Dehydrated meals

What is a dehydrated meal?

A dehydrated meal is food that has had its water removed by drying it with heat. Only the dry ingredients remain, making the pouch light, easy to carry and shelf-stable without refrigeration. When it’s time to eat, simply add water to rehydrate it.

Dehydrated or freeze-dried meals: which should you choose?

Both methods aim to remove water to make food lighter, but they produce slightly different results.

• Dehydration dries food using heat. It’s a simple process and often costs less. Dehydrated meals work well for recipes based on pasta, rice, couscous or pulses.
• Freeze-drying removes water at low temperatures after freezing. It costs more, but better preserves the shape and texture of the pieces, especially meat.

Rehydration times and recommended water temperatures vary by product, so always follow the instructions on the pouch. For a fuller comparison, read our article Freeze-dried or dehydrated: what’s the difference? To explore the full range, including both freeze-dried and dehydrated options, browse our freeze dried food.

How do you choose a dehydrated meal?

• Calories: most meals in this category provide around 450–600 kcal, with larger portions providing up to 800 kcal. After a long day on the trail or in cold weather, choose a higher-calorie recipe or add a high-calorie meal.
• Price per 100 kcal: shown on each product page, it helps you compare recipes like for like. On a tight budget? See our affordable freeze dried food too.
• Dietary preferences: vegan chilli, vegan goulash, soya bolognese, spinach dal, gumbo, smoked tomato paella… Use the filters to sort by diet and allergens. Find more options in our vegetarian freeze dried food.
• Shelf life: it varies from around 1 to 5 years depending on the recipe. It’s listed on each product page, and you can filter by it.
• Portion size: choose a standard or larger portion to suit your appetite and activity level.

Dehydrated meals for every adventure

• Hiking and trekking: a hot meal at camp in the evening that’s light in your rucksack. Round out your day with a breakfast, soup or freeze-dried dessert.
• Bikepacking and touring: compact pouches that fit easily into a pannier.
• Sailing and boating: easy-to-prepare meals for the saloon that need no refrigeration.
• Several days without resupply: five-meal selections from Food Force, Firepot or Tiberino let you enjoy a variety of recipes. For a ready-made complete menu, explore our hiking meal packs.

A lightweight stove is all you need to heat the water: explore our range of stoves.

FAQs: dehydrated meals

How do you prepare a dehydrated meal?

Add the amount of water stated on the pouch, stir well, reseal and wait for the recommended time. Stir again before eating. Some recipes can be prepared in the pouch; others need a cooking pot. You’ll find all our tips in our guide to preparing a freeze-dried meal, which also applies to dehydrated meals.

Is a dehydrated meal cheaper than a freeze-dried meal?

Often, because dehydration is a simpler process. But the price also depends on the ingredients and weight. Compare the price per 100 kcal shown on each product page to see what you’re getting for your money.

Can you rehydrate a dehydrated meal with cold water?

Dehydrated meals generally require hot water. If you’re travelling without a stove, check the instructions for each recipe and read our article on cold-water meals.

How long does a dehydrated meal keep?

Depending on the recipe in this category, around 1 to 5 years. The date is printed on the packaging. Store the pouches away from heat and moisture.

Are there vegetarian or vegan dehydrated meals?

Yes, and there are plenty in this category: vegan chilli, vegan goulash, soya bolognese pasta, dal, smoked tomato paella… Always check the ingredients and allergens on the product page.

A team ready to help

Outdoor food is our speciality. Unsure whether to choose a dehydrated or freeze-dried meal, or planning meals for several days without resupply? Our team can advise you by phone, email or in person at our Lorient shop.