Freeze Dried Food

What is a freeze-dried meal?

Freeze-drying is a low-temperature drying process: food is first frozen, then placed in a vacuum, where the water it contains turns directly from ice into vapour. This removes most of the meal's water weight while preserving its shape, colour and taste far better than heat drying. Once rehydrated, it becomes a proper meal with pieces and texture, not a powdered puree.

Freeze-dried or dehydrated meals: what's the difference?

Both processes remove water from food, but in different ways. Dehydration uses heat: it costs less, but can change the texture and taste of some ingredients more noticeably. Freeze-drying uses low temperatures, better preserving the food’s original appearance and flavour. Explore our dehydrated meals too, and for a detailed comparison, read our article Freeze-dried or dehydrated: what’s the difference?

Why take freeze dried food hiking?

• Low weight: without their water, meals weigh just a few hundred grams, sometimes less. Over several days on the move, that makes a considerable difference to your pack weight.
• Enjoyment: after a long day, a proper hot, tasty meal lifts your spirits.
• Compact size: the pouches fit into the smallest gaps in your rucksack.
• Simple preparation: add hot water, stir, wait a few minutes, then eat straight from the pouch. No washing up.
• Long shelf life: sealed pouches keep for a long time at room temperature, with no refrigeration needed.

From breakfast to dessert: plan your meals

Freeze dried meals form the basis of your menu: world cuisine, French recipes, vegetarian dishes, and meat and fish options. Start the day with freeze-dried breakfasts (porridge, muesli, savoury recipes and more). They're quick to prepare, and some even work with cold water. Round off your meal with a freeze-dried dessert. Add freeze-dried fruit for snacks and a sweet treat. Not sure where to start? Our top freeze-dried picks bring together our customers' favourite recipes.

How do you choose your freeze dried food?

Calorie content

Your energy needs rise sharply with elevation gain, cold weather and a heavy pack. Compare the calories per pouch and the calories-to-weight ratio shown on each product page (kcal per 100 g). For a demanding trek, choose a generous portion; for an easier day, a standard portion is enough. The “Calorie content” filter helps you find the right amount.

Weight and water requirements

Check the weight of the pouch and the amount of water needed to rehydrate the meal, shown on each product page. If you have to carry or filter your water, that figure matters just as much as the meal's weight.

Dietary requirements and allergens

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free: use the “Dietary requirements”, “Allergens” and “Ingredients to exclude” filters to find suitable meals. Always check the ingredients list on the product page.

Shelf life

Shelf life ranges from one year to several years, depending on the brand and recipe. If you're heading out next month, it matters little. If you're planning an expedition or stocking up for the season, filter by shelf life.

Budget

Prices vary by brand, ingredients and portion size. Compare the price per 100 kcal shown on product pages, and explore our selection of budget-friendly freeze dried food. Delivery is also fast and free on orders of €40 or more.

How do you prepare a freeze-dried meal?

• 1. Heat the water using your camping stove and cooking pot.
• 2. Open the pouch and remove the oxygen absorber if there is one (it is not edible).
• 3. Add the stated amount of water up to the fill line, then stir thoroughly, reaching right to the bottom.
• 4. Reseal the pouch and wait for the time shown on the packaging. In cold weather, keep the pouch warm against your body or in an insulated sleeve.
• 5. Stir again and enjoy straight from the pouch with a long-handled spoon.

No stove? Some recipes rehydrate with cold water, though they take longer to prepare, and our self-heating meals heat up without a flame. Find all our tips in our guide to preparing a freeze-dried meal.

Freeze dried food: which adventures is it for?

• Hiking and camping: a hot dinner and a quick breakfast without weighing down your pack.
• Trekking and long-distance journeys: enough food for several self-sufficient days without taking up much space, with varied recipes so you don't get bored.
• Trail running and ultra-trails: a complete, easy-to-digest meal at aid stations or while racing self-supported.
• Sailing and offshore racing: hot meals in minutes, even in rough seas when you're working watch after watch.
• Mountaineering, bikepacking, kayaking: wherever every gram and centimetre counts.

Our freeze dried food brands

We stock well-known French and European brands, alongside producers from Scandinavia, New Zealand and North America. Use the “Brand” and “Country of origin” filters to explore the full range, and check the customer reviews on each product page to help choose your next meals.

Why choose freeze dried food?

Freeze dried food differs from dehydrated meals found in supermarkets (such as instant noodles!) because the food is dried without heat, preserving its original nutritional value and taste and texture. A meal you rehydrate retains all its macronutrients and 95% of its vitamins and minerals. It is ideal for refuelling during or after strenuous activity. And, contrary to what you might think, freeze-dried meals are not powdered food. Once rehydrated, they have the appearance and texture of a conventional meal.

Lightweight, compact and individually packed, they help keep the bulk and weight of your rucksack down. To prepare one, simply add hot water, stir and wait 5 to 15 minutes. It is quick and easy. You can even eat straight from the pouch, so there is no washing-up!

Ready-made freeze-dried packs

To help you plan your meals, we have put together food packs for different outdoor activities. Explore packs for hiking and trekking, self-supported ultra-trail races and offshore races. Designed to meet the demands of these activities, they often include energy bars and dried meat to supplement your food intake. A practical way to save time.

💡 FAQ: Trekking food

❓ What is a freeze-dried meal?

A freeze-dried meal is preserved through freeze-drying: the food is frozen, then the water is removed without heating it. This process preserves around 95% of the original vitamins and minerals. It differs from conventional drying, which uses heat and can have a greater effect on nutrients and texture.

❓ Is freeze dried food suitable for trekking?

Yes. Freeze dried food is lightweight and takes 5 to 15 minutes to prepare with hot water. Options include meat, poultry, fish and vegetarian dishes, making it a practical choice for hiking, trekking and camping.

❓ How do you prepare a freeze-dried meal?

Simply add hot water and wait around 5 to 15 minutes for the meal to rehydrate, whether you are camping or at home.

❓ How long does freeze-dried trekking food keep?

Shelf life varies by meal and packaging, from 1 to 10 years. Filter by shelf life to find products for a short trip or a long-term food supply.

❓ Where can you find discounted hiking food?

Browse our discounted food category for a selection of budget-friendly trekking meals.

❓ How much does a hiking meal cost?

Prices vary by format, from around €6.30 for an individual meal to several dozen euros for a complete multi-day pack.

❓ Can I buy trekking food in bulk?

Yes. With over 700 meals from more than 30 brands, you can filter the range by price, calorie content, allergens and dietary requirements. That makes it easy to put together a large order for an expedition, a group trip or long-term supplies.

❓ What is the best food for trekking?

The best choice depends on your needs: calorie content, dietary restrictions and trip length. The range includes over 700 meals from more than 30 brands, including Real Turmat, MX3, Lyo Food and Tactical Foodpack. Use the filters to find the right option.

❓ Is delivery free?

Yes, delivery is fast and free on orders of €40 or more. Combine a few meals or choose a complete pack to reach that amount.