The best “just add water” meals are an ideal solution for campers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking quick and convenient food options. These meals require minimal preparation, saving valuable time while offering a lightweight and portable choice for easy transport. From a nutritional standpoint, these meals offer balanced energy through a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This balance is crucial for maintaining energy levels during physically demanding activities like hiking or climbing.
Add water meals, such as freeze-dried options like Mountain House Beef Stroganoff or Backpacker’s Pantry Pad Thai, which are lightweight, easy to pack, and require minimal preparation. Dehydrated meals like Good To-Go Indian Vegetable Korma and instant choices like Oatmeal provide quick, satisfying options. These meals offer a perfect blend of portability and nutrition, ensuring you stay fueled and ready for adventure.
Best Add-Water Meals for Camping
Here is a list of all the meals:
- Freeze-Dried Meals: Freeze-dried meals, like those from Legacy or Mountain House, are lightweight and retain most of their nutrients due to the preservation method
- Dehydrated Meals: Dehydrated meals, like soups or stews, maintain many of their nutrients but often require more water to rehydrate fully.
- Instant Noodles: Instant noodles are affordable and convenient, but they are often low in protein and fiber, while being high in sodium.
- Soup Mixes: Soup mixes, such as tomato or vegetable-based options, offer hydration and are generally low-calorie.
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a nutrient-dense breakfast option, rich in fiber and whole grains, and offers a steady source of energy.
- Meals Ready to Eat (MREs): MREs are designed to provide balanced nutrition, often offering high-calorie counts, protein, and essential vitamins.
- Mountain House Beef Stroganoff: This meal provides a good balance of protein from beef, carbohydrates from pasta, and fats from the creamy sauce, making it a filling and nutritious option for active campers.
- Backpacker’s Pantry Pad Thai: This meal is high in protein and carbohydrates, thanks to the rice noodles and peanut sauce.
- Good To-Go Indian Vegetable Korma: Rich in plant-based proteins and fibers from chickpeas and vegetables, this meal is packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
- AlpineAire Foods Santa Fe Black Beans and Rice: This meal offers a good source of plant-based protein and fiber from black beans, making it a filling option.
- Mountain House Breakfast Skillet: This breakfast option provides a substantial amount of protein and fats from eggs and sausage, which helps campers start the day with sustained energy.
- Backpacker’s Pantry Three Cheese Mac & Cheese: This meal is high in fat and carbohydrates, making it a good choice for refueling after long hikes.
- Harmony House Foods Backpacking Soup Sampler: These soups provide hydration and a variety of vitamins and minerals from vegetables.
- AlpineAire Three Cheese Lasagna: This dish offers a rich source of carbs and fats from pasta and cheese.
- Mountain House Biscuits and Gravy: This breakfast meal is high in fat and calories, making it ideal for starting an active day.
- Backpacker’s Bistro Risotto: This creamy risotto provides a balanced combination of carbs and fats, with some protein from the vegetables and cheese.
- Energy Bars: Energy bars are quick sources of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, offering a balanced nutritional profile for sustaining energy.
What Are Add-Water Meals?
Add-water meals are pre-packaged food options designed to be lightweight and easy to prepare. They require only water to cook, making them ideal for camping or hiking trips. There are three main types of add-water meals:
- Freeze-Dried Meals: These are made by removing moisture from the food through freezing and then applying a vacuum. This method preserves most of the food’s nutrients and flavor while making it lightweight. Freeze-dried meals, such as Mountain House Beef Stroganoff, are popular because they rehydrate quickly when hot water is added, making them both convenient and tasty.
- Dehydrated Meals: Dehydrated meals remove water through heat and air drying, which makes them slightly heavier than freeze-dried meals but still highly portable. These meals include soups, stews, and pasta dishes, such as Good To-Go Indian Vegetable Korma. Dehydrated meals take a bit longer to rehydrate but are great for providing energy-dense, hearty meals.
- Instant Meals: Instant meals, like noodles or oatmeal, are pre-cooked and require only a small amount of hot water to prepare. These are the fastest to make and often the cheapest option. For instance, instant noodles can be a simple, affordable solution for campers seeking quick meals with minimal preparation.
1: Freeze-Dried Meals
Freeze-dried meals are lightweight, easy to pack, and have a long shelf life.
Legacy Long-Term Freeze Dried Food (120 Servings)
I’ve recently bought this giant freeze-dried food bucket from Legacy brand that includes several great ready-to-eat foods. The package consists of a minimum of 120 servings that you can last for days if you are out there with family.
The bucket includes some of the tastiest foods like Italian Paste with Marninara, vegetable, rotini pasta, cheese and broccoli bake, creamy potato soup, white bean chili, macaroni and cheese.
