This website has a lot of information on MREs, including menus and instructions on how to figure out the age of a case of MREs; individual MRE packages are not dated and the case does not include a manufacturing date.
Your Source for MRE Information | MREInfo
I buy a case of MREs every couple years on Ebay and keep two or three MREs in each car with a couple bottles of water. I usually pay about $70 per case of 12 including shipping.
My son and I (or his friends) eat the older MREs when we restock the cars. Sometimes we having them camping, just for the fun of it. If you look at it as an adventure and not a gourmet meal then they are great. If you are looking for taste and texture then there are better and cheaper alternatives. If you haven't tried them before, get a couple and try them out.
The flameless heater will heat your food and keep you warm for a while if you are stuck in the snow. There is enough food in each package to keep you comfortable for a night if you get stranded. Just throw them and a bottle of water in with your spare tire or under a seat and you are ready for a night of car camping.
For an example, this link shows the 2016 menu.
MRE Menus 2016 | MRE Info
Some of them are pretty good, some not so good. Most have matches and all have snacks and some pretty good accessories like coffee, tea, hot chocolate or water flavorings.
I bought a case for my mom so she and her horse riding club could sample them. All the ladies liked them so I bought 2 more cases so all could have their favorites. They all stocked their saddle bags and cars. Getting stuck, stranded or hurt in the Rocky Mountains is a possibility and having food and warmth could make a difference.
I set up a picnic at work where we climbed over and in a couple tanks then had a MRE picnic. For $7.00 everyone got a MRE and a bottle of water. Most liked the MREs and we bought a couple cases that were shared so folks could stock their cars or have a picnic with the kids.
If you have kids or grandkids (especially boys) then MREs are a lot of fun.
Our Boy Scout troop has them 2 or 3 times a year and they are always a hit, just make sure you collect the matches.
Heck, we may have one today...