The Science
Developed for
Military needs.
TESTED THROUGH
FOOD SCIENCE.
The QDM was developed as a compact meal-format bar for situations where cooking, heating, preparation time or added water may not be available. The formulation is based on food-science development, laboratory testing, packaging evaluation and structured field feedback. We describe what is designed, what is tested, what is documented and what remains under development.
Development
FROM REQUIREMENT TO
TESTABLE CRITERIA.
Phase 1
2023
Operational requirement defined
Requirement set with the Pathfinder element, Luchtmobiele Brigade: a field meal with zero operational dependencies, thermally stable across the full deployment range, 24-month demonstrated shelf life, and complete macronutrient profile in a single unit.
Phase 2
2023–2024
Food-science development
The formulation was developed with external food scientists, including Wageningen-trained expertise. Development focused on energy density, defined protein content, carbohydrate structure, fat stability, fibre profile, texture and shelf-life behaviour.
Phase 3
2024–ongoing
Laboratory and field testing
Testing combines laboratory analysis, packaging checks, temperature exposure, shelf-life work and structured field feedback from selected military and outdoor users. Field feedback is used to identify practical issues: opening, eating, carrying, texture, residue, packaging noise and repeat use.
Formulation
INGREDIENT SELECTION
& RATIONALE.
Protein source
Pea & rice protein combined
Pea and rice protein are combined to provide a defined protein content in a compact, shelf-stable matrix without dairy ingredients. Their role is functional: nutritional composition, formulation structure and compatibility with a long shelf-life bar format.
Protein content based on current product specification.
Carbohydrate source
Oat-based matrix
The oat-based matrix provides structure, binding and complex carbohydrates. The formulation is not built around a sugar-only base. Oats also contribute to texture stability during storage and temperature variation.
Carbohydrate profile based on current formulation.
Fat source
Nuts & seeds
Energy density, fat-soluble nutrient absorption, satiation. Sources selected for oxidative stability — fats that resist rancidification without antioxidant additives. Low peroxide value is a direct contributor to shelf life performance.
Formulation validated by independent scientists with Wageningen University & Research background
Fibre
High fibre · low FODMAP
FODMAP-restricted fibre sources were chosen because GI dysfunction in the field is a readiness issue. The formulation is designed to remain tolerable under the physiological stress conditions documented in military and humanitarian deployment research.
Fallowfield et al. (2014)
Functional ingredient
Microalgae
Microalgae — including species such as Chlorella and Spirulina — are among the most nutrient-dense ingredients available. Rich in complete plant-based protein, lipids including omega-3 fatty acids, and a broad micronutrient profile. Requires no freshwater, no arable land, and sequesters CO₂ during cultivation.
Species and quantities available in full ingredient specification on request
Sweeteners & binders
Natural sources only
Date-based and naturally occurring sugars provide binding and palatability. No refined sugar addition. No sugar alcohols. No artificial sweeteners. No artificial flavours or preservatives.
Shelf life achieved through formulation and packaging
Development context: Formulation developed with independent nutrition scientists with a Wageningen University & Research background, hired by FRONTIER¹. Scientific independence was maintained throughout.
Thermal performance
FORMULATED FOR
TEMPERATURE EXTREMES.
Standard failure modes
WHY CONVENTIONAL BARS CAN STRUGGLE
Conventional coated bars can deform, melt or bleed under heat exposure. High-moisture matrices can firm up at low temperatures and become difficult to eat. These are practical field-use issues: texture, handling, packaging residue and usability.
QDM approach
DESIGNED FOR STRUCTURAL STABILITY
QDM avoids chocolate coating and uses a lower-moisture oat-based matrix. Stability is managed through ingredient selection, water-activity control, seal integrity and packaging compatibility. The declared operating range is -20 °C to +50 °C.
Minor changes in colour, firmness or flavour can occur over time and at the edge of the declared range. These are monitored as quality indicators. The acceptance criteria are practical: safe, sealed, edible and nutritionally within specification.
Shelf life
36 MONTHS.
DEMONSTRATED.
36
months
Demonstrated shelf life
Current production specification. Continued shelf-life monitoring remains in place.