These meals are made by removing the water from the food, which allows it to be stored at room temperature.
When you’re ready to eat, you simply add hot water and wait a few minutes for the food to rehydrate. Freeze-dried meals come in a variety of flavors, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
Nutritional Value: The nutritional content per serving of Legacy Long-Term Freeze Dried Food (120 Servings) is: Calories 300 kcal, Fat 8 grams (including Saturated Fat 2 grams), Cholesterol 15 mg, Sodium 600 mg, Carbohydrates 40 grams (with Dietary Fiber 5 grams and Sugars 7 grams), Protein 12 grams.
2: Dehydrated Meals
Dehydrated meals are similar to freeze-dried meals in that they are lightweight, easy to pack, and have a long shelf life.
These meals are made by removing the water from the food, which allows it to be stored at room temperature.
Dehydrated meals can be rehydrated by adding hot water or cooking them with water on a stove. Dehydrated meals come in a variety of flavors, including pasta dishes, soups, and stews.
Nutritional Value: Based on the exact nutritional information, the Dehydrated Meals provide per serving size of 1 package (approximately 60g): Calories 250 kcal, Fat 5 grams (including Saturated Fat 1 gram and Trans Fat 0 grams), Cholesterol 10 mg, Sodium 500 mg, Carbohydrates 35 grams (with Dietary Fiber 4 grams and Sugars 6 grams, including 2 grams of added sugars), Protein 10 grams, and contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D 0 mcg (0% DV), Calcium 50 mg (4% DV), Iron 2 mg (10% DV), and Potassium 250 mg (6% DV).
3: Instant Noodles
Instant noodles can be a lifesaver while camping. These are popular and affordable options for camping meals.
They are typically made by adding hot water to a noodle cup or packet, along with any seasonings or toppings.
Instant noodles come in a variety of flavors, including chicken, beef, and vegetarian options. Food like instant noodles is also good for picky eaters who are accompanying you on your trip.
Nutritional Value: Based on the nutritional information, a typical serving of Instant Noodles provides per serving size of 1 package (approximately 70g): Calories 380 kcal, Fat 14 grams (including Saturated Fat 6 grams and Trans Fat 0 grams), Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 1,600 mg, Carbohydrates 52 grams (with Dietary Fiber 2 grams and Sugars 2 grams), Protein 8 grams, and contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D 0 mcg (0% DV), Calcium 20 mg (2% DV), Iron 3.6 mg (20% DV), and Potassium 120 mg (2% DV).
4: Soup Mixes
Soup mixes are another easy option for camping meals. You can simply add hot water to the mix and wait a few minutes for the soup to cook.
Soup mixes come in a variety of flavors, including chicken noodles, tomato, and vegetables.
Nutrional Value: Based on the nutritional information, a typical serving of Soup Mix provides per serving size of 1 cup prepared (approximately 245g): Calories 100 kcal, Fat 2 grams (including Saturated Fat 0.5 grams and Trans Fat 0 grams), Cholesterol 5 mg, Sodium 750 mg, Carbohydrates 15 grams (with Dietary Fiber 1 gram and Sugars 2 grams), Protein 4 grams, and contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A 10% DV, Calcium 20 mg (2% DV), Iron 0.7 mg (4% DV), and Potassium 200 mg (4% DV).
5: Oatmeal
Instant oatmeal packets are a quick and easy breakfast option for camping. You can simply add hot water and any additional toppings, like dried fruit or nuts. Instant oats are easy to prepare in a kettle or a camping stove.
Oatmeal comes in a variety of flavors, including maple and brown sugar, apple cinnamon, and blueberry.
Nutritional Value: Based on the nutritional information, a typical serving of Oatmeal provides per serving size of 1/2 cup dry (approximately 40g): Calories 150 kcal, Fat 3 grams (including Saturated Fat 0.5 grams and Trans Fat 0 grams), Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 0 mg, Carbohydrates 27 grams (with Dietary Fiber 4 grams and Sugars 1 gram), Protein 5 grams, and contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D 0 mcg (0% DV), Calcium 20 mg (2% DV), Iron 1.8 mg (10% DV), and Potassium 150 mg (4% DV).
6: Meals Ready to Eat
MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) are a popular option for camping and other outdoor activities. These meals are designed for military use but have become popular with civilians as well.
MREs are pre-packaged meals that are designed to be eaten hot or cold. They come with a heating element that can be activated with water, allowing you to heat up the meal without a stove.
MREs come in a variety of flavors, including beef stew, chicken and rice, and spaghetti.
