About
Outdoor Herbivore: Vegetarian Meals for Backpacking, Camping, and Outdoor Adventure
Hi, I’m Kim, and I love to be OUTSIDE and to EAT.
As an outdoor enthusiast and vegetarian, my health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability values led me to establish Outdoor Herbivore in 2010. I saw a need in the market for wholesome backpacking foods and was determined to fill that gap. My goal was straightforward - to create vegetarian products using organic, whole-food ingredients, free of additives I wouldn't want to consume myself.
My love for the outdoors and unwavering commitment to a healthy, sustainable lifestyle is at the heart of everything we do at Outdoor Herbivore.
Outdoor Herbivore is based in sunny Sacramento, CA, which gives me the perfect excuse to hike and eat! Most of our product testing takes place near home in the wilderness areas of Northern California. From breathtaking coastal sunsets to rapid mountain storms and unexpected wildlife encounters in the forests, I've had some truly inspiring experiences testing our backpacking food in these beautiful areas. These experiences fuel my passion for creating meals and products to share with other backpackers.
Regarding home, Outdoor Herbivore believes in sourcing our food locally within the United States. While some backpacking food brands have operations in the US, food processing often occurs elsewhere. When I started this business, I was disappointed to discover that most brands import dried food ingredients from distant locations like China. Conversely, we're dedicated to using local and organic ingredients in our food production. These practices align with our commitment to treating the Earth responsibly and sustainably.
Click here to read more about the food model we follow.
Who we are for
Most of our customers are backpackers, from weekend hikers to thru-hikers. A few live off the grid in isolated locations on land or at sea. Others include office workers and college students who want a quick meal.
Whether you're looking for healthy and quick meals at home, work, or outdoor activities such as backpacking, paddling, bike packing, motorcycle/car camping, sailing, or a yoga retreat, Outdoor Herbivore is an excellent fit. And the best part? You don't have to be a vegetarian or vegan to enjoy our food! Most of our customers are omnivores who appreciate eating delicious food with proper nutrition.
What makes us different
Natural, Whole Food Ingredients. We stand out with our commitment to preserve whole, plant-based foods by combining dehydration and freeze-drying without additives, flavor enhancers, synthetic preservatives, MSG, stabilizers, fillers, sulfites, nitrates, GMOs, or other artificial ingredients—only Real Food.
All Vegetarian. Our products are entirely vegetarian. We also offer many vegan and gluten-free products as well.
Flavor Variety. We season with a blend of herbs and spices, resulting in flavor variety and less sodium.
Organic Ingredients. We believe organic farming practices are the most responsible method for nurturing our land and body; over 80% of our ingredients are organically grown, and we never use GMO ingredients.
No-Cooking and Instant Meals. Dried meals are easy to prepare—just add water to the pouch and wait a few minutes for the meal to rehydrate.
Eco Light Packaging. To reduce our plastic use, meals are packaged in stand-up paper pouches with an inner plastic liner. The pouches have water-tight seals for hot/cold meal rehydration. This minimal yet durable packaging is suited for wilderness travel.
Conscientious. Apply responsible business practices that support environmental sustainability, purchase whole food ingredients only from processors we trust, and provide disclosure of all ingredients.
At Outdoor Herbivore, we believe that following these practices will help sustain our planet, provide future generations with similar wilderness opportunities, and result in good health and longevity, maximizing our time here on Earth.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story. I hope to see you on the trails with your backpack loaded with good food, and a smile on your face!
Cheers!
Kim Safdy