First Impressions of Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries
Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries offers a convenient and tasty breakfast or snack option for outdoor adventures. As a seasoned outdoorsman, I’m always on the lookout for lightweight, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare meals. Freeze-dried options like this can be a lifesaver when weight and space are at a premium.
I’ve packed countless meals over the years, from elaborate dehydrated creations to simple energy bars. But, I’m consistently searching for that perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. The promise of real blueberries, crunchy oats, and powdered milk in Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries definitely piqued my interest.
Upon receiving the #10 can, the first thing I noticed was its substantial size. This thing is packed with over 39 ounces of granola, promising 20 servings, which is a welcome value proposition. Opening the can revealed a familiar, slightly sweet aroma, characteristic of freeze-dried foods mixed with a hint of blueberry.
I considered other granola options, like pre-packaged bars or making my own dehydrated mix. Ultimately, I chose Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries because of its promise of convenience and long shelf life. It also eliminates the need to pack separate milk powder, which is a significant space saver.
My initial impression was positive. The can is sturdy, and the granola looks and smells appealing. I was excited to try it out on an upcoming backpacking trip to see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries was during a three-day backpacking trip in the unforgiving Sierra Nevada mountains. I tested it as a breakfast option on the second day, after a particularly challenging ascent.
The morning was crisp and cold, with a light drizzle threatening to turn into a full-blown downpour. I appreciated the simplicity of just adding water to the granola in my bowl. Within minutes, I had a warm, satisfying breakfast ready to eat.
The taste was surprisingly good, despite my initial skepticism about freeze-dried milk. The blueberries were plump and flavorful, and the granola provided a satisfying crunch. There were no unexpected issues or surprises, just a straightforward, easy-to-prepare breakfast that fueled me for the day’s hike.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the initial backpacking trip, I continued using Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries as a quick breakfast option during shorter day hikes and even at home. After several weeks of use, the granola has held up remarkably well.
The granola remains crunchy, and the blueberries retain their flavor, even after the can has been opened for a while. I have stored it in a ziplock bag in between uses. The Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries demonstrates fantastic durability.
Cleaning is also a breeze – simply wipe out the bowl or container after use. Compared to other backpacking breakfasts I’ve used, this Mountain House product definitely outperforms in terms of taste and ease of preparation. It is also surprisingly easier to clean than alternatives.
Breaking Down the Features of Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries
Specifications
The Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries comes in a #10 can containing 39 ounces (1106g) of freeze-dried granola. This provides 20 servings according to Mountain House. The granola is made with real blueberries, crunchy oats, and powdered milk.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the product’s portability, convenience, and nutritional value. The freeze-dried nature ensures a long shelf life and lightweight packaging, while the real ingredients contribute to a more satisfying taste and texture. A long shelf life ensures this food can be kept in emergency kits.
Performance & Functionality
The Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries performs its job admirably, providing a quick, easy, and relatively tasty breakfast option in the outdoors. The key strength is its convenience – just add water and you have a ready-to-eat meal.
A potential weakness is the sweetness, which might be too much for some users. Some people may find the texture slightly mushy if too much water is added. Overall, it meets expectations for a freeze-dried meal, offering a palatable and convenient solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries comes in a large #10 can, which is durable and airtight, ensuring a long shelf life. The design is straightforward, with clear instructions on how to prepare the meal.
The weight is manageable, considering the large number of servings provided. This makes it suitable for group trips or extended expeditions. There’s virtually no learning curve – simply open the can, add water, and enjoy.
Durability & Maintenance
The freeze-dried nature of the Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries ensures a long shelf life, even after the can has been opened (when stored properly). The packaging is durable and can withstand being jostled around in a backpack or storage container.
Maintenance is minimal – simply ensure the can is properly sealed when not in use. This will prevent moisture from compromising the granola.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries doesn’t come with any accessories. However, you can easily customize it by adding fresh fruit, nuts, or seeds for added flavor and nutrition.
The granola is also compatible with other Mountain House products, allowing you to mix and match meals to create a more diverse and satisfying menu.
Pros and Cons of Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries
Pros
- Extremely convenient and easy to prepare: Just add water and it’s ready to eat. This saves valuable time and effort in the outdoors.
- Long shelf life: Ideal for emergency preparedness and long-term storage. Ensures you always have a reliable food source available.
- Lightweight and portable: Perfect for backpacking and other weight-conscious activities. Minimizes the burden on your pack.
- Good taste: The combination of blueberries, oats, and milk is surprisingly palatable. Makes it an enjoyable meal, even in challenging conditions.
- Provides a good source of energy: Fuels you for outdoor activities. A good breakfast food to help prepare for the day.
Cons
- Relatively high in sugar: Might not be suitable for those watching their sugar intake. Consider this if you are diabetic.
- Can be slightly mushy if too much water is added: Requires careful preparation to achieve the desired texture. Be sure to measure carefully when adding water.
Who Should Buy Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries?
Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries is perfect for backpackers, campers, hikers, preppers, and anyone looking for a quick and easy breakfast option in the outdoors. It’s also a great choice for those who prioritize convenience and long shelf life.
Those who are strictly watching their sugar intake or prefer a less sweet breakfast should skip this product. People who are sensitive to gluten should also avoid, since granola is oat based.
A must-have accessory is a lightweight, insulated bowl for rehydrating the granola.
Conclusion on Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries
The Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries is a reliable and convenient breakfast option for outdoor adventures. Its ease of preparation, long shelf life, and relatively good taste make it a valuable addition to any pack or emergency kit.
At $56.79 for 20 servings, the price is justified, considering the convenience and shelf life. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, easy, and palatable breakfast solution for their next outdoor adventure or for a long-term food storage solution.
So, ditch the complicated meal prep and grab a can of Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries. Fuel your adventures the easy way and enjoy a delicious breakfast wherever the trail may lead!