place an order, click here.

Do you ship overseas?

Yes, we ship to some countries outside of the U.S. Please reference the Agricultural/Customs Department of the country you wish to ship to for more information on importing food from the U.S. If you are interested in making an international purchase, please contact us.

How long will it take to receive my order of SurePak Meals?

Most orders are shipped within 72 hours, however, delays may occur due to circumstances beyond SOPACKO’s control. Orders of 24 cases or more are shipped via freight carrier. Orders less than 24 cases are typically shipped via UPS ground.

Do you offer overnight shipping?

Yes, overnight shipping is available at the expense of the customer.

Can individual meals be purchased?

No. Individual meals cannot be purchased. The minimum order is a case of 12 meals.