NOMaste: Vibrant Small Batch Indian-Inspired Trail Meals

Ali Becker
Neha founder of NOMaste freeze-dried meals

 

Neha Bressers never set out to reinvent trail food—but when bland, uninspired outdoor meals left her craving the bold flavors of home on a canoe trip in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters a few years back, the idea for her brand NOMaste was planted.

“It was just me and my husband, Scott, soaking in perfect weather, quiet lakes, and freeze-dried meal packs that left me craving the flavors I grew up with,” reminisces Neha. “I had everything I loved—nature, peace, my favorite person—but missed home-cooked food. That stuck with me.”

The very same problem resurfaced years later as she hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). “I brought homemade meals that didn’t last and ended up hungry and very motivated,” says Neha. “I decided it was finally time to create a solution for outdoor enthusiasts who want real, nourishing food without compromise.” 

With support from friends and family, Neha launched NOMaste—a vibrant line of small-batch, plant-powered freeze-dried meals, sparked by those moments of culinary homesickness and a deep-down knowing that she could make trail food better, bolder, and truly satisfying.

 

 

Officially launched in September 2024 from a cozy commercial kitchen in Northeast Minneapolis, NOMaste delivers bold, globally inspired flavors designed to nourish adventurers on the trail and beyond.

“There’s a flavor gap the size of Everest in most vegan outdoor meals,” Neha notes. “Black beans and rice are fine…until you’ve had them for three straight days.” NOMaste fills that gap with hearty dishes like lentils, vibrant veggies, and spices that reflect Neha’s Indian heritage.

Each meal is freeze-dried—a method chosen specifically for its nutrient retention and flavor preservation, keeping 97% of the original nutrition intact. “What you taste is exactly what I made: whole veggies, lentils, legumes, spices, and grains—no preservatives,” Neha proudly explains.

The journey from idea to product was equal parts passion, chaos, and joy. 

 

Freeze-Dried vegan plant-based backpacking meals - coconut curry

 

Recipe testing became a family affair when Neha’s sister flew in for the holidays, tackling 15-20 dishes in a whirlwind cooking marathon designed to unearth the nostalgic flavours of home.

“The best part? I lived off those meals for weeks,” Neha laughs. “My pantry was empty, but my belly was full.

Flavor was the easy part. “Growing up in India, I'm fluent in bold,” smiles Neha. “Spicy, sour, sweet, tangy—it’s all fair game. The tricky part was finding the right ingredients to give hikers and backpackers what they actually need: good calories, complete protein, and lasting energy.”

Her current lineup—which includes a protein-packed Biryani, a vibrant vegan Coconut Chickpea Curry with rice, and a tender Tofu Tikka Masala—has been shaped by extensive testing, honest feedback from friends, and some opinionated but helpful Reddit users.

 

Indian vegan backpacking meals for camping Nomaste

 

“Everything is made and packaged in Northeast Minneapolis,” explains Neha proudly. “I even walk to my commercial kitchen, it’s that close. Small-batch production means I know exactly what goes into every pouch. It also means the meals are truly handmade, not just hand-touched-by-a-machine."

Today, NOMaste remains a solo operation, squeezed between early mornings and late nights around Neha’s full-time role as a program manager at a medical device company. 

“It’s a tightrope walk,” Neha laughs. “Mornings from 6–8 AM are all NOMaste: responding to orders, updating the site, coordinating production. Evenings are for prepping meals, freeze-drying, and packaging — basically running a tiny food factory in shifts. And somewhere in between, I sleep.

Navigating licenses, food safety regulations, and sustainable packaging has been like earning a second degree for Neha, but every challenge has been balanced by rewarding moments. 

“Every time someone eats a NOMaste meal and says, ‘Wait—this is vegan?’ I do a little happy dance,” Neha smiles. 

 

NOMaste Indian Vegan backpacking meals made in minneapolis

 

As for future goals, Neha has her sights set on refining the processes, products and packaging so that NOMaste can continue to reflect her values, vision and ideals for the future of plant-based trail foods.

“As a solo hiker myself, I’m especially focused on single-serving meals that don’t require splitting or saving,” says Neha. “I'm also continuing to look at ways to improve nutrition, flavor variety, and sustainability especially around packaging.”

“It’s all early-stage, but the goal is to keep evolving while staying true to what NOMaste stands for: real food, real flavor, and thoughtful impact.”

When she’s not crafting meals, you’ll find Neha fostering cats (especially senior or harder-to-place ones), mountain biking, or hiking—though her two rescue cats prefer it when she stays home. 

“It’s a constant battle between ‘go outside’ and ‘snuggle a cat,’” she admits.

Even NOMaste’s name carries Neha’s playful spirit: “Growing up in India, ‘Namaste’ was just how we said hello. Here in the U.S., it gets sprinkled into yoga classes like salt on fries. My husband joked that I should reclaim it, add a little mischief to it. NOMaste was born from that idea. It’s part play on words, part eye-roll, and all love.”

NOMaste isn’t just trail food—it's a flavorful reminder of home, crafted with care and ready to fuel your next adventure.

 

NOMaste Meals on GGG Garage Grown Gear
NOMaste

 

Ali Becker is a freelance writer and adventure storyteller who relishes time spent in the great outdoors. When she isn't hiking, biking or trail running in the mountains, you can find her working as a wellness guide, empowering women to thrive through every cycle of their lives. You can keep up with her latest adventures at @thisisalibecker on Instagram. 

 

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