One of the most common questions from people interested in vanlife is related to cooking and preparing food while living in a van. Vanlife definitely offers a sense of freedom, adventure, and simplicity, but when it comes to food, it can be a bit challenging. People who live in a van don't always have the same access to kitchen appliances, grocery stores, and restaurants as those who live in a traditional home. But that doesn't mean that they can't enjoy delicious and healthy meals. In this response, we will explore the different options for food when living in a van, but it’s important to note that everyone’s situation will be different depending on a few factors such as your van’s features, appliances and capabilities and a few others that we’ll get into.
Before we dive into the specifics of what people do for food when living in a van, it's important to understand that there are different types of vanlife. Some people choose to live in their van full-time, while others live in a van part-time or on weekends. The type of vanlife you choose will impact how you approach food. For example, if you're living in a van full-time, you'll need to think more about long-term food storage and cooking options. If you're only using your van for short trips, you can focus more on quick and easy meal options.
Cooking in a van
One of the most common options for food when living in a van is to cook your meals. Many vanlifers tend to cook more often than not given the cost savings and convenience of not having to move parking spots or locations. While you might not have a full kitchen in your van, there are still plenty of ways to prepare food. If you do have a full kitchen in your rig - meaning an oven, stovetop, fridge, sink etc, then cooking is hardly different than if you were in a home; just be sure to open your van or ventilation system when you cook! Here are some of the most popular options for people that may not have a fully built-in kitchen:
Propane Stove: A propane stove is a popular choice for cooking in a van. It's portable, easy to use, and can be fueled by small propane canisters. Some models even come with built-in ovens, allowing you to bake food as well. Some are incredibly small and can be convenient if you’re short on space or you’re not cooking anything super complex - take a look at JetBoils and similar types of gadgets.
Instant Pot: An Instant Pot is a versatile appliance that can be used to cook a variety of meals. It's a popular choice for vanlife because it's compact and can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more.
Portable Induction Cooktop: If you have access to electricity, a portable induction cooktop is a great option for cooking in a van. It's efficient, safe, and easy to use.
Portable Grill: A portable grill is another option for cooking in a van. You can choose from gas or charcoal grills, and some models even fold up for easy storage.
Campfire: If you're camping in an area where fires are allowed, you can cook your food over an open flame. This is a great option for grilling meat or vegetables.
Food storage in a van
When it comes to food storage, vanlife requires a bit more planning than traditional living. Here are some options for food storage when living in a van:
Portable cooler: A cooler is a really popular choice for food storage in a van given the ease of installation. You can choose from a variety of sizes and styles, and some models even come with built-in freezers. The obvious downside to many models would be the need to refill with ice, and the limited time it may be feasible to keep food cold and safe. If you don’t have an electrical system that can support an installed refrigerator, a cooler is the best place to start.
Refrigerator: If you have access to electricity and a reasonable battery setup, a refrigerator is a great option for keeping food fresh. You can choose from portable or built-in models, depending on your needs. For vanlife, these come in all sorts of shapes and sizes - may of which are 12V and well suited for the road.
Netted pantry: A pantry is a great way to store non-perishable items like canned goods, dried pasta, and snacks. You can use baskets, shelves, or cabinets to keep your food organized. As you’ll be driving a lot, many people put mesh or netting across their pantry opening to keep food from falling out / getting disorganized. If you plan to leave your van doors open frequently for fresh airflow or a nice view, make sure to have some sort of enclosure for your food storage to keep bugs and critters out (ex. a door or lid).
Vacuum Sealer: A vacuum sealer is a great tool for vanlife because it allows you to store food for longer periods of time. You can use it to seal dried meats, vegetables, and even pre-made meals. A major advantage of using a vacuum sealer is the ability to help save space if you’re able to buy items in bulk.
Dehydrator: A dehydrator is another great tool for vanlife because it allows you to make your own snacks like jerky, dried fruits, and trail mix. This will likely be dependent on your electrical system, as some of these may be more energy intensive. Dehydrators can be super useful when living in a van as they help to keep meats and fruits viable for consumption longer - not to mention they make for great trail snacks!
Now that we've explored the different options for cooking and food storage in a van, let's talk about meal planning. Meal planning is an essential part of vanlife, to an even greater extent than in a traditional lifestyle. Planning your meals in advance can help you save time, money, and reduce food waste.
Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time
Before you hit the road, take some time to plan your meals for the week. This is especially important in vanlife, because you need to deliberately consider space available, which can make your shopping trip a bit more thought-intensive.Think about what ingredients you already have on hand and what you need to purchase - making sure that the amount of time you’re planning for is suitable given your amount of storage space. You can create a meal plan using a notebook, app, or spreadsheet. Keeping a grocery list with common items you purchase may be helpful if there are certain items that you find convenient for vanlife (ex. Certain prepared foods, canned vegetables, frozen dishes, etc.)
Consider shopping at local markets
One of the best things about vanlife is the ability to explore new places. Take advantage of this by shopping at local farmers' markets, co-ops, and grocery stores. Not only will you find fresh, local produce, but you'll also support local businesses.
Cook in Bulk
When you have access to a stove or portable grill, consider cooking in bulk to the extent your storage can support it (fridge mostly). This will help you save time and ensure that you have leftovers for the next day's meals - giving you more flexibility to drive to your next location, be outside, work or pursue hobbies
Use tupperware or similar storage containers
Tupperware is perfect for storing food when living in a van. They're durable with no risk of breaking if you hit bumps, airtight, and can be used for everything from storing snacks to prepping meals.
Embrace One-Pot Meals
One-pot meals like stews, soups, and casseroles are perfect for vanlife because they require minimal prep and clean-up. Plus, they can be cooked on a propane stove or in an Instant Pot.
Don't forget snacks
When you're on the road, it's important to have snacks on hand for those long drives. Some healthy options include trail mix, jerky, dried fruit, and nuts.
Consider food safety - which may be more challenging on the road than in a traditional home
Store Food Properly
Whether you're using a cooler or refrigerator, make sure that your food is stored at the proper temperature. Keep raw meat separate from other foods, and use a thermometer to check that food is cooked to the appropriate temperature.
Wash Your Hands
When preparing food, always wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling food.
Use Clean Utensils
Make sure that your utensils, cutting boards, and dishes are clean before using them to prepare food. This can be more burdensome in a van than in a traditional home, because you may need to intentionally boil hot water to thoroughly clean cutting boards or dishes that have been exposed to raw meats.
Keep Your Water Clean
If you're using a water tank or jugs for drinking water, make sure that they are cleaned regularly to prevent bacterial growth. This includes regularly changing the filters if you have a filtration system.
In conclusion, vanlife offers a unique and fulfilling way of living, but it does require some extra planning when it comes to food. Cooking on a propane stove, using a cooler or refrigerator for storage, and meal planning are all essential parts of vanlife. With a little bit of planning and creativity, it's possible to enjoy delicious and healthy meals on the road.