Description

The Individual Meal Pack or IMP is one type of field ration used by the Canadian Forces.

The IMP is designed so that a continuous diet provides all the nutrition needed to sustain a service member in the field. The IMP meets Canada’s nutrition requirements, with the exception of calcium and folic acid, which are not significant if the consumption period of rations is less than 30 (consecutive) days.[1] IMPs provide 1,200–1,400 calories (5.0–5.9 MJ) per meal.

The meals are precooked and can therefore be safely consumed either heated or unheated. Under ideal circumstances the entrees are generally consumed heated. The Canadian Rations do not contain Flameless Ration Heaters.

In addition to the main meal, each IMP contains assorted basics such as powdered coffee, protein and sports drink mixes, energy bars, trail mix, peanut butter, cereal, condiments, candy, chocolate, gum, a plastic spoon, a wet towelette and matches.

Meals are packaged fully cooked and do not require cooking. While edible cold, when circumstances permit the ideal method of preparation is to cook the entrees either in a pressure cooker, heated on the standard issue Coleman stove, or by simply boiling the rations in its package in water.

As of 2020 new packaging has been created to help with usability and edibility. Notably, the external packaging is resealable and waterproof.

Photos of contents of main package are for display / reference only. Specific meals may have variations of the accessories , snacks and breads desserts and drinks.

If you would like to have more information about this meal there are many Canadian Army IMP reviews available on YouTube.

“Ann Delaney and Megan Buchanan, Combat Rations Specialists with the National Combat Rations Program, put their food science degrees to good use by helping create new and healthier portable meals for the CAF. They work with Registered Dietitian Hilda-Anne Troupe and other team members at the Directorate of Food Services in Gatineau, Quebec to formulate rations that will provide optimal nutrition for optimal performance in any operational situation.

Ms. Delaney notes that although an IMP’s expiry date is three years from the date it is assembled, it is still safe to eat for quite some time afterward as long as the pouch is not damaged and the IMP has been properly stored.

“Shelf life is related not to food safety but to the sensory quality of the food. We take into account that after three years, the bread may be too dry or the texture and appearance of the fruit may not be as interesting,” she said. “But because the main components are sterilized, you can open a ration and if the retort pouch is intact, the content is still good to eat because the sterile environment remains.” By Lynn Capuano, Army Public Affairs

Rations do not come with Flame-less Ration Heaters [FRH]