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Mornings on the trail don’t always leave room for cooking. Maybe you’re cold. Perhaps you’re trying to put in big miles. Or maybe you just don’t feel like unpacking your stove. This no-cook granola with milk and berries gets you fed fast—no fuel, no waiting, just water and a spoon.

It may seem almost too easy to be true, but granola with milk powder and fruit is a complete meal and makes the perfect no-cook backpacking breakfast. Why?

• Because it’s one of the most efficient no-cook backpacking breakfasts for packing in carbohydrates.
• A high-carbohydrate diet will keep your energy up for those long days on the trail.
• Pairing the granola and freeze-dried fruit with protein will help that energy last even longer.
• You can even use granola as an evening snack to replenish glycogen stores to encourage recovery.

Luckily, no-cook backpacking granola’s best friend is milk powder – a good source of protein. The berries contain antioxidants that help tame inflammation and speed up recovery. Granola is as fast as it gets and almost impossible to mess up. We usually call it breakfast, but who says you can’t have it for lunch or dinner, too?

As Seen in Backpacker Magazine

Backpacker Magazine gave our Granola with Milk & Berries recipe a real-world test — and it passed with flying colors. Watch the quick video below to see how easy it is to prepare (and why it’s become a trail favorite).

Looking for a way to use up those freeze-dried blueberries?

Consider trying our flavorful and nutrition-packed Lemon Blueberry Oatmeal ultralight backpacking breakfast recipe.

When you’re ready to add to your no-cook meal repertoire, check out our favorite no-cook backpacking recipes.

Recipe: Home & Field Instructions

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FAQs for No-Cook Backpacking Granola Breakfast

What makes this a good no-cook backpacking breakfast?

• It’s lightweight, shelf-stable, and takes less than a minute to prepare—just add water to milk powder and mix with granola and berries. No stove or fuel required.

Can I make this Granola with Milk & Berries recipe vegan or dairy-free?

• Yes. Swap the powdered milk for cashew, soy, or coconut milk powder. Pair with your favorite plant-based granola for a fully vegan trail breakfast.

How much water should I add to powdered milk?

• It depends on how creamy you like your milk. For this recipe, which uses ¼ cup of milk powder plus freeze-dried fruit, I add about 4 oz of water for a whole milk mouthfeel. If you prefer a lighter, skim-style texture, simply add more water. Adjusting the water is all about personal preference.

How long do freeze-dried berries last on trail?

• Unopened, freeze-dried fruit can last up to a year or much longer. Refer to the “Best by” date (BBD) on the packaging.
• Once opened and stored in a regular zip-top bag, use within about a week for best flavor and crunch. Freeze-dried fruit and granola both absorb moisture easily, so while they won’t spoil quickly, they will lose their crisp texture over time.
• For maximum crunch, store the meal in an airtight bag or container until you’re ready to eat.

Can I cold soak this Granola with Milk and Berries recipe overnight?

• You can, but it’s usually not necessary since granola with milk powder is ready to eat almost instantly.
• If you do prefer a softer texture, keep food safety in mind: once powdered milk is rehydrated, it should be consumed within 2 hours unless kept cold. On chilly nights, overnight soaking is generally safe, but in warmer temps, wait until morning to add the water.

Is this recipe high enough in calories for backpacking?

• Yes. Depending on your portion size, it can provide 500–700 calories. For longer days, boost calories by adding nut butter, seeds, or MCT oil powder.

Can I find the ingredients for this backpacking breakfast in small trail towns?

• Absolutely. Granola, powdered milk, and dried fruit are widely available in most grocery or convenience stores, making this recipe thru-hiker resupply friendly.

Take This Recipe — and More — on Your Next Adventure

Granola with Milk & Berries is just one of over 250 ultralight, nutrient-dense recipes in the Backcountry Foodie Recipe Library — built by a registered dietitian who hikes the miles herself.

Get instant access to the full library and start planning lighter, healthier, happier trips: Join Backcountry Foodie

If you’re not ready to join yet, try a few more free recipes on the blog:

• Lemon Blueberry Oatmeal
• Nut Butter Morning Oats
• Berry Breakfast Crumble