Individual Meal Pack

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.

[2] Three IMPs (breakfast, lunch and dinner) provide approximately 3,600 calories (15 MJ), enough to nourish a soldier undergoing strenuous physical activity.

[3] Contents of the combat rations are subject to a three-year research and development cycle, where new meals are added, and some replaced.

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.

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.

The main menu items of the IMP are "boil in a bag" (known as a "retort pouch") and require less preparation time and equipment than the previous canned rations.

There are also patrol packs, which are small high-protein snack-type foods (such as beef jerky or shredded cheese) and boxed lunches (consisting of assorted sandwiches, juice, fruit, pasta and a dessert) provided for soldiers to consume in situations in which meal preparation nor the delivery of haybox style fresh rations are not possible, such as travelling for training within Canada or spending the day on a shooting range.