Freeze-dried soups and starters

Why take freeze-dried soup on a hike?

At camp, soup is often the first comfort of the evening. It takes just a few minutes to make while your main meal rehydrates. Freeze-dried, it weighs only a few dozen grams in your pack.

• Warm up: a hot, savoury drink is welcome after a cold or wet day, whether in the mountains or at sea.
• Make a meal more filling: after a demanding day on the trail, a starter adds calories if your main meal isn’t quite enough.
• Vary your menu: on a multi-day trek, alternating between soups, tabbouleh and main meals helps keep things interesting.
• Keep it light: if you’re only a little hungry or heading out for an easy trip, soup with a few crackers may be enough.

Hot soups or cold starters: which should you choose?

This category brings together two types of product.

• Soups and creamy soups are prepared with hot water. Ideal in the evening at camp or in a mountain hut, or on a boat during night watches.
• Cold starters, such as gazpacho or tabbouleh, rehydrate without cooking, depending on the recipe. They’re handy for summer lunches or trips without a stove.

The amount of water, temperature and preparation time are shown on each pouch. To learn how to prepare a meal without hot water, read our article preparing a freeze-dried meal with cold water.

How do you choose the right freeze-dried soup?

• Calories: depending on the recipe, a serving can range from a light starter to a substantial snack. If soup is your main meal, choose a larger size or a lentil or split pea recipe.
• Serving size: some soups come in single servings and larger sizes, handy for two people or bigger appetites.
• Dietary needs: many starters are vegetarian. Use the page filters to sort by diet, allergens or ingredients you want to avoid.
• Organic options: several organic soups are available, including red kuri squash, carrot and tomato recipes.
• Brand: explore recipes from Lyo Food, Real, Naon, Adventure Menu, Antarta, Voyager, MX3, Travellunch, Tiberino and Cook'n Run.

Build a complete menu around your starter

A freeze-dried starter works at any time of day. Here’s how to pair it with the rest of your menu:

• In the morning: start with a sweet or savoury freeze-dried breakfast.
• At lunch or dinner: pair soup with a freeze-dried main meal for a complete hot meal.
• To finish: a freeze-dried dessert adds a sweet touch and a few extra calories.
• Between meals: top up with energy bars or dried meat.

For more flavour and substance, add some freeze-dried vegetables to your soup. They’ll rehydrate at the same time. To explore the full range, visit our freeze dried food page.

FAQ: freeze-dried soups and starters

How do you prepare freeze-dried soup?

Add the amount of water shown on the pouch, mix well, reseal and wait for the stated time. Stir again before eating. Some soups can be prepared in the pouch; others need a mug or camping pot.

Can you prepare a freeze-dried starter with cold water?

Yes, for certain recipes such as gazpacho or tabbouleh. Soups and creamy soups are designed for hot water. Preparation instructions are given on each product page.

Is freeze-dried soup enough for a meal?

For a light appetite or moderate activity, a large serving of soup may be enough. After an active day, it’s better as a starter: pair it with a main meal or dessert.

What’s the difference between freeze-dried soup and supermarket dehydrated soup?

Most shop-bought instant soups are dehydrated using heat. Freeze-drying removes water at low temperatures after freezing. We choose our soups for outdoor use: lightweight pouches, portions suited to active days and easy preparation in the great outdoors.

How long does freeze-dried soup keep?

Shelf life depends on the recipe and packaging. It’s shown on each product page, and you can filter the range by shelf life.

Our team is here to help

Freeze dried food has been our speciality for many years. Planning a trek, a long-distance journey or a weekend camping trip and want a varied menu? Our team can advise you by phone, email or in person at our Lorient shop.