When World War II began, and U.S. soldiers started pouring overseas, America had to get creative in making rations that would not spoil easily. Food sent had to be shelf stable, appealing, and nutritious for the hardworking soldier.
as staples that were sent. Both were canned and provided high protein and fat for energy. Spam consisted of pork shoulder and ham with salt and some potato starches. The hash was canned corn beef with bits of potatoes and carrots and other vegetables.
Both were very shelf stable and filled the need for meat.
Instant coffee was developed in 1941 and added to the meal rations. Coffee was one of the first things rationed in the states and was very difficult to obtain. So the folks at home learned to make their coffee last and ran it through their percolators several times, even though it was much weaker and rather tasteless...but it was coffee. Soldiers could add hot water and enjoy the much desired coffee.
A shortage of real cheese was helped by the creation of Velveeta cheese, a processed cheese that made its way into rations. Originally, it was made up of scraps of various cheeses, whey, oil, pasteurized milk and other additives.
Butter was also hard to get, so margarine/oleo came into being as a fake butter. It started out white, but because of people's complaints, it was dyed yellow to resemble butter, but the texture was different because it was made with beef fats, lots of salt, and it was a bit slimy. Both Velveeta and margarine could last in storage.
One other item that rose in popularity during the war was the Chef Boyardee products. These canned Italian foods such as spaghetti and meatballs and beef ravioli not only found their way into ration boxes, but the Americans back home enjoyed them, too. Campbell's condensed soups also hit the bowls at home and overseas.
But every soldier enjoyed a treat for both morale and energy. A D-ration of chocolate was available - a special treat that melted slowly. It was at this time that M&Ms became available and very well-liked. They, too, melted slowly and had a very long shelf time. Originally called "Smarties," the soldiers loved them so much that they kept the brand going when they came home from war.
Our soldiers were given C rations and K rations. K rations were intended to be used up in about 15 days. They contained lighter foods with fewer calories that were more portable, wrapped in a waxed paper box. C rations, however, were complete meals with more calories and more canned meat,
Americans did become more innovative as the war went along so our soldiers could get the necessary nutrients to fight and still have tasty food. And just think how many of those brands and foods still exist today.
Dianne Kline, Researcher
