Summertime is all about enjoying the gorgeous seasonal weather. As warm temperatures become steady, adventures into the great outdoors begin to ramp up! Canada is filled with gorgeous, natural spaces that excite the senses—not to mention your appetite. From sleeping accommodations to survival tools, a successful camping trip requires lots of planning. This includes a very important element: food! Building a solid strategy and menu is essential since, in most cases, camping is an excursion that’s quite isolated from the convenience of your local grocery store.
At all Farm Boy locations, we have an abundance of curated products that we think you’ll love for the camping season. From the freshest produce that gets you closer to the farm to convenient chef-crafted foods, we’ll help make mealtime a breeze no matter where you are! Our fresh markets offer a wide selection of handpicked foods from local producers, along with artisans from around the world. Let us inspire your outdoor adventures with some delicious ideas and carefully curated items, so you can focus on reconnecting with nature. Add “A Farm Boy Fresh Twist” to your camping experience with good food from good neighbours.
Our Top Camping Hacks
Ideal Foods
When it comes to camping, simplicity and convenience are key. Generally, you’ll want to bring food and beverages that are easy to transport, prepare, and consume. You don’t want to bring certain food items that have too much moisture or are at risk of spoilage when exposed to the elements. It’s the same deal with beverages—pack those that travel easily and are shelf stable. Of course, if you have a cooler and store things properly, this opens your culinary world tenfold.
Camp-friendly Bites and Sips:
- Canned foods: beans, fish, meat, and veggies.
- Produce that can withstand the elements: corn, carrots, apples, oranges, potatoes, and more.
- Dried nuts, fruits, fruit leather, and jerky.
- Bottled or canned beverages.
- Instant: soup, coffee, tea, and more.
- Nonperishable snacks: crackers, chips, popcorn, etc.
- Handheld Bake Shop treats: cookies, muffins, pastries, etc.
- Bread options: flatbreads, sliced loafs, or tortillas.
- Frozen items: dough, prepared dishes, proteins, and veggies.
Camping Tip
Bringing pre-cooked ingredients on your adventure can save valuable time. For example, pasta can be boiled in advance, cooled, and packed—ready to be reheated later. Cooked ground beef is another versatile option, perfect for multiple meals like sloppy joes or spaghetti with meat sauce.
Packing Your Cooler
A cooler is an essential part of keeping your perishable items as fresh and tasty as possible until you are ready to enjoy them. Packing your cooler effectively can be the key to long-lasting flavour.
Tips for Packing a Cooler:
- Chill your cooler ahead of time by storing it in a cool location or if possible, in the freezer.
- Prepare all your cold foods the night before. Packing your cooler should be the last thing you do before you head out on your adventure.
- Think about what you need to access immediately versus what may be used later in the trip, and pack accordingly.
- Pack in layers and add ice, ice packs, or frozen items between each food section. Frozen foods like meats should be at the bottom followed by beverages, refrigerated foods (deli meats, cheeses, etc.), and delicate items (eggs, veggies). Section things off using by storing in plastic bags or containers.
- Limit the amount of air and space that is in your cooler. This will help keep things like ice, cold packs, and frozen items from melting fast. If you have extra space, fill it with towels (to insulate) or more ice.
- For longer trips, freeze foods (whole dishes, meats etc.) to use them as cooling elements. Make sure your food is packed in tightly sealed packaging.
Easy Ways to Cook During Camping
Whether it’s over the fire, on a portable grill, or an electric cooktop, there are plenty of ways to whip up a delicious meal during your camping trip. If you’re choosing to take it old school and building a fire, make sure you follow local safety guidelines and have safety measures in place. Whatever method you choose, always be vigilant and ensure that you follow the rules of your campsite. Below are some ways that you can cook your dishes as you enjoy the great outdoors!
Campfire Cooking
A time-tested option for both cooking and staying warm, a fire can be a camper’s best friend in remote settings. Use it as a direct heat source for boiling and cooking or create an indirect heat zone by setting aside hot coals or stones alongside the fire. With a portable grill grate, pots, pans, skewers, or foil-wrapped dishes, you can prepare a wide variety of meals right over the flames!
Products we think you’ll love: Farm Boy™ Cheddar Stadium Smokies, Farm Boy™ Jalapeno & Cheese Smoked Sausages, and Farm Boy™ Bacon & Cheese Smoked Sausages.
