When I first started backpacking, I spent way too much on those freeze-dried, pre-packaged meals that cost $8-12 per serving. Sure, they’re convenient, but the price tag adds up fast, especially if you’re hitting the trail often or even on a multi-day trip. Over time, I realized I could get the same convenience—and, surprisingly, even better flavor—by shopping for backpacking meals at any grocery store.
Here’s a list to the best budget backpacking meals you can easily find at most grocery stores. With a bit of planning, you’ll be able to stock up on lightweight, calorie-dense, and tasty meals without emptying your wallet.
Picking up backpacking meals at the grocery store comes with a few great perks:
1. Cost Savings: Grocery store items are often much cheaper per serving than outdoor store meals.
2. Accessibility: You don’t need to make a special trip to an outdoor store; just grab what you need at your usual grocery run.
3. Customizable: By mixing and matching ingredients, you can create meals you know you’ll enjoy while meeting your specific dietary needs.
4. No Compromise on Weight or Taste: Grocery store meals can be just as lightweight and easy to prepare as expensive specialty backpacking foods.
What to Look for in Pre-Packaged Grocery Store Meals
When shopping for budget backpacking meals, keep in mind:
• Calorie Density: Look for meals with around 400+ calories per serving. Backpacking demands more energy than regular life.
• Lightweight Packaging: Choose options with minimal packaging or plan to repackage items into zip-lock bags.
• Easy Preparation: Opt for meals that only need hot water or cold soaking, like instant noodles, rice mixes, and pasta sides.
• Long Shelf Life: Stick to dried, canned, or vacuum-sealed foods that don’t require refrigeration.
My Favorite Budget Backpacking Meals from the Grocery Store
Here’s a list of some of my go-to meals. All are affordable, light, calorie-dense, and require minimal prep. Plus, you can customize many of them with simple additions for a bit of extra flavor or nutrition.
1. Instant Oatmeal Packets
Starting the day with instant oatmeal is a classic, and for good reason. It’s cheap, lightweight, and easy to prepare.
• Calories: Approximately 150-200 per packet
• Preparation: Just add hot water, stir, and let it sit.
• Tips: For more energy, add a packet of powdered peanut butter, a handful of trail mix, or some dried fruit. You can usually find all of these at the same grocery store.
2. Knorr Pasta Sides and Rice Sides
Knorr Sides are a game-changer. These pasta and rice dishes are filling, flavorful, and very budget-friendly. Note that the pasta takes longer to cook so that the pasta will soften.
• Calories: Roughly 500 calories per package
• Preparation: Add water and cook. If you have a portable stove, it only takes 10 minutes.
• Tips: Mix with a pouch of tuna or chicken for extra protein, or throw in some dehydrated veggies.
3. Ramen Noodles
Ramen noodles are another backpacking staple because they’re lightweight, cook quickly, and are extremely cheap.
• Calories: Approximately 380 per packet
• Preparation: Boil water, pour it over the noodles, and let it sit.
• Tips: Upgrade your ramen with a dollop of peanut butter, dried veggies, or a dash of hot sauce. If you’re carrying extra protein, add a few pieces of jerky. Also adding packs of tuna or chicken can improve the taste and calories.
4. Tuna or Chicken Packets
Protein is essential on the trail, and these foil packets are lightweight, non-perishable, and ready-to-eat.
• What to Buy: Foil packets of tuna or chicken (plain or flavored)
• Preparation: No cooking required—just tear open and eat.
• Tips: Combine with instant rice or Knorr Sides for a filling meal.
5. Instant Mashed Potatoes
A personal favorite is Instant mashed potatoes. They are surprisingly filling and make a warm, comforting meal after a long day of hiking.
• Calories: Approximately 400 per package
• Preparation: Just add hot water and stir.
• Tips: Mix in a packet of chicken for a protein boost, or add cheese powder if you’re a fan of cheesy potatoes.
6. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a comfort food classic, and it’s perfect for the trail since it’s calorie-dense and quick to prepare. I stick to the cheaper powder cheese as its cheaper and lighter.
• Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
• Preparation: Boil water, add noodles, and stir in the cheese powder. To make it easier on the trail, skip the milk and butter; the cheese still tastes great!
• Tips: Add a packet of tuna or chicken for protein, or mix in dehydrated veggies for extra flavor and nutrients.
Final Thoughts: Budget Backpacking Meals That Don’t Compromise
Eating well on the trail doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By shopping for backpacking meals at the grocery store, I’ve managed to save money while still fueling my adventures with filling, tasty, and easy-to-make options. Plus, these budget meals allow me to mix and match based on my preferences, which keeps things interesting.
So next time you’re prepping for a backpacking trip, skip the pricey outdoor store foods and head to your local grocery store instead. With these meals in your pack, you’ll be ready to hit the trail with energy to spare—without draining your bank account!
