Heater Meals FAQ

Facts About Heater Meals

Speaking of shelf-stable, self-heating food entrees used for mobile emergency feeding, there are two names that have become the standard in the industry – HeaterMeals and MREs. In fact, the words "Heater Meals" have become a generic term for these emergency meals, much like "Kleenex" has in the facial tissue industry. It’s gratifying for HeaterMeals to have become a “generic” name within the emergency food industry; but it also leads to some confusion. There is a major difference between HeaterMeals and Commercial MREs.

HeaterMeals Entrees are NOT MRE rations. MRE rations are designed nutritionally for a young soldier in combat who is exerting himself physically. Therefore, MRE rations contain higher calories and high levels of sodium, carbohydrates and fats. These things are needed to fuel the body of a young soldier who is active in combat. Commercial MREs, sold to the public, are essentially formulated the same as military rations. HeaterMeals Nutrition

HeaterMeals Entrees, on the other hand, were nutritionally designed to feed civilians from all walks of life. Civilians are not physically stressed as combat soldiers are, and do not require the high calories, high sodium, high carbohydrate diet of a soldier.

In an attempt to meet the nutritional requirements of civilians, HeaterMeals provides entrees for a wider array of dietary needs. Of the six varieties of HeaterMeals Entrees, two are reduced-sodium “heart healthy” entrees, one HeaterMeals EX meal has only 3 grams of sugar, and we also provide Vegetarian entrées. Compared to MREs and other emergency shelf-stable meal options, HeaterMeals offer 35% to 70% less sodium content.

HeaterMeals also offer the widest variety of meal selections for people of all ages and dietary needs. In public shelter feeding situations, the age of those being served may range from children through senior citizens. An MRE is simply not suitable for feeding all segments of the population, but there is a HeaterMeals variety for almost everyone.