Cooking in a van is all about working with what you have. Whether you’re keeping it simple with the bare essentials, upgrading for more versatility, or living large with a fully-equipped kitchen, you can still eat great meals on the road.
This post covers:
✔️ Van kitchen setups from basic to high-end
✔️ Shopping tips & must-have ingredients
✔️ Easy meal ideas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
✔️ Simple cooking hacks to save time and space
Van Kitchen Setups: From Minimalist to Fully Equipped
Your setup depends on space, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of different setups:
Basic Setup: Simple & Minimalist
For travelers who want to keep it light, affordable, and efficient.
Limitations: No fridge, limited cooking options.
Best for: Quick, no-fuss meals.
- Bottled water for drinking & cooking
- Water heating element (electric) or small propane stove + pot
- Collapsible sink for easy storage
- Basic disposables (paper plates, plastic utensils, trash bags)
- Essential spices: salt, pepper, garlic powder
- Small cooler + ice from gas stations
Example Meals: Instant noodles, oatmeal, sandwiches, salads with canned tuna or beans
Mid-Range Setup: A Functional Kitchen
For those who cook often and want a balance of convenience and efficiency.
Limitations: Still requires ice or limited refrigeration.
Best for: Cooking regularly with fresh ingredients.
- Butane or propane stove (single or double burner)
- Small sink or water pump system
- Advanced spices: chili flakes, taco seasoning, Italian herbs
- Crockpot for slow cooking & baking
- 12V cooler for longer food storage
- Few pots, pans & reusable dishes
- Pantry staples: pasta, rice, canned goods, nut butter, shelf-stable proteins
Example Meals: Tacos, pasta with ground turkey, stir-fry, grilled cheese
High-End Setup: A Full Van Kitchen
For full-time vanlifers who love to cook and want all the comforts of home.
Limitations: Requires more power & space.
Best for: Cooking almost anything on the road.
- Full kitchen with counter space
- Oven & stove combo for baking and roasting
- Air fryer for quick, crispy meals
- 12V fridge/freezer (no need for ice)
- Full equipment selection: multiple pans, knives, cutting boards, storage containers
Example Meals: Roasted chicken, homemade pizza, baked desserts
Smart Shopping Strategies for Vanlife Cooking
Since storage is limited, shopping strategically saves money, space, and food waste.
1. Buy Multi-Use Ingredients
Choose foods that can be used in multiple meals:
✔️ Tortillas – Wraps, tacos, quesadillas, breakfast burritos
✔️ Ground meat (turkey, sausage, or beef) – Tacos, pasta, scrambles
✔️ Canned beans & vegetables – Long shelf life, easy to add to meals
✔️ Instant rice or pasta – Quick to cook and pairs with anything
2. Shop in Small Quantities
- Since fridge space is limited, buy only what you can eat before it spoils.
- Stick to fresh produce & proteins that last a few days at a time.
3. Find Budget-Friendly Stores
- Dollar stores – Spices, snacks, and pantry staples
- Walmart & Aldi – Affordable fresh produce & proteins
- Local markets – Great for fresh food & supporting small vendors
Vanlife Cooking Hacks: Save Time, Space & Effort
1. Spice It Up Without Taking Up Space
A small spice kit can turn bland meals into something flavorful. Stick to versatile options like:
✔️ Garlic & onion powder – Works for almost any dish
✔️ Chili flakes & paprika – Adds heat and depth
✔️ Pre-mixed blends – Taco seasoning, Italian herbs, Cajun spice
Tip: Store spices in small, stackable containers or reuse Tic-Tac boxes for easy access.
2. Ziplock Bag Hacks: Your Secret Weapon
Ziplock bags are a space-saving, mess-free solution for storage and food prep:
✔️ Marinate on the go – Toss meat or tofu in a bag with seasoning
✔️ Mix & store ingredients – Pancake batter, salad dressing, or scrambled eggs
✔️ Organize dry goods – Portion rice, oats, coffee, or trail mix
✔️ Mini trash bags – Use them for easy cleanup after meals
Tip: Label bags with a Sharpie to track contents and dates.
3. Instant Packets for Quick & Easy Meals
Single-serving packets are perfect for vanlife because they require little prep and no refrigeration:
✔️ Instant mashed potatoes, rice, pasta and more. – Add water & season for a side dish or entrée
✔️ Ramen noodles – Upgrade with an egg, veggies, or leftover protein
✔️ Oatmeal – Mix in nuts, dried fruit, or peanut butter for extra nutrition
Tip: Reduce sodium by choosing plain varieties and seasoning them yourself.
4. Minimize Dishes & Cleanup
When space and water are limited, cutting down on dirty dishes is a must:
✔️ Cook one-pot meals – Fewer dishes, faster cleanup
✔️ Use tortillas or lettuce wraps – Skip the plate altogether
✔️ Line pans with foil – Makes post-meal cleanup effortless
Tip: Keep a small spray bottle of soapy water for quick wipe-downs.
Easy Vanlife Meal Ideas
Breakfast
- Scramble skillet: Eggs, veggies, and protein in one pan
- Breakfast sandwiches or burritos
- Oatmeal with peanut butter, dried fruit, and nuts
Lunch
- Deli sandwiches: Turkey, cheese, mustard, lettuce
- PB&J
- Salads with pre-cooked chicken, tuna, or hard-boiled eggs
Dinner
- Easy pasta: Pasta, jarred sauce, and a protein
- Steak or chicken thighs
- Tacos or quesadillas
Final Thoughts: Cooking on the Road Should Be Easy
Vanlife cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you have a basic setup or a full kitchen, smart shopping and a few key tools can help you make delicious meals with ease.
By keeping things simple, versatile, and space-conscious, you’ll be able to eat well while traveling—without the hassle.
What are your favorite vanlife meals? Drop a comment below!
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