Back Country Cuisine freeze-dried meals are formulated to meet the high energy needs of outdoor activities. They provide a careful balance of carbohydrates and sugars for instant energy, protein to replenish exhausted muscles and oils and fat to provide an energy store (oils and fats are kept within the recommended maximum of 30% of total energy). The Back Country Creamy Carbonara 1 Serve features: 310g serve: 90g packet weight + 220mL water 1600kj / 382 calories per serve 11.9g protein per serve 3 year shelf life No added MSG. Back Country Cuisine uses their Freeze Dri process to make delicious meals that can be prepared in their packet within 10 minutes once adding boiling water. Freeze drying retains food's natural vitamins because of the low temperatures used in processing. In the freeze drying process, crystals of frozen ice in the food are sublimed (evaporated) to water vapour in a vacuum chamber. The result is a completely dry product that does not shrink during the drying process. When prepared for eating, the water quickly gets into the pores left by the ice crystals to give a juicy, tender food product. After packing, the food is heat-sealed in foil pouches from which all the air has been removed and replaced with nitrogen gas. This keeps the food safe and flavoursome for at least three years without the need for preservatives.