The TORQ Tomato and Basil pasta is easy to digest and has authentic tomato flavours, says Gemma Palmer.

Flipping over the packet on the TORQ Tomato and Basil pasta, it’s clear they prioritise functional fuel over empty calories.

Gemma Palmer’s verdict

If you prioritise gut health and easy digestion, this is a sophisticated, albeit chewy, option for your next adventure.
Pros
  • precision nutrition
  • gut-friendly
  • authentic tomato flavour
Cons
  • bitty texture of pea protein
  • lengthy prep time
Quick specs
Price: £8.95 (available from Base Camp Food)
Weight: 152g
Calories: 522 kcal
Calories/100g: 344 kcal
Calories/£1: 58 kcal
Time to hydrate: 15 mins
Vegetarian/vegan: Yes
basecampfood.com

They have laid out the simple ingredients split into high carbs for energy, balanced protein for recovery, and low fats, things I look for to aid easy digestion while I’m on the move. The packaging is built to endure the dramas of my tightly packed rucksack. On test, I was weary and fumbling with a stove in fading light and two thoughtful touches really stood out to me. The ability to expel air to save pack space and the ‘fingerprint’ icon for the water fill line – a brilliant visual cue.

However, don’t be tempted to rush the clock. Even after ten minutes, the penne was still hard in places, and the pea protein hadn’t fully softened even at the maximum time mark. While the texture of the vegan pea protein is a compromise in my eyes, the nutritional trade-off is significant. It’s naturally lactose and gluten-free, which saves me from the bloating I often get from dairy, and it provides an iron-rich, hypoallergenic source that actually keeps me full.

That said, I genuinely look forward to my dinner as a treat on the trip. So because of that stubborn texture, this would be the last bag I’d reach for if I had a choice of meals in my kit. Eating straight from the pack, the dish delivers a punchy hit of authentic tomato and a subtle hint of basil. The ridged penne traps the sauce well, so it feels substantial rather than watery. It loses marks for the inconsistent texture. If you prioritise gut health and easy digestion, this is a sophisticated, albeit chewy, option for your next adventure.

How we tested

Gemma prioritises flavour over calorie-density. She tested in autumn and early winter, in temperatures between 4-15°C, from the breezy viewpoints of the Cambridgeshire hills to relaxing in a van by the banks of the Great Ouse.

This review was first published in the March 2026 issue of The Great Outdoors. You can compare it with others in our guide to the best backpacking meals.