Food is one of the most significant costs when planning an outdoor adventure, whether you’re hiking, camping, or paddling. Rising food prices, coupled with shrinkflation, have made it more challenging to plan affordable and satisfying meals. As packaging sizes shrink and prices climb, the value of every dollar feels stretched thinner, even more so when preparing for multi-day trips.
I'm a Former Chef of 20 Years!
As a former chef with over 20 years of experience, I’ve spent much of my career managing food costs for restaurants. From balancing budgets and controlling portions to reducing waste and sourcing quality ingredients, I know the ins and outs of keeping food expenses under control. These same principles apply to planning meals for the trail, where the balance between cost, quality, and practicality becomes even more critical.
When it comes to food for the trail, you have three main approaches:
- Buying prepackaged meals from the grocery store,
- Making homemade recipes,
- Investing in dehydrating equipment to prepare your meals.
Each option has its pros, cons, and cost considerations that can impact your budget and overall trip experience.
In this article, we’ll explore the financial and practical aspects of these approaches to help you decide which works best for your adventures. Whether you’re a budget-conscious camper or a frequent backpacker looking for the best long-term investment, we’ll break down the costs, effort, and benefits of grocery store items, homemade recipes, and dehydrated foods.
The Impact of Rising Food Costs on Outdoor Meal Planning
Food costs have been on a steady rise, and planning meals for outdoor adventures is no exception. Shrinkflation—the practice of reducing package sizes while keeping prices the same or even increasing them—has made it even harder to stretch your budget. This is especially true for popular trail staples like granola bars, freeze-dried meals, and packaged snacks.
Shrinkflation and What It Means for Trail Food
Shrinkflation isn’t just frustrating; it directly impacts how much you get for your money. For example:
- Prepackaged snacks often contain fewer servings than they used to, forcing you to buy more to meet the same calorie needs.
- Pack sizes of freeze-dried meals or ready-to-eat options might no longer provide enough for two people, increasing costs for group trips.
For tips on balancing nutrition and portion sizes in your trail meals, check out How to Plan Your Hiking and Camping Menus. This guide is packed with strategies to help you make the most of your food budget without compromising on quality.
Budgeting for Higher Food Costs
Planning outdoor meals has always required a balance of nutrition, weight, and cost. With rising prices, it’s more important than ever to:
- Calculate Calorie Needs: Focus on calorie-dense foods to get the most energy for your dollar. Ingredients like nuts, peanut butter, and oats are cost-effective staples.
- Shop Strategically: Look for sales, use coupons, and consider bulk purchases for frequently used trail ingredients.
- Reduce Waste: Plan portions carefully to avoid bringing more than you’ll use. This not only saves money but also lightens your pack.
For year-round strategies to optimize your food choices, including tips for cold-weather and warm-weather trips, see Four-Season Camping and Hiking Food Strategies. Each season you go camping will have a direct impact on your food choices, which means budgeting will be critical.
The Bigger Picture
The rising cost of food affects all aspects of outdoor meal planning, from the ingredients you choose to the methods you use to prepare and store them. As a result, finding the right balance between cost, convenience, and customization has never been more important. If you want to know more about backcountry meal preparation, be sure to explore The Ultimate Guide to Backcountry Cooking article I wrote in December 2024.
Grocery Store Meals: Costs and Convenience
For many outdoor adventurers, the local grocery store is the go-to option for stocking up on trail food. It’s accessible, offers a wide variety of options, and doesn’t require any specialized equipment or extensive prep. However, with rising food prices and shrinkflation, relying on grocery store items can still present challenges.
What Grocery Store Trail Meals Look Like
Popular options for trail-ready food from the grocery store include:
- Snacks: Granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit, and jerky.
- Ready-to-Eat Foods: Canned beans, tuna pouches, and prepackaged meals like ramen or even KD (Kraft Dinner).
- Fresh Produce: Apples, carrots, and other sturdy fruits and vegetables that can survive a few days without refrigeration.
Pros and Cons of Grocery Store Foods
- Pros:
- Easily accessible in most areas.
- Requires minimal or no preparation.
- Affordable for short trips or small groups.
- Cons:
- Limited customization for dietary needs or preferences.
- Packaged foods often come with unnecessary waste. This includes knowing how to minimize food waste and practice sustainability; leaving no trace.
- Fresh produce may spoil quickly, especially on longer trips.
Cost-Saving Tips for Grocery Store Foods
- Buy in Bulk: Purchase trail staples like nuts, rice, and oats in bulk to reduce per-serving costs.
- Look for Sales: Watch for discounts on snacks and packaged foods, especially during seasonal promotions.
- Opt for Store Brands: Generic or store-brand options often cost less and offer comparable quality.
- Prioritize Calorie-Dense Items: Foods like peanut butter, cheese, and seeds provide high energy for their cost and weight.
Note: Some of these practices can also help you out for daily living at home.
