Review: Gastro Gnome Backpacking Meals
Gastro Gnome’s flavorful, well-crafted meals set them apart from many backpacking brands, with a comfort-food approach that goes beyond typical freeze-dried meals.
Based in Bozeman, Montana, Gastro Gnome makes flavorful, well-crafted freeze-dried meals based on comfort-food recipes inspired by some of the company’s favorite places. The menu includes everything from Montana Beef Shepherd’s Pie to Spicy Kung Pao Beef & Broccoli Bowl, with a mix of flavors and styles beyond the usual backpacking meals. Gastro Gnome is also part of the 2% for Conservation program and carries the Made in Montana designation.
They’re more expensive than most backpacking meals, but I think the quality and taste make them worth considering if you’re willing to spend more for a better meal on the trail.
Maple Sausage Biscuits and Gravy
Gastro Gnome’s Maple Sausage Biscuits and Gravy is definitely one of the best biscuits and gravy backpacking meals I’ve had. It’s rich and flavorful without being heavy, has a light touch of maple sweetness, and a good amount of spice without heat. I found the plentiful amount of sausage to have a good texture and meaty taste, and the biscuit pieces rehydrated well while still having the texture and taste of actual biscuits. The amount of water listed on the package was spot on, giving the gravy a creamy consistency.
- 690 calories | 26g protein
- My rating: 5 out of 5
- Price: $16.25
Italian Fennel Sausage Rigatoni
Wow! Gastro Gnome’s Italian Fennel Sausage Rigatoni tastes like an authentic Italian-style meal. I love pasta dishes, and this one reminds me of lasagna, with plenty of sausage, a nice fennel flavor, and a cheesy tomato sauce. It has a little spice, but not too much for me. The serving size is hearty, and I found it filling. This is absolutely going to be a favorite of mine.
- 850 calories | 29g protein
- My rating: 5 out of 5
- Price: $19.25
Chicken Alfredo
Gastro Gnome’s Chicken Alfredo has rotini noodles, chunks of chicken, and pieces of broccoli throughout, in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. I like the addition of broccoli, which works well with the other ingredients and reminds me a little of cheesy broccoli soup. The rotini has a substantial feel, and I found the chicken to have the texture and taste of real chicken. The amount of water called for produced a generous amount of sauce. I’d use slightly less if you prefer a thicker sauce.
- 849 calories | 38g protein
- My rating: 4.7 out of 5
- Price: $18.25