Recipe: ANZAC Day Ration Bars

Imagine having to eat the same packaged foods day in and day out. Well, that is the reality for a lot of servicemen and women. Although they may not taste the same as your mum’s Sunday roast, ration packs are essential within the military. They provide the nutrients to fuel the extensive work of a soldier. Ration packs normally come in airtight packaging, consisting of ground, dehydrated foods such as baked beans. The main goal of a ration pack is to:

1. Provide a high amount of energy to help sustain military soldiers.
2. Provide sufficient protein to help support vital processes within the body as well as muscle maintenance.
3. Have a long shelf life.
4. Be lightweight to carry.

We have created tasty ration pack themed bars that will keep you fuelled all day long. This recipe may be useful if you’re away camping, hiking, or prepping for a big event such as a marathon or triathlon. This bar is packed full of energy, providing around 1000kJ per serve which is almost a meal! It also provides a solid 5.5g of protein and most importantly 51g of carbohydrates (which are our bodies main fuel source).

ANZAC Day Ration Bars

Serves: 9
Prep: Approx. 15 minutes plus resting time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1 ¼ cup rice bubbles
• 1 cup quick oats
• ¼ cup coarsely cut peanuts
• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
• Pinch salt
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• ¼ cup sultanas

Method

1. Grease a medium slice tray and set aside.
2. Place dates in a food processor and process until chopped finely.
3. Add chopped dates to a medium mixing bowl along with rice bubbles, oats, peanuts, flaxseeds, cinnamon and salt.
4. Add peanut butter and maple syrup to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat while continuing to stir. Continue to melt until completely blended. Remove from heat and stir through vanilla essence.
5. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Gently fold through the sultanas.
7. Pour the mixture into the greased tray and press firmly to pack tightly.
8. Let the mixture sit until completely cool (~1 hour). Once cool cut into bars and wrap individually and store in the refrigerator until use.

ANZAC Day Ration Bars Nutrition Stats

Looking for more recipes? Check out our eBook collection for more! For tailored advice recommended just for you, get in contact with one of our dietitians today.