Aye Up dave89,
Taste preference is so individual that 'best' will differ from person to person.
Commercially produced stews are most likely a compromise between the quality of ingredients and the price that it can be marketed for.
Plus - the commercial stuff is likely to have some kind of preservative in it - especially tinned or boil-in-bag. (Take something to mask it i.e. Tabasco/Lea & Perrins).
Depending on how long you intend to be out for have you thought about making your own stew and putting it in Lakeland Boil-in-Bags? (You can freeze it until you need it).
I've just trial-ed x 3 350gram home made meals as above for Friday & Saturday p.m. meals and one for Sunday lunch. (Chilli; Shepherds Pie Filling; Bol).
I sealed all three in an old ice cream container with a freezer block in it and they were fine.
I reheated them up on a SAT for 10 mins
Got a beef and a venison stew still to be tested - when the weather gets colder.