WHAT SHELF LIFE MEANS HERE
Shelf life means the product remains microbiologically safe, sealed, edible and nutritionally within specification for the declared period. It does not mean the bar remains visually or texturally identical to day one.
WHAT IT DOES NOT MEAN
The product at the end of shelf life is not identical to the product at month one. Minor changes in texture, colour and flavour can occur over time. These are quality parameters, not automatically safety indicators.
HOW WE ACHIEVE IT
Shelf life is managed through low water activity, ingredient selection, fat stability, oxygen-barrier packaging, hermetic sealing and controlled production. No preservative claim is needed to explain the system.
Validation methodology: Shelf-life assessment combines accelerated testing, real-time ageing, packaging checks and product analysis. Current production versions are monitored against the declared specification.
Packaging technology
BOPE + MDOPE.
DESIGNED FOR PE RECYCLING STREAMS.
The current production structure is a mono-material polyethylene system. It avoids aluminium laminate and reduces material complexity. Recyclability depends on local flexible-plastic collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure.
Outer layer
BOPE
Biaxially Oriented Polyethylene
Structural layer. Biaxial orientation increases stiffness, dimensional stability and puncture resistance. It also provides the print surface. Matte finish is available for low-visibility variants.
Inner layer - food contact
MDOPE
Machine Direction Oriented Polyethylene
Sealing and food-contact layer. Machine-direction orientation improves stiffness and supports seal integrity while maintaining flexibility for field handling and sub-zero use.
100%
Recyclable in PE streams
Mono-material · no aluminium · no mixed materials to separate
−40/+100
°C operating range
Validated under cyclic temperature and humidity stress
< 35
dB tear noise at 1m
vs 60–70 dB standard ration foil · DIN 45635-1
EU
Food contact compliant
EU 1935/2004 · EU 10/2011 · EN 1186
A mono-material PE structure offers lower oxygen-barrier performance than aluminium-based laminates. This is managed through formulation design, water activity, fat selection, sealing quality and shelf-life testing.
Packaging research
CURRENT SOLUTION.
NOT THE ENDPOINT.
Three alternative material systems remain under active investigation alongside the current BOPE + MDOPE structure.
Active testing
BOPP + RCPP
Bi-oriented and random copolymer polypropylene. PP mono-material structures can offer higher stiffness and thermal stability than PE systems. The main questions are seal behaviour, low-temperature handling and fit with available recycling streams.
Under investigation: seal integrity and usability under cyclic temperature exposure.
Active testing
Bio-PET
Bio-based equivalent of conventional PET, produced from renewable feedstocks. Mechanically and functionally comparable to fossil PET, but not yet the preferred structure for the current recyclable packaging target.
Under investigation: supply stability, cost and recycling-route compatibility.
Active testing
PLA
Bio-based and industrially compostable material option. PLA can present challenges under prolonged heat exposure and is not yet the preferred structure for the declared operating range. Research focuses on blends, coatings and practical field-use limits.
Under investigation: thermal stability, seal behaviour and end-of-life route.
Deployment variants
TWO VARIANTS.
BOTH RESEARCHED.
Colour selection for both variants is based on field-use context: detectability when visibility matters, and reduced visual contrast when discretion matters. It is not treated as an aesthetic choice only.
HIGH VIS · Outdoor / Emergency response
HIGH VIS - OUTDOOR / EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Orange - selected for detectability in outdoor and emergency contexts
The high-visibility tone is selected to stand out against common natural backgrounds and variable light conditions. It is intended for outdoor, expedition and emergency-use contexts where fast visual detection can be useful.
LOW VIS · Military / Special operations
LOW VIS - MILITARY / SPECIAL OPERATIONS
Olive green-grey - selected to reduce visual contrast
The low-visibility tone is selected to reduce visual contrast across common outdoor and operational backgrounds: wetland, scrub, woodland, mountain terrain and low vegetation. Low luminance value and matte finish reduce reflection and visual prominence.
Continuous development
DEVELOPMENT
DOES NOT STOP.
QDM is ready for use, but not treated as complete. Every production version generates data: formulation behaviour, shelf-life results, packaging performance, field feedback and repeat-use acceptance. Improvement is not a campaign. It is part of the product system.
