Finding the best option for nutrition when you go outdoors is one of the most important things to enjoy your trip fully. Not only because it will give you all the needed energy for your trips, but it will also keep you in good spirits thanks to their taste.
In recent years, Mountain House Meals have become one of the most popular backpacking food options in this area, so we tested them.
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.
They offer a lightweight and compact solution for hikers and backpackers, ensuring they are well-fed even in remote locations. Unlike regular packaged meals, Mountain House Meals are designed explicitly as dehydrated survival food for outdoor activities.
Some of Mountain House’s meals include the Beef Stew, Chili Mac with Beef, and Chicken Teriyaki with Rice. These are all great choices for a warm, filling meal after a long day outdoors.
Additionally, Mountain House meals are easy to prepare, with no cooking food. Simply add water to the pouch and wait a few minutes for the food to rehydrate. These meals are made with a unique process that involves both freeze-drying and dehydrating foods.
Here are the best Mountain house meal options that are not just best tasting meals but also great for hiking and backpacking trips.
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Best Overall Mountain House Meal
1. Mountain House Classic Assortment Bucket
The Mountain House Classic Bucket is a treasure trove of 24 servings of delicious freeze-dried entrees and breakfasts, perfect for adventurers and emergency preppers alike. With a remarkable 30-year shelf life, these meals are a reliable emergency food supply and convenient for family camping trips.
We love the vibrant flavors and appetizing aromas the classic bucket offers, even before water is added. The portion sizes are satisfying, and the quality of ingredients ensures a delicious taste experience that’s guaranteed to remain consistent for decades. Mountain House Classic Bucket Freeze Dried Food is one of the best-tasting mountain house meals you can get, with sturdy and resealable packaging to ensure further that the meals stay fresh over time.
The bucket is an excellent choice if you’re out for a few days, and you can eat two servings at once if you’re a more hearty eater. 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. Overall, the mountain house bucket is a good choice for hiking, camping, survival, and other emergencies.
Best For Breakfast
2. Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries
Having recently tried Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries during our outdoor escapade, we were pleasantly surprised by its delightful blend of flavors and convenience, serving as a perfect breakfast or quick 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.
Mountain House’s Granola with Milk & Blueberries is a lightweight, quick breakfast option. This particular option has a lovely taste and different size portions so that you can buy according to your needs. I suggest trying a small portion before committing to a larger purchase; that way, you can be sure you like the taste.
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. I prefer to eat it cold, but it is also good when heated. It’s a bit pricy, but it is worth the price.
Preparation was a breeze—just adding hot water was all it took. You can also add milk or cold water as you like and give it time for better results.
3. Biscuits & Gravy
Mountain House Biscuits & Gravy is a good breakfast option while you are out for the adventure. It is often praised for its taste, with many hikers finding the flavors to be satisfying and reminiscent of the traditional dish. The freeze-drying process helps preserve the ingredients’ flavors, and the gravy is typically creamy and flavorful.
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, and some people might not like it, but it tastes well. So, avoid getting deceived by its texture. Overall, this is a good breakfast option, especially for outdoor lovers.
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
Mountain House is one of the most trusted names in the business when it comes to freeze-dried meals. Their Beef Stroganoff with Noodles is a prime example of why. This dish 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, and there are enough servings for two people.
Furthermore, this is a protein-rich meal that is ideal for backpacking. The most essential ingredients are beef and noodles, but corn starch, sour cream, and other dried foods add to the flavor and texture. This meal also contains milk, egg, and wheat, making it a complete and balanced meal.
Conclusion
What makes Mountain House meals great is how they have revolutionized how you should plan your meals while hiking. It makes the cooking part of your adventure much easier, so you’ll be able to keep your energy and focus mostly on fun. These top meals will give you everything you need while providing you with loads of different tastes, so you’ll easily find the one you like, prepare it even easier, and get enough energy to have fun without worrying about anything other than the track itself.
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.