The saying, “An army marches on its stomach,” is often attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte, and it emphasizes just how important food is for the effectiveness of a fighting force.
200+ years after Napoleon, the question, “What do soldiers eat during deployment?” remains one of the U.S. Army’s most frequently asked questions. It’s so commonly asked that it features on the U.S. Army’s Intro to Army Life/Deployment page.
The answer? Well, it varies.
GoArmy.com states, “During deployment, Army culinary specialists use different foods, cooking techniques, and more mobile equipment to prepare meals… Soldiers may need to eat Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs), prepackaged options requiring less time and prep work.”
Deployments may not always be combat-related, but nutrition is as critical today as it was during the French Revolution. During deployments, soldiers experience sustained physical activity – over months – with fewer opportunities to eat, leading to negative energy and protein balances. This deficit is common in extreme environments, such as the Arctic, where the Army states a soldier’s average daily energy expenditure is 6000 kcal, with potential energy deficits exceeding 40%.
A negative protein balance leads to loss of lean body mass, which in turn impacts mission readiness and force effectiveness. The Army turned to Oceanit to develop a novel solution: an Essential Amino Acid food additive that would be better than nutrition store-bought protein powders, is rapidly digested/absorbed, is shelf-stable, and most importantly, is flavorless for incorporation into any food.
What are Amino Acids?
Amino acids are often referred to as the building blocks of life, supporting nearly every biological function. Without them, the human body struggles to build muscle, maintain energy levels, and support immune function.
Twenty different amino acids comprise thousands of proteins in the human body. Nine of these are “Essential Amino Acids” (EAAs). EAAs cannot be made by our bodies and must be obtained through either our diet or supplements.
Meeting EAA requirements is critical for high-performance individuals like athletes and military personnel and anyone seeking to improve their overall health.
From daily activities to high-intensity workouts, the body constantly breaks down muscle tissue. Muscle protein synthesis (MPS)—the process of rebuilding muscle—relies on adequate levels of EAAs. Without enough, muscle breakdown outpaces recovery, leading to fatigue, slower healing or recovery, and potential muscle loss over time. The Army found that individuals deficient in EAAs experience higher rates of muscle degradation, particularly those on deployment where physically demanding tasks are routine.
Beyond muscle support, EAAs also support immune health, promoting the production of antibodies and immune cells. They also play a vital role in maintaining energy levels by helping regulate blood sugar and ensuring a steady fuel supply while also contributing to the production of the body’s energy source, adenosine triphosphate. Because of these benefits, amino acids have become popular not only in the military but in the world of health and fitness.
The World of Health and Fitness: Protein and Amino Acid Supplements
The supplement industry is overflowing with options – marketed for everything from overall wellness to gym gains and everything in between. Most currently available proteins or Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) supplements have drawbacks: an unpleasant taste that must be masked with sugar and artificial flavoring, hidden impurities, and the inconvenience of requiring large doses to meet daily needs.
For soldiers and the average person, these supplements disrupt routines with extra meals and calorie-heavy shakes and still don’t pack in the EAAs by mass that most people need. To meet a person’s daily amino acids requirement in pills or capsule form, it would take 15 or more capsules per day.
The U.S. Army found that leading (by sales) protein powders (mainly containing whey, casein, or eggs) contain only 40-50% EAA by mass and are difficult to incorporate into combat rations in high levels. BCAA supplements contain higher EAAs but can’t be directly incorporated into rations due to the inherent bitterness.
One look at your nutrition shop and you’ll see that current BCAAs come in “sour green apple,” “lemon-lime,” “watermelon berry blast,” and a variety of other sour candy-like flavors, masking this inherent bitterness with artificial fruit flavoring, sugar, and additives. While that may be okay for an after-gym shake, it’s not ideal for soldiers in the field who need to get their nutrition with meals.
The U.S. Army needed a “blank canvas” EAA. One that could be added to any food or drink without altering flavor, and that would pack in 80% EAA by mass. This new supplement would be the foundation of next-generation compact, tasty, and nutritious combat rations.
Introducing FRAAG: Fuel-Rich Amino Acids Gains
Oceanit addresses these challenges with FRAAG, an advanced flavor-neutral amino acid powder designed for versatility and ease of use. Through new encapsulation technology, FRAAG masks the natural bitterness, resulting in a tasteless powder that blends seamlessly into any food or drink without altering flavor or texture.
FRAAG delivers pure amino acids with no caffeine, sugars, or unnecessary fillers. The encapsulation eliminates taste and enhances absorption into the body, allowing amino acids to be rapidly utilized for quicker muscle recovery and sustained energy.
FRAAG provides an effortless way to meet daily amino acid requirements without extra meals or unpleasant tastes. For military personnel, incorporating FRAAG into MREs reduces the weight and volume of rations while enhancing their nutritional profile. Athletes benefit from faster recovery times, enabling them to train more effectively. Even professionals balancing work and fitness can maintain balanced nutrition without disrupting their routines.
FRAAG underwent rigorous sensory testing using an “electronic tongue” to refine taste-masking and absorption, enabling it to be mixed with any food: yogurts, shakes, curries, stews and soups, and much, much more.
The Future of Amino Acid Supplementation
FRAAG is more than just a supplement—it’s a revolution in how amino acids are delivered and consumed. By eliminating the shortcomings of traditional supplements, Oceanit has created a product that fits seamlessly into any lifestyle, from elite athletes and military personnel to everyday individuals striving for better health.
In a world where convenience often comes at the cost of nutrition, FRAAG proves that you don’t have to choose between efficiency and effectiveness. With its clean formulation, rapid absorption, and seamless integration into daily life, FRAAG is redefining how we fuel our bodies for peak performance and long-term health.
