Review: Bowl & Kettle Backpacking Meals
Bowl & Kettle brings a noticeably elevated approach to backpacking meals, with unique recipes, rich flavors, and a level of quality that sets them apart from most brands.
I tested a few meals from Bowl & Kettle to see how they compare to other backpacking brands. They’re a newer company and currently offer just three meal options, but all are solid, with Indian, Mexican, and Creole choices that aren’t typical for backpacking brands.
I was impressed by the depth of flavor and generous portions, with each meal providing just the right amount of food and calories for a backpacking trip. If you’re looking to move beyond the usual backpacking menu, these meals are a delicious change of pace.
About Bowl & Kettle
Bowl & Kettle was founded by thru-hikers who wanted better food on the trail. Their small-batch meals use real recipes and high-quality, recognizable ingredients, with local sourcing whenever possible. The menu stands out from typical backpacking brands, offering unique, flavorful options that are satisfying and a step above the usual freeze-dried meals.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Tasting Notes: The Chicken Tikka Masala has a deep, well-balanced flavor that’s rich without being heavy. The chicken comes in sizable chunks with a nice grilled flavor, and the yellow basmati rice cooks perfectly. It wasn’t as spicy as I expected, but the spices are nicely layered, creating a complex and satisfying meal. The water amount listed on the package worked perfectly, giving the curry a saucy consistency without being soupy.
Final Thoughts: I would definitely take this meal on trips again — it’s flavorful, filling, and well-executed.
- calories: 860 | protein: 47g
- my rating: 5 out of 5
- price: $16.95
Mexican Street Corn Grits
Tasting Notes: The Mexican Street Corn Grits have a well-rounded, smoky flavor that’s slightly spicy but not overwhelming. The grits cook perfectly and create a creamy, smooth base for the roasted poblanos, corn, tomatoes, and mushrooms. The small amount of cheese adds richness without dominating, and the herbs enhance the flavor profile. The water amount listed on the package was just right, giving the grits a creamy, saucy consistency without being watery.
Final Thoughts: I would take this meal on trips again — it’s flavorful, satisfying, and a bit different from typical backpacking meals.
- calories: 723 | protein: 31g
- my rating: 5 out of 5
- price: $13.95
Crawfish Étouffée
Tasting Notes: The Crawfish Étouffée delivers a rich, authentic Creole-style flavor with plenty of depth. It’s flavorful without feeling heavy or overly thick. The crawfish pieces are a good size, so you notice them and they don’t get lost in the mix of other ingredients. The water amount listed on the package was just right, giving the meal a saucy consistency without being soupy. The only downside for me was that I found it a bit too spicy after adding the herb packet, even without the hot sauce. But if you like spicy food, this one is definitely a great option!
Final Thoughts: I would take this meal on trips again, but I’d skip the spice packet to keep the heat more manageable for me.
- calories: 630 | protein: 16g
- my rating: 4.9 out of 5
- price: $15.95
Disclosure: these meals were donated for the purpose of a review.