Delicious, easy-to-prepare products to pack when you go camping

Going camping soon? That’s fantastic news—there’s nothing like getting outside, sleeping under the stars and enjoying some delicious meals around a fire. Many of our customers are highly skilled at cooking meals on a camping grill or over open flames, but others are still learning or unsure of where to start. If you’re in the latter camp (pun intended), don’t worry—the Olliffe team is here to help.

Here are some delicious yet incredibly easy-to-prepare items to add to your camping weekend shopping list. If you have any questions or would like personalized recommendations from our expert butchers, please ask. We’d be glad to help.

What to pack in your cooler

We recommend chilling your cooler before packing it, or at last bringing it to room temperature—never pack a cooler that just came out of a hot garage! Include plenty of ice packs and keep it closed except when grabbing items at mealtimes. Eat items that *must* be refrigerated first to avoid spoilage. Keep your beverages in a separate cooler, since you’ll be opening and closing that one more often—this separation of food vs beverages can help you keep food colder for longer. A hard shell cooler with an airtight lid is best (or an electric cooler, if you’re plugging in at a campsite with power).

Here are some delicious local products from Olliffe to add to your shopping list:

• Smoked sausages (because they’re already cooked, you just need to heat and serve)
• All beef hot dogs (easy to prepare on a grill or over a fire, or serve with canned beans)
• Sausage rolls (great for any time of day)
• Beef stir fry (toss it into a pot or pan, heat and serve—you can make instant rice on the side if you have a small pot with a lid, or warm up some prepared rice)
• Whole rotisserie chickens (ideal for a simple dinner or making sandwiches)
• Prepared beef chili (pack frozen, heat in a pot on your grill or fire, then enjoy in a mug or camping bowl)
• Some prepared salads for an easy lunch or side dish
• Mad Mexican dips and chips for snacking on
• Hard boiled eggs (perfect for a hit of protein in the morning or as an afternoon snack).
• If you have a frying pan or griddle, be sure to bring bacon and raw eggs as well!

What to pack in your dry goods bag

Your dry goods bag is probably bursting with pantry staples and convenient snacks, but don’t forget these great items from Olliffe.

• Bayfield Provisions Granola (excellent as a snack or breakfast option)
• A great spice blend for adding flavour to meat and vegetables
• A variety of condiments to add the finishing touch to any meal

You’ll also want to include the usual dry goods (cereal, bread and other baked goods, peanut butter, instant coffee, canned beans, etc) and cooler items (milk, cheese, butter, fruit, vegetables, jam) as well as drinking water and snacks. 

Get outside and have fun!

Summer isn’t over yet, so get out there and enjoy it! Camping is a great way to create memories while getting some fresh air and soaking in the beautiful natural landscape here in Ontario. Whether you stay close to home or head north, there are some amazing spots to pitch your tent (or set up a camping trailer).

Thanks for shopping local and supporting regenerative food in your community. If you’d like help finding any of these products online or in our Yonge Street butcher shop, please contact us. We’d be glad to assist you.