Posted: 12.09.2011

Believe it or not, the same scientists that worked on the atom bomb and Kevlar are now bringing a caffeinated meat to our military troops.

According to Army officials, their labs are testing a beef jerky stick that looks and tastes just like the average sausage stick - but contains an equivalent of a cup of coffee's worth of caffeine to keep our troops alert.  The military food scientists in Natick, MA, are trying to transform the field ration - known as Meal, Ready to Eat (MRE).  

In addition to caffeine, military technologists are lacing food with supplements like omega 3's and curcumin, which acts as anti-inflammatories.  Maltodextrin, a complex carbohydrate that gives service members a little turbo charge, is injected into applesauce called Zapplesauce.  And that energizing goo gobbled by marathoners?  The Army's developing it's very own.

How do combat-food developers know if their improved MRE's are successful?  They monitor questionnaire's and go through the garbage to see what troops toss. 

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