Food rations provided for soldiers were very poor in the 18th century. Despite this, 6d (sixpence) was deducted from the soldier's pay of 8d (eightpence) for food.

Two meals a day were provided; one at 7.30 to 8.00 am and one at midday. The meals consisted mainly of boiled beef and cabbage. The soldiers were allowed 1 1/2 lbs of bread and 3/4lb of meat including bone and gristle. Until 1802 they were issued with 5 pints of weak beer a day.

William Cobbett wrote that he had seen young soldiers 'lay in their berths...actually crying on account of hunger. The whole week's food was not a bit too much for one day'.