Looking back at 2023, and we reviewed quite a few commercial meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and yes, even dessert) on the blog of TrailCooking. Some were downright awful, some middle of the road, and a few that were actually amazing.
Starting at the start of 2023, and working our way to the end of the year, if you missed any of them, you can check them out now…in this long week before the New Year.
We reviewed these brands in 2023:
- Heather’s Choice
- Backpacker’s Pantry
- Thrive Life
- Next Mile Meals
- Trailtopia
- Augason Farms
- Nutrient Survival
- Packit Gourmet
- Alpen Fuel
- Peak Refuel
- Firepot
Heather’s Choice Shepherd’s Pie


This review had the best dessert I had all year…by Trailtopia.

Thrive Life Creamy Mashed Potato Bowl

Thrive Life Chicken Spinach Alfredo

Three Meat Keto Next Mile Meals


Thrive Life Southwestern Style Chicken

Backpacker’s Pantry Fettuccini Alfredo With Chicken

Backpacker’s Pantry Red Beans and Rice

And taking the award for the worst meals of the year we tried……


Peak Refuel Mountain Berry Granola


Taking second place for the worse meals of the year….
Augason Farms Ready Plus Lunch & Dinner




2 Vegetarian Single Serving Backpacker’s Pantry Pasta Meals


Backpacker’s Pantry Risotto With Chicken

Firepot Porcini Mushroom Risotto

We’ve got some new meals ready to review in early 2024, so keep an eye out! As always…we try them so you don’t end up scarred for life 15 miles from the trailhead from a bad meal.
~Sarah