{"id":28575,"date":"2025-01-15T11:55:41","date_gmt":"2025-01-15T11:55:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/adventure\/alps-amici-freeze-dried-hiking-food-range-reviewed-tested\/"},"modified":"2025-01-15T11:55:41","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T11:55:41","slug":"alps-amici-freeze-dried-hiking-food-range-reviewed-tested","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=28575","title":{"rendered":"Alps & Amici Freeze-Dried Hiking Food Range Reviewed & Tested"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Outdoor foodie and hiking nutritionist Jess taste tested and reviewed three meals and a side dish from little-known Tassie brand, Alps & Amici, discovering it\u2019s possible to enjoy restaurant-quality dining in the bush.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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I\u2019m of the mindset that everything tastes better when it\u2019s eaten outdoors. It\u2019s a combination of being more present and aware of what I\u2019m eating, but also generally being exhausted and more appreciative of sustenance than when I\u2019m consuming food simply because of the time on my watch.<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/strong> Hiking Changed the Way I Appreciate Food<\/a><\/p>\n

But when it comes to food made for the outdoors there are huge differences in nutritional quality and taste. That\u2019s why I\u2019ve made it my mission to taste test and review as many options as I can to figure out for myself (and for you!) what the best options are.<\/p>\n

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Taste is important, but so are nutrition, price, and convenience<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Why am I the right person to do this review?<\/h2>\n

I\u2019m the right person to review these meals from Alps & Amici because I\u2019ve sampled and reviewed a wide range of their competitor’s meals in the past six to twelve months. From Camper\u2019s Pantry<\/a>, to On Track Meals<\/a>, Back Country and Strive Meals<\/a>, Radix Nutrition<\/a>, and Offgrid<\/a>, I\u2019ve got plenty of experience rating meals for the outdoors.<\/p>\n

Outside of writing for We Are Explorers, I\u2019m also known as the Hiker\u2019s Nutritionist<\/a>, and I spend countless hours every week taste-testing and evaluating food for the outdoors. And I\u2019m not shy about sharing what I really think.<\/p>\n

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\"TOAKS<\/a><\/p>\n

No doubt daydreaming about lunch<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

What is Alps & Amici?<\/h2>\n

Alps & Amici<\/a> is a grocery store that\u2019s been an integral part of the East Launceston community in Tasmania since 2010. Owners Dan and Sally are passionate about working with local producers and bridging the gap between them and their customers in a homely, old-fashioned, but lovely kind of way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As well as stocking gourmet groceries, Alps & Amici provides delicious meals, sides, and desserts \u2013 many available in value meal boxes for locals to collect. These got so popular among Explorers who wanted to take them on overnight hikes, that the freeze-dried range became a viable product line.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s really refreshing to see a range of food for the outdoors emerge so organically. The freeze-dried meals are the same quality as those prepared for the meal boxes and offer hikers the chance to experience a gourmet meal in the middle of bloody nowhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

How These Meals Have Been Reviewed<\/h2>\n

When it comes to taste I rate each meal, snack, and drink based on taste, texture, aroma, and aftertaste, giving a final flavour score out of 5 (0 = awful, 5 = amazing). Wherever possible I get multiple people to try each meal and collect their feedback too.<\/p>\n

Macronutrient info is listed per serving which means you\u2019ll get the listed amount of nutrients, like proteins and carbohydrates, if you finish the meal.<\/p>\n

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Each meal was tested by two people to account for different tastes and preferences (this is the Moroccan Vegetable Tagine<\/a>!)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Preparation & Cooking<\/h2>\n

Every packet has the same directions, which keeps it really simple when you\u2019re tired after a long day on the trail. Open the meal pouch, add 250ml of boiling water, stir (important or you’ll get dry lumps at the bottom!), reseal, then let stand for ten minutes before digging in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If it\u2019s a cold day then popping the meal pouch inside a beanie or wrapping it with a jacket to insulate it will help get the best result. I tested these meals during summer so I didn\u2019t give that a go, but it\u2019s what Alps & Amici recommend so I\u2019m willing to bet it\u2019s a good tip.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One gripe I have with prepping these meals is that the serving size information on the packaging isn\u2019t easy to read. It\u2019s buried in the nutritional panel. Many of the meals are actually a two-person serve, so double-check that detail before you stock up for a solo mission. The packaging size also varies a fair bit \u2013 the Freeze Dried Moroccan Vegetable Tagine<\/a> packet is a good 50% larger than the other two meals I tested.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lastly, the packaging also doesn’t give any indication about whether the meal needs an accompaniment like pasta or rice, or if the meal is hot or spicy. <\/span><\/p>\n

