Top 10 Single Serve Freeze Dried Meals for the Outdoors
Single serve
Freeze dried meals form the basis of many outdoor enthusiasts meal choices and currently the best known companies that are readily available in Australia are Back Country Cuisine, Campers Pantry, Outdoor Gourmet, Radix, and Real Meals. Between these companies they offer a range meal option however the Outdoor Gourmet is considered strictly a twin serving. When I’m doing big hikes and consuming huge calories I will often use the twin serve meals by myself and this will usually satiate my appetite. But not everyone needs, or wants, such large meals.
Please note that I love spicy food and a good curry for me is one that makes my head sweat. I also dislike flavour enhancers and emulsifiers that are present in some meals as they make me feel like I’ve had a big night out drinking. While I realise everyone’s taste buds are different, I think you will enjoy the meals we have selected.
The following list is our top 10 single serve meal options for when you don’t want to pig out or would prefer something different to what your partner is eating. If meal size is not a consideration and you want to know what the best tasting food is (in our opinion) then look our our Top 10 Freeze Dried Meals for Outdoors.
1. Campers Pantry Cheesy Potato Mash
Technically a ‘side dish’ but it tastes so good, and it’s such great value that this will form part of our meal plan on our overnight hikes.
Score 9.9/10
For the full review go to this link
2. Back Country Cuisine Spicy Beef Nachos
I love, love, love this meal. It’s warming, has a bit of spice without being overpowering and the crunchy corn chips creates a wonderful texture. If using this as a standalone meal then treat it as a single serve.
Score 9.0/10
For the full review go to this link
3. Campers Pantry Indian Pilaf
I’m a big fan of Asian and Indian rice and loved the taste and texture of this meal – I will definitely include it as part of my hiking meal rotation on any hike. Available in single and large serves.
Score 8.8/10
For the full review go to this link
4. Campers Pantry Tuna Pasta Bake
Tuna, you either love it or hate it. I am always on the fence but this is one of our favourites, or at least Gill’s!
Score 8.8/10
For the full review go to this link
5. Sri Lankan Curry
Taste and texture wise this meal has the feel of a restaurant curry and left me with a warm feeling from the first bite. Real Meals talks about this curry having a ‘mellow cumin warmth to suit all pallets’ and that’s a perfect description. Single serve only.
Score 8.7/10
For the full review go to this link
6. Beetroot and Carrot Salad
This meal was a real surprise to us because it’s essentially a beetroot salad! This is also a cold soak meal so a great option for hotter weather. We loved this meal option and s a cold soak dish you don’t need a stove to enjoy it. Single serve only. ( please note that this option looks to be either seasonal or has been pulled from the range. so you may struggle to get it.)
Score 8.7/10
For the full review go to this link
7. Dal Makani
There are a number of Dal (dhal) meals on the market and we are big fans. This option has a bit more sweetness to it that we love. Single serve only.
Score 8.7/10
For the full review go to this link
8. Campers Pantry Cauliflower and Pea Dahl
Another spicy asian meal that I just love!
Score 8.6/10
For the full review go to this link
9. Campers Pantry Campers Pantry Chicken Cacciatore
A not so spicy meal option that will suit all hikers
Score 8.6/10
For the full review go to this link
10. Real Meals Dulcie's Lasagne
This is a feel good pasta and meat based meal. It is a good option for all hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts regardless of age, not just for youths.
Score 8.6/10
For the full review go to this link
Last updated
18 May 2026