To say freeze drying food is popular is an understatement. It’s all anyone can think about, whether they’re planning an epic camping trip or just fantasizing about one. There are even entire blogs dedicated to freeze dried food and camping, like The Drying Guru, run by a self-described freeze drying nerd named Ethan. But which freeze dried food is best for camping? And which camping recipe relies on it? To help you find your answer, here is our pick for the best camping freeze dried food.
Read on for more information on our favorite camping freeze dried food.
Our Editor’s Best Camping Freeze Dried Food Reviews
- DELICIOUS MEAL ASSORTMENT! Savor your next adventure with this easy to carry bucket consisting of 12 total meal pouches that are loaded with unbelievable flavor. This bucket contains 24 total servings of freeze-dried backpacker favorites.
- NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS OR COLORS - Meals included are (3) pouches of Beef Stew, (3) Beef Stroganoff, (2) Granola with Milk & Blueberries, (2) Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and (2) Chicken Fried Rice.
- QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. This pouch is wider and shorter, providing a great bowl-like experience. To prepare all meals in this bucket, 18 cups of water will be needed.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT - Meals are freeze-dried to lock in nutrients & freshness and reduce weight. Bucket weighs 5.7 lbs. and measures 12"(L) x 10"(W) x 12.31"(H). Enjoy in the backcountry or on your next camping trip.
- RECYCLABLE - Recycled used pouches with TerraCycle to reduce waste.
- DELICIOUS MEAL ASSORTMENT! Enjoy 5 days' worth of breakfast, lunch, and dinner in one easy to carry bucket on your next outdoor adventure. This bucket contains 15 total pouches or 30 total servings of freeze-dried goodness.
- NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS OR COLORS - Meals included are (3) pouches of Breakfast Skillet, (2) Granola with Milk & Blueberries, (2) Beef Stroganoff, (3) Chicken Fajita Bowls, (3) Chicken Fried Rice, and (2) Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce.
- QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. The pouch is wider and shorter, providing a great bowl-like experience! To prepare all meals in this bucket, 21 cups of water will be required.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT – Bucket is easy to carry & store. Bucket weighs 6.5 lbs & is 12"(L) x 10"(W) x 14.24"(H). Enjoy in the backcountry or on your next camping trip. With a 30-Year Taste Guarantee, it's a great addition to your emergency food storage.
- RECYCLABLE - Recycled used pouches with TerraCycle to reduce waste.
- DELICIOUS BREAKFAST! Hot fluffy buttermilk biscuits with creamy pork sausage gravy make for a hearty, family-favorite breakfast around the campfire or on the couch. Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness. No refrigeration needed.
- NO ARTIFICIAL ANYTHING - Made with no preservatives, artificial flavors or colors. Contains two total servings. Great for one hungry backpacker or split it with your camping buddy.
- QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. The pouch has a shorter, wider, more bowl-like shape for an easier eating experience. Eat straight from the pouch and skip the dishes!
- EAT ANYTIME, ANYWHERE - Pouch is lightweight & portable providing you with a deliciously, tasty meal perfect for camping & backpacking trips! Eat well in the backcountry or in your tent. Also great for emergency food storage & survival.
- RECYCLABLE - Recycled used packaging with TerraCycle to reduce waste.
- DELICIOUS MEAL! Chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dupling bites in a creamy white gravy, this soul-satisfying Southern recipe is perfect for outdoor or indoor adventures! Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness. No refrigeration needed.
- NO ARTIFICIAL ANYTHING - Made with no preservatives, artificial flavors or colors. Pouch contains two total servings. Great for one hungry backpacker, or to share with your camping buddy.
- QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. The pouch has a shorter, wider, more bowl-like shape for an easier eating experience. Eat straight from the pouch and skip the dishes!
- EAT ANYTIME, ANYWHERE - Pouch is lightweight & portable providing you with a deliciously, tasty meal perfect for camping & backpacking trips! Eat well in the backcountry or in your tent. Also great for emergency food storage & survival.
- RECYCLABLE - Recycled used packaging with TerraCycle to reduce waste.