Formulation
Testing never stops
Macronutrient composition, ingredient combinations, texture and palatability are reviewed continuously. Every production iteration generates data. No formulation is treated as final without continued observation.
Field validation
Structured global feedback
Field feedback is used to identify practical issues that laboratory testing cannot fully predict: opening, handling, eating during movement, texture in cold or heat, packaging residue, pack volume and repeat use.
Packaging
Three alternatives in testing
The current BOPE + MDOPE structure meets the present requirement. BOPP + RCPP, Bio-PET and PLA remain under review. The endpoint is the best available structure that meets food safety, shelf life, field use and end-of-life requirements.
R&D network
Scientific collaboration
FRONTIER¹ works with external food-science expertise, including Wageningen-trained specialists. The role of external experts is technical: formulation design, testing interpretation and structured product review.
Shelf life
CONTINUED SHELF-LIFE MONITORING
Shelf life is not treated as a one-time statement. Current production versions are monitored against the declared specification. Real-time ageing, accelerated testing and packaging checks remain part of the product programme.
Certifications & standards
DOCUMENTATION STATUS.
HACCP
FOOD SAFETY SYSTEM
HACCP-based production and process control. Documentation available for professional review where applicable.
IFS Food
MANUFACTURING STANDARD
Produced through an IFS Food-certified manufacturing route where applicable. Certification scope available on request.
100% Organic
ORGANIC INGREDIENT CONTROL
Organic ingredient documentation available where specified. Only use certified organic where certification applies to the finished product or declared ingredient scope.
Vegan
VEGAN FORMULATION
Plant-based formulation. Vegan certification only claimed where formal certification applies.
Low FODMAP
CONTROLLED FIBRE PROFILE
The formulation avoids sugar alcohols and uses selected fibre sources. No digestive, medical or low-FODMAP claim is made unless supported by applicable testing or certification documentation.
EU 1935/2004
Food contact
Food-contact documentation available for packaging materials where applicable, including EU plastic food-contact requirements.
Ration architecture: The QDM is a compact meal-format bar, not a supplement and not a complete long-term diet replacement. Depending on bar weight, variant, activity level and individual requirements, five to six bars can provide a substantial daily energy contribution. Full ingredient declaration, allergen information, nutritional specification and product documentation are available on request.
Research integrity
METHODOLOGY &
INDEPENDENCE.
The QDM formulation was developed with external food scientists, including Wageningen-trained expertise. FRONTIER¹ defined the operational requirement; external specialists supported formulation development, technical review and interpretation of test results.
Laboratory testing, product specifications and packaging documentation are available for professional due diligence on request. The current production version is always the reference point - not a legacy formulation.
This page describes product design, formulation rationale, testing status and documentation. It is not intended to make medical claims or unauthorised health claims. Nutritional information is based on the current production specification.
Selected references
McLellan TM, Pasiakos SM & Lieberman HR (2014). Effects of protein in military operational rations on health and performance. Nutrients, 6(3), 1169–1192.
Phillips SM & Van Loon LJC (2011). Dietary protein for athletes: From requirements to optimum adaptation. Journal of Sports Sciences, 29(S1), S29–S38.
Fallowfield JL et al. (2014). Nutritional strategies to enhance performance and reduce gastrointestinal distress in military personnel. Sports Medicine, 44(S1), S125–S135.
Burke LM et al. (2011). Carbohydrates for training and competition. Journal of Sports Sciences, 29(S1), S17–S27.
Lieberman HR et al. (2006). A double-blind study of caffeine on vigilance, mood and physical performance during sustained operations. Psychopharmacology, 152(2), 203–210.
NATO Standardization Office (2023). AMedP-1.11 (STANAG 2937): Operational Ration Requirements and Testing. Brussels: NATO Standardization Document.
ASTM International. D3985: Standard Test Method for Oxygen Gas Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting · F1249: Standard Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting.
References updated as new validation data becomes available.
The product is where we are
NOT WHERE
WE STOP.
WE STOP.
Developed with independent food scientists. Field-tested with special forces. 400 kcal.
Science & Technology
BUILT AS A MEAL.
