Food Reviews, Desolation Wilderness trip: Jump-Start Smoothies from Packit Gourmet

It's a pain in the ass to get vegetarian protein on the trail without making some serious concessions on *ahem* abdominal comfort. I'm pretty sensitive to beans/TVP, and if I end up bloated, I'll sleep poorly and be generally uncomfortable and grumpy the entire week. I do whatever I can to minimize that by planning my meals accordingly and keeping the legumes to a minimum. A huge bummer, because if I had my way I'd eat legumes at every meal.

Given my protein dilemma, the idea of a berry smoothie in the morning is really promising. Packit Gourmet's smoothies have a whopping 420 calories and 35 grams of protein, which is awesome...

...in theory. But not in practice. 

Despite the glowing reviews on the website, these were a pretty big disappointment. Very sweet, almost no fruit flavor, no tang at all. I'd have one again, but in Dennis' words: "at this point, it's more about the calories and protein than it is about enjoying the drink." We sipped them down knowing we needed the energy and nutrition, not because they were tasty.

That said, I feel really motivated to make my own version with organic ingredients, a minimum of sweetener, a ton of freeze dried raspberry powder for fresh fruit tang, and my preferred brand of protein powder. I think this has the potential to be a really delicious/easy breakfast if done right.

Packit Gourmet Jump-Start Smoothies

Flavor, Eat A Peach: 4/10

Flavor, Berry Berry: 5/10

Ease at camp: 10/10

Price: $4.49
Would buy again: No

Best for: a quick breakfast for those who like a sweet smoothie, and need extra protein

Praise: fantastic idea

Criticism: way too sweet, too creamy, almost no fruit flavor

Admiring the view from my kitchen spot, evening at Island Lake

200 feet from water, foo! Better recognize.

Alpenglow illuminates the Island Lakes basin, entertaining us with its 10 minute fireworks show, transitioning to a different color every few seconds.