Freeze dried foods were the new thing for camping 30 years ago and saved weight while not tasting too horiible. They are better now, but still expensive. You pay for the light weight and the variety of flavors.
MRE's still come in a limited variety of choices, but for what they are, the taste is not bad. Remember, they are not meant to replace home cooking. They are designed as rations for carrying and using where conventional meals aren't possible. Since they are rations, they are nutrionally geared toward keeping a soldier in fighting condition for the least amount of weight, time, and effort. The taste is not as important as is getting the benefit of consuming vitamins and calories. Therefore, of course they are "enhanced." And while some folks would like to see Martha get shot at, a gourmet meal during a patrol probably won't be coming along anytime too soon. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/xyxgun.gif
As emergency food goes, either works. Nothing so far has been able to beat fresh food. If you want more flavor, cook "real food" or learn how to spice either of them up. They will never replace good home cooked meals because they are not meant to do so. But they do a fine job in an emergency. But sauces and spices make 'em work much better.
Search surplus gear sites, camping sites, and bulk food sites for prices. To keep everyone happy, look for variety, but remember, they are meant to keep you alive first and to be happy second.