Portable BBQ
Portable grills are an excellent choice for those who want more control over their cooking, especially when building a campfire isn’t an option. They come in a variety of fuel types, including charcoal, electric, and gas canisters. Compact in size but versatile in function, these grills can handle everything from savoury meals to baked treats like muffins and cookies.
Products we think you’ll love: Farm Boy™ Frozen Thai Turkey Burgers, Farm Boy™ Peri-Peri Flattened Chicken)
Electric Hotplate or Portable Burners
If you’re the type to bring a bit of tech into the outdoors, an electric hotplate paired with a portable power source—like a generator—can do the trick. There are also plenty of portable burners that run on small propane or butane canisters. Many are designed specifically for camping, so all you need to bring is a pot or pan, some utensils, and something tasty to cook!
Products we think you’ll love: Farm Boy™ Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Stir Fry or Farm Boy™ Beef Dumplings.
Useful Camping Items
Foil
Aluminum foil is a versatile tool that can double as storage and a portable cooking surface, whether on the grill or cooking over—or beside—a campfire! Foil packets are tightly wrapped bundles filled with ingredients of your choice that can be placed directly over a heat source to cook. This method helps lock in moisture while still delivering a delicious roasted flavour. From crisp vegetables to tender proteins, foil packet cooking is a convenient and accessible option for cooks of all skill levels.
Tip: line the inside of your foil packet with parchment paper to seal in moisture (creating a steaming effect) and to protect your ingredients.
Cast Iron Pan
Cast iron pans are a heavy-duty option that can withstand high heat, making them ideal for a variety of cooking methods. They work well on any heat source, from stovetops to campfires. Most come pre-seasoned, meaning they’ve been treated with oil or fat to create a natural non-stick surface. Perfect for cooking eggs, bacon, Dutch baby pancakes, and more!
Products we think you’ll love: Farm Boy™ Maple Wood Smoked Bacon
Skewers
A staple of camp-style cooking, skewers are perfect for grilling kebabs, sausages, marshmallows, and more. Their handheld design makes them a convenient way to cook and eat, offering an easy and fun method for preparing meals over a fire or grill.
Products we think you’ll love: Farm Boy™ S’mores Kit, Plain Chicken Kebab.
Pots or Frying Pans
A small to medium-sized pot or frying pan offers the ideal balance between portability and functionality. These versatile cooking tools can be used to sauté or boil food and beverages—and they can even double as eating vessels! For durability, lighter weight, and ease of use, we recommend stainless steel varieties.
Products we think you’ll love: Farm Boy™ Gluten-Free Potato Gnocchi and Farm Boy™ Italian-Style Meatballs.
Meal Prep
On our shelves, we have plenty of frozen dishes and ingredients that well-suited to assist in all of your meal preparation needs. Planning your menu ahead of an outdoor excursion ensures you’ll enjoy the meals you want while also packing efficiently. Here are a few handy hacks to help your food last longer, travel more easily, and be more convenient to access and cook! Visit our products page to start planning your camping food list.
Freeze Dishes
If possible, bring fully-cooked frozen meals, dishes, and ingredients that only need to be reheated to safe serving temperatures. Some great examples include frozen vegetables and cooked proteins, wraps or burritos, pasta dishes, pot pies, pizza, homemade chili, and much more. This type of preparation saves time, serves as another cooling element in your cooler, and gives you delicious variety!
Products we think you’ll love: Farm Boy™ Bacon & Cheddar Frozen Perogies, Farm Boy™ Organic Peas & Carrots Frozen Vegetables, Farm Boy™ Meat Lovers Frozen Pinsa, Farm Boy™ Four Cheese Frozen Pinsa.
Pre-Scrambled Eggs
Whether it’s breakfast in the early morning or an egg dish for dinner, make things easier by pre-scrambling your eggs and storing them in a bag or bottle. You can even prepare omelet mixes this way for quick and convenient cooking at your campsite!
Recipe to try: Breakfast Egg Bites with Prosciutto and Pesto Recipe
Snackle Box
This compartmentalized container is a versatile tool that can be used for everything from packing snacks to storing spices or organizing pre-cut ingredients for your meals. This method makes it easy to store and access everything you need throughout your trip.
