The Case for Freeze-Dried Foods

What Exactly is Freeze-Dried Food?

Freeze-dried food undergoes a unique preservation process that keeps it lightweight, nutrient-dense, and ready for long-term storage.

Here’s how it works: first, the food is flash-frozen at very low temperatures to lock in freshness. Then, it goes into a vacuum chamber where the ice crystals within the food transition straight from solid to vapor, skipping the liquid stage entirely.

This process, known as lyophilization, removes about 98% of the food’s moisture while maintaining its original structure, color, flavor, and nutritional content.

Unlike traditional drying, freeze-drying keeps food tasting close to fresh and makes it shelf-stable for decades when properly stored.

Disclosure

First, a quick disclosure: I am an authorized retailer for ReadyWise foods.

I’ve used their products in the past and found the taste and consistency to be a cut above others I’ve tried.

When I launched Sunshine Preppers, ReadyWise was the first vendor I approached, hoping to partner with a brand I trusted. I’m so glad they said yes!

Now that we’re clear on my connection to ReadyWise, let’s look at the pros and cons of freeze-dried food, starting with the drawbacks.

The Drawbacks of Freeze-Dried Food

While freeze-dried food offers a lot of benefits, it does have a few notable drawbacks. Following are some of the main considerations:

Cost

Freeze-dried food tends to be pricier than other preserved foods, like canned goods or dehydrated meals.

The process is energy-intensive, and the long shelf life comes at a premium.

However, for many, the investment balances out with the security and convenience it provides in an emergency.

Dependency on Water

To make freeze-dried food edible, you’ll need clean water to rehydrate it.

In situations where water is limited, relying on freeze-dried food can become a challenge.

It’s smart to include extra water in your emergency storage if you plan to use freeze-dried meals.

Texture and Taste Changes

While freeze-dried food retains much of its flavor, some foods can have a slightly altered texture or taste once rehydrated.

It’s not a dealbreaker, but it can take some getting used to if you’re used to fresh or canned versions.

Storage Needs

For maximum shelf life, freeze-dried food should be stored in a cool, dry place. This can be challenging in hot, humid climates, where controlling temperature and moisture can be tough.

Allergens and Dietary Restrictions

In the past, freeze-dried meals often had limited options, leaving people with food allergies or dietary restrictions with few choices.

The good news? Today, many companies, including ReadyWise, offer gluten-free, organic and even vegan options, so it’s easier to find meals that meet specific dietary needs.

The Benefits of Freeze-Dried Food

Now, let’s talk about why freeze-dried food has become so popular in the prepping world. Here are some of the standout advantages:

Exceptional Shelf Life

Freeze-dried food can last up to 25–30 years when stored properly. Unlike traditional canned goods that need rotating every few years, freeze-dried meals provide long-term peace of mind with minimal maintenance.

Lightweight and Portable

Without water, freeze-dried food is incredibly lightweight. This makes it easy to store, stack, and transport. For anyone with limited storage space or who needs food that’s easy to grab and go, freeze-dried is a top choice.

Nutritional Retention

Freeze-drying preserves up to 97% of a food’s nutrients, meaning you get a meal packed with vitamins, minerals, and calories when you need them most. It also keeps the food’s color, flavor, and structure intact, so it looks and tastes close to fresh when rehydrated.

Quick and Easy Preparation

With freeze-dried food, preparation is simple—just add water, and your meal is ready.

While hot water rehydrates food the quickest and brings out the best flavors, cold water will also work in a pinch, though rehydration will take about twice as long.

If you’re on the move, you can even add water to your meal in a sealed container and let it rehydrate gradually as you go.

Personally, I find that the hotter the water, the better the food tastes—and I like my meals nice and hot!

Many freeze-dried foods, like fruits and veggies can also be snacked on without rehydrating, making them a handy, no-prep, eat-on-the-go option.

Variety of Options

Freeze-dried meals now come in a wide variety, from breakfasts to full dinners and even snacks, making it easier than ever to find options that suit your tastes.

Freeze-dried foods are also available as gluten-free, lactose-free, vegetarian, and vegan meals, so there’s something for everyone.

Compact Storage

Freeze-dried food packs down into smaller containers than most other preserved foods, letting you maximize your storage space. This makes it ideal for both home storage and emergency kits.

These benefits make freeze-dried food a versatile and valuable addition to any prepping plan.

