When you think of expedition meals, Real Turmat stands out as a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers in Norway. This Norwegian brand, produced by Drytech AS in Tromsø, Northern Norway, has gained popularity for its high-quality freeze-dried meals that provide the nutrition and energy needed for demanding activities.
You’ll find these packaged meals not only in backpacks of hikers and campers but also served on Best Arctic tours like the Aurora Safari Minibus and Fjord Tour, showcasing their versatility and wide appeal. This is also an excellent option to be served during tours, due to its fantastic taste, satisfaction after eating and easiness on its preparation, while being on tour.
Real Turmat has revolutionized the way people eat on outdoor adventures. You’ll discover a range of nutritious food options that cater to various dietary needs, including vegan dishes and gluten-free. The meals are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring only hot water and a few minutes of your time.
This guide will take you through the history of Real Turmat, explore its nutritional value and meal varieties, and provide insights on preparation and storage.
By the end, you’ll understand why Real Turmat is a go-to choice for outdoor enthusiasts, military personnel, and anyone seeking convenient, high-energy meals for their expeditions.
The history and legacy of Real Turmat
Real Turmat‘s story begins in Norway, where the art of food preservation has been crucial for survival for thousands of years. You’ll find that this legacy has shaped the company’s approach to creating high-quality, freeze-dried meals.
In 1989, Rolf Hansen and his wife Lill laid the foundation for what would become Real Turmat in their garage. Rolf, missing Lill’s homemade stews during his outdoor adventures, decided to use his expertise in freeze-drying technology to preserve her delicious cooking.
Origins in Norway – local production in the Arctic Circle, Tromsø
The company’s roots are deeply embedded in the Arctic tradition of preserving food to survive harsh winters and enable exploration. This knowledge, passed down through generations, has empowered Real Turmat to create meals that not only nourish but also connect you to Norway’s rich cultural heritage.
Today, Real Turmat operates from Tromsø, within the Arctic Circle. You’ll appreciate that they prepare meals using local, seasonal produce at its peak, just as their ancestors did. This commitment to quality and sustainability has made Real Turmat a trusted choice for outdoor enthusiasts, the Norwegian Armed Forces, and even on Arctic expeditions.
Nutritional value and meal varieties
Real Turmat offers a wide range of nutritious meals to suit your outdoor adventures. You’ll find options that provide balanced nutrition with a focus on high-quality ingredients. The meals are prepared using Drytech’s freeze-drying technology, which preserves taste, color, energy, and vital vitamins.
Dietary restrictions catered
Real Turmat caters to various dietary needs. You’ll find vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options clearly labeled. Allergens are highlighted in bold on the ingredient list, making it easy to identify suitable meals for your specific requirements.
On tour, Best Arctic can accommodate your dietary options and give you one that suits your needs. Just let us know when booking online or physically (at our Hospitality Desk inside Radisson Blu Hotel or at our Booking Point, in Sjøgata 7, in Tromsø city center). We recommend you to also mention it, on the day of your tour, when checking in with our colleagues.
Preparation and Storage
Easy rehydration process
To prepare Real Turmat meals, you simply need to tear off the top of the bag, add hot water (70°C to 100°C) to the marked level, stir well, and seal with the zip lock. After 8 minutes of resting, stir again, and your meal is ready to enjoy. Your guide will also show you and explain you how to do it and he/she is more then happy to help you out!
Shelf life and durability
Real Turmat meals have an impressive shelf life of 5 to 7 years, thanks to vacuum packing and freeze-drying technology. This process preserves taste, consistency, and color without using preservatives or oxygen absorbers. Even after the best-before date, properly sealed pouches are often still safe to consume.
Packaging innovations
Real Turmat’s packaging is designed for durability and environmental consciousness. The vacuum-sealed bags are compact and robust, ensuring food safety and reducing waste. New distribution cartons have been introduced to optimize logistics and reduce CO2 emissions.
The company is also exploring biodegradable and compostable materials for more eco-friendly packaging solutions.
Real Turmat’s expedition meals served at some of Best Arctic’s tours
As mentioned, Best Arctic serves Real Turmat as the main tour meal in some of our tours:
- Fjord Tour (an expedition meal – Real Turmat – is included: please indicate your food preference during the booking flow: meat/Fish or Vegetarian);
- Aurora Safari Minibus (a light hot meal is included – a Real Turmat package per each guest).
Real Turmat has made a big impact on the world of expedition meals. Their popularity stems from their ease of preparation, long shelf life, and the use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
As we’ve seen, Real Turmat caters to various dietary needs and offers a diverse menu of flavors and dishes. Their innovative packaging and production methods ensure that these meals are not only convenient but also environmentally conscious.
Real Turmat provides a solution that combines taste, nutrition, and convenience, perfect for a tour in the Arctic! With its strong roots in Norwegian tradition and its focus on quality, Real Turmat continues to be a leader in the field of expedition meals, helping adventurers fuel their journeys across the globe.
