Every year, starting around August, we get inundated with burners planning food for the upcoming festival. We’ve put together this page to help answer some common questions we get from newbie burners planning food for their first burn.
Food Self-Reliance
Burning Man participants should be self-reliant, especially when it comes to food. Because there are no vendors selling meals, you are responsible for bringing and preparing all your own food and drinks. Although sharing food is a big part of the community, you should not rely on others for your meals. While some camps offer communal meals, relying on them is risky because the offerings are limited and not guaranteed.
The harsh desert environment means food should be simple, non-perishable, and easy to prepare. Many people bring dehydrated meals, snacks, and plenty of water. If you prepare well, you’ll have good food and can enjoy the festival without worrying about what to eat.
When you plan your meals for Burning Man, choose non-perishable foods that are simple to make and clean up after.
What types of food work best at Black Rock Desert?
Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare foods such as dehydrated or freeze-dried meals, canned goods, nuts, dried fruit, and durable fresh produce work well. Here are some food ideas that are convenient, nutritious, and practical for a self-sufficient festival trip:
- Dehydrated or Freeze-Dried Meals: Lightweight and convenient, just add hot water for a quick meal. Backpacking brands offer a variety of options. Look for brands that offer bulk meal mixes to reduce packaging waste and save money.
- Dried Eggs: Powdered eggs are perfect for making scrambled eggs and pancakes. Look for whole powdered eggs to get the closest replacement to fresh eggs.
- Canned Goods: Items like chili, beans, and soup don’t require extra water to prepare and are filling. The empty steel cans are difficult to crush, and the bulk quickly adds up.
- Instant Grains: Couscous, instant rice, instant pasta, and ramen noodles cook fast without simmering, saving fuel. Just boil water and cover while they sit. Dried pesto and cheese powder pair well with pasta, quinoa, or couscous.
- Shelf-stable Snacks: Trail mix, granola bars, dried fruit, jerky, and nuts are ideal for quick, on-the-go snacks.
- Fresh Produce That Keeps: Apples, melons, oranges and other citrus fruits, avocados, celery, bell peppers, carrots, tomatoes, zucchini, potatoes, and snap peas last several days without a fridge. Note: Most whole, uncut produce can safely sit out at room temperature for up to 7 days when kept out of direct sunlight. Once produce is cut, consume it as soon as possible.
- Powdered Cheese or Hard Cheeses: Hard cheeses that can be easily grated and crumbled, such as aged cheddar, parmesan, gruyère, and romano, typically keep for 1 to 3 days without refrigeration. At higher temperatures (above 80°F), they spoil more quickly. Powdered cheese is a better bet.
- Tortillas or flatbreads: These hold up better than regular bread and work well for wraps. You can also pair them with no-cook freeze-dried salads or burrito stuffers from Outdoor Herbivore.
- Nut Butters: Peanut or almond butter provides protein and goes well with crackers or bread.
- Electrolyte drinks and powders: It’s important to stay hydrated, and these mixes are easy to add to your water.
- Coffee and tea: Instant coffee or tea bags are light to pack and make mornings on the playa more comfortable. Instant or freeze-dried coffee eliminates coffee grounds waste.
Bring enough water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Make cleanup easy by using a small basin for washing dishes and a plant-based, biodegradable Castile soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s. After cleaning, strain out any food bits and pack them with your trash. Collect gray water in a separate container and never pour it on the ground. Take all your trash and used water with you to keep the playa clean.
Use these common questions and answers to quickly find practical guidance.
Food, cooking, cleaning, and waste at Burning Man
Q: Do I need to bring all my own food to Burning Man?
A: Yes, you are responsible for bringing all the food and water you’ll need for your stay. There are no on-site food vendors for general participants.
Q: Can I share or trade food?
A: Sharing is part of the community, but don’t expect trades to be a reliable food source. Always have enough for yourself.
Q: Are there communal meals or free food available?
A: Some theme camps offer communal meals or gifts of food, but these are not guaranteed. Don’t rely on them as your main food source.
Q: How much water should I bring?
A: Bring 1.5 gallons (24 cups, about 5.7 liters) per person per day for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Q: Can I cook at my camp?
A: Yes, use a stable, fire-resistant surface and avoid open fires. Many participants bring camp stoves or portable grills. Recommended cooking gear includes compact camp stoves that use propane or butane canisters, such as single- or double-burner Coleman models. Useful utensils include a small pot for boiling water, a pan, a heat-resistant spatula or spoon, a cutting board, a sharp knife, and a can opener. Backpacking gear is the most compact to transport, while camping kitchen sets are heavier and more durable. Follow all safety guidelines and clean up thoroughly. Collapsible dish tubs and a sponge make cleanup easier.
Q: How do I keep perishable food from spoiling or drinks cold?
A: Use ice chests with block ice. The melted ice water can be used for cleaning. Dry ice keeps everything cleaner, but you’ll need at least 50 pounds for continuous cooling over 5 days for a large cooler. Check dry ice availability at grocery stores near Reno. Better yet, avoid items that spoil in heat by bringing shelf-stable and dried foods.
Q: What do I do with food waste?
A: Pack out all trash, including food scraps. Burning Man follows Leave No Trace principles, so nothing should be left behind.
