Mountain House Cooked Diced Chicken | Freeze-Dried Survival & Emergency Food | #10 Can | Gluten-Free: A Detailed Review
In today’s world, where preparation and convenience often go hand-in-hand, freeze-dried foods have emerged as a game-changer, especially for those who value reliability, long shelf life, and ease of use during emergencies or outdoor adventures. One standout in this category is the Mountain House Cooked Diced Chicken. Known for its versatility and high quality, Mountain House has become a trusted name for many who seek ready-to-eat meals in a can.
Whether you are preparing for a natural disaster, heading out on a long hiking trip, or just looking for a convenient way to incorporate protein into your diet, Mountain House’s freeze-dried cooked diced chicken offers a solution. This review will cover all the details, including its advantages, disadvantages, and commonly asked questions to help you decide whether it’s the right product for your needs.
Overview of the Product
Product Name: Mountain House Cooked Diced Chicken
Type: Freeze-dried emergency food
Can Size: #10 can
Shelf Life: 30+ years (when stored properly)
Dietary Information: Gluten-Free, 100% chicken
Calories: 140 calories per serving
Serving Size: About 1/4 cup (approx. 3-4 servings per can)
What Makes Mountain House Diced Chicken Stand Out?
Mountain House has been producing freeze-dried meals for decades, and their product line is widely regarded for its quality and reliability. The cooked diced chicken is no exception. It’s fully cooked, freeze-dried to lock in flavor and nutrients, and packaged in a durable, long-lasting #10 can. The chicken itself is 100% natural with no added preservatives, making it an ideal choice for anyone concerned with the quality and purity of the food they consume during emergencies or outdoor activities.
When you’re living off freeze-dried meals in a survival situation or while camping, protein is a critical component of a balanced diet. Chicken, being a versatile and lean protein source, makes it a popular option for people looking to add variety to their freeze-dried meal stockpile. This product offers a quick, no-fuss way to get that protein without the hassle of traditional cooking.
Advantages of Mountain House Cooked Diced Chicken
1. Long Shelf Life
One of the most attractive features of Mountain House’s freeze-dried chicken is its impressive shelf life. When stored in a cool, dry place, the chicken can last up to 30 years or more. This makes it an excellent addition to any emergency preparedness kit or long-term food storage plan. It provides peace of mind knowing that, in the event of a disaster or long-term power outage, you’ll have high-quality protein ready to go.
2. Convenient and Easy to Use
Mountain House freeze-dried chicken is incredibly easy to prepare. All you need is water! Just add hot or cold water to the chicken, let it rehydrate for about 10-15 minutes, and it’s ready to eat. No cooking, no complicated steps, and no cleanup afterward—just pure convenience. This is especially helpful when you’re out in the field or in an emergency situation where time and resources are limited.
3. High-Quality Protein
At the heart of this product is its high-quality, 100% chicken meat. The chicken is fully cooked before being freeze-dried, which means you don’t have to worry about cooking it yourself. The chicken is tender, juicy, and retains a surprisingly good flavor after rehydration. It’s a great source of lean protein, offering about 14 grams of protein per serving (¼ cup). Whether you’re building muscle or simply need the energy to keep going, this chicken is a great way to fuel your body.
4. No Preservatives or Artificial Ingredients
Mountain House prides itself on keeping its products as natural as possible. Their freeze-dried diced chicken is free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. The chicken itself is minimally processed, offering a more natural and healthier alternative to other ready-to-eat meals that may contain additives or excess sodium.
5. Versatility
Freeze-dried chicken offers incredible versatility. It can be used in a wide range of dishes—from tacos to casseroles, soups, or even as a quick topping for salads. The diced chicken can be added to any recipe that calls for cooked chicken, making it an excellent pantry staple for busy people or anyone looking to make a quick meal with minimal effort. It’s also perfect for survival or emergency situations when you want something simple, but still want to enjoy a variety of meal options.
6. Gluten-Free
For those with dietary restrictions, the Mountain House diced chicken is a great option as it is gluten-free. There’s no need to worry about cross-contamination with wheat or gluten, making it a safe choice for individuals who follow gluten-free diets due to health reasons or lifestyle choices.
7. Lightweight and Portable
When it comes to outdoor adventures, the lightweight nature of freeze-dried food is a huge benefit. The #10 can of chicken, while bulky, can be portioned out into smaller servings. If you're hiking or camping, you can easily carry a small portion in a resealable bag, making it convenient and space-efficient. Its compact nature also makes it suitable for emergency kits, bug-out bags, or anywhere space and weight are a concern.
Disadvantages of Mountain House Cooked Diced Chicken
1. Price
One of the primary drawbacks of Mountain House freeze-dried foods, including their cooked diced chicken, is the price. Freeze-dried meals tend to be more expensive than traditional canned or frozen food, and the cost can add up if you’re buying in bulk. A #10 can may be sufficient for a couple of weeks of use, but if you’re planning for a large family or long-term emergency storage, the price can become quite high. That said, the long shelf life and convenience may justify the cost for many buyers.
2. Packaging Waste
Though the #10 can is durable and preserves the chicken for years, it’s bulky and can be wasteful if you only need small portions. It may not be the best option if you’re trying to minimize your carbon footprint or reduce waste. While Mountain House offers packaging that is recyclable, it is still something to consider for eco-conscious buyers.
3. Rehydration Time
Although the process of rehydrating the chicken is simple, the rehydration time (typically around 10–15 minutes) might feel like a long wait, especially in an emergency. While this is much faster than cooking from scratch, it could still be a consideration for those in time-sensitive situations.
4. Taste and Texture
While most customers rave about the taste and texture of Mountain House’s chicken, there are occasional reviews that mention the meat can sometimes feel a little drier or less flavorful after rehydration. Freeze-dried foods can sometimes have a slightly different texture than fresh ingredients, and while the chicken is generally tender, some might find the texture a bit different from what they expect from freshly cooked chicken.
Common Questions About Mountain House Cooked Diced Chicken
1. How do I prepare the chicken?
Simply open the can, scoop out the amount you need, and add hot or cold water. Let it rehydrate for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once it’s ready, it can be eaten directly, or added to any dish you like!
2. How many servings are in a #10 can?
A #10 can typically contains around 32 servings (¼ cup per serving). This is a great amount for individuals or families who are stocking up on emergency food or looking to have multiple meals on hand.
3. Is the chicken pre-cooked?
Yes! The chicken is fully cooked before being freeze-dried, so it’s ready to eat after rehydration. This eliminates the need for additional cooking or preparation.
4. How long does the product last?
When stored in a cool, dry place, Mountain House freeze-dried chicken has a shelf life of 30+ years, making it an ideal choice for long-term food storage.
5. Can I use it for recipes?
Absolutely! The diced chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be added to nearly any dish that requires cooked chicken. It’s especially useful for soups, casseroles, pasta dishes, and tacos.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Mountain House Cooked Diced Chicken is an excellent product for anyone looking to stock up on quality, long-lasting protein for survival, emergency preparedness, or outdoor activities. Its impressive shelf life, ease of preparation, and versatility make it a valuable addition to your food storage. While it may be pricier than conventional options and the rehydration process requires some patience, its convenience and high-quality ingredients offer a worthwhile trade-off for those in need of quick, reliable meals.
If you’re looking for a reliable source of protein that can be stored for decades without refrigeration, this freeze-dried chicken from Mountain House could very well be the solution you’re searching for.
