The multi-packs are no longer available at Amazon.
Apparently, some Walmart stores are now carrying these (maybe instead of Mountain House?). I've yet to see them in the Midwest, so that may be a regional experiment.
Cons:
- Product description was wrong, these are one person meals, not two.
- Shelf life is very short (most were 1 1/2 years).
- Total calorie count was 3940, so despite the blatant error in the online description, this was still a good value.
- Quality/taste were very good - definitely above average, compared to all other freeze-dried meals I've tried (Alpine Aire, Mountain House, Natural High).
- They are made by Enertia Trail Foods, which has an excellent reputation.
- More compact than other dry camping foods (see below).
calories, expiration, name:
440 2012/09 Cheesy Tomato Pasta
410 2012/09 Cilanto Lime Rice
420 2012/09 Mac Cheese
360 2012/09 Southwest Chili
740 2012/09 Dirt Worms
520 2011/10 Granola, Blueberry
1050 2011/07 Trail Mix
====
3940
So far, I've eaten the first four items.
The only (mild) disappointment was the mac&cheese, partly because I'd read glowing reviews so I had high expectations. I liked the added vegs, but felt the main part was only average, about equal to "Annie's", and not as good (i.e. creamy/cheesy) as Walmart's "Great Value Thick and Creamy" which is my all time favorite boxed mac&cheese. Next time I make that, I'm going to toss in some vegs, and see how that works.
In some of the pictures, you'll see some volume marks on the bags. I found these to be unreliable. I recommend you use a reliable means to measure the water.
Fully packed (came with a "free silnylon stuff sack"), with a can of Mountain Dew Throwback for size reference:
Nice and compact!
Laid out:
Let's eat some!
Cheesy Tomato Pasta:
front of bag:
bottom of bag:
back of bag:
what's inside the bag:
items are separately packaged, unlike typical freeze-dried camping food:
first you "cook" the pasta with boiling water:
then you mix in the sauce powder:
yum!
the tomatoes weren't as plump as MRE feta chicken, but they were still good:
Southwest Chili:
beside a similar AlpineAire product, to show how relatively compact these are:
bottom of bag:
back of bag:
what's inside the bag:
just before adding boiling water:
just after adding boiling water:
after cooking and adding chili powder, yum:
If anyone sees these in their local Walmart, please share prices and menu items - thanks!