Nutrition is the unsung hero of any successful hike. Just like you can’t have one without the other, a fulfilling backpacking experience hinges on quality food. On the Appalachian Trail, like many others, I’ve relied on a mix of homemade dehydrated meals and convenient options from various backpacking food companies. However, as someone who appreciates fine food and religiously watches culinary shows like Top Chef, I was particularly excited to try and review Pinnacle Foods, a brand promising a step up in backcountry dining.
The genesis of Pinnacle Foods stems from a question many hikers have asked mid-trail: “Could this meal be better?” It’s a common hiker frustration – investing time and anticipation into rehydrating a meal, only to be met with disappointment at the first bite. In the wilderness, your options are limited: eat the subpar food or carry the unwanted weight out.
Fortunately, Pinnacle Foods lives up to its name, delivering exceptionally flavorful and thoughtfully crafted meals that will leave you wanting more. Based in High Point, North Carolina, Pinnacle Foods prides itself on chef-prepared backpacking meals crafted with fresh, natural ingredients. They then freeze-dry these gourmet creations, preserving an impressive 97% of their original nutrients.
Experience gourmet backpacking with Pinnacle Foods’ delicious meal options.
I had the pleasure of sampling two of their offerings: the Creamy Tuscan Chicken With Penne Pasta and the Roasted Chicken and White Cheddar Biscuit Dumplings. Go ahead and drool – I certainly did. Let’s delve into a closer look at each meal.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Penne Pasta: A Taste of Italy on the Trail
Price: $13.99
Dry Weight: 4.5oz
Calories: 850
Protein: 56 grams
Ingredients: Chicken • Whole Milk (Milk, Vitamin D) • Penne Pasta (Durum Wheat Semolina) • Cream • Spinach • Onions • Parmesan (Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes) • Unbleached Flour (Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid) • Garlic • Avocado Oil • Dried Tomatoes • Kosher Salt • Fresh Basil • Garlic Powder • Black Pepper • Thyme • Oregano • Fresh Rosemary
Pinnacle Foods Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Penne Pasta, showcasing vibrant ingredients.
Pasta is a personal favorite, and the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Penne, with its sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and fresh basil, was a true delight. After a challenging four-mile climb on an eight-mile trail, I reached a scenic overlook, the perfect spot for a lunch break. I unpacked my Pinnacle Foods meal and set up my cooking gear. Following the instructions, I carefully added 1.5 cups of boiling water to the pouch, sealed it, and waited for 12 minutes. Upon opening, it appeared slightly runny, so I allowed it to sit for an additional 3 minutes to achieve the perfect consistency.
What I Appreciated
Appearance: Visually, this dish is appealing with its vibrant colors. The bright red of the sun-dried tomatoes and the deep green of the spinach and fresh basil are immediately noticeable. Each ingredient is easily identifiable and complements the pale penne pasta beautifully. The overall presentation is cohesive, and the noodles looked plump and inviting.
Close-up of Pinnacle Foods Creamy Tuscan Chicken, highlighting the appetizing appearance.
Taste: Every bite of the perfectly cooked al-dente penne was packed with tender pieces of chicken and silky spinach. The sun-dried tomatoes, while not overpowering, provided a pleasant sweetness that balanced the dish. The spinach flavor was prominent and delicious in every mouthful. While I personally would have enjoyed a slightly more pronounced basil flavor, the overall seasoning was excellent – neither too salty nor too bland.
Packaging: Pinnacle Foods stands out by offering two packaging options: standard ‘cook in the bag’ pouches and omnidegradable, compostable packaging. The eco-conscious omnidegradable option is a great choice for minimizing environmental impact, although it comes with a shorter shelf life and slightly less durability. I appreciate Pinnacle Foods providing options to cater to different needs and priorities. It’s worth noting that Garage Grown Gear currently focuses on the durable ‘cook in the bag’ version.
Pinnacle Foods’ convenient “cook in the bag” packaging for easy meal preparation.
