So, you’re going on a week-long camping trip. Your destination: as far away from civilization as possible. You brought all your camping essentials—sleeping bag, headlamp, insect repellent, survival kit, etc.
About halfway through your journey, you realize you forgot your box of canned foods, and the nearest store is at least 50 miles behind you. Would you keep going, or would you go back to get it?
First-time campers would likely continue driving, thinking it’s no big deal. Experienced campers, however, wouldn’t hesitate to take a U-turn, especially because they know there won’t be immediate alternative food sources at the campsite. For them, canned foods are a lifesaver in the wilderness.
Why, you ask? Well, canned foods are:
- Well preserved – They don’t spoil at room temperature. They are safe to eat even after a year or two. The can also seals in the taste.
- Ready to eat – Most canned foods don’t need to be cooked or warmed. You can eat them straight out of the can.
- Safe to eat in the wild – Animals have a strong sense of smell. They can track you down from miles away through the aroma of your fried breakfast. You don’t want to draw too much wildlife attention.
- Available in great varieties – Almost all kinds of food, from meat to vegetables and everything in between, can be canned. And, because they are light and easy to pack, you can bring as many different types as you want.
- Great with other edibles – While most canned foods are ready to eat, you can cook them with vegetables, potatoes, rice, or even fruits to make bigger and tastier meals.
- Protected from the elements – The cans are waterproof and tough. They won’t get soiled or contaminated, so they are safe to carry around in the boonies.
You probably think you can instead hunt wild animals and pick vegetables in the woods. As easy and exciting as how films make them appear, hunting and foraging take a high level of survival skills to execute successfully.
Besides, it’s doubtful you’d want to eat what you’d manage to catch unless you have an appetite for rodents and lizards.
So, never forget your canned foods, ever! Put them at the top of your must-bring checklist.
But which ones should you bring? With tons of choices, picking the canned foods you and your family or friends can genuinely enjoy may prove challenging. Surely, you wouldn’t want to load all of them into your vehicle.
This simple list of the best canned foods to bring on a camping trip might give you an idea.
The Best Canned Food Options for Camping
1. Canned Vegetables
Instead of buying fresh veggies and storing them in a cooler, why not purchase canned vegetables? Then, you can use the extra space in your cooler to store more meat and beverages.
Canned vegetables may not be fresh, but they have flavor and nutrients. They may even taste better because of the brine or oil they’re soaked in.
The best part is canned vegetables come in a vast selection—carrots, potatoes, peas, you name it. You can buy either one large can of mixed vegetables or separate cans of different vegetables, depending on how you plan to ration your supplies.
Furthermore, while you can eat them straight out of the can, you can also pair them with meat, tofu, and other edibles to create even more delicious dishes.
2. Canned Chicken
If you’re not a vegetarian, you’ll surely fancy the idea of having chicken while you’re out camping. Unless you plan to have a roasted whole chicken, canned chicken is a perfect supplement to your must-bring list. You can put them in your salad and soup for added taste.
One misconception about canned chicken is that it loses its protein flavor during the canning process. In reality, like canned vegetables, they retain almost everything.
However, it’s important to note that not all canned chicken products taste good. Some leave an unpleasant aftertaste, probably due to the additives manufacturers put in the can. Therefore, trying each brand to find out which suits your taste would be best.
3. Canned Stewed Steak
Another famous option for canned foods is stewed steak. It’s incredibly delicious and makes an ideal meal for every occasion. It comes with small chunks of beef in a rich gravy. Buy a few cans for your camping trip to satisfy your protein diet.
The steak is already flavorful and ready to get you stuffed. But if you want to make a better dish out of it, you only need a few slices of vegetables, perhaps some mushrooms and herby dumplings, and then you’ll have a fantastic homemade stew.
You can also pair it with rice or potatoes to tone down the saltiness, but make sure everything is hot to spice up the taste.
4. Canned Fruits
You need some citrus to defuse the grease in your system after chowing down all that protein.
But just because you’re in the wild doesn’t mean you have access to fresh fruits. Don’t forget that you’re not in the Garden of Eden. The best you can find there are wild berries, some of which could be poisonous.
Bring a good amount of canned fruits. They’re not fresh, but they still have that sweet, juicy flavor your taste buds will look for after a fatty meal. They also make a fantastic dessert.
Take a break from the pastries and try fruit salad for a change. Put the fruit chunks in a bowl, drizzle it with honey lime dressing, and then give it a good mix. Everyone loves a colorful and sweet fruit delight.
5. Canned Spaghetti Sauce
One way to liven up meat and vegetables is to cook them with spaghetti sauce. Of course, you can use tomato sauce or pea soup, but these alternatives are usually plain and require extra seasoning.
Spaghetti sauce, on the other hand, is already mixed with salt, spices, and a little fructose, making it the perfect ingredient for a savory meal. Campers use it to top off just about any dish. Some even add a splash of wine to make a gourmet meal.
6. Canned Fish
Unless you’re camping near a river and planning to fish, it would be nice to include fish on the menu. Canned fish is an ideal topping for pasta and salads.
It also works well with vegetables if you wish to serve large portions. Not only does it add extra flavor, but it also enhances the texture of the finished product.
Salmon and tuna are the most common canned fish, but you can find other types, such as anchovies and sardines, in specialty stores.
Like canned vegetables, canned fish are available in different types and flavors, some dipped in tomato sauce, while others in olive oil. Canned fish is also known for its long shelf life.
7. Canned Chili
Do you have a high tolerance for spicy food? If so, chances are you have hot sauce in the food box. While it’s an excellent seasoning for hot dogs and buns, its taste and texture can quickly turn boring.
One perfect alternative is canned chili. Unlike hot sauce, this one has chili chunks and other spices in it that add a stronger kick to the whole experience.
You can put it on any of your meals, including rice, stew, and noodles. Just be careful not to eat too much chili to avoid an upset stomach.
A Few Reminders 
Undoubtedly, canned foods can make your life easier when camping with your family or friends. But it would be best to remember the following things when buying and consuming canned foods outdoors.
- Always check the expiration date. While stores follow strict rules on how long canned foods can stay on their shelves, you can never be 100 percent sure they are still safe to eat until you check the expiration date. Only buy canned foods with at least a year of shelf life left.
- Always check the ingredients. Before going on a camping trip with your friends or family, ask each person if they have allergies and with what food or ingredients. The last thing you want is for someone to fall ill and require immediate medical attention while you’re in the middle of the forest.
- Be a responsible camper. Don’t leave empty cans at the campsite. Instead, take them home with you for proper disposal. The containers of most canned foods are made of aluminum, which takes 250 years to decompose. If you throw them properly, they’d be recycled and reused. Also, the top cover you pulled out is sharp enough to cut the skin of any wild animal that might accidentally step on it.
Wrap-Up: Canned Foods Make Camping Experience More Fun
Cooking is the most complicated and most time-consuming part of every camping story. But, if you’re the adventurous type, you’d rather be out there appreciating the beauty of nature than cooped up in your tent waiting for the stew to boil.
Canned foods are there to save the day. So put the ladle down, pack a few pieces of canned beef, and then make genuine camping memories.
