2021 Ukrainian 24 Hour Field Ration Review Pork Tushonka & Kasha MRE Meal Ready to Eat Tasting Test 

I am from Ukraine and I can tell you a little about the history of the creation of the diet. The soldiers were asked: what do you want to be there? They answered the food as our mothers cook at home, so that we feel the warmth of home and know what we are fighting for. And this is not just a beautiful story, but the truth. This is the task that was set. Prepare food that feels like homemade. You need to understand something about Ukrainians. We don't like restaurants and cafes. 95% of the food we eat is prepared at home. And we all eat together as a family.

Never changes format, never changes style, never changes rating system, never changes music, simple, happy, jovial Steve and his MREs. Thanks for staying the course for so many years man

2:04 Man has two superpowers: 1. Immune to poison damage, 2. Can read any language, provided it is on an MRE.

If anyone's wondering why there's so much grain in the MRE, Ukraine has a major agricultural sector and one of the biggest exporters of grain in the region.

Sadly these MREs are going to be put through their paces over the next few days. Support and prayers to my Ukrainians friends! Thanks for the appropriate video Steve!

One thing to note is that when UA troops were training in Oklahoma, they actually asked for more "soups" on the menu. I think this sort of stew/goulash/soup like most of the menu in this ration is actually a unique insight into Ukranian cuisine and food culture. World culture learned through a combat ration!

Steve, the low viscosity honey makes perfect sense. You are using it at a comfortable room temperature where you are. In a cold Ukrainian winter, that honey will thicken considerably and be more like other honey you have evaluated in other MREs. If it were ultra-thick at your room temperature, it will be almost impossible to extract from the little envelope when it is -20 deg all day and night.

I think Steve is fluent in every language as long as he’s reading an mre

A tip from a Ukrainian: you're supposed to drop the rye crackers into the pea soup, it's actually how it's usually eaten here- with croutons Edit: also, honey can be eaten on its own, but it's better to add it in the tea, not only does it tastes good, but also it's used as one of the home remedies for a cold

I live in Romania, and that's exactly what you would eat in this part of the world, Ukraine included. So when you are out there under fire and shells, this is the kind of thing that will remind you of home , and what the fuck you're fighting for.

From what I have been able to gather from those in Ukraine these rations are only really used during rapid assaults or when in the froward most positions. With most of the Ukrainian armed forces getting either pre-prepared meals from field kitchens or being issued basic ingredients ( canned goods, doctors sausage, oil, bread, etc.) to cook while in the field

he’s been putting me to sleep for over 6 years, not it a bad way at all just so relaxing and calm with a positive energy. I was telling my girlfriend last night because she always asks why I’m watching this at night all the time lol.

Steve always shows up when we need him most!!!!!! He's like the MRE Batman.

I can tell you one thing as an ex-soldier, when you are somewhere on a distant battlefield away from home, if you have a good all-day MRE can raise your morale very much and that is exactly what every country just forgets, this Ukrainian is very good, definitely something I could eat (although I wish the soldiers dont have to use it in war but in peace)

Another effortless classic, I can never tell if Steve is trying to be funny or if I just think his personality is hilarious.

I am very glad that you liked our ration, I have been subscribed to your channel for a very long time, and I always dreamed that you would review our ration. I also want to express my gratitude to all Americans for their support, we are very grateful to you and love you! Glory to Ukraine and God bless America!

11:26 - "let's give this another second" *1 second later* "alright, that's good" Steve is a man of his word

Steve would make a great autopsy pathologist. “Alright. That’s the heart. Let’s get this out on the tray. Nice!”

I wish I had even a fraction of the passion that this man has for MREs for anything in my life. His charisma and enthusiasm is so dynamic that he can make millions of people interested in watching something that should be boring. This is amazing.

I'm very impressed that there wasn't much sugar for the whole day. There were essentially no desserts, no pre-sweetened beverages and only 1 candy for the day. The food looked wholesome and full of fiber.

Never underestimate the effect that a good, hot meal has on morale...

I used to watch this guy years ago and literally nothing has changed, in a good way. Just doing the same thing, hasn’t sold out and filled it with sponsorship shout outs, or over produced video edits. Good to see

Looks like the kind of food my grandmother makes - so good and healthy, and so cheap!

