Individual Meal Pack

Lore & Background

The IMP appeared in the Canadian Forces in 1992, replacing earlier canned rations such as the Individual Ration Pack and Compo rations. Its main menu items are packaged in retort pouches (boil-in-bag), requiring less preparation time and equipment than previous canned rations, and using less heat to reduce impact on taste. The meals are precooked and can be eaten cold or heated; ideal methods include pressure cookers, Coleman stoves, boiling in water, or using chemical cooking pouches for flameless heating. Soldiers have also developed techniques such as placing packages on vehicle exhaust grills or radiators.

Reader's Guide

The IMP is significant as the primary individual field ration for the Canadian Forces, designed to sustain soldiers during operations where fresh rations are unavailable. Its three-year research and development cycle ensures regular updates, with new meals field-tested by groups from the three Regular Force mechanized brigade groups. The ration accommodates dietary restrictions with meals for Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and vegetarians. Packaging evolved in 2020 to be resealable and waterproof, with strengthened pouches and a resealable beverage pouch, while earlier versions used cardboard boxes. The IMP can also serve as an emergency ration, consumed unheated, and its retort pouch design reduces preparation time and equipment needs compared to predecessors.

Did You Know?

• IMPs provide 1,200–1,400 calories per meal, with three meals totaling about 3,600 calories.
• The meals are precooked and can be safely eaten cold or heated; chemical cooking pouches allow flameless heating.
• There are 21 available meals: seven breakfasts and 14 suitable for noon or evening meals.
• As of 2020, new packaging is resealable and waterproof, with cardboard boxes removed to reduce weight.