Powdered milk is one of the essential items we take on our hiking and camping adventures. We cannot think of living without tea or coffee while on the trail, and powdered milk helps us to enjoy our favorite hot drinks even when we are miles from civilization. However, powdered milk is also useful for other purposes. For example, it can make a quick and nutritious meal by adding it to soup or porridge. It can also add extra calories and nutrients to a tired hiker’s diet.
In short, powdered milk is essential for any hike or camp, and we would be lost without it. We have tested various brands to find the perfect one for backpacking and camping. We considered taste, price, and nutrition factors to find the best powdered milk.
What is Powdered Milk
Powdered or dry milk is a convenient and shelf-stable alternative to liquid milk. It is made by removing water from pasteurized milk through heating and drying. You can reconstitute it by adding water, making it useful for camping trips or emergency preparedness kits. While some claim that powdered milk lacks the taste and texture of fresh milk, technological advancements have made modern powdered milk almost indistinguishable in flavor and appearance. Many baking recipes call for powdered milk to add a rich creaminess to baked goods.
Best Powdered Milk Brands Review
1. Augason Farms Nonfat Dry Milk
Augason Farms Nonfat Dry Milk is our go-to choice for various reasons. Not only is it 100% natural instant nonfat dry milk, but it’s also gluten-free and has a remarkable shelf life of 20 years. This makes it perfect for camping, hiking, or backpacking trips where refrigeration is unavailable.
But taste and quality are also essential factors in our decision to always have this milk on hand. It mixes easily with water and is a great advantage when on the go. Even though it’s nonfat, it has a delicious, creamy flavor that sets it apart from other shelf-stable options.
Augason Farms has always been our go-to brand for quality emergency food supplies. Their nonfat dry milk is no exception. We also read the reviews from various other consumers who praised the quality and taste of this milk. Also, it comes with resealable packaging, so milk stays fresh during long trips.
2. Carnation Instant Nonfat Dry Milk
Carnation Instant Nonfat Dry Milk is a convenient size for packing. It also packs a nutritional punch with added calcium and vitamins A and D. So, if you prefer added vitamins, we suggest you opt for this milk.
This powdered milk tastes good and mixes well into campfire coffee, tea, or oatmeal. However, this is not a budget-friendly option if you want to use it daily. But it’s worth having for outdoor adventures, considering its taste and quality. Plus, the peace of mind of knowing you have a reliable source of nutrition can make all the difference during exhausting hikes or long days spent exploring the wilderness.
We love its packing, which is a sleek and attractive container. Thanks to its instant dissolving properties, it also has a smooth and creamy taste. It’s a terrific value, too, offering the same benefits as regular milk without any added fat. I love using this dry milk in my morning cup of coffee or tea, and it’s also an excellent substitute for recipes that call for dairy milk. Overall, Carnation Instant Nonfat Dry Milk is essential for outdoor and daily use.
3. NIDO Fortificada Dry Whole Milk
Who is not a big fan of NIDO milk? NIDO Fortificada Dry Whole Milk is an excellent option due to its quality and taste. It contains all five essential vitamins and minerals. Also, it has a rich, creamy flavor that outperforms other brands. Tea or coffee taste becomes great when we use this milk during our trips. The good thing about this milk is, You can use it with both hot or cold water, making it versatile enough for any drink or recipe.
NIDO Fortificada Dry Whole Milk is an excellent option for those seeking a more creamy and satisfying alternative to regular milk. It’s easy to mix like other good milk brands, and the instructions are more precise.
It’s shelf stable, and you can keep it at home and take it during your outdoor adventures when you want. It also offers the added benefit of being fortifying and nutritionally balanced. While the instructions suggest specific proportions, we like to adjust the milk according to our taste preferences. Overall, NIDO Fortificada Dry Whole Milk is an excellent choice for a tasty and convenient option.
4. Z Natural Coconut Milk Powder
Are you looking for a dairy-free alternative to traditional milk? Z Natural Coconut Milk Powder is vegan-friendly and also certified Climate Pledge Friendly. You can use this milk powder during outdoor tours for tea, coffee, soups, food, etc.
Coconut milk powder is an excellent addition to any backpacking kitchen if you don’t want the dairy item. Its versatility in cooking allows for various tasty meals on the trail. However, this milk takes a bit more time and effort to mix than the others we reviewed. It even smells great, which we were not expecting either. You have to use it more if you want milky tea or coffee.