Areas for Improvement
Water Amount Clarity: The flavor profile is fantastic, but achieving the ideal creamy texture proved challenging. I believe I added slightly too much water, diluting the creamy sauce and impacting the overall richness. While the Pinnacle Foods website suggests a maximum of 1.5 cups of water, more precise water guidelines on the packaging itself would be beneficial for consistently perfect results. Based on my experience and the website’s recommendation of 1.25 cups, starting with a slightly smaller amount is advisable.
Portion Size: While satisfying, the portion size felt a tad small, especially for pasta. It was an energizing and light meal, perfect for continuing on the trail without feeling weighed down. However, hikers with a larger appetite, particularly after a long day, might consider pairing this meal with a side dish or dessert, or opting for two pouches.
Roasted Chicken and White Cheddar Biscuit Dumplings: Southern Comfort in the Backcountry
Price: $13.99
Dry Weight: 4.3oz
Calories: 710
Protein: 47 grams
Ingredients: Chicken • Chicken Stock (Chicken, Water, Carrots, Celery, Onions) • Whole Milk (Milk, Vitamin D) • Flour (Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Folic Acid) • Onion • Carrots • Green Beans • White Cheddar (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes) • Butter (Cream, Salt) • Celery • Parsley • Organic Cane Sugar • Garlic • Kosher Salt • Baking Powder (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Cornstarch, Monocalcium Phosphate) • Avocado Oil • Black Pepper • Backing Soda • Thyme • Rosemary • Onion Powder • Paprika • Bay Leaf • Sage • Garlic Powder
Pinnacle Foods Roasted Chicken and White Cheddar Biscuit Dumplings, a hearty and flavorful meal.
Of all the Pinnacle Foods meals I’ve sampled, the Roasted Chicken and White Cheddar Biscuit Dumplings reigns supreme. Bursting with comforting Southern flavors, this meal evokes a sense of home and familiarity. Its taste is reminiscent of a classic, tender pot pie, fresh from the oven. Learning from my previous experience, I used 1.25 cups of water this time, and the result was absolutely perfect.
What I Loved
Taste: From the very first bite, I was blown away by the depth of flavor. It was so impressive that I immediately had my hiking partner try it. Our eyes widened in unison, and we exchanged delighted smiles. This meal is genuinely one of the best backpacking meals I’ve ever tasted, period. It features an abundance of tender, pulled roasted chicken that practically melts in your mouth. The biscuit dumplings were perfectly bite-sized, soft yet with a pleasant slight chewiness, adding a welcome textural contrast. The carrots and green beans provide a light and fresh counterpoint to the richness of the dumplings, while also adding vibrant color to the dish. The creamy sauce has a chowder-like essence, perfectly balancing the flavors without being overwhelming. Every bite transported me to cozy Sunday dinners at home on a cold winter evening.
A delicious serving of Pinnacle Foods Roasted Chicken and White Cheddar Biscuit Dumplings, ready to enjoy.
Filling: This meal is substantial and satisfying, ideal for hikers who need a more generous portion after a strenuous day. I devoured this meal and felt completely content afterward, full and happy without feeling heavy or sluggish. Pinnacle Foods avoids preservatives, unnecessary additives, fillers, and starches that can weigh you down, which is exactly what hikers need. I could happily eat this meal almost every day – it’s a solid 10/10 in my book.
The Bottom Line: Pinnacle Foods Sets a New Standard for Backpacking Cuisine
Enjoying a Pinnacle Foods meal with a scenic view, highlighting the perfect backpacking food experience.
These two freeze-dried meals from Pinnacle Foods truly elevated my backpacking food experience. I wholeheartedly recommend Pinnacle Foods and every meal I’ve tried from their range. I’m impressed by the complex and delicious flavors, the creative culinary approach, and the commitment to using fresh, natural ingredients. This dedication to quality directly translates to how you feel after eating – energized and satisfied. The textures in Pinnacle Foods meals are thoughtfully considered, and the seasoning is always spot-on, never bland or overly salty. I am genuinely excited to explore more of their menu, as each bite brings a comforting taste of home to the trail.
Pinnacle Foods product image, showcasing their commitment to quality and delicious meals.
Pinnacle Foods
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