Trail Tested: Real Meals
Tired of tasteless trail food, I packed Real Meals for a climbing trip. From spicy Mexi Nachos to decadent chocolate pudding, they brought real flavour to camp.
In July, I headed out to the Warrumbungles for some overnight hikes, packing a range of dehydrated meals from a large outdoor store. After a couple of long, demanding days on the trail, I was disheartened to find that two of the meals I’d brought were completely inedible—an unpleasant surprise when you’re tired and hungry.
Back at the office, I received an exciting email from Real Meals (a small but mighty Kiwi company redefining dehydrated meals), inviting me to review their range. I browsed their menu and was impressed by the variety, including a solid selection of vegetarian options—something that’s often lacking in the dehydrated meal space.
Not long after, I zipped off to Mt Arapiles/Dyurrite for some climbing and campfire dinners with an exciting new menu in hand. This time, none of the meals disappointed.
Dal Makhani paired with the Basmati Rice
A real standout. Mild in flavour, this dish paired beautifully with the fluffy Basmati Rice for a genuinely satisfying meal. The portion was large enough to share or to fuel a big post-climb hunger.
Mexi Nachos
I’m obsessed with Mexican food, so when I say the flavour here is good—I mean it. Bold, aromatic, and packed with that classic spice profile, the smell alone had me excited before I even took a bite. Sure, the texture was more like a chilli con carne than crunchy nachos, but it was seriously satisfying and full of flavour. Add some extra corn chips if you’ve got room in your pack, and you’ve got yourself a fiesta.
Chocolate Pudding
Rich, chocolaty, and deeply satisfying—but I made the mistake of sharing. Next time, I won’t. I just wish there was a little more in the packet—it was that good. Definitely one I’d order again.
Real Meals nailed it across the board—flavourful, filling, and easy to prepare with just boiling water. After my Warrumbungles misadventure, it was refreshing to find a brand delivering consistent quality and real comfort food in the outdoors.
RRP: Most meals NZ$17.95
Check out the full range on the Real Meals Website
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