Our Top 10 Winners In Our Taste Test
Posted by Andy Neil on Oct 27, 2023
We weigh everything we sell so that our customers have the most accurate information possible, but did you know we also taste every dehydrated meal we sell too? Over the last year, we have tasted every meal we sell, scoring each out of 10. We know which meals need more or less water, which need more time to hydrate, and which are best avoided altogether. So, we have compiled this list of our favourite main meals for meat eaters and vegetarians.
If you have never tried a dehydrated meal, they are a fantastic way to lighten your pack without sacrificing a 'real' meal. They are lightweight and compact, which makes them brilliant for a multiday backpacking trip. They tend to be high in calories, protein and carbohydrates, ensuring you’re fuelled up for the next day's hike. As you only need to add water, they are quick and simple to prepare, and most importantly, they require no washing up.
Main Meals Containing Meat
5. Real Turmat Creamy Salmon with Pasta: Taste Test Score 9/10
If you are a fan of fish, then this dish is a real treat. It is packed with ingredients that complement each other well, such as the fish, the creamy sauce, and well-cooked vegetables. The fish hydrates perfectly to be moist and flaky but not overcooked. The sauce is rich and flavourful but not too heavy. You will be rushing to get to camp to eat this meal.
Available In: Regular (601 kcal)
4. Summit to Eat Beef and Potato Stew: Taste Test Score 9/10
The beef stew is delicious. It tastes like it was made with fresh ingredients, proper chunks of vegetables, well-flavoured beef, and a permeating peppery kick. The beef was hydrated well and held its flavour, and the veggies were well cooked. This is a hearty and comforting dish, that reminded me of a home-cooked meal.
Available In: Regular (622 kcal) and Big Pack (1005 kcal)
3. LYO Expedition Penne Alla Bolognese: Taste Test Score 9/10
This was the highest scoring meal for LYO from our staff. Everyone enjoyed the flavour which was nicely balanced without being too rich. The penne pasta rehydrated perfectly and the combination of ingredients and flavour was excellent. A good amount of obvious chucks of vegetables was a nice addition and everyone felt you got a decent serving of meat too. Overall, a fantastic pasta bolognese meal.
Available In: Big Pack (517 kcal)
2. Summit to Eat Pasta Bolognese: Taste Test Score 9/10
The tangy tomato Bolognese sauce and ground beef hydrated incredibly well; it tastes like home-cooked food, including fresh herbs. The pasta spirals could have had a little more texture, but overall, this classic dish impressed us.
Available In: Regular (742 kcal) and Big Pack (1003 kcal)
1. Real Turmat Taco Bowl: Taste Test Score 10/10
The Taco Bowl from Real Turmat is the first to get a unanimous 10/10. It has a lovely flavour and texture; it hydrates well, even the kidney beans, and the dish has a slight hint of spice, just enough to give it a kick. Bring some Tacos and cheese, and complete the fabulous Mexican dish.
Available In: Regular (528 kcal)
Vegetarian and Vegan Meals
5. Expedition Foods Macaroni and Cheese: Taste Test Score 8/10
Mac and cheese is a classic trail favourite, and Expedition Foods' version is the best we've tried. It has a lovely consistency and hydrated incredibly well. It's a hearty, filling, and warming meal perfect for a day on the trail. The pasta is cooked perfectly, and the cheese sauce is rich and creamy. The meal is also very filling, so you'll be sure to stay energised on your hike.
Available In: Single Serving (450 kcal), High Energy Serving (800 kcal) and Double Serving (1001 kcal)
4. Expedition Foods Vegan Couscous with Cajun Spices and Vegetables: Taste Test Score 8/10
The Cajun spices elevate this Couscous; the North African flavours add a welcome aromatic spice to the dish. The vegetables add texture and make it a more well-rounded meal. The couscous is perfectly hydrated, making it a light and refreshing dish. The flavours of the spices and vegetables come together perfectly, creating a truly unique and delicious dish.
Available In: Single Serving (452 kcal), High Energy Serving (801 kcal) and Double Serving (1002 kcal)
This meal hydrated me well. Radix uses a lot of seeds and nuts in their meals, which adds a nice texture to this meal. The Mexican herbs and spices added a good aromatic flavour, and the meal was spicy but not too hot.
Available In: Regular (613 kcal) and Ultra Pack (811 kcal)
2. Real Turmat Asian Curry: Taste Test Score 9/10
The dish is full of flavour, with the complex Asian spices perfectly complementing the eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes. The eggplant is soft and creamy, while the peppers and tomatoes add a bit of crunch. The spices give the dish a warmth, not an overpowering kick, but a subtle amount of heat.
Available In: Regular (537 kcal)
1. Radix Nutrition Original Peri Peri: Taste Test Score 9/10
The aromatic flavours and spices in this dish give it a nice kick, and the seeds and nuts add a nice texture. We would suggest adding a little more water than the packet suggests. The Peri Peri seasoning has a nice kick with a little afterburn, which you will appreciate if you're a fan of heat.
Available In: Original/Regular (606 kcal) and Ultra Pack (810 kcal)
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Andy Neil |
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Andy has been a keen long-distance hiker and wild camping enthusiast since he completed the Cleveland Way in 2015. Since then, he has walked thousands of trail miles all over the UK and is an active member of the Wild Camping UK community, being an admin of the largest wild camping community on Facebook. He strongly advocates for responsible wild camping and believes it is important to leave no trace when camping in the wilderness. He joined the UOG team in 2021 and works as a website developer and content creator. |
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We weigh everything we sell so that our customers have the most accurate information possible, but did you know we also taste every dehydrated meal we sell too? Over the last year, we have tasted every meal we sell, scoring each out of 10. We know which meals need more or less water, which need more time to hydrate, and which are best avoided altogether. So, we have compiled this list of our favourite main meals for meat eaters and vegetarians