Self-heating sterilised meals

You need no stove, fire or gas. The heating system is quick and simple. Adding water triggers the reaction — just 50 ml (about 1.7 fl oz). You can watch a video showing how to use the product on each product page. There are plenty of recipes and packs to choose from, including meat and fish dishes and vegetarian options. They provide complete food self-sufficiency, whether you are heading outdoors, working on a building site or stocking up. Their shelf life is 1 to 3 years.

When is a self-heating meal the ideal choice?

A self-heating meal is ideal when a stove is not an option: on a bushcraft trip in the woods, a multi-day hike or a survival course, or simply as an emergency ration at home or in the car. Just add a little water to heat the meal, and you can eat hot food anywhere, anytime, without a fire, gas canister or extra equipment to carry. That also makes self-heating meals popular with hikers who want to keep their backpacks as light as possible.

Which self-heating meal should you choose for your trip?

Choose from self-heating meat and fish meals, as well as vegetarian options, so everyone can find something suitable. Options include spicy mixed meat, beef bourguignon, teriyaki beef and vegetable and tofu risotto for those who prefer not to eat meat. Rations from brands such as MSR and Santa Madre, along with NATO MRE meals, keep for 1 to 3 years, making them ideal to store in your kit.

💡 FAQ: Self-heating meals

❓ What exactly is a self-heating meal?

A self-heating meal is a sterilised, ready-to-eat dish with a built-in heating element. Add around 50 ml (about 1.7 fl oz) of water and the meal heats itself, with no fire, gas or stove needed.

❓ How do you heat a self-heating meal?

Add the stated amount of water, around 50 ml (about 1.7 fl oz), to the heating element inside the packaging, then wait a few minutes. A demonstration video is available on most product pages.

❓ How long does a self-heating meal keep?

Depending on the dish, a self-heating meal keeps for 1 to 3 years, making it suitable as an emergency ration or a backup meal.

❓ Are there meat-free self-heating meals?

Yes. Alongside meat and fish dishes, there are vegetarian self-heating meals, such as vegetable and tofu risotto.

❓ Can you use a self-heating meal safely indoors?

The heating element works without flames, smoke or an open fire, making it safer to use indoors than cooking with gas. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.