I crossed South Mountain into Maryland for a shopping trip to the “nearest” Safeway to us, and got rewarded for driving the curvy mountain road. I don’t do that drive often, and definitely not in winter. When we lived in Washington State, Safeway was the only real grocery store on our island, so I shopped there for most of our weekly needs. They are often not the cheapest store, but they carry a wider variety of foods and often pick up items earlier than other chains.
When my oldest was a young hiker, everything in a tube or pouch, and being shelf-stable, was the norm in the 2000s and 2010s. I am OK with it being brought back. It’s great for any age: a slightly sweet boost with no prep needed. If you want it cold, stash it in a creek/lake/snow bank once in camp.
GoGo Squeez has made applesauce pouches for a long time, and also has shelf-stable pudding. They have it in chocolate and vanilla.
While I didn’t love it, I know children would. It is a thin pudding, and not too sweet, which is perfect for the toddler/preschool/young elementary-aged hikers. It would make a great bribe to keep them going!
A few months back, Jell-O said they would bring out artificial dye-free pudding and gelatin. It is finally showing up – and their pudding mix is instant. That means more options for trail desserts!
In Banana, you could make banana pudding with Nilla Wafers…..a very easy dessert that will serve 3- 4 hikers.
And in Vanilla as well. (The 3rd option is Chocolate)
Want recipes to try Vanilla in?
Cinnamon French Vanilla Pudding
~Sarah