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Dehydrated and Powdered Foods for Long-Term Storage: Types, Storage Tips, and Rehydration Essentials
In the realm of long-term food storage, dehydrated and powdered foods shine as practical, space-saving solutions, that add flexibility, flavor, and variety to meals made from scratch. By removing moisture, these foods become compact, lightweight, and long-lasting, making them ideal for emergency preparedness.
You can purchase ready-made options or create them yourself using tools like dehydrators. While dehydrating or powdering your food takes effort, the payoff is immense—long-lasting, customizable food stores for your family.
In this guide, we’ll explore the types of dehydrated and powdered foods, where to find them, storage methods, the water needed for rehydration, and tips for maximizing shelf-life.
Dehydrated Food Types
Dehydrated foods are versatile and encompass a wide variety of ingredients. Dehydration involves removing 95% of the moisture from vegetables and 80% from fruits, leaving food lightweight and shelf-stable. Options include:
- Fruits: apples, bananas, strawberries, mangoes, pineapples, peaches, nectarines, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, grapes, raspberries, blackberries, figs, kiwi, plums, apricots, oranges, papayas
- Vegetables: carrots, pepper, bell peppers, hot peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, zucchini, squash, green beans, spinach, kale, mushrooms, potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, asparagus, parsnips, turnips, leeks, artichokes, peas
- Meat: beef, chicken, turkey, pork, fish, venison, bison, lamb, duck, shrimp, crab, clams
- Meat Alternatives: texturized vegetable protein, lentils, chickpeas, black beans, tempeh, jackfruit
- Other: grains, pasta, noodles, rice, quinoa, couscous, lentil soup, other soups & stews, chili, oatmeal, breadcrumbs, crackers, yogurt, scrambled eggs, tofu, herbs & spices, tea & coffee
Powdered Food Types
Powdered foods, made by reducing food to fine particles, are shelf-stable and nutrient-packed. They work well for scratch cooking when fresh foods are not available. Options include:
- Dairy: milk, butter, cheese, whey protein.
- Dairy Alternatives: almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk.
- Meat Alternatives: powdered soy protein, pea protein, TVP.
- Fruit Powders: strawberry powder, blueberry powder, apple powder, mango powder, cranberry powder
- Vegetable Powders: spinach powder, kale powder, beetroot powder, carrot powder, tomato powder, onion powder, garlic powder
- Other: egg powder, peanut butter powder, cocoa powder, soups, honey powder, bouillon, bone broth, pancake mix, baking ingredients
Sourcing Pre-Packaged Dehydrated and Powdered foods
There are a variety of trusted suppliers. Here are some popular options:
- Online Emergency Prep Stores
- Mountain House
- Augason Farms
- Legacy Food Storage
- ReadyWise (Wise Company)
- Online Retailers
- Amazon
- Thrive Life
- Emergency Essentials
- Honeyville
- Wholesale Stores
- Costco
- Sam’s Club
- Direct Manufacturer Purchase
- Rainy Day Foods
- Nutristore
When sourcing, ensure that the products are:
- Properly sealed in Mylar bags, #10 cans, or vacuum-sealed pouches.
- Equipped with oxygen absorbers and moisture controls.
- Verified for their advertised shelf-life and storage requirements.
Water for Rehydration
Storing extra water is crucial when preparing for long-term storage of dehydrated and powdered foods. Water is essential to reconstitute these foods to their original state, ensuring they are both palatable and nutritious. Factor this into your long-term water storage.
Storage Containers and Conditions
Whether purchased or homemade, proper storage ensures longevity:
Containers
- Use Mylar bags, metal cans, glass jars, or vacuum-sealed containers.
- Add oxygen absorbers to protect against spoilage.
Storage Conditions
- Temperature: store between 40–70°F to prevent nutrient loss.
- Moisture: keep the area dry with a dehumidifier if necessary.
- Placement: store 6 inches off the ground in a cool, dark space.
Shelf Life
When properly packaged and stored:
- Dehydrated foods: 10-20 years (fruits, however, may only last 6–12 months)
- Powdered foods: 1-5 years (sometimes longer)
Conclusion
Dehydrated and powdered foods offer an excellent solution for long-term food storage. They offer variety, convenience, and nutrition in a compact form. By understanding the types of foods suitable for dehydration, proper storage methods, and accounting for water needs, you can build a reliable food reserve that lasts for years. Start building your long-term food supply today with these space-saving, nutrient-dense options.
