K Ration
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.
Notes
Boxes of K rations can be seen at various times throughout Saving Private Ryan.