Self-heating food packaging

These packages are useful for military operations, during natural disasters, or whenever conventional cooking is not available.

When the user pushes on the bottom of the can, a rod pierces the membrane, allowing the water and heating agent to mix.

These include: Some newer formulations use a Thermite-like reaction between a more reactive metal powder such as aluminum or magnesium, with a less reactive metal oxide such as iron oxide or silicon dioxide [3] Self-heating cans have dual chambers, one surrounding the other.

When the user wants to heat the contents of the can, a ring on the can—when pulled—breaks the barrier which keeps the chemicals in the outer chamber apart from the water.

In either case, after the heat from the reaction has been absorbed by the food, the user can enjoy a hot meal or drink.

A Unitized Group Ration – Express self-heating field ration being heated in its box
Self-heating rice with quicklime and water as heating source, taken before adding water to quicklime