“As the US military continues to seek ways to best support the overall health and diverse needs of its loyal service members, we’re calling on lawmakers to require all branches of the military to provide plant-based MRE options.”

The majority of US military members want vegan Meals, Ready to Eat (MRE), according to a new survey.

Animal-rights group Mercy for Animals (MFA) recently polled 226 service members from across both rank and military branches of the US army.

The organization commissioned survey platform Qualtrics to conduct the survey and the respondents were sourced from Cint, a digital insights company.

According to the findings, a whopping 81% believe the military should provide more plant-based options. 69 % said there needed to be plant-based MREs.

More than 50% of those polled also said that they would choose plant-based MREs over animal-based ones if given the option.

Of the 226 surveyed, 58.4% said they were omnivores; 23.5% called themselves omnivores who are trying to reduce consumption of one or more animal products; 5.3 % were flexitarian and 7.5% were vegetarian. Only 3.5 % identified as vegan and 1.8 % as pescatarian.

Other findings

The survey also found that 70% of participants would choose climate-friendly food options if they are available. In fact, 81% said they wanted more climate-friendly MRE options.

Respondents also answered questions on whether they found plant-based foods healthier and more sustainable that their animal-based counterparts.  

52% indicated that plant-based foods are healthier whereas 51% agreed that plant-based foods raise energy levels better than animal-based foods.

Meanwhile around 63% said that plant-based options are more sustainable than animal-based.

Call to provide plant-based MRE options

In a statement, Dr. Courtney Dillard, MFA’s social change researcher and the study’s lead researcher, said: “Our research suggests service members are aware of the nutritional and environmental impact of their food choices.

“As the US military continues to seek ways to best support the overall health and diverse needs of its loyal service members, we’re calling on lawmakers to require all branches of the military to provide plant-based MRE options.”

Although MREs are an important resource for service members, currently only 17% are vegetarian, and no vegan MREs are available.

Mercy For Animals is urging members of the public to call on authorities to support the creation of plant-based options for MREs through this yearʹs National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) process.

 You can register your support here.

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Mohsina Dodhiya

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