Homemade Recipes: Balancing Flavor and Budget
Creating your own recipes for the trail is one of the most satisfying and cost-effective ways to plan outdoor meals. By using fresh and shelf-stable ingredients, you can tailor meals to your tastes, dietary needs, and budget, all while keeping waste to a minimum.
What Do Homemade Trail Meals Look Like
Homemade meals often combine pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create dishes that are easy to prepare on the trail. Examples include:
- Breakfasts: Instant oatmeal with dried fruit or homemade granola bars.
- Lunches: Wraps with nut butter, honey, or cured meats.
- Dinners: Pre-cooked pasta with a simple sauce or a one-pot rice and beans dish.
For more inspiration, explore the growing list of recipes on Trail Eating. With ideas for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks, you’ll find options to suit every type of trip and taste. These recipes are designed with the outdoors in mind, focusing on lightweight, packable ingredients and easy preparation methods.
Pros and Cons of Homemade Recipes
- Pros:
- Fully customizable to your taste and dietary preferences.
- Healthier compared to processed foods.
- Generally more affordable than prepackaged meals.
- Less packaging waste, especially when using reusable containers.
- Cons:
- Requires time and effort for planning and preparation.
- May not be as convenient as store-bought options.
- Some fresh ingredients have a shorter shelf life.
Tips for Stretching Your Food Budget
- Plan Recipes with Shared Ingredients: Use ingredients that work across multiple meals to minimize waste and reduce costs. For example, tortillas can be used for wraps at lunch and as a side for dinner.
- Use Pantry Staples: Incorporate affordable staples like rice, beans, and pasta, which are versatile and calorie-dense.
- Avoid Overbuying: Carefully measure portions to ensure you only bring what you’ll use.
- Watch for Sales: When I go on trips, I try to focus on food and other ingredients that are currently on sale.
- Prepare Ahead of Time: Cook and freeze certain meals at home to reduce the workload on the trail and extend shelf life. Sometimes, freezing foods will make them last longer on the trail because of their frozen state.
Homemade recipes strike a balance between cost and quality, allowing you to enjoy flavorful meals on the trail without breaking the bank. With Trail Eating’s library of meal ideas, you’ll always have the inspiration to elevate your backcountry dining experience.
Dehydrating Your Own Food to Save
Dehydrating your own food is a fantastic way to create lightweight, long-lasting meals for the trail while maximizing customization. While there’s an upfront investment in equipment like a dehydrator and optional vacuum sealer, the long-term savings and benefits often outweigh the initial costs.
The Process of Dehydrating
Dehydration involves removing moisture from food to preserve it for extended periods. You can dehydrate:
- Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, bananas, carrots, and kale chips.
- Proteins: Ground beef (pre-cooked), chicken, or tofu for DIY trail meals.
- Complete Meals: Favorites like spaghetti, chili, or stir-fry can be dehydrated into compact, ready-to-rehydrate options. However, be aware that full meals can take a lot longer to dehydrate, so, plan ahead!
Costs and Initial Investment
When investing in dehydrator and vacuum sealer equipment, don't forget to factor in their costs with your food. Over time, it starts to pay for itself when you go out into the backcountry often.
- Dehydrator: Prices range from $50 for a basic model to $300 for high-capacity or advanced units.
- Vacuum Sealer (Optional): While not necessary, a vacuum sealer (~$30-$150) extends shelf life and improves storage efficiency.
- Packaging: Resealable bags or vacuum-sealable pouches cost $10-$20 for a pack of 100.
Pros and Cons of Dehydrating
- Pros:
- Long-term savings compared to prepackaged freeze-dried meals.
- Lightweight and compact meals, ideal for backpacking.
- Full control over ingredients and flavours.
- Cons:
- The upfront cost for equipment and supplies.
- Time-intensive to dehydrate and package meals.
- Requires proper storage to maintain quality.
Cost-Saving Hacks for Dehydrating
- Buy Produce in Season: Seasonal fruits and vegetables are often cheaper and ideal for dehydrating. Farmer’s markets or local co-ops are great resources.
- Dehydrate Leftovers: Extend the life of home-cooked meals by dehydrating them for future trips.
- Reuse Packaging: Use resealable bags multiple times for short-term storage to reduce waste and costs.
Dehydrating is a commitment but offers incredible rewards for frequent adventurers. By tailoring meals to your preferences and reducing reliance on store-bought options, you can enjoy gourmet backcountry meals while saving money over time.
The Right Packaging for Cost and Sustainability
Packaging plays a critical role in preserving your food’s quality and freshness on the trail. Whether you’re using vacuum-sealed bags or re-sealable freezer bags, the right choice can help you balance cost, convenience, and sustainability.
Vacuum-Sealed Bags
Vacuum-sealed bags remove air, significantly extending the shelf life of dehydrated and pre-cooked meals.
- Pros:
- Exceptional preservation, preventing spoilage and freezer burn.
