IDF tests eight new snack options to complement field rations
The Israel Defense Forces said in a post on Sunday that they had tested new snack options for field rations.
The Israel Defense Forces’ Technology and Logistics Directorate (TLD) has tested eight new innovative developments from the Israeli food technology industry for their suitability for practical use.
Each of the new snacks has a long shelf life, contains many important nutrients and is said to taste particularly good.
“We were looking for food solutions based on innovative technology adapted to different types of activities,” said Ayala Zorf, Director of Technology Development at TLD.
The new snacks were presented to representatives of the various branches and commands of the Israel Defense Forces, the first event of its kind to involve senior leadership in the process.
New options are kosher and vegan
Many of the new options are vegan or vegetarian. For example, there was a smoothie powder made from freeze-dried fruit and another made from buckwheat, as well as crackers made from various vegetables.
Dry food capsules that transform into a rice and vegetable dish when hot water is added were also on display.
An important test for the new snacks was their climate resistance, i.e. they had to stay fresh under field conditions without refrigeration.
This has led to “next generation” snacks that imitate meat products, such as kabanos made from spirulina, a type of blue-green algae rich in proteins and vitamins, and “meat pieces” made from pumpkin seeds.
Other important tests of the new snacks included easy-to-carry packaging, readiness to eat, preparation with only water and kosherness.
The snacks were created after the Israeli Defense Forces implemented a new development process that involved collaboration with civilian food tech companies.
