Davis Food Coop Caters to Hikers with Heathy Trail Ready Meals

Jillian Keenan

Most co-ops have good selections of organic, free-range, and locally grown products, so it makes sense that co-ops are popular options with shoppers who like to shop – and eat – healthy.

To expand on that base, the Davis Food Co-op has started to market itself as part of an entire healthy lifestyle, not just a healthy diet.

A new brochure released by the co-op, called “Camping and Hiking Foods,” details ways for hikers and backpackers to incorporate healthier meals into their outdoor adventures.

“We’ve all subsisted on burnt pancakes, ramen noodles with dried peas, and lots of trail mix,” the brochure reads. “It really doesn’t have to be like that.”

Instead of traditional hiker favorites like instant macaroni and cheese and ramen noodle soup, the Davis Food Co-op is encouraging hikers to consider healthier options that are just as easy to prepare on the trail.

Quick-cooking oatmeal, dried whole-wheat couscous, and roasted nuts all make the list. For backpackers who don’t want to give up their noodle soups and instant pastas, most co-ops have that too – but in healthier, more natural varieties that don’t have any corn syrup, MSG, or artificial color.

Of course, energy bars have always been a favorite with hikers and backpackers. But many commercially sold energy bars are packed with refined sugars and other ingredients that can make a hiker feel sluggish. The Davis Food Co-op, like most Northern California co-ops, carries healthier energy bars made with all-natural ingredients.

“A lot of these things aren’t any more expensive than the stuff they sell at Safeway,” said David Terca, 23, an avid hiker and backpacker. “Actually, sometimes they’re even cheaper. And anything tastes pretty good after going uphill for 15 miles, but these healthier things really do taste better.”

Most Northern California co-ops also have options for vegetarian and vegan hikers, such as vegan soy jerky that can last on the trail for days without being refrigerated.

While the majority of the brochure is aimed at consumers who want to stay healthy on the trail, there is one tip for hikers who just want to enjoy their trip.

“Take some powdered lemonade and a fifth of whiskey to whip up some instant whiskey sours,” the brochure suggests.

Just be sure not to mix the drinks in your water bottle, or you might end up with whiskey-flavored water for the rest of the hike!