Tippins Foods Creamy Mushroom Garlic Pasta
-Manufacturer: Tippins Foods
-Made in: Pennsylvania, USA
-Price: $21.99
-Availability: Website: www.tippinsfoods.com
-Weight: 18.45oz
-Calories: 1390
-Calories per oz: 75.33
-Calories per Dollar: 63.21
-Easy of use: Just add boiling water
-Water Needed: 6.2oz for main meal
-Hydration Time: 10 minutes
Taste: The flavor of the main is rich and creamy with deep umami flavors. The white bean soup is also very flavorful and the snacks were welcomed editions.
Texture: The orzo pasta in the main dish rehydrated nicely and the mushrooms had just the slightest chew to them which I liked. The bean soup needs to be stirred thoroughly to ensure no clumps but had a wonderful smooth texture.
Overall Score: Buy it if weight is not a concern and you want a one stop option to keep you fueled on trail.
Notes: I discovered Tippins Foods, who opened in May of 2023, at the Pacific Crest Trail Days. They were offering samples of their freeze dried meals and the wife and I were thoroughly impressed with the flavors and textures of their meals. Unlike every other backpacking meal, Tippins offers complete meal kits. That means each meal kit contains a main dish, side dish and multiple snacks such as dried fruits and protein bars. They also include drink mixes such as electrolyte mixes or coffee/tea and sugar, creamer, even wet wipes to clean up before or after eating. All of these items are packaged in an eco friendly cardboard tube that is sealed in bees wax. That does however mean it weighs a lot.
The pros of this set up are: you have half a days calories in one package. It takes very little (but oddly specific) amounts of water to rehydrate. Very calorie dense. Fantastic flavors in the main and side dishes.
The cons are: heavy and a little bulky with the package. No ability to choose what sides are included. Shorter expiration times.
Since I filmed my review Tippin’s Foods has release their main dishes as “Camp Cups”. I think that is a great option if you want to keep the weight down while still enjoying their delicious foods. If weight and side selection are not a concern then their Meal Kits may be just the thing you are looking for. Cheers!
