The Ultimate Mountain House Review: Are Their Freeze-Dried Meals Worth It?

As an avid backpacker and camper, I‘m always on the lookout for convenient, tasty, and nutritious meal options to fuel my adventures in the great outdoors. One brand that consistently comes up in conversations among fellow outdoor enthusiasts is Mountain House. They are well-known for their extensive line of freeze-dried meals that promise to deliver the comforts of home cooking in a lightweight, portable, and easy-to-prepare format.

But do Mountain House meals really live up to the hype? I decided to put them to the test with an in-depth review looking at factors like taste, nutrition, convenience, and value. I also dug into the brand‘s history, mission, and customer feedback to give you the full scoop.

So whether you‘re planning an epic backpacking trip, stocking your emergency food supply, or just curious about this popular brand of freeze-dried foods, read on for my comprehensive Mountain House review. By the end, you‘ll have all the facts you need to decide if their meals deserve a place in your pack.

What Is Mountain House? Brand History and Background

Behind the Mountain House brand is its parent company Oregon Freeze Dry (OFD), which has specialized in freeze-drying food since 1963. OFD got its start freeze-drying fruit for breakfast cereals before moving into complete meals. Their technology impressed the U.S. military, which contracted with OFD to produce Long Range Patrol rations for soldiers during the Vietnam War.

OFD also created freeze-dried ice cream that went to space with NASA‘s Apollo missions in the late 1960s. But it was in 1969 that they launched the Mountain House brand to start selling freeze-dried meals to the general public. Since then, Mountain House has become the go-to for many outdoor adventurers and emergency preparedness-minded folks.

According to Mountain House, they are the only brand that actually fully cooks their meals first before freeze-drying. This apparently allows them to better lock in flavors and texture compared to adding hot water to freeze-dried ingredients. Over the decades, Mountain House has continued to expand its offerings while staying true to its origins and values around feeding adventures.

Today, Mountain House operates facilities in Oregon and Indiana to produce over 70% of the freeze-dried meals sold in North America, including to the U.S. Special Forces and other military units. With the meals‘ extremely long proven shelf life and loyal customers, Mountain House has established itself as a pioneer and leader in the freeze-dried food space.

Highlights of Mountain House Meals and Food Kits

So what sets Mountain House apart from other camping meals or emergency rations? Here are a few of the key highlights that draw many loyal customers:

• Incredible 30-year shelf life (longest in the industry) for multi-day food kits
• Easy "just add water" preparation with no cleanup needed
• Surprising home-cooked taste and quality for a variety of palates
• Meals designed by chefs and continuously taste-tested
• No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
• Several gluten-free and low-sodium options available
• High-protein and nutrient-dense to support athletic performance
• Dishes to satisfy both breakfast and entree cravings
• Affordable price per calorie and serving compared to alternatives
• Recyclable packaging that keeps meals lightweight and compact
• Kits for feeding groups and long-term emergency supplies
• Transparency around ingredients, processes, and quality standards

Whether using them in the backcountry or the bunker, many customers appreciate the convenience, taste, and reliability of Mountain House products. The brand stands behind their meals with a 30-year taste guarantee, which is among the longest shelf life claims in the industry. Proper storage conditions can extend the lifespan even longer.

As someone who has tried my fair share of camping meals and military MREs, I can attest that Mountain House offers some of the best overall taste, ingredient quality, and calorie-to-weight value. It‘s really impressive what their freeze-drying process can do in terms of preserving flavors and nutrients while keeping the actual cooking and cleanup super simple.

Mountain House‘s Top 10 Best-Selling Meals Reviewed

Mountain House offers a huge variety of breakfast items, entrees, sides, and desserts to please different tastes. Meals come in single-serving pouches, #10 cans, or buckets for feeding a crowd. I‘ve tried over a dozen options, but for this review I‘m highlighting the current 10 most popular picks based on sales and customer ratings:

1. Biscuits & Gravy – Fluffy buttermilk biscuits with creamy pork sausage gravy (490 calories, 31g protein per serving). Tastes like a hearty, comforting diner breakfast.

2. Beef Stroganoff with Noodles – Tender beef, noodles, and mushrooms in a savory sour cream sauce (260 calories, 10g protein per serving). Filling, satisfying, and tastes homemade.

3. Breakfast Skillet – Scrambled eggs with pork sausage, hash browns, peppers & onions (370 calories, 21g protein per serving). Closest thing to a fresh hot breakfast after a night under the stars.

4. Chili Mac with Beef – Spicy chili sauce with beef, macaroni noodles, and beans (240 calories, 7g protein per serving). Ultimate comfort food that will warm you up on a chilly night.

5. Lasagna with Meat Sauce – Lasagna pasta with Italian sausage, cheese, and tomato sauce (250 calories, 8g protein per serving). Legit tastes like real italian lasagna in the wilderness.

6. Chicken Fajita Bowl – Rice & beans topped with seasoned chicken, vegetables, and cheese (270 calories, 20g protein per serving). Packs a flavorful punch that will satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings.

7. Italian Style Pepper Steak with Rice & Tomatoes – Beef steak, rice, tomatoes, peppers, and Italian seasonings (270 calories, 11g protein per serving). Classic combo that tastes surprisingly fresh and bright.

