REAL Turmat Storfegryte (Beef Stew) Review

Overview

The Storfegryte — Norwegian for “beef stew” — is one of the original meals in the REAL Turmat lineup, and it shows: it stands out as one of the pioneer meals in their assortment, representing the beginning of their commitment to elevate outdoor dining. Behind the brand is Drytech, a company based in Tromsø that has supplied field rations to the Armed Forces since 1989. This is a straightforward, hearty dinner aimed at anyone who wants a warm, filling meal after a long day out — and who is willing to pay a premium for it.

Key Specs

Spec	Value
Weight	128 g
Energy	602 kcal
Calorie Density	~4.7 kcal/g
Protein	~21.5 g
Carbohydrates	~64 g
Fat	~25 g
Salt	~4.7 g
Prep (hot water)	8–10 min
Prep (cold water)	30 min
Lactose-free	Yes
Gluten-free	No (contains wheat)
Shelf Life	5 years
Comparison	See how Storfegryte compares to similar gear

Performance

Taste & Texture

The stew is built around a combination of juicy beef, rice, and bell peppers, mingling with onions, mushrooms, and herbs. That’s a sensible, classic combination and it holds up well after rehydration. Eating the meal reveals more texture than it looks — there are surprisingly large pieces of meat. Early reviews of the original Storfegryte noted it felt almost like a beef stroganoff in character, and the reformed recipe has leaned into that profile further. The updated version dials up intensity with more paprika and mushrooms, enriching the stew with earthy flavors and a subtle sweetness that complements the Norwegian beef.

One recurring note from users: saltiness. Taste-wise, the meal can be initially a little on the salty side — though it may not be evenly distributed through the meal. With around 4.67 g of salt per pack, this is something to keep in mind if you’re watching sodium or hiking at high altitude where thirst is already an issue. Stir thoroughly before eating — uneven rehydration of the seasoning is the most likely culprit.

REAL Turmat uses freeze-drying rather than simple dehydration, and the difference is noticeable. Their meals are freeze-dried, which means the ingredients retain their shape and structure better than other forms of dehydration — the end result is meals that taste more like real food, often with better texture and mouthfeel.

Recipe Update

It’s worth flagging that the Storfegryte recipe has been updated. The dish now carries 16% beef instead of the original 12%, giving higher protein for long days outside. The calorie count on the label (602 kcal) refers to the original Storfegryte specification — different retailers may list slightly varying figures as the recipe transition works through supply channels. Either way, the calorie density (~4.7 kcal/g) is respectable without being exceptional.

Preparation

With hot water, the process takes only 8–10 minutes, while cold water requires around 30 minutes.

That 30-minute cold-soak capability is a genuine bonus for stoveless hikers — not all freeze-dried meals rehydrate properly without heat, and this one does. For hot prep, I’d recommend insulating the pouch under your sleeping bag or jacket while it rehydrates; you’ll get a noticeably better texture than leaving it exposed to cold air.

Packaging

REAL Turmat does something most other brands don’t: their packages are vacuum packed. This has two benefits — pack size is smaller, and no oxygen absorber is needed.

The tradeoff, as noted by reviewers, is that

the pouches are more compact but also rock solid and won’t slide into your backpack as easily as slimline pouches.

It’s a minor packing puzzle on day one; less of an issue once you know where it fits. The pouch is eat-in capable, which means no extra dishes.

The product has a best before date of 5 years from the date of manufacture when stored at room temperature

— useful for resupply caches or emergency stashes.

Allergens & Dietary Notes

The Storfegryte is lactose-free, which makes it workable for a wider range of hikers than many dairy-heavy freeze-dried options. However, the ingredients include wheat flour, so it contains gluten. Not suitable for coeliacs or the gluten-intolerant. Check the label carefully if this matters to you.

Price

The freeze-dried pouches are lightweight, quick to cook, and hassle-free, but they are expensive — up to £11.99 for a main meal.

REAL Turmat sits at the top of the market on price. You’re getting a quality product, but if you’re feeding yourself for two weeks on a thru-hike, that cost compounds fast.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Genuine freeze-dried texture — beef and vegetables hold their structure well after rehydration
• Updated recipe now at 16% beef content, improving protein per serving
• Works with cold-water soaking (30 min) — stoveless viable
• Vacuum-packed pouch is compact and needs no oxygen absorber
• 5-year shelf life; good for caching or emergency prep
• Lactose-free

Cons

• Notably high salt content (~4.7 g/serving) — stir well, and drink plenty of water
• Contains wheat flour — not gluten-free despite being lactose-free
• Premium price point; among the most expensive freeze-dried meals on the market
• Vacuum-sealed brick shape can be awkward to pack compared to flat-lay pouches
• International availability is limited — ships within Norway from the main site, so non-Norwegian buyers need a third-party retailer

Who Should Buy This

This is a solid pick for weight-conscious hikers who care enough about camp food to pay for quality — weekend mountaineers, multi-day trekkers, or anyone doing a demanding route where a proper meal at the end of the day genuinely matters. It suits lactose-intolerant hikers particularly well. If you’re gluten-intolerant, or if you’re managing a tight per-day food budget on a long thru-hike, look elsewhere.

Verdict

The Storfegryte earns its reputation as one of REAL Turmat’s foundational meals — Real Turmat ranks among the best-tasting freeze-dried meal brands available, and this beef stew is a fair example of why. The texture is noticeably better than most competitors, the recipe update brings more meat and complexity to the bowl, and the vacuum packaging is a smart design choice. The salt level and the price are the two things keeping it from a higher score — at roughly 4.7 kcal per gram and a premium price, you’re paying for taste and quality more than raw calorie efficiency. Rating: 7.5/10.