- Compact and easy to pack, saving space in your backpack.
- Long shelf life for meals prepared in advance.
- Cons:
- Requires a vacuum sealer, which adds to upfront costs.
- Single-use nature unless used with short-term foods that don’t degrade the material.
Re-Sealable Freezer Bags
Re-sealable freezer bags, like zip-lock bags, are a popular and cost-effective option for trail meals.
- Pros:
- Affordable and widely available.
- Easy to use and repack, with no special equipment needed.
- Reusable for short-term trips if cleaned properly.
- Cons:
- Less effective at preserving food for long-term storage.
- Bulkier than vacuum-sealed bags when packing large meals.
Eco-Friendly Tips for Packaging
- Reuse When Possible: Re-sealable bags can be cleaned and reused for short-term trips, reducing waste.
- Biodegradable Options: Consider compostable packaging for items like trail mix or snacks, though these may not preserve foods as effectively as other options.
- Match Packaging to the Trip Length:
- For short trips, freezer bags provide convenience and flexibility.
- For long-term storage or multi-day backpacking, vacuum-sealed bags offer superior protection.
Balancing Cost and Sustainability
While vacuum sealing is a worthwhile investment for frequent adventurers, re-sealable bags are an excellent option for budget-conscious trips. By selecting the right packaging for your needs and reusing materials where possible, you can save money and minimize your environmental impact with sustainability and leave-no-trace practices. Just don't forget to bring your empty packaging back with you!
Recommendations for Every Budget
No matter your budget or adventure style, there’s a food planning approach that works for you. Whether you’re a casual camper or a seasoned backpacker, here’s how to make the most of your resources based on my personal experiences:
For Casual Adventurers
If you’re planning short trips or occasional outings:
- Approach: Stick to grocery store items and simple homemade meals.
- Why: Minimal prep and low upfront costs make this ideal for those who don’t camp often.
- Tips:
- Choose ready-to-eat foods like trail mix, granola bars, and canned goods.
- Focus on fresh produce for the first day or two of your trip.
- Look for sale items while shopping to save a few dollars, even on staples like snacks or canned goods.
- Use Rewards Programs: If your local grocery store offers a rewards or points system, take advantage of it. Over time, points can be redeemed for discounts or free items. For example, I shop at Save-on-Foods where I earn points. I can use these to offset costs at checkout, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
For Budget-Conscious Explorers
If you’re looking to save money while maximizing value:
- Approach: Focus on homemade recipes with affordable, multi-purpose ingredients.
- Why: This strikes a balance between cost and customization.
- Tips:
- Use pantry staples like rice, beans, and oats to create versatile meals.
- Re-sealable bags are cost-effective for packaging.
- Plan meals that overlap in ingredients to reduce waste.
- Shop Sales and Buy in Bulk: Start your shopping by identifying sale items and larger-volume packages that save money per unit. Just ensure the extra quantities can be used later at home or for future trips.
- Utilize Rewards Programs: Many grocery stores allow you to earn points or discounts for specific purchases. These savings add up over time and can help reduce costs for both trail meals and everyday shopping.
For Frequent Backpackers
If you’re a regular adventurer or planning extended trips:
- Approach: Invest in a dehydrator and vacuum sealer for long-term savings and tailored meals.
- Why: The upfront cost pays off with lightweight, customizable meals that are perfect for multi-day excursions.
- Tips:
- Start by dehydrating simple foods like fruits and vegetables to build confidence.
- Experiment with full meals like chili or pasta dishes to create your own freeze-dried alternatives.
- Use vacuum-sealed bags for compact, long-lasting storage.
Finding the Right Balance
Many adventurers use a mix of these approaches depending on the trip. For example:
- Grocery store snacks for day hikes.
- Homemade meals for camping.
- Dehydrated meals for multi-day backpacking trips.
By tailoring your approach to your budget and trip type, incorporating strategies like shopping sales, buying in bulk, and using rewards programs, you can enjoy delicious and practical meals without overspending or compromising quality.
Balancing Costs and Adventure
Planning meals for outdoor adventures doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you rely on grocery store staples, prepare homemade recipes, or invest in dehydrating your own food, there are ways to save money, reduce waste, and enjoy delicious meals on the trail.
Rising food costs and shrinkflation may present challenges, but they also highlight the importance of thoughtful planning. By leveraging tips like shopping sales, earning rewards points, and using versatile ingredients, you can stretch your budget while fueling your adventures.
Each approach—store-bought, homemade, or dehydrated—has its own pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your budget, trip length, and cooking preferences. For most adventurers, a mix of these methods works best, balancing convenience, customization, and cost-efficiency.
With the right strategies, you can enjoy nourishing meals, minimize environmental impact, and focus on what matters most: the adventure itself.
Do You Have Tips to Suggest?
Have your own money-saving tips or meal-planning strategies? Share them in the comments below! Your ideas could inspire and help fellow adventurers looking to maximize their trail experiences.