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Snacks and Side Dishes

The best snacks and side dishes, reviewed and curated by the Trailspace community. The latest review was added on February 24, 2023. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.

Recent Snack/Side Dish Reviews

rated 3 of 5 stars
Stowaway Gourmet Turkish Delight

Tangy freeze-dried yogurt and puffed whole grains. Intriguing, but ultimately not quite a rousing success. So, another attempt at a backpacking breakfast. I tried this one at home, as I had serious reservations about it.  First reservation: it's a cold breakfast. I tend to prefer hot, savory breakfasts.  And while a cold meal certainly appeals and satisfies on some days, it's an awful gamble out on the trail. But if you like a cold breakfast, here you go! Not necessarily a reservation—potentially… Full review

rated 3.5 of 5 stars
Banana

Not "new" gear...but tried and true gear! Bruh....you can even dry and smoke the peels.... Ooops, perhaps you already tried that. Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Banana

Dehydrates nicely to a lightweight snack. Softer ones will be sweeter. Slice lengthwise for a chewier snack and crosswise for crisper chips. No need to rehydrate. You can leave the original packaging at home in your compost pile. Leave the original packaging at home. Invest in a dehydrator and it will pay for itself in no time. Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Banana

You nerds are talking about bananas. I'm kind of a gear junkie and my pack list NEVER includes bananas. Carry on. I once ate a banana. I thought it was a chili pepper so I was a bit disappointed. I thought I should share my banana experiences with my fellow minimalists. Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Banana

Wow... excellent product that arrives in its own disposable wrapper. Even comes in an “organic” version. Inexpensive!       a bit heavy for us UL backpackers   I wrote to a supplier for technical details    Neck warmer and fashion statement    Average length    Well, was looking  around my local market and found this on a shelf and thought I’d try this product. I’m getting tired of snack bars and gorp when hiking so decided to purchase one. This is a unique product that is filling,… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Mountain House Biscuits and Gravy

I started carrying these a few years ago, used to have freeze dried pork chops that were a real treat from typical trail food but these are just great with a cup of coffee. Of all places I happened to find a rack of these at Walmart and bought one for a week-long backpacking trip. After having for breakfast quickly realized I should have brought more. Normal breakfast during such trips is rather unfulfilling on a crispy morning over a small fire. I have also started carrying dehydrated bacon, so… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Mountain House Biscuits and Gravy

This is what backpacking food should taste like! Mountain House has hit a home run with the Biscuits and Gravy, packing in much more flavor than expected, and really getting the textures spot-on. We take this meal along on pack trips, motorcycle tours, and I usually have one in my work truck for long jobs in the mountains. Adding an egg, either fired or hard-boiled, extends the meal considerably, and really gives a boost of nice protein energy. Let me start out by admitting that I am a big fan of… Full review

rated 2 of 5 stars
OMeals Smoked Cheese Bites

A trail snack that sounded much better than it tasted. Texture was also unpleasant. Taste:Generally speaking, I really like cheese, particularly smoked cheeses like Swiss, Gouda, and cheddar. While I would never expect a dehydrated cheese snack intended for backcountry use to taste the exactly same as a freshly smoked cheese, I do expect there to be a close resemblance. However, instead of smoked cheese, this snack tastes a bit more like burned cheese with plenty of salt. I asked a friend to try… Full review

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
Lorissa's Kitchen Premium Steak Strips

These steak strips (jerky) are tender, moist, and flavorful. Lorissa’s Kitchen premium steak strips are great for boosting protein on the trail with 10 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat, 6 grams of carbohydrate, and 80 calories per serving. The strips are made with 100% grass-fed beef with no added nitrites, MSG, preservatives or growth hormones. The texture of the jerky was good; moist, tender, and chewy. I always prefer the plain flavors of jerky products, especially on a long, high-altitude… Full review

Other Types of Food and Drink

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Entrées

Soups

Breakfasts

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