One Square meal supplies 2900kJ (694 kcal), which is one third or 33% of the Daily Intake value for energy (8700kJ/day or 2082kcal/day). This Daily Intake figure is based on the average energy consumption per day for adults and children over 4 years of age in Australia and New Zealand. Being an average figure, a specific individual’s needs may be higher or lower than this depending on a number of factors including age.

A child’s energy needs depend on the their rate of growth, increasing body size, age, gender and level of physical activity.

On average:
4 – 7 year olds require between 6000 – 8000 kJ/day
8 – 11 year olds require between 7000 – 9000 kJ/day
12 – 15 year olds require between 8000 – 12000 kJ/day
16 – 18 year olds require between 9000 – 14,000 kJ/day

Again these are average figures and level of activity can make a big difference. For example a six year old boy with a vigorous activity level may require 9020 kJ/day while a 16 year old girl classed as 'very sedentary' may need only 8360 kJ/day.

One Square Meal comes in two individually wrapped bars that contain 1450kJ (347 kcal) ie. half the total calorie content. This provides the option of eating a whole One Square Meal, or half (ie. one OSM bar), or even a lesser portion, with or without other food, to suit the occasion and a specific individual’s needs.