Are you a gluten-free backpacker looking for nutritious, delicious, and lightweight meals to take on your next adventure? Look no further! In this beginner’s guide, we have compiled a list of 35 best gluten-free dehydrated backpacking meals that will keep you energized and satisfied during your outdoor expeditions.
First, let’s discuss what dehydrated backpacking meals are and why they are a great option for gluten-free backpackers. Dehydrated meals are essentially pre-packaged meals that have had their water removed to make them lightweight and compact. They are perfect for backpackers who need to carry all their food with them and want to save space and weight in their backpacks.
Moreover, gluten-free dehydrated meals are an excellent option for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. These meals are specially formulated without any gluten-containing ingredients, making them safe to consume for those with gluten sensitivities.
Now, let’s dive into the 35 best gluten-free dehydrated backpacking meals.
- Chicken Curry with Rice: This dehydrated meal is made with chicken, rice, and a flavorful curry sauce. It’s a great option for those who love spicy food.
- Beef Stroganoff with Noodles: This classic dish is made with beef, noodles, and a creamy mushroom sauce. It’s hearty, filling, and delicious.
- Vegetable Chili with Beans: This vegetarian meal is packed with protein and fiber and is perfect for chilly nights on the trail.
- Pad Thai with Chicken: This dehydrated meal is made with rice noodles, chicken, and a tangy peanut sauce. It’s a great option for those who love Thai food.
- Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry: This dehydrated meal is made with tender beef, broccoli, and a savory sauce. It’s a great way to get your daily dose of veggies.
- Spaghetti Bolognese: This classic Italian dish is made with gluten-free pasta and a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s a great option for carb-loading before a big day on the trail.
- Chicken Fajita Bowl: This dehydrated meal is made with chicken, rice, beans, and a flavorful fajita seasoning. It’s perfect for a quick and easy meal on the trail.
- Moroccan Couscous with Lentils: This vegan meal is made with couscous, lentils, and a flavorful blend of Moroccan spices. It’s a great option for those who love exotic flavors.
- Chicken Alfredo with Pasta: This creamy Italian dish is made with chicken, gluten-free pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce. It’s perfect for a satisfying and indulgent meal on the trail.
- Beef and Vegetable Stew: This hearty stew is made with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and celery. It’s perfect for a warm and comforting meal on a cold night.
- Thai Coconut Curry with Vegetables: This vegan meal is made with a blend of Thai spices, coconut milk, and a variety of veggies. It’s a great option for those who love spicy and flavorful food.
- Spicy Sausage Pasta: This dehydrated meal is made with gluten-free pasta, spicy sausage, and a tomato-based sauce. It’s perfect for a quick and easy meal after a long day of hiking.
- Quinoa Salad with Chicken: This gluten-free and protein-packed salad is made with quinoa, chicken, and a variety of veggies. It’s perfect for a light and refreshing meal on the trail.
- Vegetable Teriyaki with Rice: This vegan meal is made with a blend of teriyaki sauce, rice, and a variety of veggies. It’s perfect for a flavorful and filling meal on the trail.
- Turkey Tetrazzini: This dehydrated meal is made with turkey, gluten-free pasta, and a creamy sauce. It’s a great option for a comforting and filling meal on the trail.
- Three Bean Chili: This vegan meal is made with a blend of kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans. It’s packed with protein and fiber and is perfect for a hearty and filling meal on the trail.
- Lemon Pepper Chicken with Rice: This dehydrated meal is made with tender chicken, rice, and a zesty lemon pepper seasoning. It’s perfect for a light and flavorful meal on the trail.
- Black Bean and Rice Bowl: This vegan meal is made with black beans, rice, and a variety of veggies. It’s perfect for a quick and easy meal that’s packed with protein and fiber.
- Beef and Vegetable Teriyaki: This dehydrated meal is made with tender beef, teriyaki sauce, and a variety of veggies. It’s perfect for a flavorful and filling meal on the trail.
- Southwest Chicken and Rice Bowl: This dehydrated meal is made with chicken, rice, black beans, and a blend of southwest spices. It’s perfect for a quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavor.
- Lentil and Vegetable Curry: This vegan meal is made with lentils, a variety of veggies, and a flavorful curry sauce. It’s perfect for a warm and comforting meal on a cold night.
- Chicken and Dumplings: This dehydrated meal is made with tender chicken, gluten-free dumplings, and a creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting and filling meal on the trail.
- Tomato Basil Pasta: This dehydrated meal is made with gluten-free pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and a blend of Italian herbs. It’s perfect for a satisfying and flavorful meal on the trail.
- Chicken and Rice Pilaf: This dehydrated meal is made with tender chicken, rice, and a blend of flavorful spices. It’s perfect for a light and flavorful meal on the trail.
- Vegetable and Lentil Stew: This vegan meal is made with lentils, a variety of veggies, and a savory broth. It’s perfect for a warm and comforting meal on a cold night.
- Creamy Potato Soup: This dehydrated meal is made with creamy potato soup, bacon bits, and a blend of savory spices. It’s perfect for a comforting and filling meal on the trail.
- Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: This dehydrated meal is made with tender chicken, wild rice, and a rich broth. It’s perfect for a warm and comforting meal on a cold night.
- Creamy Tomato Soup: This dehydrated meal is made with a creamy tomato soup, croutons, and a blend of savory spices. It’s perfect for a satisfying and flavorful meal on the trail.
- Turkey Chili with Beans: This dehydrated meal is made with tender turkey, beans, and a spicy chili sauce. It’s perfect for a hearty and filling meal on the trail.
- Pad Thai with Shrimp: This dehydrated meal is made with rice noodles, shrimp, and a tangy peanut sauce. It’s perfect for a flavorful and filling meal on the trail.
- Chicken Gumbo: This dehydrated meal is made with tender chicken, rice, and a flavorful gumbo sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting and filling meal on the trail.
- Beef Stew with Vegetables: This dehydrated meal is made with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and celery. It’s perfect for a warm and comforting meal on a cold night.
- Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo: This dehydrated meal is made with tender chicken, gluten-free pasta, and a creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s perfect for a satisfying and flavorful meal on the trail.
- Beef Stroganoff: This dehydrated meal is made with tender beef, gluten-free noodles, and a creamy mushroom sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting and filling meal on the trail.
- Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl: This vegan meal is made with quinoa, black beans, and a variety of veggies. It’s perfect for a quick and easy meal that’s packed with protein and fiber.
Tips for Packing and Preparing Dehydrated Meals for Backpacking:
- Plan ahead and pack enough food for the duration of your trip.
- Use a vacuum sealer to preserve your dehydrated meals and prevent spoilage.
- Label each meal with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Pack your dehydrated meals in a waterproof container to prevent moisture from getting in.
- Use a lightweight stove and cookware for easy transport.
- Pack extra fuel and a backup stove in case of emergencies.
- Bring along a small pot or kettle for boiling water.
- Don’t forget to bring utensils, bowls, and cups for eating and drinking.
- Make sure to follow the cooking instructions for each dehydrated meal.
- Pack out any leftover food and trash to minimize your impact on the environment.
Related: 30+ Best Allergy-Friendly Backpacking Meals
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, dehydrated meals are a great option for backpackers who are looking for easy, lightweight, and nutritious meals on the trail. With a variety of gluten-free options available, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or a comforting and filling one, there’s a dehydrated meal that will fit your needs. Just remember to plan ahead, pack properly, and follow the cooking instructions for each meal.
Happy backpacking!