Nutritional Comparison
The food in HeaterMeals Self-Heating Meals is not the same as the food found in MRE rations. Those are designed to sustain active, combat soldiers. To do that, MREs must contain higher calories and high levels of sodium, carbohydrates and fats to sustain a soldier’s energy levels.
HeaterMeals, on the other hand, are nutritionally designed for the diets of civilians. As a result, our food contains fewer calories, and lower levels of fats, carbohydrates and sodium. In fact, our sodium levels are 35% to 70% less than MREs. This makes HeaterMeals more acceptable for a wider array of dietary needs.
The chart below details the nutritional differences between HeaterMeals 3 Self-Heating Meal Kits and a popular commercial MRE Ration. HeaterMeals 3 Self-Heating Meal Kits are comparable to MREs since both contain an entrée, snack items, and a powdered drink mix.
The figures are averages derived from the 6 meal kit varieties of HeaterMeals 3, and the 6 types of MRE rations offered by that MRE company.
The comparison chart includes the main entrée, the snacks and drink mix for both.
| Average for 6 Dinners |
HeaterMeals 3 |
% Daily* |
Commercial MRE |
% Daily |
| Calories |
1057 |
53% |
1217 |
61% |
| Total Fat |
32g |
49% |
53g |
72% |
| Trans Fat |
0g |
- |
6g |
- |
| Cholesterol |
36mg |
12% |
23mg |
19% |
| Sodium |
822mg |
34% |
1213mg |
54% |
| Total Carbohydrates |
161g |
54% |
162g |
56% |
| Dietary Fiber |
11g |
43% |
9g |
36% |
| Protein |
32g |
- |
31g |
48% |
- Percent Daily Values are based upon a 2,000-calorie per day diet.
- The figures given for HeaterMeals 3 are based on our 12 ounce entrees, which are 50% larger than 8 ounce Commercial MRE Ration Entrees, and the brand-name snack items included in the meal kit.
- Updated October 2011.
Key Observations:
- In the HeaterMeals 3 Meal Kit, more calories are dedicated to healthy nutrients and healthy calories than what is found in MREs
- Compared to the Commercial MRE Rations, HeaterMeals 3 Meal Kits provide more Protein and Fiber content than Commercial MREs, yet HeaterMeals 3 Self-Heating Meal Kits have less fat, no trans fat, and 32% less sodium content.
- HeaterMeals 3 provides excellent nutrition by combining a high quality source of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and fiber, with zero trans fats and lower levels of sugar and sodium.
HeaterMeals Meal Kit Facts