Nutritional Value: Based on the nutritional information, a typical serving of an MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) provides per serving size of 1 meal (approximately 510g): Calories 1,250 kcal, Fat 50 grams (including Saturated Fat 15 grams and Trans Fat 0 grams), Cholesterol 120 mg, Sodium 1,750 mg, Carbohydrates 160 grams (with Dietary Fiber 10 grams and Sugars 55 grams), Protein 35 grams, and contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A 25% DV, Calcium 400 mg (30% DV), Iron 10 mg (60% DV), and Potassium 1,500 mg (30% DV).
7: Mountain House Beef Stroganoff
Mountain House is a popular brand of freeze-dried meals that are designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Their beef stroganoff meal is a classic favorite, featuring tender beef, savory mushrooms, and creamy sauce.
This meal is easy to prepare by simply adding hot water to the pouch and waiting a few minutes for the food to rehydrate. It is lightweight, portable, and has a long shelf life, making it a great option for camping.
Nutritional Value: Based on the nutritional information, a typical serving of Mountain House Beef Stroganoff provides per serving size of 1 cup prepared (approximately 64g dry mix): Calories 250 kcal, Fat 10 grams (including Saturated Fat 5 grams and Trans Fat 0 grams), Cholesterol 35 mg, Sodium 790 mg, Carbohydrates 31 grams (with Dietary Fiber 1 gram and Sugars 4 grams), Protein 9 grams, and contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D 0 mcg (0% DV), Calcium 60 mg (4% DV), Iron 1.4 mg (8% DV), and Potassium 230 mg (4% DV).
8: Backpacker’s Pantry Pad Thai
Backpacker’s Pantry is another popular brand of camping meals, known for its delicious and nutritious options. Their pad Thai meal is a flavorful combination of rice noodles, vegetables, and a spicy peanut sauce.
This meal is easy to prepare by adding boiling water to the pouch and waiting a few minutes for the food to rehydrate. It is a great option for those who want a hot and satisfying meal while camping.
Nutritional Value: Based on the nutritional information, a typical serving of Backpacker’s Pantry Pad Thai provides per serving size of 1/2 package (approximately 114g): Calories 460 kcal, Fat 15 grams (including Saturated Fat 2 grams and Trans Fat 0 grams), Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 930 mg, Carbohydrates 70 grams (with Dietary Fiber 5 grams and Sugars 14 grams), Protein 14 grams, and contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D 0 mcg (0% DV), Calcium 50 mg (4% DV), Iron 3 mg (15% DV), and Potassium 450 mg (10% DV).
9: Good To-Go Indian Vegetable Korma
Good To-Go is a brand that specializes in dehydrated camping meals that are made with high-quality ingredients.
Their Indian vegetable korma is a delicious and spicy dish that features chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and spinach in a creamy coconut sauce.
This meal is easy to prepare by adding boiling water to the pouch and waiting a few minutes for the food to rehydrate.
It is a great option for those who want a flavorful and nutritious meal while camping.
Nutritional Value: Based on the nutritional information, a typical serving of Good To-Go Indian Vegetable Korma provides per serving size of 1/2 package (approximately 142g prepared): Calories 380 kcal, Fat 18 grams (including Saturated Fat 10 grams and Trans Fat 0 grams), Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 600 mg, Carbohydrates 44 grams (with Dietary Fiber 7 grams and Sugars 9 grams), Protein 8 grams, and contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D 0 mcg (0% DV), Calcium 80 mg (6% DV), Iron 3 mg (15% DV), and Potassium 500 mg (10% DV).
10: AlpineAire Foods Santa Fe Black Beans and Rice
AlpineAire Foods is a brand that offers a wide range of freeze-dried camping meals that are easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Their Santa Fe black beans and rice meal is a hearty and flavorful dish that features black beans, rice, and a spicy southwestern sauce.
This meal is easy to prepare by adding hot water to the pouch and waiting a few minutes for the food to rehydrate.
It is a great option for those who want a filling and satisfying meal while camping.
Nutritional Value: Based on the nutritional information, a typical serving of AlpineAire Foods Santa Fe Black Beans and Rice provides per serving size of 1/2 package (approximately 86g): Calories 320 kcal, Fat 3 grams (including Saturated Fat 0 grams and Trans Fat 0 grams), Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 600 mg, Carbohydrates 62 grams (with Dietary Fiber 12 grams and Sugars 3 grams), Protein 14 grams, and contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D 0 mcg (0% DV), Calcium 60 mg (4% DV), Iron 4 mg (20% DV), and Potassium 930 mg (20% DV).
