ProView – Good To-Go Carrot Ginger Power Bowl

We had three Outdoor Prolink Pros test two different Good To-Go meals, and each flavor got its own review. See below for the review of Carrot Ginger Power Bowl. Check out the review for Cucumber Chaat Salad here!

Flavor

Michael Reilly

The Carrot Ginger Power Bowl delivers a refreshing and balanced taste, with the tangy carrot-ginger vinaigrette providing a burst of flavor that elevates the dish. The combination of hemp hearts, wakame, and cabbage creates a mix of textures, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. There is a subtle sweetness from the coconut sugar that complements the earthiness of the vegetables, making it a flavorful and well-rounded meal. Only scraps were left in my bag that was gladly eaten by my dog, Jasper. 

Michelle Beadle

In a word: delicious! This combination of sweet and crunchy made me feel like I was at a summer picnic. The flavors blended smoothly, with no single ingredient overpowering the others. This immediately became a new favorite for me.

Emily Parnay

This meal would have served better as a smaller side dish than a full meal. It was a lot to eat all at once and one of those foods that fits into the saying “too much of a good thing.” The flavor was also a bit too sweet for me and had a lot of sugar content for a meal (over 20 grams).

Rehydration

Michael Reilly

Rehydration is quick and efficient, with the ingredients softening perfectly in just 10 minutes using cool water. The vegetables maintain their texture without becoming soggy, and the hemp hearts remain slightly crunchy, making for a meal that feels freshly prepared even in the backcountry.

Michelle Beadle

The instructions read to add water, stir, lay flat for 5 minutes, then turn to the opposite side for another 5 minutes. Though 10 minutes is not long when it comes to preparing a meal, I was too hungry to wait the entire time when preparing these. I found the meal to be well hydrated with just the right amount of crunch.

Emily Parnay

Like with most dehydrated meals, sometimes the different ingredients don’t always rehydrate equally. Some of the cabbage chunks were still a bit tough after soaking in water the recommended time frame. However, rehydrating it on its side face down helps with this (as directions on the back of the package states). 

Ease of Use

Michael Reilly

This meal is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring only cool water and a brief wait of 10 minutes. Its stove-free design is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts or those on the go, eliminating the need for extra cooking equipment or fuel. The straightforward instructions make it accessible even for those with minimal cooking experience.

Michelle Beadle

These meals are very easy to use; simply open the package, remove the desiccant pack, and pour in water. I filtered cold water from an alpine lake directly into this packaging and had no trouble with hydration. The only way to make this easier would be to add a way to measure the water within the packaging. I had to estimate as I was filtering the water in.

Emily Parnay

I love not having to turn on a stove, especially on hot days or on long day hikes. Soaking in cold water makes meals seamless and effortless. Also works great as a lunch because of this. 

Nutritional Value

Michael Reilly

With 15g of protein and 440 calories, the Carrot-Ginger Power Bowl offers a nutritious option that provides ample energy for active individuals. The inclusion of hemp hearts as a complete protein source, along with a variety of vegetables, makes this meal not only filling but also packs a ton of nutrients.  I found the portion size to be adequate, but for those who eat more and need more calories, you may have to supplement this with a bit more food. 

Michelle Beadle

I love the idea of getting in a good amount of veggies while in the backcountry along with 15 grams of protein.  It is also lower in sodium than a traditional freeze dried meal, making rehydrating after a long day a bit easier.  One thing I appreciate most about the Good-to-Go meals are the clean ingredients, which makes traveling with food allergies much easier. My only critique for this meal is that maltodextrin is listed twice in the ingredients without specifying what it is derived from, making the safety of this meal unclear for anyone with a corn allergy.

Emily Parnay

This meal has a higher nutrient content than most dehydrated meals. Hemp is a powerhouse and I love the creativity with using this as a base for dehydrated meals. The vitamins combined with the protein content make for a holistic meal. 

Quality

Michael Reilly

One thing I love about Good To-Go is that the ingredients are of high quality, with a freshness in the taste and texture. I can pronounce all the ingredients on the label, so I know that is both healthy and free from artificial additives. The chef behind these meals worked at Michelen-Star restaurants, and you can tell because the flavors are so well balanced and delicious.

Michelle Beadle

The flavor along with the texture of the veggies after rehydration make it clear only quality ingredients are used. This meal is a great option for a lunch on the go or lighter dinner. Being able to eat clean while away from home is a huge plus!

Emily Parnay

The food quality overall is decent, though not something I’d be craving at the end of a long day. While it doesn’t look very appetizing when in the bag, it still has a decent flavor; I would almost describe it as similar to sushi. However, the texture could be adjusted to make it more enjoyable.

Packaging Durability/Packability

Michael Reilly

The packaging is sturdy and designed for outdoor use, withstanding the rigors of travel in a backpack without tearing or leaking. It’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack and carry, ideal for hiking trips or other adventures where space and weight are considerations.  I tossed one in my bag while doing a long mountain bike trail and never had any issues with rips or leaks and hardly noticed the weight.

Michelle Beadle

The packaging held up great. Whether tossed in the bottom of my backpack and subject to abuse or stuffed in an outside pocket exposed to the elements, I had no problems with tears or holes. Weighing in at just 3.4 ounces, these meals are very easy to carry.  They also fold up nicely once empty, making packing out a breeze.

Emily Parnay

I love the smaller size of Good To-Go packages. Compared to other brands such as Nomad Nutrition, they are more packable. As for durability, the seal broke easily on one of the packages when opening it. In the future, it could be reinforced to be more effective for rehydration purposes.

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