The antioxidant or prooxidant activity of the principal ingredients was determined for eight cooked, freeze-dried combination foods used in Armed Forces operational rations. Each product was made in successive stages or partial formulations with the first stage containing only meat and water and the succeeding stages made by adding one or more ingredients, with the last stage being the complete product. Proportions and processing were maintained as though the final product was being made. The stages were freeze-dried and stored in cans under atmospheric pressure at 40, 70, or 100°F for 12 weeks. Oxygen uptakes of the stages were determined at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Some ingredients such as rice, chili beans, and vegetable oil were found to have antioxidant properties. Others such as tomato paste, some seasoning mixes, and white sauce were prooxidant. There is evidence that the antioxidant or prooxidant activity of an ingredient varies, depending upon the other ingredients present, and that processing conditions will significantly affect the oxygen uptake of the meat component.