The DPNP-P's are awesome. BUT the problem with all of our MRE's is that the quality and taste varies between contractors who supply them. Some of them are as close to homecooked meals as it gets (you got the right one there). Others - not so much. In any case, they are waaaaaay better than the ones we used to get back in 2015, with all those tin cans. The canned "barley with pork" one was especially atrocious - even the dogs we used to have on our FOP preferred to fast rather than munch on those. But the DPNP-P's - damn! I've cracked open one that was expired 6 months to see what I could salvage for the dog - and guess what? - the food was still good! The jam, the hardtack and the bread were all goners, but all the other stuff held up pretty well. A couple of comments on our "cossack MRE's" as follows: - you can heat those retort packages bu throwing them into a campfire. We used to do just that when we got a chance - to save water. - some of the MRE's have transparent plastic spoons. Those are sturdier than the white ones and don't deform so easily when dumped in hot water. - the jam packets are great snacks to have in your cargo pocket. Also, we used to mix them with water to get "brombas" - a sort of vitamin beverage to enjoy when it's hot. Also, you can almost make a cake or cobbler with those and some "Kozak" hardtack. - speaking of which, the "Kozak" hardtack you got is a rare treat. We used to save them for later snackies - with jam, honey or on its own. With the chicken menu you got, we used to scoop the nore gravy with the hardtack or soak it in it. it's surprisingly good. - the dry bread ("sukhari") are great with any soup or dumped in sweet coffee. - a lot of the guys loved adding pepper to the pea soup, myself included. - any "tushonkas" were saved for later. The catck is that it goes with anything. We used to throw some ramen in the retort, add hot water and boom! Instant morale boost with some added calories. - the honey proved to be a great antiseptic for wounds. Some deep recon experience from a combat medic there. Thanks for your content man. Always an honest opinion. Long-time fan. Слава Україні!)

The way to Steve's heart, home cooking and a good quality gusset.

I'm Polish and our cuisine is not that far off from Ukrainian. This ration looks like actual homemade food I ate as a kid, except for the herbatniki / dry biscuits. Add some pierogi / varenyky, barszcz / borscht, and you're set.

Am I the only one who thinks 9 months is long enough to go without a video from Steve? Hope you're doing okay Steve and happy holidays.

I like to imagine Steve having a whole drawer in his kitchen full of MRE spoons

I don’t think it’s “good timing”. I believe Steve is showing his support for Ukraine in his own way. I think Steve did this one purposely. And it’s great to see him and have this content

At 15:25 the way he talks about the gusset on the retort pouch feels like a coded message for Ukraine. "It can stand up on its own... And that makes all the difference"

Chef: "Make sure to mix emulsifiers into the sauce to avoid breaking the oil." Steve: "The oil separation...that's beautiful."

I’ve actually never had an MRE make me feel hungry before. Surprisingly this one did. It actually looks like it would fill you up and fuel you.

The most timely and relevant MRE you’ve done.

I'm glad to know that the soldiers on Ukraine at least have a nice meal to boost their morale. I wish you the best from Poland

As a Russian I can say that Vladimir Putin should've never invaded Ukraine, i don't know why he did, nor do I care. All I wanna say is I put my condolences out to the Ukrainian military and the Ukrainian people, godspeed, guys.

Glad the lads in Ukrainian are eating well. Thank you

What a fitting MRE to showcase. I hope everyone tuning in is alright, and if not, that things will get better. 🙏

I wish they had this type of ration when I served in the army. Very generous. Here's to the people of Ukraine. Stay safe and take care.

Steve the kinda guy you can chill out with for hours, he seems like a good guy.

This is the first time I actually see Steve polish entirely the whole lunch & dinner. In most cases he just eats a few spoonful and leaves the rest on the plate. I think the gum and sweets are dual purpose for both the military and the kids on liberated areas to give and in most cases during warfare. Excellent product

Ukrainian MRE's are all about ordinary home-made food, but of extra quality and extra fat. You should try the reinforced menu #1 with borsch and beef stew. You'll get blown off!

Also, pork tushonka can be saved for separate meals that can be cooked say with simple pasta once an opportunity arises. A huge morale boost, tested that myself while in the bomb shelter.

