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
- AMAZING TASTE & QUALITY – If you wouldn’t eat it at home, why take it into nature? What you eat matters and we have gone to great lengths creating a flavorful just add water backpacking meal for whatever adventure you are on, whether on the mountain or at your favorite campsite.
- 100% REAL MEAT & 2X THE PROTEIN – Peak Refuel will never use TVP or any other filler in the meat we use. Our meals will always contain 100% USDA inspected meat with nearly double the amount of protein per serving than most outdoor meals on the market.
- PREMIUM FREEZE-DRIED INGREDIENTS – Our meals are premium freeze-dried which locks in important nutrients, so your meal maintains its natural texture and flavor and tastes like it came straight from your house. We only source the highest quality, non-GMO ingredients. Never any junk or artificial preservatives.
- LIGHT WEIGHT & EASY PREP –We understand that time and weight on the trail is valuable. That’s why Peak Refuel prepared meals are lightweight, require less water to cook or rehydrate, and are ready to eat in 10 minutes or less.
- MADE IN THE USA – All Peak Refuel meals are freeze-dried and packaged in the USA. If you are not satisfied with your purchase or have any other questions, contact us directly and we will make it right!
- BEST-TASTING COMFORT FOOD - Made in the USA since 1969, we have been cooking up your favorite comfort food meals and freeze-drying them to create the best-tasting and convenient outdoor adventure meals available.
- EASY TO STORE & QUICK PREP - Just add water and eat straight from the pouch in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. Mountain House buckets are also lightweight and easy to store. This bucket weighs 5.52 lbs. and measures 12” (L) x10” (W) x12.31” (H). 18 cups of water are needed to prepare all meals in this kit. Ideal companion for your camping trips, RV excursions, and more!
- HIGH-QUALITY INGREDIENTS – Mountain House meals are made with high-quality ingredients, never any fillers. Bucket contains 12 total pouches (24 total servings), freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness: (3) Beef Stew, (3) Beef Stroganoff with Noodles, (2) Granola with Milk & Blueberries, (2) Spaghetti with Beef Marinara, and (2) Chicken Fried Rice.
- SHELF STABLE - With the longest proven shelf life in the industry backed by our steadfast 30-Year Taste Guarantee, Mountain House is an essential addition to your emergency food supply, ensuring you're always ready for anything that comes your way.
- RECYCLABLE - Recycle used pouches with TerraCycle for free to reduce your footprint and preserve the great outdoors for fellow adventurers.
- Amazing Taste - No longer do you need to compromise taste for convenience! Our Biscuits & Sausage Gravy contains high quality ingredients to ensure an appetizing and nutritious meal while on the trail. What you eat matters and we have gone to great lengths creating a meal with non-GMO ingredients so you can experience a flavorful just add water backpacking meal whether on the mountain or at your favorite campsite.
- 34 Grams Protein/Pouch - This meal contains 100% real meat, with no meat fillers! We provide a meal loaded with protein required to conquer any adventure. Our meats are sourced from trusted suppliers and inspected by the USDA. This results in a superior quality you can enjoy. Pro Tip: Before adding water, break apart biscuits into smaller pieces if desired.
- Premium Freeze-Dried - The freeze-drying process locks in important nutrients offering a meal with a natural taste and texture, just like it came straight from your house. So whether you are camping deep in the backcountry or on a day hike along your favorite trail, enjoy a delicious and easy to prepare meal loaded with important nutrition.
- Specs: 6.77 oz net wt. Preps in 10 mins with 10.5 oz boiling water. Prepare and eat in pouch. MRE
- Made in USA - Our products are both freeze dried and packaged in the USA.
- AMAZING TASTE & QUALITY – If you wouldn’t eat it at home, why take it into nature? What you eat matters and we have gone to great lengths creating a flavorful just add water backpacking meal for whatever adventure you are on, whether on the mountain or at your favorite campsite.
- 100% REAL MEAT & 2X THE PROTEIN – Peak Refuel will never use TVP or any other filler in the meat we use. Our meals will always contain 100% USDA inspected meat with nearly double the amount of protein per serving than most outdoor meals on the market.
- PREMIUM FREEZE-DRIED INGREDIENTS – Our meals are premium freeze-dried which locks in important nutrients, so your meal maintains its natural texture and flavor and tastes like it came straight from your house. We only source the highest quality, non-GMO ingredients. Never any junk or artificial preservatives.
- LIGHT WEIGHT & EASY PREP –We understand that time and weight on the trail is valuable. That’s why Peak Refuel prepared meals are lightweight, require less water to cook or rehydrate, and are ready to eat in 10 minutes or less.
- MADE IN THE USA – All Peak Refuel meals are freeze-dried and packaged in the USA. If you are not satisfied with your purchase or have any other questions, contact us directly and we will make it right!
- EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLY - Designed to provide 1,706 calories per day for 72 hours. 12 Cups of water is needed to prepared all meals in this emergency kit.
- NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS OR COLORS - Made with no artificial flavors or colors. Meals included: (1) Biscuits & Gravy, (2) Granola with Milk & Blueberries, (2) Chicken Fried Rice, (2) Chicken & Dumplings, and (2) Beef Stroganoff with Noodles.
- QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes. Power outage? No problem. Mountain House meals can be made with room temperature water, just double the hydration time.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT - Kit is easy to carry & store. Emergency kit weighs 3.6 lbs & is 13"(L) x 10"(W) x 9"(H). Perfect for emergency food storage or survival rations.
