Fearsome Fuel
In 2016, Jenn lost the use of her legs and was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an often debilitating
autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves). Gradually,
with therapy and medications, she regained the use of her legs. In defiance of her diagnosis, she took up
backpacking. By late 2020, she also began exploring food as a pathway to improving her health.
When she began planning a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail (AT) to raise awareness and funds to help others
fighting MS, she had trouble finding freeze-dried backpacking meals for her health needs. In stepped her AT
hiking partner, Dave, a chef by training, and by the start of the hike in March 2023, he’d created 12 autoimmune-
friendly meals and dubbed them Fearsome Fuel.
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The unfamiliar name sparked curiosity whenever people saw our meals. From conversations on and off-trail, it
became evident there was a need for meals that support autoimmune health, whether in the backcountry,
traveling, or just juggling a busy schedule. Upon completion of the thru-hike, a new adventure began and in 2024
Fearsome Fuel was formally incorporated. All of the meals were revisited and refined to improve the quality of
ingredients. Surveys and taste-testing provided positive feedback and fueled our commitment to making foods
that expand options for people dealing with autoimmune issues.
Our team shares a passion for great food, good company, and the vast outdoors and brings a
range of expertise to Fearsome Fuel–culinary arts, agriculture, and sustainability. Ultimately, we
want to be part of the solution when it comes to offering products that support overall wellness.
Our Mission
To make accessible, sustainably-crafted freeze-dried foods that foster autoimmune health and inspire adventure.
Our Values
​Health and Harmony: When it comes to health, we aim to build a synergy between the foods we eat and how they’re grown. By aligning our efforts with like-minded growers, suppliers, and customers, we seek to promote a more harmonious, sustainable food system.
Resilience and Adventure: Life in general requires resilience and a sense of adventure, even more so when dealing with an autoimmune disease. Wherever your adventures take you, we aim to ‘Fuel Your Body; Fuel Your Adventure with healthy foods so you can ‘Find Your Fearsome.’
Community and Connection: Food unites us, and from supporting those with autoimmune issues to collaborating with farmers and suppliers, we engage communities in ways that support and inspire a healthy lifestyle.
Quality and Accessibility: Our chef-created foods, crafted from high-quality ingredients, offer nutritious, balanced meals and snacks. We are committed to staying abreast of our community’s needs, expanding access to healthy food, and providing food labeling that makes it easy for consumers to make healthy choices.
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Our Team
Jennifer Fear
Chief Executive Officer, Founder
Dave Tillen
Chief Production Officer, Executive Chef