I don't like eating out of a bag, so I use a 2-cup Ziploc screw-top container with a cozy made from an auto sunshield (less than 2oz. combined). I'm not a big eater, so if I use a freeze-dried meal, I divide it in two ahead of time and rehydrate in the bowl.
It stays hot longer, so I can rehydrate a bit longer if needed. As you mentioned, a hot drink is possible this way also. It takes up some space, but a small fuel cartridge fits nicely in it.

So I guess I'm in the drier-garbage camp (pun intended).
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Always remember that you are absolutely unique, just like everybody else. -Margaret Mead