Alps & Amici Hiking Food Reviewed & Compared<\/h2>\n

Freeze Dried Chicken & Spinach Curry<\/h3>\n

RRP:<\/strong> $23.50
\nPacked weight:<\/strong> 100g
\nFlavour: <\/strong>4\/5
\n<\/strong>Protein\/Fats\/Carbs\/Energy:<\/strong> 19.8g \/ 16.2g \/ 3g \/ 1011kJ
\nSodium:<\/strong> 315mg
\nComplete meal:<\/strong> No, needs an accompaniment
\nServes:<\/strong> 2
\nIngredients:<\/strong> Nichols Chicken<\/a>, onion, spices, coconut cream, spinach, salt, pepper, oil<\/p>\n

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They are some seriously generously sized chicken chunks!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Nutrition<\/h3>\n

The Freeze Dried Chicken and Spinach Curry<\/a> from Alps and Amici is particularly well-suited for hikers looking to support muscle repair and recovery after a challenging day. With 19.8g of protein per serve, sourced very specifically from local supplier Nichols Chicken, it stands out as an awesome choice for recovery and energy.<\/p>\n

The 16.2g of fats, from the coconut cream and oil, provide a steady source of energy, but note that these take more energy for the body to digest, so for hiking (when you need a lot of energy) higher carbohydrates are typically preferred if you\u2019re choosing between the two.<\/p>\n

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You could easily take some bread along to enjoy with this to further boost your calorie intake<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The low carbohydrate content of just 3g is unlikely to provide enough quick energy for glycogen replenishment after high-intensity activity. However, this meal is designed to be eaten with a high carbohydrate accompaniment, like pasta or rice. If done so it\u2019s a damn near ideal meal for the trail.<\/p>\n

Finally, the ingredient list is so clean \u2013 every ingredient is a basic, well-known food \u2013 and it\u2019s dairy-free and gluten-free, meaning that it’s suitable for people with dietary restrictions too.<\/p>\n

Flavour<\/h3>\n

This meal was very watery in the packet and I was worried it was going to be more akin to soup than a curry, but it thickened up quickly and was the perfect consistency. I paired it with some pasta, but reckon it would be ideal with rice or Debs potato, which would absorb the sauce beautifully.<\/p>\n

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It feels like way too much water when you first pour it in, but it works perfectly<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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It smells enticing and aromatic, and somehow green (guess that’s the spinach!). The chicken was soft and tender, literally falling apart in my mouth. It’s mildly spicy to start, but by the time I finished my serve my mouth was burning. If you’re sensitive to spice, this isn’t your meal.<\/p>\n

It tastes healthy, the chicken is fresh, and while slightly creamy, it packs in a lot of punch from the many herbs and spices. It’s really warming and would be divine on a cold day.<\/p>\n

Key takeaway:<\/strong> It might look like soup, but this is a delicious curry that won’t disappoint.<\/p>\n

Freeze Dried Moroccan Vegetable Tagine<\/h3>\n

RRP:<\/strong> $22
\nPacked weight:<\/strong> 100g
\nFlavour: <\/strong>4\/5
\n<\/strong>Protein\/Fats\/Carbs\/Energy:<\/strong> 5.33g \/ 2.85g \/ 18.4g \/ 574.5kJ
\nSodium:<\/strong> 675mg
\nComplete meal:<\/strong> No, needs an accompaniment
\nServes:<\/strong> 2
\nIngredients:<\/strong> Carrot, onion, potato, celery, chickpeas, garlic, tomato, salt, pepper, vegetable stock, oil, lemon juice, spices<\/p>\n

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This was incredibly fragrant, even before the water was added<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Nutrition<\/h3>\n

With 18.4g of carbohydrates per serve, the Freeze Dried Moroccan Vegetable Tagine<\/a> is pretty light on in providing energy. This makes sense because it\u2019s recommended to be consumed with rice or pasta to boost its versatility for the trail.<\/p>\n

The sodium content, at 675mg, strikes a reasonable balance for electrolyte replenishment without being excessive. Including nutrient-dense ingredients like chickpeas and a mix of vegetables contributes to fibre and micronutrient intake, ensuring that you feel full after your meal. The low fat content (2.85g) makes it an easily digestible choice for hikers who prefer lighter meals, and the absence of gluten and dairy broadens its appeal to those with dietary restrictions.<\/p>\n