11: Mountain House Breakfast Skillet
Mountain House offers a range of breakfast options that are perfect for camping. Their breakfast skillet meal is a delicious combination of scrambled eggs, potatoes, peppers, and sausage.
This meal is easy to prepare by adding hot water to the pouch and waiting a few minutes for the food to rehydrate.
It is a great option for those who want a hot and hearty breakfast while camping.
Nutritional Value: Based on the nutritional information, a typical serving of Mountain House Breakfast Skillet provides per serving size of 1 cup prepared (approximately 59g): Calories 310 kcal, Fat 17 grams (including Saturated Fat 5 grams and Trans Fat 0 grams), Cholesterol 230 mg, Sodium 810 mg, Carbohydrates 24 grams (with Dietary Fiber 1 gram and Sugars 4 grams), Protein 12 grams, and contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D 0 mcg (0% DV), Calcium 110 mg (8% DV), Iron 1.4 mg (8% DV), and Potassium 330 mg (8% DV).
12: Backpacker’s Pantry Three Cheese Mac & Cheese
Backpacker’s Pantry offers a range of mac & cheese options that are perfect for camping. Their three-cheese mac & cheese meal is a creamy and flavorful dish that features cheddar, parmesan, and romano cheese.
This meal is easy to prepare by adding boiling water to the pouch and waiting a few minutes for the food to rehydrate.
Nutritional Value: Based on the nutritional information, a typical serving of Backpacker’s Pantry Three Cheese Mac & Cheese provides per serving size of 1/2 package (approximately 99g): Calories 460 kcal, Fat 18 grams (including Saturated Fat 10 grams and Trans Fat 0 grams), Cholesterol 50 mg, Sodium 940 mg, Carbohydrates 55 grams (with Dietary Fiber 2 grams and Sugars 8 grams), Protein 16 grams, and contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D 0 mcg (0% DV), Calcium 250 mg (20% DV), Iron 1 mg (6% DV), and Potassium 200 mg (4% DV).
13: Harmony House Foods Backpacking Soup Sampler
Harmony House Foods offers a variety of dehydrated soup mixes that are perfect for camping. Their backpacking soup sampler includes six different flavors, including vegetable chili, split pea soup, and Southwest-style corn chowder.
These soups are easy to prepare by adding hot water to the pouch and waiting a few minutes for the food to rehydrate.
These foods are great options for those who want a variety of meal options while camping.
Nutritional Value: Based on available information, a typical serving of Harmony House Foods Backpacking Soup Sampler provides per serving size of 1/4 cup dry mix (approximately 28g): Calories 90 kcal, Fat 0 grams (including Saturated Fat 0 grams and Trans Fat 0 grams), Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 25 mg, Carbohydrates 20 grams (with Dietary Fiber 5 grams and Sugars 4 grams), Protein 4 grams, and contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Calcium, Iron, and Potassium.
14: AlpineAire Three Cheese Lasagna
If you’re a fan of cheesy pasta dishes, AlpineAire Three Cheese Lasagna is a great option for camping.
This meal is made with lasagna noodles, three types of cheese, and a zesty tomato sauce. It’s easy to prepare, and the pouch is lightweight and easy to pack.
Nutritional Value: Based on the nutritional information, a typical serving of AlpineAire Foods Three Cheese Lasagna provides per serving size of 1/2 package (approximately 82g): Calories 360 kcal, Fat 8 grams (including Saturated Fat 3.5 grams and Trans Fat 0 grams), Cholesterol 15 mg, Sodium 820 mg, Carbohydrates 59 grams (with Dietary Fiber 4 grams and Sugars 6 grams), Protein 14 grams, and contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D 0 mcg (0% DV), Calcium 150 mg (12% DV), Iron 3 mg (15% DV), and Potassium 350 mg (8% DV).
15: Mountain House Biscuits and Gravy
If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast option, Mountain House Biscuits and Gravy is a great choice.
This meal is made with buttermilk biscuits, sausage crumbles, and creamy gravy. It’s easy to prepare, and the pouch is lightweight and easy to pack.
Nutritional Value: Based on the nutritional information, a typical serving of Mountain House Biscuits and Gravy provides per serving size of 1 cup prepared (approximately 63g): Calories 310 kcal, Fat 16 grams (including Saturated Fat 8 grams and Trans Fat 0 grams), Cholesterol 15 mg, Sodium 870 mg, Carbohydrates 32 grams (with Dietary Fiber 1 gram and Sugars 3 grams), Protein 8 grams, and contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D 0 mcg (0% DV), Calcium 150 mg (10% DV), Iron 1.6 mg (8% DV), and Potassium 230 mg (4% DV).