Why Include Freeze-Dried Foods in Your Storage Plan?

After exploring many food storage methods, I’ve come to see freeze-dried foods as an essential part of a well-rounded approach.

While canned goods, dried foods, and fresh produce from the garden are all valuable, freeze-dried foods bring unique benefits to any emergency preparedness strategy.

Imagine facing a long-term power outage where frozen foods spoil, or needing to evacuate quickly and bring only lightweight essentials.

In times when cooking isn’t feasible, having freeze-dried meals you can prepare with just water can make all the difference.

Integrating Freeze-Dried Foods with Your Current Storage

Adding freeze-dried food is easiest when it’s part of an overall storage plan.

Start with the basics: use the First In, First Out (FIFO) system for your shorter-shelf-life items, keep a garden for fresh produce, and rely on canned goods for medium-term storage.

Freeze-dried food is perfect for the long haul, so it rounds out the plan as a reliable, high-nutrition backup.

Getting Started

If freeze-dried food is new to you, consider starting small.

Pick a few meals your family already enjoys, and test them in regular conditions so everyone gets familiar with the taste and preparation.

Over time, gradually build up your supply, focusing on meals that fit your needs and preferences.

Be sure to store your freeze-dried foods in cool, dry conditions to maximize their shelf life and keep them tasting fresh.

Can I Freeze-Dry My Own Foods? 

Yes, you can freeze-dry your own food!

Freeze-drying at home can be a fantastic way to preserve your harvest or favorite meals, but it does require specific equipment and a bit of know-how.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s involved:

Investing in a Freeze-Dryer

To freeze-dry food at home, you’ll need a specialized freeze-drying machine. These home freeze dryers are designed for home use and remove nearly all moisture while keeping the food’s structure and nutritional content intact.

Home freeze-dryers range in size and price, often costing between $2,000 and $4,000 depending on capacity and features.

They’re a significant investment but can pay off if you freeze-dry large quantities of food.

The Freeze-Drying Process

• Preparation: Start by prepping your food. Cut fruits, vegetables, or meats into small, even pieces. Blanching some vegetables, like broccoli and carrots, before freeze-drying can help retain color and texture.
• Freezing: Once your food is prepared, the freeze-dryer takes over. The machine first freezes the food at extremely low temperatures, typically between -30°F and -50°F.
• Vacuum and Sublimation: After freezing, the machine creates a vacuum and applies a small amount of heat. This process, called sublimation, turns the ice in the food directly into vapor without going through the liquid stage, preserving its structure and nutrients.
• Finishing: The process can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, depending on the food and the machine. Once it’s done, the food should be dry, crispy, and light. Store it immediately in airtight containers or mylar bags with oxygen absorbers to maximize shelf life.

Storage and Shelf Life

Properly freeze-dried and stored food can last 20–25 years, making it a great option for long-term storage. Keep it in a cool, dark place, and check periodically for any signs of moisture.

Benefits and Considerations

The main advantage of home freeze-drying is it allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring no added preservatives or artificial flavors. Plus, you get to freeze-dry meals and snacks exactly to your taste.

However, freeze-drying at home requires a time commitment and energy cost. Additionally, home freeze-dryers can be noisy, so be prepared for the hum of the machine while it’s running.

Is It Worth It?

If you’re serious about long-term food storage or like the idea of preserving large batches from your garden, investing in a freeze-dryer can be worthwhile.

It gives you flexibility and control, allowing you to freeze-dry everything from fruits and vegetables to full meals.

Final Thoughts

I advocate for a diverse approach to food storage, including home canning and garden growing.  Freeze-dried food has earned its place in my preparedness strategy. 

Its combination of long shelf life, nutritional value, and convenience makes it an invaluable addition to any emergency food supply.

Remember: The best emergency food is the food you know how to use and will actually eat. Take time to sample and familiarize yourself with these products before investing heavily in them.

What's your experience with freeze-dried foods? Have you incorporated them into your emergency preparedness plan? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you would like to read articles I've written in the past regarding food storage, please see:

• Building a Long-Term Food Pantry
• Building Your Food Supply
• Mastering FIFO

Additional Resources:

• Backdoor Survival:  The Big Deal About Freeze Dried Food
  
• Penn State Extension:  Let's Preserve:  Freeze-Drying
• ReadyWise:  Freeze Dried Food