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Cannot emphasise enough how well-rehydrated the chickpeas are<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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However, the hugely low protein content (only 5.33g per serve) means that this meal isn\u2019t ideal for recovery, and isn’t as suitable for the trail as others on this list. It\u2019s a better choice for people craving variety who are happy to add in an extra high protein bar (ideally 15g+ protein) for dessert to ensure they meet their recovery needs, or better yet, bring along some dehydrated chicken to add to the meal itself. If you\u2019re on a plant-based diet, taking along a serve of protein powder is another option to boost the value of this meal break.<\/p>\n

Flavour<\/h3>\n

Ooft as someone who doesn’t handle chilli, a spice warning on this one wouldn’t have gone astray! If you like spice, you’ll love it, but if you struggle, well, your mouth will be burning from the first bite.<\/p>\n

The meal itself smells nice, but it’s hard to pin down a single flavour \u2013 it’s a very full aroma, with a spicy vegetable vibe. It’s not bad, but I wouldn’t call it enticing. The flavour is tomato-heavy, but like the aroma, is full-bodied and tastes homemade and healthy. It was hard to get a sense of the full flavour as my taste buds were thoroughly preoccupied with the volcanic spice they were dealing with.<\/p>\n

The texture is quite mushy overall but there’s great crunch from the whole chickpeas and carrot chunks which have rehydrated perfectly. I found it too hot and unpleasant to eat this without an accompaniment, but once I added in some of the Alps & Amici pasta (60% pasta, 40% sauce), it was divine. The pasta immediately tempered the intensity of the sauce and it was really well balanced.<\/p>\n

Key takeaway:<\/strong> I’d swear this wasn’t a rehydrated meal, it tastes that fresh. But a spice warning on the packaging is needed!<\/p>\n

Freeze Dried Mushroom Risotto<\/h3>\n

RRP:<\/strong> $23.50
\nPacked weight:<\/strong> 100g
\nFlavour: <\/strong>5\/5
\n<\/strong>Protein\/Fats\/Carbs\/Energy:<\/strong> 9.6g \/ 25.2g \/ 49.2g \/ 1956kJ
\nSodium:<\/strong> 1230mg
\nComplete meal:<\/strong> Yes!
\nServes:<\/strong> 1
\nIngredients:<\/strong> Rice, onion, mushroom, vegetable stock (cauliflower, carrot, mushroom, broccoli, cabbage, garlic, water, parsley, rosemary, salt, pepper, bay leaves), EVOO, sour cream, butter, truffle oil, lemon zest, parmesan, herbs (basil, thyme, marjoram, oregano, sage, parsley, garlic, rosemary)<\/p>\n

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Plenty of mushrooms visible in the dry mix<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Nutrition<\/h3>\n

With 49.2g of carbohydrates per 100g, the Freeze Dried Mushroom Risotto<\/a> meal provides a solid energy boost, ideal for refuelling glycogen stores after a day on the trail. The inclusion of high-quality ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, truffle oil, and butter contributes to the 25.2g of fats, offering long-lasting energy and promoting feelings of fullness.<\/p>\n

The 9.6g of protein, from the parmesan and sour cream, supports muscle recovery, although it falls short for those requiring higher protein intake post-hike (20g is better). The sodium content, at 1230mg, is notably high but can be advantageous for endurance hikers needing to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat.<\/p>\n

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Note that this is particularly sticky compared to the other meals<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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For hikers chasing the best nutrient density and variety, the inclusion of herbs and vegetable stock adds valuable micronutrients (not to be underestimated!). Finally, the absence of substantial protein sources like legumes or meat limits its recovery potential for more intense activity.<\/p>\n

Flavour<\/h3>\n

The Mushroom Risotto smelled warm, creamy, aromatic, and enticing. It’s the kind of smell that’d draw you into the kitchen, or in this case, around the tiny portable camp stove. As a caveat, I’m not remotely a fan of mushrooms so I wasn’t particularly looking forward to this meal and was pleasantly surprised when it smelt so damn good.<\/p>\n

The texture was soft and varied, mushy but in that yummy risotto way. There was a variety of different mushrooms, and some were chopped, others whole. It wasn’t remotely watery and I’d swear it’d come straight off a stove top if I hadn’t just rehydrated it myself.<\/p>\n

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These meals are very convenient to eat straight out of the bag, provided you’ve got a long-handled spoon<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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As for the flavour it was creamy, full-bodied, and only slightly earthy. I can’t stand mushrooms normally but this was heavenly and it was gobbled up and gone far sooner than expected.<\/p>\n

Key takeaway:<\/strong> I’d eat this every day of the week \u2013 and look forward to it.<\/p>\n