Sign me up for Ukrainian rations all day every day, over any other country. This looks amazing for off-the-shelf. Low sugar/candy content, highly nutritious and fatty meal with starches. That coupled with Steve's review makes me want to eat this as a normal food item day to day. Plus it actually looks palatable and not like dog food.

4:12 I love how positive Steve is, that spoon is just doing the trick means it isn't very strong. Love it

I don't know how he does it. At its core, we're just watching a guy eat food, yet I'm still entertained. I love this channel.

I like how I started watching Steve to see him eat archaic and disgusting food from upwards of 70 years ago, but now I find myself absolutely delighted when he demonstrates a well made, high quality modern ration

you can tell this is made by a country that cares about its soldiers. ive never been particularly interested in trying a field ration before but i would love this.

Ukraine is within the "breadbasket" region of Europe. It is some of the richest farmland on Earth. So it is not surprising their rations can be hearty, fresh, and wholesome.

Ukrainian here. After 2014 there was a lot of changes to our MREs. It wasn't that good before. Also we leverage a lot of our local suppliers. We produce a lot of grains/meat so we use a lot of grain meat. Instead of putting fancy stuff, we just use common sense here: meat & grains. As with other countries, we do have mountain, summer, winter types too. But I don't think they are severely different in style.

When the world needed him the most he returns… and with an MRE that is most likely being used in battle right now. Steve is either a marketing genius (who understands that millions of people are searching the word ‘Ukraine’) or he is so dedicated to his art he waited until the world was in disarray he came back. Either way I was glad to get the notification!

I dont know why I keep watching these videos. But I think this guy should review everything in life. His review skills are top notch. Most reviews and reviewers annoy me. He's great.

Damn I’m very impressed with this MRE. All the food was very hearty

Snowed in today and find this gem. The timing of a Ukrainian ration. This man just gets it! Thank You Steve

Man, there is a LOT of that beef and buckwheat porridge! You're gonna start the day off with a warm full belly for sure on that one. Nice to have you back, Steve!

I can't explain why I enjoy watching this so much. You're so happy with so little, its inspiring!

I got so excited when I saw that this contained chocolate. I have a sister adopted from Ukraine and every time we came home, we would stuff our suitcases with chocolate. Germany has my favorite dark chocolate, but Ukraine has the best chocolate in all the other categories.

Hello Steve, I’m Ukrainian and I’ve been watching your videos for few years now, thank you for reviewing this one

I’m from Ukraine and I’m in Ukraine right now, just wanted to say thank you 🙏 everyone for your support, we feel it and we love you, also happy to know our soldiers have that good MRE!

Steve, you deserve a show on food channel! Thanks for your thorough critiques and polite mannerism. Your parents did a fine job!

I dont know why I enjoy these videos so much, they are just so satisfying and calm. Love it.

It's nice to see how Ukrainian army has reformed. In 2014 their ration was canned meat with crackers and ton of sugar. After aid from many countries (for example Poland sent 2 millions of military rations) they created their own modern ration.

whenever I'm down in the dumps Steve comes around and gives us an hour long special in our time of need. My prayers and thoughts for the people of the Ukraine.

I think I've seen all of Steves posts. Clearly, the most knowledgeable ration reviewer. Good, well researched, detailed information about the accessories and rations, with articulate descriptions of the tastes and textures of the food.

Congrats on hitting the algorithm! Really hope you come back with more content! I know you are somewhat limited on how many videos you can really make about MREs, but you have a vibe that I really like, I love listening to you talk about things you're passionate about, and my favorite parts are DEFINATELY when you try the smokes! So authentic in your reaction.

So I had a UA MRE while I was over there in '17, and I have to say: No UA soldier eats these things as stand alone. They forage for whatever is near by to make them better. They created an AMAZING meal simply by adding some foraged mushrooms. But even as stand alone they aren't bad. Made a good break from the regular MREs I was eating.

Florida man eats military rations while millions continue to watch in awe. Never stop, Steve.

That dry bread with that pea soup has produced magic. Imagine eating that after a harsh day of fighting, -20 degree climate. You eat that and it’s a life saver and a amazing morale booster. You defo be looking forward to that daily.

steve i love your calming aura. i could listen to you talk all day.

