Frequently Asked Questions

What is your return policy?

EarthWave Living’s return policy is no returns on food items unless the product is damaged or defective. If you have a damaged or defective pouch or can, please call 1-888-589-9283 for a return authorization.

What is the difference between the 16oz., 20oz. and 40oz. entrees?

The 16oz. entree is considered a Single-Serve entree and makes 2 cups of food by volume. The 20oz. entree is considered a Double-Serve entree and makes approximately 2 1/2 cups of food by volume. However many people eat this as a single serve item, depending on the necessary caloric intake. The 40oz. entree is considered a Four-Serve entree and makes approximately 5 cups of food by volume. This larger size pouch has two inner preparation pouches inside and can be evenly split between two people.

What is the shelf life of Mountain House products?

Pouches
Based on storage studies conducted over many years, our shelf life is at least 7 years from the date of manufacture if stored properly. For best results, we recommend the pouches be stored unopened in a cool dry area. For more information about our shelf life, please click on product shelf life.
Our Organic Fruit Snacks and ice creams have a 2 year shelf life, if stored properly.

#10 Cans
Our products packed in #10 cans offer a 25+ year shelf life. We have personally tasted product that is 35 years old and it still tastes great! After opening, we recommend using the contents within 1 week for best results and taste. Use the convenient reseal able plastic lid between uses. Treat any leftover food as you would fresh food. For more information about our shelf life, please click on product shelf life.

What happens after the shelf life has expired?

Pouches
We guarantee a 7 year shelf life (under recommended storage conditions) for quality of taste and appearance. After 7 years, as long as the pouch has not been punctured or opened, you might notice a slight difference in taste and appearance.

#10 Cans
We guarantee a 25 year shelf life (under recommended storage conditions) for quality of taste and appearance. After 30 years, as long as the can has not been punctured or opened, you might notice a slight difference in taste and appearance.

How can I read the manufacture date on your products?

The product manufacturing code appears on the back of Mountain House pouches (along the nutritional panel) and on the bottom of Mountain House cans. The date in the code represents the date on which the product was packaged. Starting January of 2001 we are now printing BEST IF USED BY dates on the back of each pouch.

2006 and after:
EXAMPLE: 09349 1324

What is the difference between Mountain House and Marine Cuisine?

The only difference between Mountain House and Marine Cuisine is the packaging. Both brands contain the exact same great tasting meals and 7 year shelf life. The Marine Cuisine is geared towards the boating industry and the Mountain House brand is geared towards the backpacking/camping industry.

How much water is required per pouch?

Pro Pak Entrees - 1 ½ cup boiling
Double Serve Entrees - 2 cups boiling (53171 1 ½ cups boiling)
Vegetables - 1 cup boiling
Breakfast - 1 cup boiling (53449 - ½ cup cold)
Desserts:
Rasp Crumble - 1 1/3 cup boiling
Chocolate Strawberry Crunch - 2 cups Cold
Blueberry Cheesecake - 1/4 cup Boiling, 1 cup Cold

Does Mountain House use ingredients from China?

Mountain House purchases hundreds of ingredients from all over the world. Out of the hundreds of ingredients we use, there are only 3 ingredients from China. These 3 ingredients are used in the following flavors: Spicy Oriental, Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki.  

It is a simple combination of powdered food grade iron and magnesium. When salt water is poured on the heater pad the Food Heater releases enough heat to warm-up a pre-cooked meal 100 degrees Fahrenheit in approximately 10 minutes. This patented technology generates an exothermic, electro chemical reaction. Spent heaters are biodegradable and easily disposed of as ordinary household waste, with no toxic materials.