Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I nabbed this bucket to taste-test the meals and report what I found about the taste, as I taste them. I hope to keep this updated as I try them (currently 12/4/2022). So far, I've had the Stroganoff and the Southwest rice and beans. First thing's first (and as others have mentioned): the meals are NOT packaged individually. You get a LOT of stroganoff, or a LOT of Orange drink. If you order this bucket, I would advise tossing in a measuring cup and a handful of rubber bands so you can portion and repackage as-needed. Also, keep in mind that the portions are around 300 calories, maybe half of what most red-blooded americans would consider as a small meal. This is not a deal breaker - you are expected to be living pretty lean given the circumstances these are meant to be used in. NOW ON TO THE MEAL REVIEWS The Stroganoff: very salty to my taste, as well as having clumps of non-constituted powder (that might be a me issue - mix well!). I would recommend using actual boiling water to prepare this - I used hot water from the tap and it was certainly *edible*, but I can only describe the texture of the noodles as being "Al Dente" if I'm being charitable. It's not bad, but I'd only be happy to eat it in the emergency situation it's meant for. 3.5/5* - fills its intended role very well. Southwest Rice and Beans: also quite salty, but it's a more pleasant flavor than the strog (in my opinion, of course). It's "meh" at best if you're comparing it to an actual meal, but I think it would be pretty pleasant to eat if, say, you were isolated for an extended period of time for whatever reason. Again, I hope you have means to truly boil water in an emergency, because this one came out of the prep still unpleasantly crunchy for a Beans'n'rice dish (read as "even slightly crunchy"). 4/5* - despite my snark, I think it's not bad. Use boiling water and mix well. That is all for now, I hope I can edit this comment with further reviews down the line, otherwise I will reply to this review. Happy Holidays! (12/4/2022)