That's a heck of a ration. Probably twice what I'd eat in a day, but I reckon for a soldier in a cold climate engaged in strenuous activity all day the 4000 calories are much needed.

Steve's comment "could probably thaw out a frozen one if it were solid" is actually why the Ukraine went with a FRH that could work a bit hotter but importantly could work longer. Rations carried in a soldier's pack can get quite cold and a FRH that can give you a hot meal in 0⁰ degree weather is a definite moral booster.

You describe everything very detailed! I like it!! Nice work buddy!!!

Id just like to say ive just found steves channel, and i bloody love it, steve youre a dude! This is what makes youtube bloody great 😊😊

Greetings from Lviv/Ukraine. First time ever checked that channel. Ain`t no way my army has that top-notch army pack of food. Wow, I am shocked. Seems to me, we made humongous progress. Glory to Ukraine.

Steve's level of understatement and subtle sarcasm should qualify him as an honorary englishman

This makes me want to have an mre

I'm always blown away by the way these heating things work 🙂🙂 I know it's not rocket science but being able to heat up your food just like that on the field without any ovens nearby ( or fire ) is just too cool...

Wow, was worried Steve was MIA due to a spoiled MRE, glad to see him again! Need to see him more often

Very glad to see the Ukrainian soldiers are so well fed. That meal looked delicious, with more than enough calories and energy to fuel them for combat.

Please don’t stop making videos. They are awesome !

The only MRE that is literally making my stomach growl - looks so good and hearty! 😋 Thinking always of Ukraine and hoping for their victory!

Having the apricots in that breakfast ration reminds me of my grandparents from the USSR who did the same thing. They'd have me eat apricots and prunes before breakfast with them, and a glass of kefir

Steve reminds me to enjoy my food. Sometimes I watch him while scarfing down my dinner after work. When he smells and tastes a dry old cracker like it's a fine wine, it reminds me to slow down and actually experience my fresh home-cooked food.

What great descriptions. Love your use of correct terminiology to describe everything from packaging to ingredients. Learned so much!

Thank you for what you do Steve. I can always rely on you to provide the best straightforward content. I know what I'm getting and i love it. All of it. Keep on keeping on man. Nice. ✌️❤😊

Steves pallete is so refined that he can FEEL the shortening in the crackers, what a legend

I love that, while you're being yourself, you are simultaneously teaching viewers additional tips and tricks (such as rehydrating the moist towelette to be used for hygiene/eatingware), and you're also helping the people who will potentially come to rely on these rations to be receptive and optimistic of them by offering praise of the many aspects and flavors of the ration. Lot of respect for that.

huge fan of the content, I can almost taste it just from watching, great personality and just an overall good time watching through the entire thing, keep it up!

Great content as usual from the accurate map at the start to the very end. Keep up the good work.

You know, the bread/rusk in this ration really sets it apart. Having something more bread-like, especially something that can absorb the high-liquid content of the retort pouch meals? Brilliant. Light-years ahead of the MRE.

I didn't realize how much I missed this guy until right now.

My daughter watches your videos to fall asleep. It’s not an insult. Your voice sends her to the dream world. Along with her information of MRE’s. Hahahahahaha. “Let’s put that on a tray, NICE!”.

I think this is one of the rare MREs that I actually could eat and enjoy. Although I’m enjoying Steve enjoying the MRE.

If Steve had a podcast, I would pay to hear him talk about MREs for hours

Steve, you have no idea how big of a smile I get when i hear the “lets get this out onto a tray…nice” the best catchphrases just makes me happy.

have watched a lot of these Steve videos and oddly relaxing. Also works me up an appetite.

This is why im a big fan of steve, you never forget where you came from my friend. Much love

I don't know why but MRE rations packed like that always look absolutly delicious

This seems like one of the largest, heartiest, and most flexible rations I've seen on Steve's channel. I'm seriously impressed. You get like... 5 retort pouches that would easily be a main in another mre. Very cool stuff!

Really good idea with the camouflage crackers. It really pisses me off when someone shoots my crackers out of my hand.

That was an awesome review! I felt like I was watching painting with Bob but military gourmet style😁.