Freeze Dried Pasta<\/h3>\n

RRP:<\/strong> $13.00
\nPacked weight:<\/strong> 100g
\nFlavour: <\/strong>5\/5
\n<\/strong>Protein\/Fats\/Carbs\/Energy:<\/strong> 6.89g \/ 2.55g \/ 31.5g \/ 769.5kJ
\nSodium:<\/strong> 690mg
\nIngredients:<\/strong> Semolina flour, water, salt, pepper, extra virgin olive oil<\/p>\n

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This looked incredibly plastic-like, and I was more than dubious about the flavour to come<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Nutrition<\/h3>\n

The Freeze Dried Pasta<\/a> is the ideal accompaniment for the Chicken & Spinach Curry and the Moroccan Vegetable Tagine to create more balanced and satisfying hiking meals. With 31.5g of carbohydrates per serving, it provides a quick and efficient energy source, ideal for replenishing glycogen stores after a day of intense activity.<\/p>\n

The 690mg of sodium will contribute to electrolyte replenishment, and make it an ideal pairing for meals with lower sodium content like the curry. The low protein, fat, and energy content means it doesn\u2019t offer as much as the other meal options on its own beyond carbohydrate loading. The best way to make this side work for you is by pairing it with protein-rich or fat-dense mains to create a nutritionally balanced meal.<\/p>\n

If you wanted to increase the energy it provides, you could take an extra sachet of extra virgin olive oil to add to it without impacting your pack weight too much. Overall it\u2019s a handy side dish to have in your kit to give a smaller meal an energy boost, or to give yourself the energy you need for highly demanding days on the trail.<\/p>\n

Flavour<\/h3>\n

There’s no aroma for this plain pasta \u2013 not surprising but worth stating.<\/p>\n

On first impression the pasta looks like it’s going to be rubbery and soggy as heck, but it’s surprisingly firm (that’ll be the semolina flour) and buttery soft (thank you extra virgin olive oil).<\/p>\n

The pasta is a beautiful neutral base that’s salted so perfectly that it’s surprisingly delicious to eat on its own. I’d happily whip up a bowl of this to enjoy as a snack, even without a sauce to pair it with.<\/p>\n

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Delicious!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Key takeaway:<\/strong> Never thought I’d give plain pasta a 5\/5 for flavour, but here we are.<\/p>\n

Sustainability<\/h2>\n

Alps & Amici has a demonstrated commitment to supporting local producers, which is a really environmentally friendly approach to production. By sourcing their ingredients locally, not only are they getting incredibly fresh produce, but they\u2019re also reducing transportation emissions.<\/p>\n

As a small business, they don\u2019t have a sustainability section on their website, and this wasn\u2019t particularly surprising.<\/p>\n

The packaging doesn\u2019t mention anything about being recyclable \u2013 I actually used it as my rubbish bag for the rest of my hiking trip as the resealable top on the bags is excellent. I\u2019ve rinsed it and can now use it again in future, either as a garbage bag or as a meal sachet for my own dehydrated mixes.<\/p>\n

Price<\/h2>\n

Alps & Amici meals are in a higher price bracket than the average hiking meal, but based on the excellent nutritional content and flavour, I\u2019d argue that the meals are well worth the expense. It can also be deceptive. The single serve mushroom risotto is $23.50, and well above the average of around $16 per meal.<\/p>\n

But if you buy the meals that are suitable for two people, you get much better value. A typical single-serve Alps & Amici meal will set you back $22 + $13 for a side like the pasta. Split between two people, that works out at $17.50 each for dinner. If I\u2019m tossing up between this and a Back Country Meal with a seemingly endless list of ingredients I don\u2019t recognise on the back, I know which one I\u2019d rather pay for!<\/p>\n

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See how hard it is to find the serving size information! (Hint it’s under the ‘nutritional information’ heading<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n

These Alps & Amici meals were a really enjoyable addition to a day outdoors. Aside from the Russian roulette surprise with the spicy tagine, I absolutely loved the flavour of them all. The pasta was the biggest surprise \u2013 even plain it was very tasty.<\/p>\n

If you like your meals hot and spicy, this is the brand for you. Every single one packs a flavoursome punch and is made with high-quality, natural ingredients to fuel your performance.<\/p>\n

In terms of value, for two people you can\u2019t go wrong with these meals. Simple to prepare, minimal clean up, and reliably good food that I wouldn\u2019t send back if I received it in a restaurant. Plus, most meals are only 100g pack weight! If the labelling was improved I\u2019d have nothing negative to say.<\/p>\n

More Hiking Food Ideas<\/h2>\n