8. Ice Cream Sandwich – Creamy vanilla ice cream between two chocolate cookies (140 calories per sandwich). Blows astronaut ice cream out of the water and makes a fun trail treat.

9. Diced Chicken #10 Can – 14 servings of pre-cooked and seasoned chicken breast (130 calories, 25g protein per serving). Extremely versatile as an entree with other sides or to add protein to any meal.

10. Granola with Milk & Blueberries – Whole grain granola, real milk, and blueberries (260 calories, 8g protein per serving). Sweet, crunchy, filling breakfast that tastes great hot or cold.

Each of these meals is super easy to prepare – just add hot water directly in the pouch or insulated mug and wait 5-10 minutes. The results are consistently tasty with good texture and seasoning. These aren‘t gourmet meals by any means, but I‘m always pleasantly surprised by how much they resemble actual cooking.

Nutritionally, most Mountain House meals pack a lot of calories, protein, and carbs to replenish you after a long day on the trail. A few options cater to specialty diets like gluten-free or lower-sodium. You can also find vegetarian choices like the Pasta Primavera and breakfasts without meat.

In terms of price, Mountain House meals typically cost around $9-12 for a single-serving pouch or $40-80 for a #10 can with 10+ servings, depending on the specific meal. Emergency kits cost about $75-200 for a 3-14 day supply for one person. Considering the quality, convenience, and shelf life, I think the prices are reasonable compared to competitors like Backpacker‘s Pantry or Good To-Go.

What Customers Say About Mountain House – Reviews & Ratings

To get a broader perspective beyond just my own opinion, I analyzed hundreds of customer reviews and ratings of Mountain House meals from their website, Amazon, and outdoor retailer sites like REI. The vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with most products averaging over 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewers frequently mention the surprisingly delicious and authentic taste of the meals, considering they‘re freeze-dried. Many appreciate the convenience and speed of preparation, especially after a grueling day outdoors. Customers also praise the variety of options, ample portions, and high calories-to-weight ratio.

On the constructive side, some reviewers noted that certain meals turned out a bit watery and needed extra time to hydrate fully. Others felt the sodium content was higher than ideal (although on par with similar products). A few people mentioned that crumbled bits sometimes make the pouches messy to eat out of.

But overall, the customer ratings and reviews paint a clear picture – outdoor enthusiasts and emergency preppers alike trust Mountain House to deliver tasty, satisfying, and long-lasting meal options. The brand has earned its stellar reputation over decades of fueling adventurers. As one Amazon reviewer put it, "Mountain House sets the gold standard for what you can expect from freeze dried foods."

Is Mountain House Worth It? My Verdict

So where do I land after thoroughly testing Mountain House meals and researching the brand? Personally, I believe their products are 100% worth it for anyone who wants easy, lightweight, and tasty meals to take camping, backpacking, or stash in their emergency kit. While they‘re a bit pricier than your average groceries, the convenience and storage life more than justify the cost in my book.

Mountain House has proven itself as a reliable choice for decades, supplying everyone from soldiers to NASA to Scout troops. I trust the integrity of their ingredients and processes. When I open a Mountain House meal pouch, I know I‘m getting a hearty, balanced serving of calories and nutrients to keep me going on the trail.

But beyond just making quality products, I respect Mountain House‘s commitment to supporting the community. In 2020 alone, they donated over 250,000 meals to frontline healthcare workers, wildfire evacuees, and food banks. The brand also partners with nonprofits like the conservation alliance and Search dog foundation.

All things considered, I highly recommend Mountain House for anyone who wants:

• Convenient, easy-to-prepare meals for camping and backpacking
• Super long-lasting food supplies for emergencies
• Lightweight, compact options for activities like hunting or fishing
• High-protein, high-calorie fuel for athletic pursuits
• Gluten-free and vegetarian camp food choices
• Surprising variety and taste from freeze-dried dishes
• A brand that gives back and doesn‘t cut corners

While Mountain House isn‘t the absolute cheapest option out there, I believe you‘d be hard-pressed to find a better combination of taste, nutrition, shelf life, and convenience. I never hit the trail without at least a few of their trusty meal pouches in my pack. If you‘re on the fence, I suggest trying one of their best-sellers like Beef Stroganoff or Biscuits & Gravy to see for yourself!

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Mountain House Meals

To wrap up this ultimate Mountain House review, here are a few final tips I‘ve learned for making the most of their freeze-dried meals on your adventures:

• For best taste and texture, use the exact amount of water recommended on the pouch. Measure it out before adding.
• Knead the pouch well and wait a few extra minutes beyond the stated cook time for the meal to rehydrate fully, especially in cold weather.
• On chilly nights, pour the boiling water into the pouch first before adding the meal. This helps warm up the food and your hands!
• Pair an entrée with a side dish like rice or mashed potatoes to vary flavors and textures. You can also add your own toppings like hot sauce, cheese, or bacon bits.
• At home, you can use Mountain House meals in your favorite recipes that call for pre-cooked meats and veggies. The Diced Chicken is great for chicken salad, enchiladas, and stir-fries.
• Store your Mountain House meals in a cool, dry place away from moisture and pests to maximize shelf life. Keeping them in airtight bins provides extra protection.
• Stash Mountain House pouches in lots of places – your camping bin, hunting pack, ski jacket, boat, survival cache, zombie apocalypse bunker – you never know when you might need a hot meal!