I am not sure if they are the same as Esbit, but the Esbit tablets work very well. Some hikers here don't like Esbit because of its smell, and because it blackens the bottom of pots. It was not a problem for me, and I liked the fact that if necessary I could add a tablet while the other one was still burning. They are light, compact and fairly hot burning. (As I remember I boiled a cup of water in 7 minutes). The only downside I see is the cost. Where I live I can only get Esbit at model engine stores and they are relatively expensive. They use Esbit to fuel small steam engines.

Howie