I was apprehensive after heating one up (Southwest Style Chicken and Rice). HINT: I did let it "cook" / sit for 9 minutes to ensure the heat disbursed throughout the meal. My 13 year old boy and I tried it here at home as an experiment, so to speak. We were both really pleased with the flavor and the quality of the chicken pieces. I'd eat them as a lunch at work sans the $10.00 plus price. These are going on the kayak in the dry bag and in my home here if Florida for emergency supplies!! Big guys might want two. But in a pinch, one will hold you.

- Amazon.com Customer

I bought some of these for my regular hurricane prep kit and ended up using them during the recent Texas freeze. As another reviewer noted, sometimes you just don't want to get out your jet boil and boil water for something freeze-dried. These are convenient. Another advantage is that you don't have to have clean water, since the food itself is in a sealed pouch. I found the pasta sauces a little sweet for my taste, but not everyone feels the same way about these things. The main disadvantage with these is the portion size, and I usually prefer smaller portions, so that's saying something. But I'm definitely reordering. For anyone buying for winter outage prep, these meals have the added advantage that you can warm up your hands or feet with the bag after you take out the food! However, I recommend letting the food heat for at least five minutes longer than the instructions indicate.

- Amazon.com Customer

Very tasty. Tried the chicken and rice dish. The meal was shared and definitely left you wanting more. Mainly because it was so darn good. I have now purchased one of every flavor that they offer. The heating element was fun and easy to use. Enjoyed the whole experience in the back of my SUV for a picnic/hike.

- Amazon.com Customer