When planning a successful camping trip, convenience is always our top priority. And nothing offers more practicality than canned food. No matter where you are camping, canned food is the ultimate go-to for quick, easy, and hassle-free meals.
Canned foods are non-perishable, meaning they can withstand the elements and stay fresh without refrigeration. Their compact and durable packaging makes them easy to pack and transport, freeing up valuable space in your gear box. Plus, with most canned foods requiring little to no preparation, you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the great outdoors.
Did you know that 77% of campers rely on canned foods during their trips?
In this article, we'll break down the best canned food options for camping, from protein-packed essentials to ready-to-eat meals, ensuring you're well-fed and ready for adventure on your next outdoor journey.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Canned Meats for Protein-Packed Meals
When you're out in the wilderness, your body needs fuel to keep up with all the hiking, climbing, and exploring. Protein-packed canned meats can come in extremely handy and provide that energy you need.
1. Canned Chicken
- Lean protein source (about 21g per 3oz serving)
- Low in fat, high in flavor
- Mixes well with pasta, rice, or veggies
- Can be eaten hot or cold
2. Canned Tuna
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- High protein content (about 20g per 3oz serving)
- Easy to mix with mayo for a classic tuna salad
- Comes in various flavors like lemon pepper or hickory smoked
3. Spam
- Long shelf life
- High in protein and fat
- Versatile in recipes (Spam fried rice, Spam quesadillas, Spam & Noodle Casserole)
- Pre-cooked, so it can be eaten straight from the can if needed
Campfire Meal Idea: Dice Spam and add to scrambled eggs for a beautiful breakfast omelet or scramble.
4. Sardines
- Extremely high in omega-3s (even more than tuna!)
- Excellent source of calcium
- Rich in vitamin D
- Great for quick snacks or as a protein boost in pasta dishes
Campfire Meal Idea: Toast some bread, mash sardines with olive oil and lemon and spread on top for a gourmet sardine bruschetta over the fire.
5. Canned Beef Stew
- It's a complete meal in one can (meat, veggies, and gravy)
- High in protein and carbs for sustained energy
- Perfect for cold nights or after strenuous activities
- Can be easily heated over a campfire or portable stove
Vegetarian and Vegan Canned Options
Not every camping meal needs to revolve around meat. You can create variety in your meals by having a few vegetarian canned options as well.
1. Canned Beans
- Protein powerhouse (about 7-10g per 1/2 cup serving)
- Rich in fiber for digestive health
- Versatile in recipes (chili, burritos, or straight from the can)
- Various types available:
- Black beans: Great for Mexican-inspired camp meals
- Chickpeas: Perfect for homemade hummus or roasted snacks
- Kidney beans: Useful in hearty chilis and stews
- Navy beans: Excellent for creamy dips or added to soups
2. Canned Lentils
- High in protein (about 9g per 1/2 cup)
- Packed with fiber (8g per 1/2 cup)
- Quick-cooking compared to other legumes
- Versatile in cold or hot dishes
Campfire Meal Idea: Mix canned lentils with some instant rice, dehydrated veggies, and curry powder for a quick and delicious lentil curry!
3. Mixed Vegetables
- Provides a variety of nutrients in one convenient package
- No washing or chopping required
- Can be added to soups, stews, or eaten as a side dish
- Often includes a mix of carrots, peas, corn, and green beans
Campfire Meal Idea: Bring along some instant mashed potatoes and create a quick vegetable shepherd's pie over the campfire!
4. Canned Fruit
- Natural source of vitamins and minerals
- Great for quick snacks or desserts
- Can be added to oatmeal or pancakes for a delicious breakfast
- Packed in juice or light syrup for added energy
5. Canned Mushrooms
- Rich in B vitamins and selenium
- Adds a meaty texture and umami flavor to dishes
- Lightweight and compact
- No cleaning or chopping required
Campfire Meal Ideas: Add to pasta dishes, chilis, homemade pizzas, or rice dishes. Add to scrambled eggs for a quick breakfast omelet.
Easy Meals in a Can
Not every day at camp is filled with energy for gourmet cooking. Sometimes, after a long hike or a day of swimming, you just want something quick, easy, and satisfying. So when that situation arises, having canned meal options on hand is a life-saver.
1. Canned Chili
- High in protein and fiber
- Comes in various types (beef, vegetarian, turkey, etc.)
- Can be eaten straight from the can (in desperate times) or easily heated
- Versatile – use as a topping for hot dogs or nachos
Campfire Meal Idea: Combine chili, corn (drained) and mushrooms for a hearty bowl of warmth!
2. Ravioli
- Pre-cooked, so it just needs heating
- Comes in various fillings (cheese, meat, veggie)
- Sauce is already included – no extra ingredients needed
- Easy to eat
3. Canned Soups
- Options for every taste (tomato, chicken noodle, vegetable, clam chowder, etc.)
