Freeze-Dried Foods for Long-Term Storage

Freeze-Dried Foods for Long-Term Storage: Benefits, Types, and Essential Tips

In recent years, freeze-dried foods have gained significant popularity among preppers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking to enhance their long-term food storage. The growing popularity of freeze-dried foods in long-term storage can be attributed to their exceptional shelf life, versatility, lightweight nature, and preserved nutritional value. Freeze-dried foods require no specific storage preparation when purchased in the proper packaging and are easy to prepare – just add water! These qualities make freeze-dried food the go-to choice for emergency preparedness.

How is Freeze-Dried Food Made?

Freeze-dried food is created by using high-end technology that zaps the moisture out of food quickly. During this process, 98% of the water is removed, reducing the food’s weight by about 90%. It freezes the food’s original flavor, allowing it to taste fresh. It retains the food’s color, form, size, and texture and retains 99% of the vitamins, nutrients, and enzymes of the original. The result is a shelf-stable product that can be stored for decades. Water must be added back to make the food edible.

Why Choose Freeze-Dried Foods?

Exceptional shelf life: When stored properly, freeze-dried foods can last up to 25-30 years, making them an excellent investment for long-term preparedness.
Nutrient retention: The freeze-drying process preserves most of the food’s original nutrients and flavor, ensuring you’re getting quality nutrition even years down the line.
Minimal preparation: Most freeze-dried foods only require the addition of water to rehydrate, making them convenient in emergencies or when time is of the essence.
Versatility: From single ingredients to complete meals, freeze-dried foods offer a wide range of options for meal planning and dietary preferences.
Lightweight and compact: Freeze-dried foods are easy to store and transport, making them ideal for both home storage and on-the-go situations.

Types of Freeze-Dried Foods Available

Single-Ingredient Options:

Fruits: Various berries, apples, mangoes, and bananas.
Vegetables: Peas, carrots, spinach, broccoli.
Meats: Chicken, beef, fish, pork, and various protein sources.
Dairy: Eggs, Cheese, and milk products.
Herbs & Spices: Basil, parsley, garlic, onion powder.

Pre-Packaged Meals:

Breakfasts: Oatmeal, scrambled eggs, granola.
Entrees: Soups, stews, pasta dishes, and casseroles.
Desserts & Snacks: Yogurt bites, ice cream, and cookies.

Dietary Options:

Vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly meals cater to diverse dietary needs and preferences.

Understanding Calorie Labeling

When purchasing freeze-dried foods, carefully read labels to avoid misunderstandings, especially regarding portion sizes and caloric intake. Some brands list calories per serving, while others provide calories per day. This distinction can significantly impact your food planning.

Calories Per Serving vs. Per Day

A single serving might not meet daily caloric needs. You may need to buy more to get the calories you need.
A 2,000-calorie “day pack” may include multiple servings across several items. This is easier to gauge, but make sure the product aligns with your personal needs

Tips

Check the serving sizes and total calories per package.
You’ll need to calculate how many servings you’ll need per day to meet your caloric requirements if you choose to use a vendor that sells their product based on serving size.
Compare brands to ensure you’re getting the most value for your investment.

Water Needs for Rehydration

One of the most critical aspects of using freeze-dried foods is having an adequate water supply for rehydration. Remember, without water, your freeze-dried foods won’t be usable, so a comprehensive water plan is essential.

Here is what to consider:

Typical Water-to-Food Ratio: Typically, the ratio is 1:1 but can vary based on the specific food and desired consistency. Most meals need 1–2 cups of water per serving.
Water Storage: Estimate how much water you’ll need to rehydrate food for your family over time using the amount of stored freeze-dried food (this applies to dehydrated food as well).
Long-Term Water Plan: Integrate this amount of water into your long-term water storage plan. Be sure to store water in food-grade containers and rotate regularly.

Storage Requirements

Proper storage is essential to maximize the shelf life of freeze-dried foods and to ensure their quality and nutritional value.

Storage Containers

Most if not all vendors ship their products in containers that are ready for long-term storage. If you are making your freeze-dried food, you will need to utilize the same containers. They include:

Mylar Bags: With oxygen absorbers for airtight protection.
#10 Cans: Sturdy and stackable for large quantities.

For added protection, place each mylar bag or #10 can inside a plastic container for additional protection from pests.

Ideal Conditions:

Cool, dry, and dark environments prevent degradation.

Where to Buy Freeze-Dried Foods

Freeze-dried foods are available from various sources:

Online Retailers: Platforms like Amazon.
Emergency Food Companies: Specialized online vendors offering bulk or sample packs.
Specialty Stores: Outdoor and camping suppliers often stock freeze-dried meals.
Local Grocery Stores: Usually a limited selection – great for small-scale purchases.

Tips: Start with sample packs to test different brands, flavors, and compatibility with your preferences before buying in bulk.

Additional Considerations

Cost Assessment: Compare cost per serving and overall investment.
Ingredient Transparency: Check for allergens, additives, and dietary compatibility.
Meal Planning: Balance freeze-dried foods with other types of stored foods for a well-rounded plan. Using freeze-dried only can cause digestive upsets.
Label: Add both the purchase and expiration date on each item before you place it in storage.
Rotation Plan: Use older stock before it expires to avoid waste. Replace used items.

Conclusion

Freeze-dried foods are a practical, reliable addition to any long-term storage plan. Their long shelf life, nutritional value, and ease of use make them an excellent choice for emergency preparedness. Start small by adding a few freeze-dried items to your emergency pantry, remembering to tailor your choices to your personal needs and preferences. As you become more familiar with the products, you can gradually expand your storage and integrate them as a core part of your long-term food storage plan.