What Is The Best Dehydrated Food For Camping?


Camping is a great way to get away from it all and reconnect with nature. But with all the exploring, exercising, and sightseeing, you need to make sure you're eating the right food to keep your energy levels up. That's why dehydrated food for camping is the perfect solution. It's easy to find, lightweight, and can be prepared quickly.

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Dehydrated food is versatile, convenient, lightweight, durable, and flavorful – making it the perfect choice for camping.  Dehydrated foods come in a variety of flavors and styles, so you're sure to find something that you'll love.

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All of these products are easy to store and provide convenient options for on-the-go meals. You can buy them just about anywhere or get your own dehydrator and make your own.

Do Dehydrated Foods Have Nutritional Value?

Different types of dehydrated foods have different nutritional benefits. For example, fruit is a good source of vitamin C which is essential for immune system health and protecting against colds and flu. Veggies are also packed with nutrients such as fiber, potassium, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, manganese and copper.

By incorporating different types of dehydrated food into your diet while camping – whether it's in a breakfast sandwich or dinner entree – you're sure to get everything that you need while outdoors.

10 of the Best Dehydrated Food For Camping

The best options are those that are lightweight, easy to pack, and require minimal preparation. Here's a list of the top dehydrated foods ideal for camping:

  • Dehydrated Fruits: You can find dried fruits in a wide variety of flavors, such as apples, bananas, mangoes, and berries. These are great for snacking or adding to breakfast cereals.
  • Dehydrated Vegetables: Options like bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and mushrooms can be rehydrated for use in cooking, adding flavor and nutrition to meals. You can find a huge variety for sale or make your own.
  • Jerky: Beef, turkey, or even plant-based jerky provide a high-protein snack that's durable and lightweight.
  • Freeze-Dried Meals: These can include anything from pasta dishes to curries or stews. Just add hot water, and you have a full meal.
  • Dehydrated Soups and Broths: Compact and easy to prepare, these can make for a quick, warm meal on the trail.
  • Legumes and Beans: Lentils, black beans, and chickpeas, for example, can be rehydrated for use in a variety of dishes.
  • Instant Coffee and Tea: While not dehydrated in the traditional sense, these are freeze-dried and are a staple for many campers.
  • Dehydrated Dairy Products: Powdered milk, cheese, butter, heavy cream and even yogurt can be used in cooking or as a base for breakfast meals.
  • Grains and Cereals: Instant rice, dehydrated quinoa, and rolled oats are great bases for meals and can be easily rehydrated.
  • Dehydrated Egg Products: Dehydrated eggs can be used for breakfast dishes or as an ingredient in other meal preparations.

These dehydrated foods are not only convenient and lightweight but also provide the necessary energy and nutrition needed for camping activities.

woman using dehydrator to dehydrate strawberries

 Remember to consider the amount of water you'll need for rehydration and any additional ingredients or seasonings you might want to bring along to enhance your meals.

What Are The Advantages Of Dehydrated Foods?

Dehydrated food offers many advantages over regular food when it comes to camping. For one, dehydration makes food shelf-stable – meaning that it will remain edible for an extended period of time without going bad.

This means that you can take dehydrated meals with you on your camping trip without having to worry about them spoiling. Additionally, dehydrated foods are portable – so they're easy to find and carry around. This makes them great for on-the-go dining options.

Another great thing about dehydrated food is that it allows for greater menu planning opportunities than regular food does while camping.

With some dehydrated meals, you can create a variety of dishes that will fit any dietary restrictions or preferences – no cooking required. And because dehydration causes water weight loss in the food, these meals tend to be lower in calories than traditional campfire fare.

freeze dried food for camping or hiking

One of the most important benefits of dehydrating food is that it makes packing lighter a reality. By dehydrating foods, you can reduce the weight of your gear. Not only will this make your packing easier, but it will also save you money in the long run.

How To Choose The Best Dehydrated Food For Camping?

Make sure that you understand what type of camping trip you're going on – backpacking trips will require different foods than day trips. You will have to know what your caloric requirements are – if you're looking for heavier meals, then dehydrated foods may not be the best option for you.

Not all dehydrated foods are created equal. Make sure that you research each option carefully before packing up your RV or backpack with provisions.

Once you've determined what type of food will work best for your needs as a camper, it's time to compare brands and find quality options that fit within your budget restraints.

Ask friends and family members who have camped before for their recommendations – they'll most likely have some great tips for you.

assortment of spicy jerky meat

How To Buy Dehydrated Foods For Camping?

Start by looking for simple ingredients. These foods will have a lower caloric count and will be easier to eat while out in the wilderness. 

Check detailed nutrition labels for added information on how much protein, carbohydrates, and other nutrients are in each serving of the food item.

You'll want to look for products with healthy fats and low-carbohydrates so that your body can get all of the nutrients it needs while out in nature.

Consider taste and texture when purchasing dehydrated food items – many campers prefer foods with a more robust flavor profile.

About the author 

Susan  -  I love camping and everything that goes along with it. I live in a part of the states that has four seasons so I mostly just go during the summer. I find the best camping hacks and the best camping equipment, so you don't have to.

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