- Many are low in calories but high in satisfaction
- Easy to heat over a campfire or portable stove
- Can be bulked up with crackers or bread for a heartier meal
4. Baked Beans
- High in fiber and protein
- Can be a side dish or a main course
- Often flavored with bacon (though vegetarian options are available)
- Tasty hot or cold
Campfire Meal Idea: Heat your baked beans and serve them over a baked potato (wrapped in foil and cooked in the campfire). Top with some cheese for a delicious loaded baked potato!
5. Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Complete meal in one can – pasta, sauce, and meat
- Satisfying and filling after a day of outdoor activities
- Easy to heat and serve
- Reminds you of home-cooked meals, even in the wilderness
Gourmet Touch: Pack some dried herbs like basil or oregano. A sprinkle on top will take your canned spaghetti to the next level!
Canned Fruits and Desserts for Sweet Treats
With these canned fruits and desserts you can indulge your sweet tooth while roughing it in the great outdoors. These delicious options will satisfy your cravings and add a touch of sweetness to your meals.
1. Canned Peaches
- Rich in vitamins A and C for immune support
- Great source of antioxidants
- Can be eaten straight from the can or used in recipes
- The syrup can be used to sweeten other dishes or drinks
Campfire Dessert Idea: Heat canned peaches in a cast-iron skillet over the fire. Sprinkle with cinnamon and top with granola for a quick campfire cobbler!
2. Fruit Cocktail
- Typically includes peaches, pears, grapes, cherries, and pineapple
- Provides a range of vitamins and minerals
- Great for snacking or as a topping for breakfast oatmeal
- The variety of textures and flavors keeps things interesting
3. Canned Pinneaple
- High in manganese, supporting bone health and metabolism
- Contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion
- Versatile – use in sweet or savory dishes
- Rings can be grilled for a caramelized treat
Gourmet S'mores Idea: Place a pineapple ring on your graham cracker before adding the chocolate and marshmallow. It's a tropical twist on a camping classic!
4. Canned Pudding
- Comes in various flavors (chocolate, vanilla, butterscotch)
- No preparation needed – just open and enjoy
- Rich in calcium (great for active campers)
- Can be used as a dip for fruits or cookies
Campfire Dessert Idea: Layer canned pudding with crumbled shortbread cookies and fruit cocktail in a cup for a quick camping trifle!
5. Condensed Milk
- Can be used to make quick frostings or sweet sauces
- Great for sweetening coffee or tea
- Can be spread on graham crackers for a simple sweet treat
- Use it to make no-bake energy balls with oats and dried fruit
Tips for Packing and Preparing Canned Foods While Camping
Pack Strategically:
Canned food can be heavy, so it's important to pack strategically to save space and distribute weight evenly in your backpack or vehicle. Consider packing heavier cans at the bottom of your pack to avoid crushing lighter items. Use smaller, compact cans when possible, and stack them efficiently to maximize space.
Use a Cooler for Opened Cans:
Once a can is opened, any leftovers should be stored properly to avoid spoilage. If you have a cooler with you, store opened cans inside to keep the contents fresh for as long as possible. I place a ziploc baggy over the top of the can and secure with a rubber band.
Choose Multi-Purpose Cans:
When selecting canned food for your trip, opt for items that can be used in multiple ways. For example, canned beans can be eaten on their own, added to a stew, or used as a salad topping. This helps reduce the number of different cans you need to bring, saving both space and weight.
Pack Out What You Pack In:
The golden rule of camping is to leave no trace. This includes properly disposing of all your trash, including empty cans. Make sure to bring sturdy trash bags with you to collect your used cans and other waste.
Crush Cans to Save Space:
To minimize the space your trash takes up, crush your cans flat before packing them out. This not only saves room in your pack but also makes it easier to transport them to a proper disposal site.
Easy Canned Food Camping Meal Ideas
Quick Campfire Chili:
Using canned beans, tomatoes, and chili, you can whip up a hearty chili in no time. Simply combine the ingredients in a pot over the campfire, heat thoroughly, and enjoy a warming, filling meal.
Tuna Salad Wraps:
Mix canned tuna with mayonnaise and any other seasonings or veggies you have on hand. Spread the mixture on a tortilla, roll it up, and you’ve got a quick, protein-packed wrap.
Canned Fruit Cobbler:
For a simple dessert, use canned peaches or pineapple to make a campfire cobbler. Pour the fruit and its juice into a Dutch oven, top with crumbled biscuits or cake mix, and cook over the fire until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
Hearty Soup Mix:
Combine canned vegetables, beans, and your choice of canned meat or pasta to create a thick, hearty soup. Heat the mixture in a pot over the fire or camping stove, and you’ve got an easy, comforting meal ready in minutes.
Check out my article on the 10 Must-Have Camping Cookware for Outdoor Cooking. It's packed with essential gear recommendations to make your camping meals even more delicious and hassle-free!
