Discover simple, nutritious, and satisfying food ideas perfect for van life—no matter how small your kitchen setup is.
Van life is gaining serious momentum in Australia and around the world, offering a unique blend of freedom, adventure, and connection with nature.
But while the lifestyle promises dreamy beachside mornings and open-road escapes, it also comes with a few practical hurdles—especially when it comes to eating well whilst on the go.
Here’s how to eat healthy on the road depending on your van setup, and how to keep meals nutritious and simple no matter where the road takes you.
If You Have Electricity: Think Fresh, Chilled, and Balanced
Vans equipped with a solar-powered system or electric hookup offer the most flexibility.
With access to a fridge and sometimes even a blender or mini rice cooker, this setup allows for a more varied and nutritious diet.
What to stock:
- Fresh produce like spinach, cucumbers, zucchini, berries and avocados
- Pre-cooked grains like brown rice or quinoa
- Greek yoghurt and nut milk
- Eggs and tofu
- Cheese, hummus, and homemade dressings
- Frozen fruit for smoothies
Easy meal ideas:
- Smoothie breakfast with frozen berries, banana, spinach, and protein powder
- Tofu scramble with sautéed veggies and avocado on sourdough
- Quinoa salad bowls with chickpeas, roasted sweet potato, greens, and tahini
- Greek yoghurt parfaits with seeds, berries and honey
Having electricity means you can prep larger portions and store leftovers safely—ideal for batch cooking a veggie curry or a pasta dish that lasts a couple of days.
If You Have a Gas Stove: Master One-Pan Wonders
A gas stove, whether it’s a built-in two-burner or a portable camping stove, is the real hero of van kitchens.
It opens the door to cooking warm, hearty meals—even with limited ingredients.
What to stock:
- Canned beans, lentils, tuna or salmon
- Dried pasta, couscous, oats and instant rice
- Onions, garlic, carrots, and other sturdy vegetables
- Olive oil, herbs, and spices
- Eggs and wraps
Easy meal ideas:
- One-pan stir fry with canned chickpeas, zucchini, onion, and tamari
- Breakfast oats with banana and peanut butter
- Shakshuka-style eggs cooked in canned tomatoes and spices
- Wraps with sautéed veggies and tuna or lentils
Claudia Salinas, a Sydney-based nutritionist and camping enthusiast, recommends making the most of one-pan meals. “They’re easy to clean, waste very little water, and you can always add greens or legumes to boost nutrition,” she says.
If You Have a Fridge: Think Variety and Volume
A working fridge—whether electric or 12V—can elevate any road trip diet. It means fresh meals, less spoilage, and more variety.
What to stock:
- Pre-washed salad greens
- Cooked brown rice or barley
- Coconut milk, pesto or curry paste
- Leftovers for easy reheating
- Hard-boiled eggs or frittata slices
Easy meal ideas:
- Mason jar salads prepped ahead with dressing at the bottom
- Coconut veggie curry made in a single pan and stored for later
- Cold soba noodle bowls with peanut sauce, cucumber and tofu
- Rice paper rolls with veg, mint and a simple dipping sauce
Cold storage also means you can keep skin-loving extras like chia pudding, kombucha, or collagen smoothies on hand for beauty-from-within benefits.
If You Only Have an Esky/Cooler: Keep It Minimal But Fresh
If there’s no fridge or electric hookup, a well-packed esky and strategic shopping can still go a long way—especially for weekend or shorter trips. Just plan to restock every 1–2 days.
What to stock:
- Pre-chopped veggies in containers
- Hard cheeses like feta or halloumi
- Boiled eggs
- Fruit like apples, oranges and berries
- Hummus and dips
- Cooked quinoa or couscous in jars
Easy meal ideas:
- Cold grain salad with olive oil, lemon, and chickpeas
- Egg and veggie wraps
- Fruit and nut snack boxes
- No-cook yoghurt bowls with granola and fruit
Dry goods like nuts, seeds, rice cakes, and protein powder can fill the nutritional gaps, especially when paired with what’s in the esky.
Smart Travel Tips for Eating Well in a Van:
- Shop local: Markets often have cheaper and fresher produce than supermarkets.
- Store smart: Use containers to prevent spills and organise by meal.
- Cook once, eat twice: Save time and gas by doubling up.
- Spice it up: A mini spice kit can transform even the simplest ingredients.
- Hydrate: Always carry plenty of water, especially when free camping.
Need ideas for your next trip? Check out this article.
