How it Works

          The Heating Technology

The TRUETECH™ Self-Heating Technology is a simple combination of powdered food grade iron and magnesium, salt, and water.

When water is poured on the heater pad (HeaterMeals food heaters use salt water & MRE heaters use regular water) the Food Heater releases enough heat to warm-up a pre-cooked meal 100 degrees Fahrenheit in approximately 10 minutes.  A high school chemistry text explanation is available, as is a more in-depth explanation from a 1992 ChemMaters Magazine article.

Spent heaters are biodegradable and easily disposed of, with no toxic materials. 

The patented TRUETECH™ Self-Heating Technology was introduced for use as the Field Ration Heater (FRH) by the U.S. Armed Forces in 1990 to heat Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) for soldiers in the field.  See our Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the MRE FRH here.

Success led to practical adaptations of the TRUETECH™ Self-Heating Technology. In 1994, HeaterMeals Self-Heating, shelf-stable tray Entrees, HeaterMeals Plus Self-Heating Meal Kits (with shelf-stable tray entrees) in the year 2000. In 2006, we developed HeaterMeals 3 Self-Heating Meal Kits (with shelf-stable pouch entrees), and, in 2008, HeaterMeals EX Entrees, designed for Extended Storage of up to 5 years (utilizing advanced shelf-stable, packaging technology in pouches) were made available throughout the U.S. and world markets for use by the public for preparedness and outdoor activities, and for government agencies, businesses, and military units for training exercises, emergency preparedness, and business continuity planning.  Our Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for our HeaterMeals Heater Pad is available here.

To heat all HeaterMeals Entrees and HeaterMeals Plus lunch & dinner entrees, simply place the food tray in the heater bag, pour the enclosed pouch of water into the bag, and in minutes you can enjoy "A Hot Meal Anytime, Anyplace".

Click HERE for heating instructions in Spanish.  Haga clic aqui para las instrucciones en espanol.

To heat HeaterMeals EX Self-Heating Entrees and HeaterMeals 3 Meal Kits in pouches, simply place the the food pouch in the heater bag, pour the enclosed pouch of water into the bag to enjoy "A Hot Meal Anytime, Anyplace."  A serving tray is included in every HeaterMeals 3 and HeaterMeals EX for "heat and serve" convenience.

Click HERE for heating instructions in Spanish.  Haga clic aqui para las instrucciones en espanol.

To heat your Cafe2Go, simply remove the service caddy and salt water/activator solution from the top of the Cafe2Go box and reclose kit.  Place your Cafe2Go on its side, remove water spout, and add one gallon of your own potable water. If preparing the all coffee kit, add the coffee pouch now (if using the Cafe2Go Variety Pack, add coffee, tea, or hot cocoa later).  Secure the water spout.  Tear-off the top of the heater bag, and pour the enclosed salt water packet into the beverage heater pouch wrapped around the water bag inside the Cafe2Go box.   

DO NOT Microwave your Cafe2Go Kit.

The beverage heater releases enough heat to warm-up the beverage 110 degrees F above the starting temperature of the water in just 30 minutes.   Then, the beverage temperature is maintained for over one hour!

To see the Cafe2Go Beverage Temperature Chart, click here.

The TRUETECH™ Self-Heating Technology is used in the U.S. Armed Forces FRH MRE Heater, HeaterMeals, HeaterMeals Plus meal Kits, HeaterMeals 3 Meal Kits, HeaterMeals EX Entrees, designed for Extended Storage of up to 5 years, Cafe2Go, and La Briute Kosher Self-Heating meals.

For more information about our self-heating technologies, please contact us.

Canning Technology

For generations, the traditional canning method has been:

Cook & seal your food; then dip the container in boiling water before storing.

HeaterMeals Self-Heating Meals are prepared in a similar method - Like Homestyle Canning, but provide...

• Better Storage & Distribution Qualities
• Lighter weight
• No Can Opener Required

Click here for shelf-life chart with recommended storage temperature.

Both the HeaterMeals' food preparation facility, as well as the packaging assembly line are United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspected and approved.