The Ultimate Guide: Dehydrated Food vs Freeze Dried For Beginners -

Discover the key differences between dehydrated food and freeze dried food, and which one may be better suited for your needs.

What is Dehydrated Food?

Dehydrated food is food that has had the majority of its water content removed through a drying process that involves exposing food to low heat for an extended amount of time.

What is Freeze Dried Food?

Freeze-dried food is a type of food preservation method that involves freezing the food and then removing the water content through a process called sublimation.

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Process of Dehydrating

The dehydration process typically involves exposing the food to low heat for an extended period of time, which removes moisture without cooking or damaging the nutrients. This results in lightweight, compact food items that are perfect for backpacking, camping, emergency preparedness kits, and everyday snacking.

Process of Freeze Drying

The freeze-drying process begins by freezing the food at very low temperatures. The frozen food is then placed in a vacuum chamber where the temperature is gradually increased, causing the ice crystals in the food to vaporize without melting first. This turns the ice directly into water vapor, resulting in dehydrated food with minimal loss of nutrients and flavor.

Pros and Cons of Dehydrated Foods

Dehydrated foods have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they offer a convenient and long-lasting option for enjoying fruits, vegetables, and even meats without the need for refrigeration. However, like any food product, dehydrated foods come with their own set of pros and cons.

Pros of Dehydrated Foods

Long shelf life: One of the biggest advantages of dehydrated foods is their extended shelf life. When properly stored in a cool, dry place, dehydrated foods can last for months or even years without spoiling.
Lightweight and portable: Dehydrated foods are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for camping trips, hiking excursions, or emergency preparedness kits.
Nutrient retention: Dehydration preserves the nutrients in food better than other preservation methods like canning or freezing. This means that dehydrated foods often retain more vitamins and minerals than their fresh counterparts.
Cost-effective: Dehydrating your own fruits and vegetables at home can save you money compared to buying pre-packaged dehydrated products from the store.

Cons of Dehydrated Foods

Loss of flavor: Dehydration can cause some foods to lose their original flavors and textures. While some people enjoy the chewy texture of dried fruits or jerky, others may find it off-putting.
High sodium content: Many commercially available dehydrated products are high in sodium to help preserve them longer. This can be a concern for those watching their salt intake.

Pros and Cons of Freeze Dried Foods

Pros of Freeze Dried Foods

Longer shelf life: Freeze dried foods have a longer shelf life compared to fresh or dehydrated foods, making them ideal for emergency food supplies or camping trips.
Lightweight and compact: Freeze dried foods are lightweight and do not require refrigeration, making them easy to transport and store.
Retains nutrients: Freeze drying preserves the nutritional content of the food, ensuring that important vitamins and minerals are retained.
Convenient: Freeze dried foods are quick and easy to prepare – simply add water and wait for rehydration.
Variety of options: There is a wide variety of freeze dried foods available on the market, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and even full meals.

Cons of Freeze Dried Foods

Cost: Freeze dried foods can be more expensive than their fresh counterparts due to the specialized equipment and process required for preservation.
Taste: Some people find that freeze dried foods have a different taste or texture compared to fresh food, which may not be appealing to everyone.
Limited availability: Not all types of food can be effectively freeze dried, so there may be limited options available depending on your dietary preferences.
Sodium content: Some freeze-dried meals can contain high levels of sodium as a preservative, which may not be suitable for those watching their salt intake.
Environmental impact: The production of freeze-dried foods can have a higher environmental impact compared to fresh produce due to the energy-intensive process involved in freezing and drying the food.

How to Store Dehydrated Foods

Storing dehydrated foods properly is essential to maintain their freshness and quality for an extended period of time. Here are some tips on how to store dehydrated foods effectively:

Use airtight containers: Store dehydrated foods in airtight containers such as glass jars, plastic containers, or vacuum-sealed bags to prevent exposure to air and moisture.
Label and date: Remember to label your containers with the contents and date of dehydration so you can keep track of when they were prepared.
Store in a cool, dark place: Keep your dehydrated foods in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or humidity. A pantry or cupboard works well for storage.
Rotate stock: To ensure that your dehydrated foods remain fresh, rotate your stock regularly by using older items first.

How to Store Freeze Dried Foods

Freeze dried foods are a convenient and long-lasting option for stocking up on emergency food supplies or simply having quick and easy meals on hand. Properly storing freeze dried foods is essential to ensure they remain fresh and maintain their quality over time. Here are some tips on how to store freeze dried foods effectively:

Keep them in a cool, dry place: Freeze dried foods should be stored in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Excessive heat can cause the food to spoil more quickly.
Use air-tight containers: Once the package of freeze dried food has been opened, transfer the contents to an air-tight container such as a resealable bag or plastic storage container. This will help prevent moisture from getting in and compromising the quality of the food.
Label and date: Be sure to label each container with the contents and date it was packaged so you can easily keep track of what you have on hand and when it needs to be consumed by.
Store in a dark place: Exposure to light can cause freeze dried foods to lose their color, flavor, and nutritional value over time. Storing them in a dark area like a pantry or cupboard will help preserve their quality.
Rotate your stock: To ensure that your freeze dried foods do not go bad before you have a chance to use them, periodically rotate your stock by using older items first and replacing them with newer ones.

Blueberries in a food dehydrator on trays.

Price Comparison

Food dehydrators are generally more affordable than freeze dryers. A basic food dehydrator can cost anywhere from $30 to $300, depending on the brand and features. I have the London Sunshine 6 tray food dehydrator. You can use my code SARAHLEWIS for a 10% discount.

Unlike food dehydrators, freeze dryers are not as affordable. A home freeze dryer can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 or even more, depending on the size and capacity of the machine. The most common freeze dryer brand being Harvest Right has great reviews but is extremely expensive. I currently do not have a freeze dryer but would love to add one to our kitchen someday, but for now we are sticking with the more affordable method of dehydrating.

Ultimately, the choice between a food dehydrator and a freeze dryer will depend on your budget and preferences for preserving food.

In conclusion, when deciding between a food dehydrator and a freeze dryer, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a more cost-effective option that is easy to use and requires less maintenance, a food dehydrator may be the best choice for you. However, if you are interested in preserving foods with minimal loss of nutrients and flavors, as well as greater versatility in what can be preserved, then a freeze dryer may be worth the investment. Whichever option you choose, both tools offer unique benefits for extending the shelf life of your favorite fruits, vegetables, meats, and more.