- SHELF STABLE - Longest proven shelf life in the industry! Backed by a 30-Year Taste Guarantee. Meals are freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness.
- AMAZING TASTE & QUALITY – If you wouldn’t eat it at home, why take it into nature? What you eat matters and we have gone to great lengths creating a flavorful just add water backpacking meal for whatever adventure you are on, whether on the mountain or at your favorite campsite.
- 100% REAL MEAT & 2X THE PROTEIN – Peak Refuel will never use TVP or any other filler in the meat we use. Our meals will always contain 100% USDA inspected meat with nearly double the amount of protein per serving than most outdoor meals on the market.
- PREMIUM FREEZE-DRIED INGREDIENTS – Our meals are premium freeze-dried which locks in important nutrients, so your meal maintains its natural texture and flavor and tastes like it came straight from your house. We only source the highest quality, non-GMO ingredients. Never any junk or artificial preservatives.
- LIGHT WEIGHT & EASY PREP –We understand that time and weight on the trail is valuable. That’s why Peak Refuel prepared meals are lightweight, require less water to cook or rehydrate, and are ready to eat in 10 minutes or less.
- MADE IN THE USA – All Peak Refuel meals are freeze-dried and packaged in the USA. If you are not satisfied with your purchase or have any other questions, contact us directly and we will make it right!
- BEST-TASTING COMFORT FOOD - Made in the USA since 1969, we have been cooking up your favorite comfort food meals and freeze-drying them to create the best-tasting and convenient outdoor adventure meals available. Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness, enjoy spaghetti noodles, hearty beef chunks, and a rich marinara sauce.
- EASY TO PACK & QUICK PREP - Just add water and eat straight from the pouch in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. Mountain House meals are lightweight and portable, lightening your load when every ounce in your backpack matters. Perfect for camping, backpacking, or any outdoor adventure.
- HIGH-QUALITY INGREDIENTS – Mountain House meals are made with high-quality ingredients, never any fillers. Enjoy two servings free of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- SHELF STABLE - With the longest proven shelf life in the industry backed by our steadfast 30-Year Taste Guarantee, Mountain House is an essential addition to your emergency food supply, ensuring you're always ready for anything that comes your way.
- RECYCLABLE - Recycle used pouches with TerraCycle for free to reduce your footprint and preserve the great outdoors for fellow adventurers.
- A TASTE OF ADVENTURE. Enjoy straight-from-the-kitchen taste wherever you are with our Cinnamon Apple Oats. Whether you're camping, backpacking, or spending the day on the lake, a taste of home is just minutes away.
- A CAMPING ESSENTIAL. Our selection of premium freeze-dried and dehydrated meals are lightweight, portable, and easily fit in your pack. No prep necessary means they're perfect for hiking, fishing, or to store away as a shelf-stable emergency meal.
- EAT WELL, EXPLORE MORE. Pack just what you need to refuel and stay nourished with our Cinnamon Apple Oats. With a great taste and 11 grams of protein to keep you going, you'll want to pack it on every trip.
- NOURISHING & DELICIOUS. Rolled oats, quinoa, apples, cinnamon, and hemp seeds make our Cinnamon Apple Oats a great vegetarian and gluten-free option for breakfast-- or enjoy it as a snack.
- ALWAYS PREPARED. Our ready-to-eat meals are shelf-stable, making them the ideal emergency food supply to have on hand. Whether you're stocking up for natural disasters, the next pandemic, the occasional power outage, or just in case, we've got you covered.
- COMFORT FOOD FOR THE TRAIL - "When you're camping all alone, but it tastes like you're warm at home." The Gluten Free Scrambled Eggs with Uncured Bacon delivers premium taste and unmatched quality, perfect for adventurers, campers, and emergency preparedness.
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS & TRUSTED QUALITY - Crafted with high-quality ingredients, with no artificial flavors or colors.
- QUICK & EASY PREP - Just add water and enjoy in minutes, making it ideal for camping, backpacking, and emergency situations. No cooking required for a hot, satisfying meal anywhere.
- LONG-LASTING STORAGE - Backed by our 30-Year Taste Guarantee for freshness and flavor. Store in a cool, dry place to ensure maximum shelf life and reliability when you need it most.
- RESPONSIBLE PACKAGING - Mountain House is committed to sustainability. Recycle used pouches through TerraCycle to help preserve the great outdoors for future adventurers.
- High-Protein Freeze-Dried Breakfasts - Fuel your adventure with Peak Refuel’s high-protein freeze-dried meals. Each breakfast is packed with real ingredients and 100% real meat, giving you premium flavor and nutrition for camping, hiking, or emergency preparedness.
- Lightweight & Ready to Eat - Designed for backcountry trips and survival situations, our lightweight pouches require minimal pack space and weight. Just add water, and enjoy a hearty breakfast ready to eat in minutes — no cooking required.
- Camping and Backpacking - Peak Refuel breakfast meals are an essential part of your camping kitchen. Whether you’re deep in the wilderness or preparing for emergencies, our freeze-dried meals deliver the taste and energy you need to fuel your passion for adventure & the backcountry.
- Ready for Any Situation - From mountain treks to emergency preparedness, Peak Refuel meals are ready to meet the needs of your backcountry adventures, disaster planning, and everything in between.
- Proudly Made in the USA - Every Peak Refuel meal is crafted in the USA with premium ingredients you can trust — delivering clean, high-quality nutrition for backcountry adventures, emergency prep, and everything in between.
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.