It may be the first week in January, but I think we might have 2025’s “Best Meal” already. That’s not something I say lightly. So often, freeze-dried and dehydrated meals can be too small portions, too salty, and lack real flavor.
We had heard about the company from a reader, so we picked up a couple of meals to review. Were they really “premium freeze-dried” as claimed?
Bowl & Kettle understood the challenge.
From their use of very high-end mylar bags that are low-cut to even their labeling. The shelf life isn’t long. Expect just over a year, but you’ll want to eat the meals, not leave them to wither away in your emergency doomsday pile.
Both meals are gluten-free as well.
Grits are a food that people either get right or it’s mediocre. With double corn, huge tomatoes, and the scent of smoke, this one catches the eye.
The meals come with a tiny packet of finishing spices to sprinkle on. Do use it.
This meal is sublime. It’s simply the best tasting outdoor meal I’ve had in a long time. It tastes freshly made. If you served it in a china bowl, no one would know it had been freeze-dried.
At $13.95, it is a single serving but a generous serving. It is a clean meal, with no preservatives or funky ingredients added. In this brand, the quality is there.
723 calories, 31 grams protein.
Ingredients: Organic Texas-grown Yellow Corn Grits, Organic Whole Milk, Monterey Jack Cheese, Corn, Poblano, Mushroom, Grape Tomato, Olive Oil, Garlic, Oregano, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Liquid Pecan Smoke, Corn Starch, Sodium Citrate, Salt, Cilantro, Cotija, Lime Juice, Ancho Chili.
The finishing herbs are a must.
At $16.95, this is a pricier meal. It is due to the large amount of meat. It’s a very filling meal, and quite tasty. With a kick of heat, that’s enlightening, but not just a ball of fire. We enjoyed this one as well. The sauce is perfectly seasoned. For some people, this may be a 2 person meal. As with the grits, the ingredient list is clean.
860 calories, 47 grams protein.
Ingredients: Tomatoes [Tomato Puree], Marinated Chicken Breast [Chicken, Yogurt, Turmeric, Lemon Juice, Salt], Half and Half, Butter, Onions, Serranos, Ginger, Garlic, Garam Masala [Cumin, Cloves, Coriander, Star Anise, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Spices], Kashmiri Chili, Spices, Salt, Basmati Rice, Cilantro.
I highly recommend Bowl & Kettle if you are looking for commercial meals. Delicious, filling, and bold flavors. Not the typical freeze-dried meal.
Disclaimer: We purchased all products reviewed.
-Sarah