What are military C-Rations?

Military C-Rations are a discontinued type of portable food that was issued to military personnel between the 1940s and late 1950s. The C-ration contained canned, pre-cooked food that could be eaten following minimal preparation.

C-rations came in several different varieties, and the available food options were expanded slightly over the time the ration was in use. Beginning in 1944, C-rations were also issued with accessory packs that contained cigarettes, water purification tablets, toilet paper, can openers for the food and other essential items. The C-ration was eventually replaced by the MCI ration, and then by the military MRE, which is still in use as of 2015.