TESTED IN REAL USE.
QDM is a compact ready-to-eat meal bar.Designed from field constraints. Developed with food-science input from Wageningen-trained specialists. Designed with former special forces operators. Built around measured nutrition, shelf life, packaging behaviour and practical use.No water, heat, shaker or preparation required.
7
mo
Formulation R&D
36
mo
Shelf life
−20/+50
°C
Declared range
<35
dB
Opening-noise target
PE
foil
MONO-MATERIAL STRUCTURE
Field
+ lab
VALIDATION METHOD
Development
FROM FIELD NEED
TO TEST CRITERIA.
TO TEST CRITERIA.
01
Requirement
Meal constraint defined.
Set with the Pathfinder element, Luchtmobiele Brigade: a compact meal format without water, heat or a fixed eating position.
02
R&D · 7 months
Formulation built.
Food-science input focused on energy density, protein content, fibre selection, texture, shelf life and packaging fit.
03
Validation
Field & lab tested.
Laboratory checks, packaging evaluation and structured field feedback. Current declared shelf life: 36 months.
Ingredient selection
WHAT'S
INSIDE.
INSIDE.
Protein system
Pea & rice protein
Plant-based protein system without dairy ingredients.
Current specification: 24 g protein per 100 g.
Carbohydrate system
Oat-based matrix
Oats provide structure, binding and a complex carbohydrate base.
Current specification: 40 g carbohydrate per 100 g.
Fat & fibre
Nuts, seeds & fibre
Selected for energy density, texture and a low-water meal matrix.
Current specification: 14 g fat and 6,1 g fibre per 100 g.
FIBRE PROFILE
Controlled fibre selection
Fibre sources are selected for practical use during travel, outdoor movement and operational work.
Food formulation. No medical claim.
Functional ingredient
Microalgae
Used within the matrix for formulation and micronutrient rationale.
Included for function, not decoration.
Stability under real conditions
FORMULATED FOR
TEMPERATURE STRESS.
TEMPERATURE STRESS.
Thermal behaviour
QDM is designed to remain sealed, edible and within specification across its declared range: -20 °C to +50 °C.
Shelf life · 36 months
Shelf life is managed through low water activity, ingredient selection, fat stability and packaging compatibility.
Practical meaning
A measured meal that does not rely on water, heat, a shaker or preparation.
Useful when normal food access is limited.
Packaging technology
PACKAGING AS
PART OF THE SYSTEM.
PART OF THE SYSTEM.
Material
MDOPE inner.Mono-material polyethylene structure.
Why
No aluminium.Designed for PE recycling streams where collection and sorting are available.
Acoustic
Low-noise opening.Target: <35 dB at 1 m, subject to batch verification.
Result
Field handling.Compact format with seal-integrity checks.
Validation
Tested.Cyclic temperature and humidity exposure.
Complience
Food contact.EU 1935/2004. EU 10/2011. Documentation available.
Still in testing
BOPP + RCPP, Bio-PET and PLA remain under review.
The current structure meets the present requirement. It is not the endpoint.
Status & certifications
CURRENT
STATUS.
STATUS.
HACCPORGANIC INGREDIENTSVEGAN FORMULATIONEU 1935/2004EU 10/2011EN 1186IFS Food · 2026
QDM is a compact meal-format bar.
Not a snack. Not a supplement. Not a long-term diet replacement.
Ingredient declaration, allergen information, nutritional specification and packaging documentation are available for professional review.
Continuous development
READY FOR USE.
STILL MEASURED.
STILL MEASURED.
Active testing
Formulation behaviour monitored per production version
Real-time shelf-life monitoring remains active
Packaging alternatives remain under review
Field feedback informs opening, carrying, texture and residue
Selected references
Phillips SM & Van Loon LJC (2011). Dietary protein for athletes: From requirements to optimum adaptation. Journal of Sports Sciences.
Burke LM et al. (2011). Carbohydrates for training and competition. Journal of Sports Sciences.
Fallowfield JL et al. (2014). Effect of water ingestion on endurance capacity. Sports Medicine.
Used as scientific baseline for macronutrient distribution and digestion. Updated as new validation data becomes available. Independent analysis on request.