HeaterMeals makes self-heating meals, the original flameless meal for civilians, built on the same heater technology used in military rations. Made by Luxfer Magtech, which has supplied the U.S. military's flameless ration heaters since 1990, HeaterMeals brought that self-heating capability to the public in 1994. Its meals are used by military, first responders, and disaster-relief agencies where a hot meal is needed but power and fire are not available.

The lineup covers self-heating meal kits and entrées, including chicken, beef, and vegetarian options and breakfast kits, some with brand-name snacks and beverages. An extended-shelf-life line stores for up to five years.

The heating works through a patented flameless ration heater, a pouch of food-grade iron and magnesium powder with salt. The user places the food pouch in the heater bag and adds the water or saline that comes with the kit, and the exothermic reaction raises the meal's temperature about 100 degrees Fahrenheit in ten to twelve minutes, with no electricity, microwave, or fire required. It is worth being clear about the water: the meal still needs water to start the reaction, so it is not a zero-water option. What sets it apart from freeze-dried food is that the water does not have to be heated, which is the real advantage when there is no power or fire to boil water in the first place. That makes HeaterMeals useful in exactly the situations where cooking is not an option.

Stock self-heating meals alongside longer-term emergency food, keep water on hand for both drinking and activation, and add them to a bug-out bag.