Must-have Ingredients for Easy Camping Meals That You’ll be Excited to Eat

Easter is the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy simple, delicious meals. Whether you’re camping or exploring, you’ll want fuss‑free, healthy recipes that make your time outside even more enjoyable.

Our Sanitarium Dietitian Trish Guy says a little smart packing goes a long way when preparing meals over a campfire or portable stove.

“Camping food doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few nutritious staples and some easy techniques, you can make meals that are tasty, satisfying and perfect for outdoor adventures,” Trish says.

“With ingredients like Weet‑Bix™, you’ve always got options for quick breakfasts or high‑fibre containing snacks. It’s all about keeping things practical while still enjoying great food.”

As for warming drinks by the fire, Trish loves a simple, comforting hot chocolate made with So Good™ Plant‑Based Milk.

“I’m a big believer in eating well with balance,” she says. “A warm hot chocolate at the end of a long day outdoors is such a treat. Using plant‑based milk keeps it creamy, and you can easily melt a little Easter egg chocolate into warm milk over the stove or campfire for something delicious.”

Trish's Top Ingredients to Take Camping

Here are Trish's favourite plant-based pantry staples for camping - and her tips for using them.

1. Plant Based Milk like So Good™:

Long‑life plant‑based milk is a camping essential because it doesn’t need refrigeration until opened.

Use it in:

• Hot or cold drinks
• Smoothies
• Breakfast cereals
• Veggie curries or pasta for extra creaminess

2. Tofu:

“Tofu is one of my must‑haves when camping,” Trish says. “It’s a versatile protein that can work in so many meals.”

Ways to use it:

• Scrambled instead of eggs for breakfast
• Added to veggie skewers or curries
• Grilled for burgers 

You can also try a simple  Spanish Scrambled Tofu, swapping in whatever vegetables you have on hand.

3. Tinned Beans and Legumes:

These pantry staples are:

• No‑prep
• Easy to pack
• Perfect for bulking up meals 

“They’re one of the best ways to add plant protein when you’re outdoors,” Trish says.

Our Smoky Red Kidney Beans  works beautifully over baked potatoes or as a base for campfire nachos. Swap fresh tomatoes for tinned to make it even more camp‑friendly.

4. Vegie Delights™ Plant-Based Proteins:

For reliable, protein‑rich meals, Trish recommends packing Vegie Delights™ favourites.

“I love barbequing veggies when camping, and Vegie Delights™ Vegie Sausagesare the perfect addition. They’re great on the fire, in a pan, or stirred through stews and curries.” 

5. Robust Vegetables and Fruit:

Fresh produce can be tricky to transport, but hardy options survive the journey well.

Trish suggests packing:

• Potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, onions
• Zucchini/ Courgette, green beans, broccoli
• Apples and oranges
• Dried fruits, nuts and tinned vegetables

Our corn, zucchini and chickpea frittersare a great example of using long‑lasting or tinned produce. For camping, simply mash chickpeas with a fork and pre‑measure dry ingredients at home.

For more recipe inspiration, visit www.sanitarium.com.au