16: Backpacker’s Bistro Risotto
If you’re a fan of creamy risotto, Backpacker’s Bistro Risotto is a great option for camping. This meal is made with Arborio rice, Parmesan cheese, and vegetables. It’s easy to prepare, and the pouch is lightweight and easy to pack.
Nutritional Value: Based on the nutritional information, a typical serving of Backpacker’s Bistro Risotto provides per serving size of 1 package (approximately 113g): Calories 490 kcal, Fat 20 grams (including Saturated Fat 8 grams and Trans Fat 0 grams), Cholesterol 30 mg, Sodium 850 mg, Carbohydrates 60 grams (with Dietary Fiber 4 grams and Sugars 7 grams), Protein 16 grams, and contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D 0 mcg (0% DV), Calcium 100 mg (8% DV), Iron 3 mg (15% DV), and Potassium 400 mg (8% DV).
How to Choose Nutritionally Balanced Add-Water Meals
When selecting add-water meals for camping, it’s essential to focus on nutrition as well as convenience. Here are key factors to consider:
- Caloric Needs: Depending on your activity level, you may need more calories than usual when camping. Look for meals that provide sufficient energy to sustain you throughout the day. For example, freeze-dried meals like Backpacker’s Pantry Pad Thai offer a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein to keep you fueled during physical activities.
- Protein for Muscle Recovery: After long hikes or physically demanding activities, your muscles need protein to recover. Meals with at least 10-20 grams of protein are ideal. Consider adding a high-protein option like Mountain House Breakfast Skillet, which combines eggs and sausage, to ensure you’re meeting your recovery needs.
- Managing Sodium Intake: Many add-water camping meals can be high in sodium due to the preservation process. While some sodium is essential, particularly if you’re sweating a lot, it’s important to manage your intake to avoid dehydration. Be mindful of sodium levels and balance your meals with low-sodium snacks when possible.
Tips for Supplementing Meals
To enhance your nutrition on the trail, consider adding portable, high-energy snacks:
- Energy Bars: These are a great source of quick energy and often contain a balance of protein, fats, and carbs. They can be used to supplement meals, especially if your main meal is low in calories or protein.
- Dried Fruit and Nuts: Dried fruit provides natural sugars for quick energy, while nuts offer healthy fats and protein. Packing a mix of these can give you an extra nutritional boost between meals.
What are the easiest meals to cook and eat on a camping trip?
The easiest “just add water” meals for camping trips are those that are lightweight and simple to prepare while providing sufficient nutrition to sustain energy during outdoor activities. Instant oatmeal is one of the most popular options for breakfast as it requires only hot water and offers a quick source of carbohydrates for energy.
Freeze-dried pasta meals, such as mac and cheese or spaghetti, are also convenient for camping. They typically require only boiling water and rehydrate within minutes. Instant rice and beans are another easy-to-make option, providing a hearty and filling meal when combined with dehydrated vegetables.
For more variety, freeze-dried backpacking meals from brands like Mountain House and Backpacker’s Pantry offer options such as beef stroganoff and pad Thai. These meals are specifically designed for outdoor use, requiring minimal prep time and equipment.
What are the best homemade just add water meals for camping?
For campers looking to create homemade “just add water” meals, there are several simple and nutritious options that can be prepared in advance and rehydrated with boiling water at camp.
Instant oatmeal mixes are easy to customize with ingredients like rolled oats, powdered milk, dried fruits, and nuts. Simply combine all the dry ingredients in a zip-lock bag, and when you’re ready to eat, add boiling water for a hearty and personalized breakfast.
How long should I let my meal sit after adding water?
The amount of time you should let your meal sit after adding water can vary depending on the type of meal and the specific ingredients. Generally, most “just add water” meals take between 5 to 15 minutes to rehydrate properly.
For freeze-dried meals, like those from brands such as Mountain House or Backpacker’s Pantry, the standard soaking time is about 8 to 10 minutes after adding boiling water.
For homemade dehydrated meals, the time can vary depending on how finely the ingredients were dehydrated. Instant oats or couscous can rehydrate in 5 minutes, while more complex meals with beans or pasta might take 10 to 15 minutes.
What is the shelf life of commercially prepared just add water meals?
The shelf life of commercially prepared “just add water” meals typically ranges from 5 to 30 years, depending on the brand, packaging, and storage conditions. Most freeze-dried meals, such as those from Mountain House or Backpacker’s Pantry, generally have a shelf life of around 25 to 30 years if stored in a cool, dry place.
Editor’s Recommendation:
Hi, I’m Masab Jamal, the founder and head editor of this blog. I love to spend most of my time in the wilderness. Apart from camping and outdoor life, I’m a full time blogger.