Products we think you’ll love: Farm Boy™ Mesquite Seasoning Mix, Farm Boy™ Four Cheese Frozen Pinsa, Farm Boy™ All Dressed Nut Crisps, Farm Boy™ Maple Brown Sugar Roasted Shelled Pistachios, Farm Boy™ Garden Fresh Bistro Box , Farm Boy™ Protein Bistro Box.
Our Top 10 Camping Beverages, Snacks, and Foods
Pigs (or anything) in a “Blanket”
Use a premade dough (like our Farm Boy™ Frozen Pizza Dough) to wrap hotdogs, cheese, veggies, and more. Simply roast over a fire or bake in a pan.
Try: Farm Boy™ Frozen Pizza Dough and Farm Boy™ Frozen Foccacia Dough.
Dried Fruits and Nuts
An easy handheld snack that’s filling and wholesome, these treats can also be incorporated into baking recipes.
Try: Farm Boy™ Salty Sweet Maple Roasted Mixed Nuts, Farm Boy™ Protein Blend Trail Mix, Farm Boy™ Energy Blend Trail Mix.
Cured Meats
Portable and ready to eat, cured meats like jerky, salami, meat sticks, and more are a great option for quick, delicious protein.
Tortillas & Flatbreads
We have a wide variety of tortillas and flatbreads that make the perfect base for your favourite toppings and fillings—and they’re easy to pack in bulk!
Try: Farm Boy™ Create Your Own Pinsa, Farm Boy™ 10″ Jalapeno Wheat Tortillas.
Instant Coffee or Tea Bags
When you’re craving a cozy “cuppa” coffee or tea, instant and portable options are the way to go—especially when camping! From locally roasted blends to carefully curated international favourites, our Grocery Department is stocked with a variety of teas and coffees to match your tastes.
Try: Farm Boy™ Organic Instant Coffee, Farm Boy™ Chamomile Caffeine Free Herbal Tea.
Canned Foods
The ultimate convenience, canned foods are a classic staple of campfire cuisine. From single ingredients like beans, fruits, and vegetables to tinned fish, meats, and even complete meals, they offer a compact and reliable way to bring a wide variety of flavours to the outdoors.
Try: Farm Boy™ Sugarbush Canned Baked Beans, Farm Boy™ White Bean Chili, Farm Boy™ Sweet Potato Coconut Curry Canned Soup, Farm Boy™ Curried Chickpeas Canned Side Dish, Farm Boy™ Indian-Style Dahl Canned Side Dish, Farm Boy™ Skipjack in Water Chunk Light Tuna.
Fresh Hardy Fruits and Veggies
Bring along hardy produce like corn, carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, and other vegetables that can withstand travel and exposure to the elements.
Try: Farm Boy™ Mini Foil-Wrapped Potatoes, fresh produce.
Skewers and Kebabs
Prepared dishes like these can pack vegetables, proteins, and other flavourful ingredients into a single, convenient handheld meal. Stop by our Butcher Shop to explore a variety of our kebabs, hand-stacked with farm-fresh produce, quality proteins, and even grill-friendly cheeses like halloumi.
Try: Farm Boy™ Kebabs, Farm Boy™ Traditional Italian-Style Lamb Spiedini, Farm Boy™ Beef Spiedini, Farm Boy™ Sriracha Pork Spiedini.
Nut Butters
Nut butters and spreads are an easy way to add some wholesome substance to sandwiches, wraps, fruits, veggies, and more. Think of classics like “Ants on a Log” or apple slices and peanut butter.
Try: Farm Boy™ Nut and Seed Butters.
Feature Recipes
Banana Sushi Roll
Looking for a fun and fuss-free snack to take on your next camping trip? These banana sushi rolls are not only delicious, they’re also super easy to prep outdoors or ahead of time. For a nut-free option, try one of our seed butters, and mix up the toppings with hemp hearts, granola, or even a few chocolate chips.
Tip: skip slicing them into bites (the banana will brown quickly!)—just cut the roll in half and pack it up. This wholesome treat is great for any time of the day, from breakfast to dessert!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Strawberry S’mores
Picture this: gooey marshmallows and creamy chocolate melting between two soft chocolate chip cookies, topped with fresh, juicy strawberry slices for a fruity twist. These fun-to-make treats are perfect for kids and adults alike—just gather around the campfire and let everyone build their own! Whether you’re under the stars or enjoying a cozy evening by the fire, these s’mores are sure to be a campsite favourite.
