My MREs also had a Tabasco bottle in most boxes. NOT on my list of edible spices...
Comparing MREs to Cs, I would, in my limited experience of C rations, give the award to MREs. More and better flavor is the only criteria.
On a side note, if we ever get out of one or more of the middle east conflicts, I expect to see a flush (pun intended) of MREs hitting the market at lower prices. This happened after Desert Storm (Iraq) concluded, I expect to see it again.
Since I do consider MREs to be a viable item in long term food stocks, I'll keep my eyes on our local and online outlets for Mil. Surplus cases. They may NOT be what I want to eat, but they are, technically, food which stores well.