Army Making Caffeinated Beef Jerky.

An Army lab outside of Boston, Mass. Is experimenting with infusing caffeine in beef jerky to help give soldiers an energy boost on the battlefield.

Among other “improvements” to military cuisine, the Massachusetts Army lab is working to create a beef jerky stick with as much caffeine as a strong cup of coffee. They hope the stick will be able to give energy to even the sleepiest soldier.

It’s not just dehydrated meat that is getting a boost; the Army is also trying to make super-applesauce. By adding omega-3s and extra antioxidants to pureed apples, the Army has created a tasty treat they call “Zapplesauce.” As opposed to the quick boost of energy from caffeinated beef, Zapplesauce will give soldiers sustained energy in the field.

If the Army wants their soldiers to have more energy and stay healthier than they should only feed them plant-based foods. Eating jerky will only fill soldier’s arteries with fat and cause their hearts to work harder. Soldiers already take enough risk on the battlefield; munching on caffeinated or even decaffeinated fatty meat isn’t going to help.