5. Hoosier Hill Farm Whole Milk
If you’re looking for high-quality powdered milk, look no further than Hoosier Hill Farm Whole Milk. This brand is well-known for its superior milk products, and its powdered milk is no exception. We were impressed by its creamy taste and texture when we tried it ourselves. Customers on prominent seller sites rave about the product, giving it excellent reviews. This milk is excellent for baking, cooking, or emergency preparedness.
Many have tried nonfat powdered milk to save weight and space during outdoor adventures. However, these brands often disappoint us with their lackluster taste and difficult mixing process. Hoosier Hill Farm Whole Milk is the solution to these issues. Its rich flavor and smooth texture make it a standout for any hot or cold beverage.
And although it may require a bit more effort to mix, the results are well worth it.
The strong and rich flavor makes it a delicious addition to my morning coffee. And because it comes in a resealable container, I can easily add just the right amount and save any leftovers for later. Hoosier Hill Farm’s commitment to high-quality ingredients shines in every sip.
6. NESTLE KLIM Powdered Milk
NESTLE KLIM Powdered Milk is another excellent option for convenient, versatile, and tasty milk for camping or backpacking trips. It has great taste, blends effortlessly, and is affordable compared to other brands. You can use it for multi-purposes such as drinking, cooking, baking, etc.
It’s hard to beat NESTLE when it comes to quality products. This creamy flavor makes it a delicious addition to tea or coffee. We liked this milk because we didn’t have to use extra to get the better flavor. Still, a small amount was enough for a reasoable taste and flavor during backpacking trips.
How to Choose Powdered Milk
Ease of Mix
Mixing powdered milk into a smooth and creamy consistency is crucial for creating tasty beverages, hot chocolate, and baked goods. That’s why paying attention to the ease of mixing when selecting powdered milk is essential.
We considered this factor while shortlisting brands for our camping trips and use at home. The last thing you want on a hike is clumpy, lumpy hot chocolate or a poorly mixed glass of cold milk. That’s why we go for brands that effortlessly dissolve in hot and cold water, ensuring a smooth result every time. So next time you’re shopping for powdered milk, give the ease of mixing some thought – it could make all the difference in your outcome.
Taste
When it comes to powdered milk, the taste is a critical factor. No one wants to feel like drinking flavored water. You want the experience of fresh milk. This is especially true while out on hiking trails, where a delicious cup of hot chocolate or bowl of cereal can make all the difference.
That’s why we always prioritize taste when selecting powdered milk for excursions. It may be slightly more expensive or require more effort to find the tastiest option. Still, it’s worth it for the satisfaction and enjoyment that comes with every sip.
Calories
When preparing for a hike or backpacking trip, it’s essential to consider your food’s weight and caloric content. Powdered milk is a lightweight option that can add much-needed calories to your meal. Still, it’s essential to consider how much milk you need. Some powdered milk products have higher calorie counts per serving.
We prefer this option due to the long days on the trail. Some milk brands don’t provide enough energy for the physical exertion of hiking or backpacking. In addition, skimmed or low-fat milk powder options can save calories without sacrificing taste. Powdered milk provides immediate energy from carbohydrates and protein.
In addition, it helps to keep hikers hydrated and can add variety to meals on the trail. While powdered milk may seem unnecessary, its calorie content can make all the difference during a long hike or backpacking trip. Therefore, we suggest reading the ingredients carefully and choosing the one best suits your needs.
Vitamins
When shopping for milk, many consumers look for their preferred type – whole milk, skim milk, or even almond milk. However, another critical aspect is the added vitamins and nutrients the milk may contain.
Powdered milk often comes with additional vitamins that may not be available in fresh milk, such as vitamins A and D. These added vitamins can provide essential benefits for overall health and immune function.
Summary
We have reviewed the best-powdered milk brands based on extensive experience. We considered various factors in shortlisting powdered milk for backpacking and camping. We looked for affordable brands that still provided a good quality product. We know powdered milk can sometimes have a strange taste, so we looked for brands with a good flavor. We also considered how easy the milk was to mix, as some brands can be very difficult to get the right consistency. The last factor we considered is nutritional value. We wanted to ensure that the milk we chose would provide our bodies with the nutrients they need, especially while backpacking and camping.
Related: