Natural High is good. Backpacker's Pantry is pretty good to.

No matter what kind, I repackage everything. The original packaging takes up WAY too much space and just remains as extra garbage to deal with.

I'll add a maybe a tbsp more water (for the three minute boil). Simmer any meat chunks for two minutes. If everything is mixed together I'll only simmer a minute. A pot cozy or even hot pads on the top and bottom of the pot for the 10 min re-hydration also helps avoid any nasty hard chunks and keeps stuff warmer.

I've only cooked in the pouch once. That was a never ever again IMO.