Camping takes a lot of effort and preparation – tools should be in check, durable camping backpack, and of course, an easily accessible food package ready-to-eat anytime!
However, there are occasions where campers fall short (a jar of Nutella is not healthy) and that's why I'm here to help you out with the best freeze-dried food today!
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What Is It Known For?
The best freeze dried food is relatively popular worldwide. In fact, it’s only being used for campers, hikers, and mountaineers – but it’s even being used by certain religions and doomsday preppers! (How cool is that?)

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But since when did this best freeze dried food became a craze? Apparently, years ago. Its popularity quickly increased back in the late 1970s when oil crisis happened and people were forced to stockpile food.
I'm going to give you a quick summary how the best freeze dried food was once selling out like crazy.
Shelf Reliance, a company which manufactures freeze dried food, commented that their business immediately tripled in size last 2011 in a short span of months!
Factors You Should Check Out
Calories Should Be Enough

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Chances are, the reason why you’re reading this article is that you have plans to go out on a camping trip. It’s important to read the labels before purchasing it as you want to have an ideal set of calories.
Here’s always the case when you’re out on camping – you exhaust yourself faster. Commonly, hikers burn more calories than the average person.
Mayo Clinic has raised their voice on this. People who go on long hiking trips are able to burn 438 calories per hour. And that’s only when the person is about 160 pounds.
From that information alone, it’s necessary to eat
But don’t go overboard and stuff too much, that would lead to unwanted discomfort when you’re out hiking.
The best freeze dried food should have the perfect amount of calories, just enough to replenish the calories you've burned through rigorous physical training and boost you up with nutrients.
Check Sodium-Levels
Unfortunately, all of the freeze dried foods have high sodium levels. This doesn't limit to freeze dried foods only – your favorite canned goods and soup also have this characteristic as it’s intended for preservation and taste.
There’s only a certain amount of sodium you should take per day. U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that the daily intake of sodium into our system should only be about 2,300 milligrams.
As a matter of fact, when you have too much, it can cause edema. This has been reported by Medical News Today.
The symptoms aren’t pretty either – swelling in the hands, legs, ankles, and feet have been discovered. Also, it might be a trigger stroke and heart attack in the long run.
The best freeze dried food in the market doesn't let exceed the recommended intake as it'll cause a continuous feeling of thirst all throughout the hike.
Nutrients and Taste
Taste is an important factor – don’t force yourself to eat something you don’t like. It’s going to make your journey a bit harder than it should. Although nutrients weigh a heavier factor, the best freeze dried food should cater to both of them.
As surprising as it may seem, but they’re actually pretty healthy. Gary Stoner of Medical College of Wisconsin has discovered that the best freeze dried food actually has reserved 90% of its nutrients – specifically, anthocyanin.
There are even other vitamins found as well. These are vitamins C and E. Additionally, if they have been rehydrated properly, they’re restored to their nutritional value before the process.
An expert in food science technology, Diane Barrett, has even stated that the best way of preserving food is by freeze-drying.
Top 5 Best Freeze Dried Food
#1 Mountain House Beef Stroganoff with Noodles

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I stopped hiking for a couple of years (I got busy with juggling school and work) and I wanted to make a big comeback.
However, the only thing that I could remember from my hike with my dad is that the freeze dried can goods were a dreadful experience – this completely solved my dilemma.
What I love about them is they’re fairly easy to make, convenient after a day’s hard work out in the field. And the price is pretty much cheap too!
They’re an ideal partner for hiking, camping, mountaineering, and even doomsday preparing!
Pros
- Ready to eat and easy to prepare
- Tastes like natural beef freshly cooked
- Affordable price range
Cons
- Takes time to freeze
#2 Mountain House Lasagna with Meat Sauce

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When I decided to try my luck on a new brand, I hit the jackpot price! I like how it comes with 6 pouches – it was the perfect number for my trip last week.
I’m quite surprised how they’re pretty east to make – just add water and wait for 10 minutes. And guess what? I didn’t have to clean right after! It was a hassle-free experience.
I would recommend this product for a quick recovery after a rigorous day.
Pros
- 10-minute preparation
- Ideal for cold weather
- Clean-up free
Cons
- It’s not lasagna, but tastes great
#3 Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef

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From my experience, it’s enough to feed me full. One pouch/serving is about two and a half cup, and it’s just the right amount of energy, nutrients, and size.
I gave this to my brother-in-law because he always goes out on a camping trip every here and now, and he said the beans tastes great.
He was even shocked how the tomato sauce fragrance smells so fresh, and it's piercing out hot chili mac! Personally, I'm impressed by its long-lasting shelf life (My kids would have already been in college when this expires.)
Pros
- Tastes Fantastic
- Replenishes Energy
- Fulfilling Experience
Cons
- You have to hold back an ounce of water
#4 Mountain House Rice & Chicken

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Are you a fan of chickens? Well, this could be ideal for you. I’m a big fan of chicken meals, and I’m quite impressed by how they were able to preserve that real chicken taste considering it has gone through process – a characteristic of the best freeze dried food!
These are easy to setup, which makes it great if you’re always on the run. There are special occasions where I’d occasionally eat at home for no reason – just because I find the taste interesting.
I have no problem with its serving size; as a matter of fact, its ten 1-Cup serving is just ideal for me. And I appreciate how they have soy and wheat for their allergens as well.
Pros
- Perfect Serving Size
- Easy-to-clean setting
- Tastes like real chicken
Cons
- Rice doesn’t have a rich flavor
#5 Mountain House Beef Stew

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I tried leaving them alone in the refrigerator, and I like how I could easily reheat them the day after without having to experience trouble. In fact, they taste even better. So maybe I’ll do that again.
Every time I go backpacking, I always make sure I have a pouch secured in my bag. Its serving is enough to make full – I tend to eat a lot.
In all fairness, this puts up fairly well for a “just add water” kind of food. It’s quick, tasty, and doesn’t give me the headache of cleaning up after. I’m sure you’ll love this! Especially so if you’re a fan of noodles.
Pros
- Quick Preparation
- Noodles adds to the flavor
- Long shelf life
- Mess-free meal pack
Cons
- Low dietary fiber
What’s The Best Freeze Dried Food?
I’ve tried them all – because I’m a sucker for these – and it’s pretty much hard to choose. But if I had to, I would honestly go for Mountain House Rice & Chicken as the best freeze dried food!
Here’s the reason why:
- Among all of the freeze dried food on the list, this doesn’t have high-sodium levels like the others. It doesn’t give an overly salty texture, and I love how my stomach doesn’t bloat as much.
- Protein is needed for building muscles, which is extremely useful when you’re out in the open – and chicken provides you with both protein and energy for a head start on your task!
- And of course, it wouldn’t be the best freeze dried food if it doesn’t taste good. Not only is it jam-packed with nutrients, but it lets you savor the flavor with each bite!
- The calories are enough to fulfill my stomach, I feel perfectly contented after eating it up. It isn't heavy to the stomach, and it isn't too light as well – they're just in between.
Putting it all together, this is definitely my top pick. Personally, I’m after taste and nutrients – and this takes the cake away!
If you’re still in the search of the best freeze dried food, you should unquestionably try this out. As a bonus, you won’t have to worry about eating cardboard-like food!
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