Living the van life is an incredible experience, but the logistics (unnecessarily) prevent many people from making the plunge. For instance, cooking in your van can seem daunting, but it really just requires some extra planning and thought. This is the fun part!
A few initial tips:
- Because you’ll have limited storage for food, cooking tools, and water, consider planning your food plan out 5 days in advance (depending on your fridge capacity).
- Make a list before grocery shopping, and try to plan meals with overlapping ingredients.
- Stock up on essentials before getting in the middle of nowhere. You’d be surprised how much the little things cost at a mom-and-pop convenience store.
- Get used to not making everything from scratch.
Meal Planning for Van Life
Create a weekly meal plan that incorporates a variety of fresh, non-perishable, and frozen ingredients to ensure you have a balanced diet.
When shopping for groceries, prioritize items with a long shelf life, such as canned goods, dried pasta, rice, and frozen vegetables. Invest in airtight containers to keep your food fresh and organized. Don’t forget to pack essential cooking utensils, spices, and condiments to make your meals flavorful and enjoyable.
Consider your fridge size before buying anything. Maybe organic strawberries are on sale, but is it worth taking up half a shelf to fit them?
Cooking in Your Van’s Kitchen
One of the joys of van life is the opportunity to cook your own meals in your cozy van kitchen. Focus on simple, one-pot meals that are easy to prepare and clean up, such as stir-fries, soups, and casseroles.
When cooking in your van, prioritize food safety by keeping your cooking area clean and using fresh ingredients. Always ensure your van is well-ventilated when using a propane stove or oven to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Meal Ideas for Van Life
Eating well on the road doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. Here are some delicious and easy-to-prepare meal ideas for your van life adventures:
- Breakfast: Overnight oats with fresh fruit and nuts, breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs and vegetables, or a hearty breakfast sandwich with avocado and bacon. PRO TIP: If you’re cooking bacon in your van, open as many vents as possible and turn on your ceiling fan. You’ll thank us later!
- Lunch: A colorful salad with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and a homemade vinaigrette, a wrap with hummus, falafel, and fresh veggies, or a comforting bowl of chili with whatever sort of bread is in the van.
- Dinner: A one-pot pasta dish with tomatoes, spinach, and sausage, a stir-fry with rice noodles and tofu, or a baked potato bar with a variety of toppings like chili, cheese, and broccoli.
- Snacks: Trail mix with dried fruit and nuts, fresh fruit and yogurt, or homemade granola bars.
Notice that a lot of these meals have overlapping ingredients. Spinach can go in your breakfast wrap or your one-pot pasta. Fruit and nuts make a great breakfast combo and on-the-go snacks.
Staying Hydrated on the Road
Invest in a high-quality water filter or purifier to ensure you have access to clean drinking water, no matter where your adventures take you (Brita Filter). Carry a reusable water bottle with you at all times and make a habit of drinking water regularly throughout the day.
Geotrek Vans: Your Partner in Van Life
At Geotrek Vans, we understand the unique challenges and joys of living the van life, including the importance of eating well on the road. That’s why we design our custom campervan conversions with features that prioritize functionality and efficiency in the kitchen, such as ample storage space, a high-quality cooktop, and a spacious countertop for meal preparation.
You have the ability to add on things like a water purification system, hot water heater, and/ or a rear exterior shower to meet your needs!
