When you’re out on a rugged hiking trip, miles from the nearest civilisation, there’s nothing quite like tearing into a hot, delicious meal after a long day on the trail. For me, it’s a crucial part of the experience, and that’s why I swear by Expedition Foods. After years of camping and trying all sorts of dehydrated meals, Expedition Foods has become my go-to for its unbeatable mix of taste, high calories, and ease of use. Whether you’re tackling a weekend in the hills or a serious multi-day hike, Expedition Foods keeps you fuelled up and ready for more.
Let me tell you why I’m such a fan—and why you should definitely consider packing them on your next adventure.
Why Dehydrated Meals are the Key to a Great Camping Trip
If you’ve ever tried dragging fresh food on a hike, you’ll know the struggle. Even the hardiest of sausages won’t last more than a day or two in a backpack, and the extra weight is enough to turn a pleasant hike into a slog. Dehydrated food, like the options from Expedition Foods, lightens your load and eliminates the need for heavy coolers or loads of cooking gear. The best part? It’s as easy as adding water.
Dehydrated meals retain all the nutrients and calories you need after a long day on the trail, but they’re incredibly lightweight and compact. Plus, the shelf life is impressive, so you can buy them in bulk or keep a few on hand for spontaneous trips.
Why I Choose Expedition Foods
You might be wondering what sets Expedition Foods apart from other dehydrated meals on the market. In short, it comes down to a few key factors: taste, nutrition, and convenience. When you’re miles from home and need something that’s both delicious and filling, Expedition Foods never lets you down.
1. Flavour That Doesn’t Disappoint
Let’s be honest: some dehydrated meals taste like wallpaper paste. Not Expedition Foods. These meals are full of flavour and make you feel like you’re eating something real, not just survival food. My personal favourites include the Spaghetti Bolognese and the Chicken Tikka with Rice. They’ve saved me from many a disappointing dinner while camping.
During my recent wild camping trip to Cadair Idris, Expedition Foods was a lifesaver, offering meals that gave me the strength to face the rugged trails and stunning peaks. After a long day hiking up the mountain, it was pure joy to dig into a hot meal that actually tasted amazing.
2. 1,000 kcal Meals for the Seriously Hungry
One of the best things about Expedition Foods is that they offer meals with up to 1,000 kcal per pouch—perfect for those days when you’re burning through calories faster than you can replace them. On my Cadair Idris trip, I opted for the 1,000 kcal Chicken Tikka with Rice. After trekking up some pretty steep inclines (which definitely felt like Everest after a few hours), I needed something that was going to seriously replenish my energy. The high-calorie option hit the spot, refuelling me for the rest of my journey.
These 1,000 kcal meals are designed with serious hikers and adventurers in mind. If you’re out for multi-day hikes or planning to wild camp in places like Cadair Idris or Ben Nevis, these meals will keep you fuelled up and ready to go.
3. Super Easy to Prepare
When you’ve been hiking all day, the last thing you want is to mess around with complicated camp cooking setups. Expedition Foods meals are simple: boil water, pour it into the pouch, and wait a few minutes. That’s it! In no time, you’ve got a hot, filling meal ready to go. There’s no need for extra pots and pans or a lengthy clean-up, which means more time to relax and enjoy the view.
4. Nutrition That Packs a Punch
Beyond the calories, Expedition Foods meals are packed with the nutrients your body needs when you’re putting it through its paces. You’re not just eating empty calories—they’ve designed their meals to fuel adventurers on serious treks. After all, they’re trusted by professionals who tackle expeditions to some of the most remote and extreme places on Earth. If their meals can fuel someone summiting Everest, they’re more than up to the task of getting you through a tough day on the trail.
Expedition Foods vs. Other Brands: What Sets Them Apart?
I’ve tried plenty of other dehydrated meal brands like Mountain House, Backpacker’s Pantry, and Firepot, and while they all have their merits, Expedition Foods comes out on top for me in terms of taste, calorie content, and variety.
Here’s how they stack up:
| Brand | Calories Per Meal | Taste Rating | Price Range | Shelf Life | Meal Variety |
| Expedition Foods | 450-1,000+ | 9/10 | £7-£9 ($9-$12) | Up to 5 years | Extensive |
| Mountain House | 300-500 | 8/10 | £8-£11 ($10-$14) | Up to 30 years | Good |
| Backpacker’s Pantry | 300-600 | 7/10 | £6-£8 ($8-$10) | Up to 10 years | Decent |
| Firepot | 400-700 | 8/10 | £8-£10 ($10-$13) | Up to 5 years | Limited |
Expedition Foods vs. Mountain House
While Mountain House has the edge in terms of shelf life (up to 30 years!), I find that Expedition Foods offers higher-calorie options per meal and a more diverse range of flavours. When you’re on a serious hike, those extra calories and variety make a huge difference.
Expedition Foods vs. Backpacker’s Pantry
Backpacker’s Pantry is a bit more affordable, but their meals are typically lower in calories and, in my experience, a bit less exciting in the taste department. For a couple of days, sure, they’re fine, but if you’re out for a long haul, you’ll want something more substantial—and tastier!
Expedition Foods vs. Firepot
Firepot meals are great, but they don’t offer the same level of high-calorie options that Expedition Foods does. Plus, the variety is limited. While Firepot tastes good, for those who want more choices or are heading out on longer treks, I find Expedition Foods to be the more reliable option.
My Favourite Meals from Expedition Foods
I’ve tried a lot of their range, but these are my all-time favourites, and I highly recommend you try them too:
- Chicken Tikka with Rice (1,000 kcal) – A hearty, spicy meal that’s packed with flavour and perfect for those days when you need a serious energy boost.
- Spaghetti Bolognese (800 kcal) – Classic comfort food after a long day. Rich, filling, and tastes just as good as anything you’d get at home.
- Mixed Berry Granola with Milk – Perfect for breakfast, especially when you’re looking for something sweet and light to start the day.
Why Expedition Foods Will Always Have a Spot in My Backpack
Expedition Foods isn’t just about convenience—it’s about making your camping and hiking experience better. With their meals, I know I’m going to get something that tastes great, gives me the energy I need, and won’t weigh down my pack. From shorter hikes to intense trips like my Cadair Idris wild camping adventure, these meals have been a game-changer. Once you try them, I bet you’ll feel the same way.
FAQ
1. Are Expedition Foods meals easy to prepare?
Yes! All you need is hot water. Pour it into the pouch, stir, and wait about 5-8 minutes. No extra equipment or complicated cooking needed—ideal for when you’re exhausted after a long day on the trail.
2. What’s the shelf life of Expedition Foods meals?
They last up to 5 years if stored correctly, making them a great option for both regular campers and those building an emergency food stash.
3. Are there high-calorie options for serious hikes?
Definitely! Expedition Foods offers meals with up to 1,000 kcal per serving, perfect for high-energy adventures like summiting mountains or multi-day treks.
4. How does Expedition Foods compare to other dehydrated meals?
Compared to brands like Mountain House, Backpacker’s Pantry, and Firepot, Expedition Foods stands out for its taste, high-calorie content, and wide variety of meal options. It’s perfect for adventurers who need more calories and better flavours.
5. What’s the best Expedition Foods meal for a long hike?
If you’re looking for something hearty and filling, the 1,000 kcal Chicken Tikka with Rice is a great choice. It’s tasty, packed with energy, and ideal for keeping you going on tough trails.
