Why Mountain House freeze-dried meals are so popular among outdoor adventures? They provided a “solution” and added a “value” in the form of nutritional, taste, easy-to-make backpacking freeze-dried meals with long shelf life (30 years! Yes, except their ice cream).
On top of that, they are lightweight and compact. They are easy to prepare. Add water directly to the pouch. Wait for a few minutes for the food to rehydrate. And they are ready to eat in a few min.
Since Mountain House Meals have become an essential companion for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, providing emergency and best-tasting food, we’ve decided to give them a go and show you some of the most important aspects of these meals.
We bought mountain house meals and tested them to see how good their meals were for backpacking food options. Here are the best Mountain House meal options, which are the best-tasting meals and are great for hiking and backpacking trips.
Editor’s note: We updated this guide on October 6, 2024, after further experimenting with the Mountain House and other brands backpacking meal options to give better comparison and insights.
Best Overall Mountain House Meal
1. Classic Meal Assortment Bucket
The Mountain House Classic Meal Assortment Bucket, with its 24 servings(total of 12 pouches), is a practical option for backpackers and campers. It contains:
- 3x Beef Stew (Gluten-Free)
- 3x Beef Stroganoff with Noodles
- 2x Granola with Milk & Blueberries
- 2x Spaghetti with Beef Marinara
- 2x Chicken Fried Rice (Gluten-Free)
Meal Assortment bucket is an excellent choice if you’re out for a few days. However, in the backcountry, you can easily eat two servings at a time, especially at your dinner. If you’re new to hiking, try the food at home before heading out on a hike to get an idea of how much to pack.
The bucket weighs 5.7 lbs, but you don’t need to bring extra dishes to eat. Instead, boil the water and put it into the bucket. It takes around 9 to 10 min to be fully ready to eat.
However, I think the serving could have been increased as you can even eat two servings at a time. Also, two servings are packed in the same packet, so carrying the leftovers is difficult.
It is also expensive, but if you can find it on sale on Amazon or from any other seller, it can be the icing on the cake for such dried food. This bucket covers breakfast, as you can eat Granola with Milk & Blueberries, and lunch or dinner options.
Usually, we either eat it at breakfast or dinner and try to cover our breakfast till dinner period with healthy snacks. This helps to save space and money as these freeze-dried meals are pretty expensive. All in all, the classic meal assortment bucket is valuable for the money because of its ease of packing, portability, and variety.
Best For Breakfast
2. Granola with Milk & Blueberries
Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries is a refreshing option if you want to buy a breakfast meal or even a good snack option. The granola, with its crunchy oats, was perfectly complemented by the sweetness of blueberries and the creaminess of milk.
The freeze-drying process seemed to lock in the freshness, and the taste was remarkably close to a homemade breakfast. Plenty of blueberries, dried fruit, fiber, and unsaturated fats are included in the mix – and no artificial flavors are added, making it a healthier choice. I am not usually a big fan of granola, but this stuff is good.
The taste of the blueberries was so refreshing, and it paired well with the granola. The blueberries added a great flavor to the granola. Honestly, I still cannot believe how taste and freshness can be preserved after such a long period of eating this on the trail.
I gave some portion to a fellow hiker, and he could not believe that this was the freeze-dried meal. I prefer to eat it cold, but it is also good when heated. It’s a bit pricy, but it is worth the price.
Overall, the Granola with Milk & Blueberries meal is worth its price, as it has such a refreshing taste and texture.
3. Biscuits & Gravy
The Biscuits and gravy meal from Mountain House is hands down one of the best breakfast options we’ve tried so far. It definitely ranks as the top choice among their breakfast offerings. Give it time after putting it into water, and don’t shake it too much.
The texture of biscuits and gravy does not look great, at least to me, compared with Granola with Milk and blueberries. I did not like the texture, but it tastes good.
If you don’t want to make breakfast or need a quick option, pack a few packets of Biscuits & Gravy, depending on your trip duration. Despite its texture, the flavor is impressive. If you are on a budget, then this is not a good option.
Best For Lunch and Dinner
4. Mountain House Rice & Chicken
If you are looking for dinner options during your camping and hiking, then Mountain House Rice & Chicken is a good option. The best thing I like about this meal is that it is available in different packaging, from small to large. You can try first the small portion to check. If you like it, then you’d better purchase the bigger bucket to save money.
Additionally, this is gluten-free, and they did not add any artificial flavor. This dinner option is easy and simple; add hot water and wait for a few minutes. It has a long shelf life, so there is no need to worry if you are going on long camping or hiking. Mountain House Rice & Chicken’s taste is awesome; it’s neither too bland nor too spicy.
The flavor was really good, and the taste was spot on. We loved the fact that it was lightweight and perfect for backpacking. The only downside is that it’s a bit salty, but the taste makes up for it more.
In addition, you get plenty of calories with just one meal, so you don’t have to worry about being hungry afterward. If you’re looking for an additional boost, you can always add some vegetables or cheese to the mix. And since Mountain House meals last for years, you don’t have to worry about them going bad soon.
5. Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef
Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef is one of my favorite meals for lunch and dinner. I love chili sauce, and this meal is packed with it. The flavor is also great – if you like chili sauce, you’ll love this dish. It contains macaroni noodles, onion, beans, and beef in a spicy chili sauce.
The pouch is lightweight and portable, like the other meals from the mountain house. Additionally, you don’t need to add any extra seasoning. I would suggest letting it sit for a bit longer than the recommended time to ensure the beef is fully ready and juicy. This is also a bit pricy, but you get what you pay, and It’s undoubtedly worth the money.
Despite its convenience, this meal is fairly pricey. However, it is worth the cost, as it is an excellent choice for backpacking and camping. Overall, I would give this meal 5 out of 5 stars.
6. Mountain House Beef Stroganoff With Noodles
Beef Stroganoff with Noodles features tender beef, delicious noodles, and mushrooms smothered in a rich sour cream sauce. It’s the perfect option for a hearty lunch or dinner; the flavor and taste are superb. The texture is also quite good. One pouch comes with two servings, but in backcountry dinner, you can eat two servings easily.
Based on the mixed reviews I had read, I expected it to be flavorless. Just a basic source of calories that you need to survive in the wilderness. But Mountain House, if charging high prices, delivers quality food that is portable and tasty. The flavor is actually rich and satisfying. Honestly, there is not much salt, as a few people have complained. You love to have a spicy and salty meal after you eat trail mix during the day on the trail.
My only complaint would be that it was a bit pricey and the portion size could have been larger. If those two things were adjusted, I would have happily given it a full five stars. But overall, the taste was fantastic, and it was worth the money.
Conclusion
Mountain House really touched the pain points of backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts by delivering portable, shelf-stable, and easy-to-prepare food. And the freeze-dried process, which preserves the quality and taste, makes Mountain House a popular brand. If you are on a budget, then Mountain House meals are not a great option. There are other popular brands like Backpacker’s Pantry, ReadyWise, and GOOD TO-GO that you can explore for alternative options. In addition to that, we have also prepared a comprehensive list of the best hiking food options to give you an idea of what food to take for backpacking.
FAQs
Are Mountain House Meals Worth It?
Mountain House meals have been a staple of backpackers and campers for years. And for a good reason: they are lightweight, easy to prepare, and most importantly, they taste great. But are they worth the price?
To answer that question, it depends on what you value most. If you’re looking for the cheapest option, Mountain House meals are not for you. Plenty of other brands offer similar products at a lower price point. However, if you’re willing to pay a little extra for quality and convenience, then Mountain House is worth considering. The ingredients are high-quality, the flavors are well-balanced, and the packaging is designed to be extremely durable (which is important when you’re carrying it in your backpack).
Overall, Mountain House meals offer an excellent mix of value and convenience, making them an ideal choice for anyone who enjoys spending time in the great outdoors.
Is Mountain House The Best Freeze Dried Food?
Mountain House is one of the most popular freeze-dried food brands, and for a good reason. Their products are reliable, nutritious, and easy to prepare. But what really sets Mountain House apart is their commitment to quality. They use only the freshest ingredients, and their foods are produced in small batches to ensure that each batch is perfect.
In addition, their packaging is designed to keep food fresh for years, so you can always have a delicious meal on hand. So whether you’re looking for an easy way to make camping meals or you need a reliable emergency food supply, Mountain House is the best option.
How Long Do Mountain House Meals Last?
Mountain House meals are designed to last for up to 30 years when stored properly. Meals that are the best price on mountain house meals can last even longer if stored in a cool, dry place. When stored in a freezer, meals can last up to 10 years. Mountain House meals are an excellent way to stock up for emergencies or long-term food storage.
