FAQ
What is the shelf-life of Backpacker's Pantry products?
Our new pouches (produced 2017 and later) have a shelf life ranging from 3 years to 10 years from the date of manufacture depending on the product.
See our complete Backpacker's Pantry Shelf Life Guide for the exact shelf life of each of our products. Shelf life is based off the date the product was manufactured. Products with a shelf life of three years typically have high fat or dairy content.
Where can I find the "Best By" date on your package?
A “Best By” date is embossed on every pouch along the top seam. Depending on the style of the pouch, the embossment will either be located along the top seam or along the bottom seam. If you’re having a hard time finding it, run your fingers along the edges of the pouch until you feel the embossment. This date is our recommendation for best flavor and quality.
Can I rehydrate your meals with cold water?
While we have not tested rehydrating meals with cold water, we do know our meals will rehydrate with cold water, but the time required is significantly longer (one hour or more). They also may not be as bold in flavor, since the boiling water actually serves to cook our ingredients for the first time. Some of our long-distance hiking friends like to hydrate in the morning for their mid-afternoon meal, but you’ll have to experiment on your own! Always remember, once hydrated, these meals should be treated with the care that any prepared and fresh food would.
Any of our Requires Cooking Meals should not be rehydrated with cold water. These would be any egg product, our Hot Apple Cobbler, or our pancake mixes.
For best results, we always recommend following the directions on the back of the pouch or can, if possible.
Do you offer any gluten-free meals?
Yes, we do! Please visit this link to shop gluten-free meals: https://www.backpackerspantry.ca/collections/gluten-free
All of our gluten-free products are tested to a 20 ppm threshold and have a certified gluten-free seal on the front of the packaging.
Does your packaging contain BPA?
No way! We have a large variety of meals and several different packaging options, but can assure you that every one of them is 100% BPA free. So go ahead, cook right in the pouch!
Why are some Backpacker’s Pantry meals high in sodium?
Backpacker’s Pantry meals are designed for active lifestyles and active individuals. We have adventurers using our meals for all types of gnarly adventures…. Climbing, mountaineering, backpacking, cycling, paddling, hunting… the list goes on. We don’t want any of them to end up with an electrolyte imbalance and understand that when undergoing rigorous activity, high sodium just isn’t an issue for your body.
I have an allergy. Are your meals suitable for me?
Although we use good manufacturing practices to segregate ingredients according to allergen program standards and rigorously clean our equipment, our products are produced in a facility that processes peanuts, milk, soy, wheat, gluten, egg and tree nut ingredients.
Please contact our customer service department with any questions.
Is your food freeze-dried or dehydrated?
Backpacker’s Pantry meals are made up of a combination of freeze-dried and dehydrated ingredients. The combination allows us to be creative and flexible with our recipes, while still providing a light-weight, no-cook meal to you. The first time the ingredients in our meals are cooked is with you, right in the bag, with the boiling water. This ensures the freshest and boldest flavors possible.
What measures do you take to inspect your food?
Safety to you is our #1. To ensure that safety, strict sanitation guidelines/GMP’s, allergen containment and operating procedures are in place throughout our facility. The American Institute of Baking (AIB) (an independent inspector committed to protecting the safety of the food supply) ranked our facility with the highest possible rating of “Superior”. Furthermore, all meat products are inspected DAILY by the USDA and our quality team cooks and tastes each and every batch of products being made, the same day.
How do you source your ingredients?
Backpacker's Pantry puts a lot of time and consideration into the ingredient sourcing process. We source ingredients locally and globally based on the recipe and ingredients.
Our professional chef, a member of the Smith Family and part of our three generations of family ownership, uses fresh, tasty ingredients and bold spices to create unique, flavorful dishes with the nutritional content our customers need to fuel their serious adventures.
A lot of thought and love goes into each Backpacker's Pantry meal.