Shelf-Life
All HeaterMeals Self-Heating Meals are shelf-stable food products that do not require refrigeration. Our four product lines each have varying shelf-lives to meet your needs.
The shelf-life of a product is measured in years, and is based on the production date of that product. The shelf-life can be affected by the temperature in which the product was stored.
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HeaterMeals Ex Entrees |
Up to 5 years, based on the production date |
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HeaterMeals 3 Self-Heating Meal Kits |
Up to 3 Years, based on the production date |
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HeaterMeals Entrees |
Up to 2 years, based on the production date |
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HeaterMeals Plus Self-Heating Meal Kits |
Up to 1 year, based on the production date |
Shelf-life of a product is based on the production date and storage temperature. Maximum shelf-lives are achieved through storage temperatures of 80 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Please consult the “Use By” date found on each package.
Our food contains the freshest ingredients to prepare our tasty dishes. No preservatives are added, and no preservative process is used.
HeaterMeals uses Retort Packaging to achieve its long shelf-life, and to ensure greater retention of the food's original aroma, texture, nutrients and flavor. The food in HeaterMeals Entrees is fully cooked in a two step process. A HeaterMeals Entree is first cooked, packed and safety-sealed in a retort tray or a strong, flexible retort pouch. The container is then heated again at high temperatures under pressure. The second cooking step is much like the traditional canning process, ensuring your meal is ready-to-eat without refrigeration or freezing.
Advantages of Retort Packaging:
- Sealed packaging provides a shelf-stable product, refrigeration free
- Food is fully cooked, fresh, visually appealing and ready to eat when opened
- Reduced storage space
- Lighter and less expensive to ship
- Easier for customers to open and use
HeaterMeals uses two types of Retort Packaging:
As a result of our cooking and packaging processes, you get to enjoy a ready-to-eat meal that retains it natural moisture, appearance, texture and taste.