When we travel, we frequently leave behind our home’s comforts, including our kitchen. Finding convenient and nutritious food becomes vital during these times. Fortunately, the market has seen an increase in ready-to-eat food options that cater to the needs of people who are constantly on the go. Whether you’re going on a road trip, a kayaking expedition, or a mountain hike, we’ve got you covered.
Importance of Ready-to-Eat Meals
Traveling has been one of the many things that I love to do. I set a schedule to visit a certain place that I haven’t been to yet every month of the year. While I’m amid breathing the fresh air and enjoying the picturesque scenery, I felt a sudden pain in my stomach, hunger.
Pangs of hunger are one of the factors that prevent us from taking pleasure in our adventure. Because of what I had experienced, I became agitated, irritable, and uneasy, which caused me to be unaware of the magnificent surroundings in front of me. That’s why I advise bringing ready-to-eat food for travel.
Ready-to-eat foods are pre-packaged meals that require little to no preparation before consumption. These meals are ideal for people who are constantly on the go because they are created to be nourishing but with the least amount of effort. Based on my experience, they are typically compact, lightweight, and easy to pack in a travel bag or a backpack and you can eat them anywhere which makes it more convenient.
Best Ready-to-Eat Meals for Different Types of Adventures
In this article, we will be discovering the best ready-to-eat foods for every type of adventure including their nutritional value and dietary restrictions.
Hiking and Camping
This activity requires a lot of strength and energy. I recommend bringing lightweight and calorie-packed meals when you are hiking and camping. Some of these are high-calorie bars and snacks that provide a quick burst of energy without adding excessive weight to your pack. Also, nuts and seed mixes are packed with healthy fats, proteins, and essential nutrients, these mixes offer a satisfying crunch that keeps energy levels up.
I highly suggest Starkist Lunch-To-Go aside from the reason that it is handy, this tuna salad comes with 2.6 oz. Lunch To-Go Chunk Light in the StarKist Flavor Fresh Pouch, Reduced calorie mayonnaise and relish packets, Mixing Spoon & 6 crackers & Mint & Napkin. You can Mix it to your own taste anytime, anywhere packed with 18g of protein per kit!
Backpacking and Mountaineering
As a person who loves strenuous activities such as mountaineering, I suggest packing high-energy meals that include high-protein meals with dehydrated meats and beans. These aid muscle recovery and replenish energy stores after exertion. In addition to that, Bouthillier (2021) examined that eating these meals sustained energy during intense activities. When doing these activities, we should also consider ready-to-eat food for extreme weather conditions such as freeze-dried meals with added electrolytes which help replenish crucial electrolytes lost through sweating during hot weather or intense physical activity. Other ready-to-eat foods are high in fat foods such as nuts and cheese. These options provide a dense calorie source for cold weather activities, helping to maintain body heat.
Kathmandu Curry is packed with 24 Grams of Protein, Vegan, and Gluten-Free. It is made to fuel the biggest calorie-expending adventure. It is quick and easy to prepare and crafted with premium ingredients. Just add boiling water and you’re good to go!
Kayaking and Canoeing
It is advisable that in this adventure, ready-to-eat meals should be put into waterproof packaging such as vacuum-sealed sandwiches and wraps. These sealed meals are portable, easy to eat, and remain fresh even in wet conditions. Pre-packaged energy bars and granola packs are considered lightweight snacks and are perfect for quick energy boosts during water-based adventures. Dehydrated fruits and trail mixes require minimal space and provide a nutritious and satisfying snack during long journeys.
Atkins Chocolate Chip Granola Bar is keto-friendly. One box contains 8 Chocolate Chip Granola Protein Meal Bars with 17 g of high-quality protein and 7 g of fiber per serving. 3 g net carbs and 1g of sugar per serving.
Road Trips and Recreational Vehicle Travel
Ideal ready-to-eat food for long journeys are canned soups and chili. These hearty and flavorful options can be easily heated and enjoyed at any pit stop along the way. As well as shelf-stable sandwiches and wraps are convenient options that need a quick and filling meal without the need for refrigeration. Aside from that, Quick and Tasty Options for Cooking on the Go such as Canned pasta and sauce combinations. These simple meal solutions can be heated directly in their cans over a campfire or portable stove. Snack trays with pre-packaged meats, cheeses, and crackers are versatile options that offer a wide variety of flavors and textures to keep your taste buds satisfied.
I highly suggest this brand because it is not just for kids, but also for adults too. They will love the creamy texture of macaroni and its cheesiness. It is easy to prepare. In just 3 minutes and a half, voila! You’ll be able to enjoy it. Each box contains 18 pouches of macaroni and cheese, and each pouch makes a single serving. It has no preservatives and no artificial colors added.
Annie Chun’s Thai-Style Peanut Noodle Bowl will surely take away your hunger and fatigue from driving for a long journey. This incredibly saucy Hokkien noodles is perfect for Vegan and can be prepared for 2 minutes only! Just pop it in with a hot water and you’ll have a filling meal.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Ready-to-Eat Foods
It is important to consider several factors when buying and purchasing ready-to-eat food for travel. Included in the lists are dietary restrictions and special needs, shelf life and expiration dates, weights, and packability, taste, and cost-efficiency.
Dietary Restrictions and Special Needs
It’s essential to consider any dietary restrictions, such as allergies or preferences when choosing ready-to-eat foods. Many brands now offer specialized options, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free choices.
Shelf Life and Expiration Dates
One key factor to consider is the shelf life and expiration date of ready-to-eat foods. Since these meals are often used during outdoor adventures, it’s important to ensure they have a long shelf life to avoid spoilage.
Weight and Packability
When choosing ready-to-eat foods, weight and packability are significant considerations. It’s essential to select meals that are lightweight and can be easily packed into a backpack or travel bag without adding excessive weight.
Taste and Flavor Profiles
While nutrition is a priority, taste and flavor profiles should not be overlooked. Exploring different options and finding meals that align with your personal taste preferences can greatly enhance your overall dining experience.
Cost-Efficiency and Value for Money
Considering the cost-efficiency and value for money is important when choosing ready-to-eat foods. Comparing prices, portion sizes, and overall quality helps ensure that you are getting the most bang for your buck.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Ready-to-Eat Foods as Healthy as Fresh Meals?
Ready-to-eat foods are high in salt and fats, so it is not as healthy as fresh meals for they are low in other nutrients.
According to the University of Queensland, most ready-made meals are high in energy, saturated fats, and sodium and are often low in fiber and micronutrients. They added that these meals tend to be energy-dense so they may be contributing to the obesity crisis that Australia currently faces. In addition, their low vegetable content means people are even less likely to meet recommendations for vegetable intake, thereby increasing their risk of chronic disease.
Can Ready-to-Eat food be Heated Without any Special Equipment?
It depends on the situation. For example, if you are camping, you can heat it using a wood fire. You may use steaming, or putting hot water if it is an instant noodle or pasta.
Are There Any Vegetarian or Vegan Options Available?
Absolutely, yes there are a lot of popular brands for vegan ready-to-eat food options in the market.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ready-to-eat foods have revolutionized the way we eat while on travel. With their convenience and nutritional value, they have become an essential component of any adventurer’s pack. By understanding the different types of ready-to-eat meals, evaluating their nutritional content, and considering factors such as dietary restrictions, taste, and packability, you can ensure a fulfilling and enjoyable culinary experience during your next adventure. So, pack your palate with the best meals and embark on your journey with confidence!