- DELICIOUS MEAL! Pasta with cheese in a rich tomato meat sauce makes this a favorite Italian entree. Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness. No refrigeration needed.
- NO ARTIFICIAL ANYTHING - Made with no preservatives, artificial flavors or colors. Pouch contains two total servings. Great for one hungry backpacker, or to share with your camping buddy.
- QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. The pouch has a shorter, wider, more bowl-like shape for an easier eating experience. Eat straight from the pouch and skip the dishes!
- EAT ANYTIME, ANYWHERE - Pouch is lightweight & portable providing you with a deliciously, tasty meal perfect for camping & backpacking trips! Eat well in the backcountry or in your tent. Also great for emergency food storage & survival.
- RECYCLABLE - Recycled used packaging with TerraCycle to reduce waste.
- DELICIOUS BREAKFAST! Hash browns scrambled eggs crumbled pork patty peppers and onions Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness No refrigeration needed
- NO ARTIFICIAL COLORS OR FLAVORS - Made with no artificial flavors or colors and certified gluten-free by GFCO Pouch contains two total servings Great for one hungry backpacker or share it with your camping or backpacking buddy
- QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes with no cleanup The pouch has a shorter wider more bowl-like shape for an easier eating experience Eat straight from the pouch and skip the dishes!
- EAT ANYTIME ANYWHERE - Pouch is lightweight & portable providing you with a deliciously tasty meal perfect for camping & backpacking trips! Eat well in the backcountry or in your tent Also great for emergency food storage & survival
- RECYCLABLE - Recycled used packaging with TerraCycle to reduce waste
- DELICIOUS MEAL! Tender dices of all natural beef, potatoes, peas, and carrots. Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness. No refrigeration needed.
- NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS OR COLORS - Made with no artificial flavors or colors and certified gluten-free by GFCO. Pouch contains two total servings. Great for one hungry backpacker, or to share with your camping buddy.
- QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. The pouch has a shorter, wider, more bowl-like shape for an easier eating experience. Eat straight from the pouch and skip the dishes!
- EAT ANYTIME, ANYWHERE - Pouch is lightweight & portable providing you with a deliciously, tasty meal perfect for camping & backpacking trips! Eat well in the backcountry or in your tent. Also great for emergency food storage & survival.
- RECYCLABLE - Recycled used packaging with TerraCycle to reduce waste.
- DELICIOUS MEAL! Tender beef, noodles, and mushrooms smothered in a rich sour cream sauce. Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness. No refrigeration needed.
- NO ARTIFICIAL COLORS OR FLAVORS - Made with no artificial flavors or colors. Pouch contains two servings. Great for one hungry backpacker, or share it with your camping or backpacking buddy.
- QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. The pouch has a shorter, wider, more bowl-like shape for an easier eating experience. Eat straight from the pouch and skip the dishes!
- EAT ANYTIME, ANYWHERE - Pouch is lightweight & portable providing you with a deliciously, tasty meal perfect for camping & backpacking trips! Eat well in the backcountry or in your tent. Also great for emergency food storage & survival.
- RECYCLABLE - Recycled used packaging with TerraCycle to reduce waste.
- DELICIOUS MEAL! Spicy chili sauce with beef, macaroni noodles, onion, and beans. Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness. No refrigeration needed.
- NO ARTIFICIAL ANYTHING - Made with no preservatives, artificial flavors or colors. Pouch contains two total servings. Great for one hungry backpacker, or to share with your camping buddy.
- QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. The pouch has a shorter, wider, more bowl-like shape for an easier eating experience. Eat straight from the pouch and skip the dishes!
- EAT ANYTIME, ANYWHERE - Pouch is lightweight & portable providing you with a deliciously, tasty meal perfect for camping & backpacking trips! Eat well in the backcountry or in your tent. Also great for emergency food storage & survival.
- RECYCLABLE - Recycled used packaging with TerraCycle to reduce waste.
- NUTRIENT-PACKED GOODNESS: Discover a bountiful bucket of vitality with our ReadyWise Emergency MRE Supply. With an impressive 120 servings of premium freeze-dried fruits, this kit ensures that you remain not just nourished but thriving during an unforeseen crisis.
- EXCEPTIONAL TASTE GUARANTEED: Say farewell to the uninspiring emergency food you've grown accustomed to. ReadyWise's commitment to excellence means that our freeze-dried fruits, crafted from real, wholesome ingredients, provide an unparalleled taste experience.
- 20-YEAR SHELF LIFE: Trust in the enduring freshness of ReadyWise's Emergency MRE Supply. With a remarkable shelf life of up to 20 years, you can rest easy, knowing that these fruits will remain as nutrient-rich and delicious as the day they were packed.
- VERSATILE VARIETY: Inside this resilient bucket, you'll discover a cornucopia of flavors and nutrients. Our assortment includes a medley of bananas, strawberries, apples, and blueberries. Beyond providing essential vitamins and minerals, these fruits are versatile companions to your other dehydrated meals, elevating both taste and nutrition.
- EFFORTLESS PREPARATION: When the pressure is on, simplicity is key. That's why each food item is meticulously packaged in durable, long-lasting pouches. Preparing a hot and savory meal is as easy as 1-2-3: tear open a pouch, add water, give it a good stir, and cover. In just 15 short minutes, you'll be savoring a delicious, comforting meal.
Best Camping Freeze Dried Food Buying Guide
Before choosing the best camping freeze dried food you should consider following options:
1. Meals: The most important thing to keep in mind when it comes to freeze-dried food is that it comes in different forms.
You can choose from meals, snacks and beverages.
Meals are what most people are used to, and they are usually the most expensive option. These usually contain all the nutrients that you need during the day and can be heated in the usual way with hot water.
Snacks contain fewer calories but are perfect for someone who needs something to keep their energy levels up but is not planning on hiking for a long time.
Beverages are usually in powder form and contain all the water you need during the day. You simply add water and drink.
2. Portion: When buying freeze-dried food, you will usually have the option of choosing between full and half portions.
Freeze-dried food usually contains a very high level of calories and is perfect for an active lifestyle. If you are not planning on doing much physical activity then it’s better to get half portions.
3. Taste: Another thing to keep in mind when buying freeze-dried food is that the taste is not always what you would expect.
Some meals have a very strong taste, others very little. Since freeze-dried food is packed with flavors to mask the taste of the freeze-dried ingredients, we recommend trying different meals to see which one you like the most.
New brands are always coming out and what one brand tastes like might be very different from another.
If you live in an area where you can test out different brands, you should definitely do that and then buy your favorites.
4. Cost: Freeze-dried food is usually more expensive than other types of meals, but it is also more convenient and has a higher calorie count.
That makes it the perfect option for hikers and backpackers who want to minimize their time spent cooking and want to get the most calories in the least amount of time.
Compared to other hiking foods, freeze-dried food is the most expensive option.
You can find cheaper options such as beef jerky which is a great source of protein and doesn’t require any cooking, but it is also more calorically poor.
What else you should know about camping freeze dried food
1. What is camping freeze dried food?
Freeze dried food is a type of camping food that is made by freezing the food and then drying it out.
2. What are the benefits of camping freeze dried food?
The benefits of camping freeze dried food include the food’s light weight, long shelf life, and easy preparation.
3. What are some of the best camping freeze dried foods?
Some of the best camping freeze dried foods include:
-Freeze dried meats (chicken, beef, pork)
-Freeze dried vegetables (corn, green beans, peas)
-Freeze dried fruits (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
-Freeze dried yogurt
-Freeze dried ice cream
4. How do you prepare camping freeze dried food?
There is no need to prepare camping freeze dried food, as it is ready to eat as is.
5. What are some tips for eating camping freeze dried food?
Here are some tips for eating camping freeze dried food:
1. Read the instructions on the packaging carefully before you start cooking.
2. Add the appropriate amount of water to the food, using the measuring guide on the packaging.
3. Cook the food according to the instructions on the packaging.
4. Let the food cool down before you eat it.
5. Enjoy your delicious freeze dried camping food!
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best camping freeze dried food. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best camping freeze dried food will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.