The U.S. Army's K ration was a compact ration design for use by combat troops in the field. The ration was designed to provide 3,000 calories. Although never intended to be used for more than a few days, many troops were forced to use K rations for extended periods of time, which did not contribute to their popularity. The contents of a K ration in its three varieties were as follows:

Breakfast K Ration

• canned meat product (ham and egg)
• biscuits (K1 and K2)
• compressed cereal bar
• soluble coffee
• fruit bar
• gum
• sugar tablets
• four cigarettes
• water-purification tablets
• can opener
• toilet paper
• spoon

Dinner K Ration

• canned cheese product
• biscuits (K1 and K2)
• candy bar
• gum
• beverage powders
• granulated sugar
• salt tablets
• cigarettes
• matches
• can opener
• spoon

Supper K Ration

• canned meat product (ham and egg)
• biscuits (k1 and K2)
• bouillon powder
• confections and gum
• soluble coffee
• granulated sugar
• cigarettes
• can opener
• spoon

The K ration was eventually replaced by the C ration, and was officially declared obsolete in 1948.

Links

• Army Rations - Historical Background
• K Rations

The Saving Private Ryan Online Encyclopedia is not affiliated with or endorsed by DreamWorks L.L.C, Paramount Pictures or Amblin Entertainment. All Saving Private Ryan images and media are the trademark/copyright of their respective owners.