Review: Gluten-free Shelf Stable Meals

Storehouse Foods is an LA based company that sells shelf stable dehydrated meals and they have a large selection of gluten-free items in their line. At first glance, one might think that meals that require boiling water might be best suited for backpackers and campers. In other words - really outdoorsy types might be in need of such food products. But people who can’t eat gluten are another great market for these products.

The gluten-free products I sampled did not contian preservatives, MSG, artificial flavors or colors. These products offer both convenience and a very long shelf life. There are 2-serving pouches of many meals and soups so we tried the Black Bart Chili and the Mashed Potatoes & Country Gravy with Turkey.

The chili required two cups of boiling water which can be added to the pouch itself, or another container. After adding the water and stirring thoroughly, just cover and let stand for 12 minutes. The turkey meal requires a little more work, as the potatoes are mixed separately and then added to the meal. You need to let both the potatoes and gravy/turkey sit (covered for 12 minutes) before mixing them together.

We have no prior experience making such meals so we can’t compare it to any similar items, but each meal was very simple to make. The taste of the chili was surprisingly good, though there was a slight tangy flavor that was improved on by adding cheese and sour cream. The turkey dinner was pretty good and  though I’m not a big gravy person, the gravy in the meal was very tasty. After trying each meal, both my husband and I both preferred the chili between the two.

Storehouse Foods has a huge selection of shelf stable meals and snacks that are labeled gluten-free. For people who travel for work and really don’t enjoy eating out, these would be a great option to look into. Even though we love eating out and are not the target market for such products, I would take a couple of these meals when traveling out of the country. It would be fairly easy to find boiling water if you needed a safe meal in a pinch.

If an airline messes up and doesn’t have your pre-ordered gluten-free meal on a transatlantic flight, I’m pretty sure they would feel obligated to boil some water for you to make your own safe meal. Just remember to keep a meal in your carry-on bag and you’ll be set. Another obvious use for these meals would be for use in an emergency preparedness kit.    

Check out the extensive Storehouse Foods Gluten-free Menu: 

• GF Meatless Entrees
• GF Chicken Entrees
• GF Beef Entrees
• GF Hearty Soups
• GF Vegetables
• GF Side Dishes
• GF Breakfast
• GF Fruit and Desserts
• GF Basic Ingredients

If you think these meals might be something that fit your lifestyle and gluten-free needs, please enter a comment below for your chance to win a FREE meal to try yourself. Special thanks to Storehouse Foods for sponsoring this give-away for our readers!

UPDATE: Congratulations to DebDalio who won the Storehouse Foods meal!