Freeze-dried food is great for campers, hikers, and backpackers. These meals are practical and tasty options when on the trail or in the backcountry, providing many nutrients at a fraction of a food’s normal weight. This guide explains the difference between freeze-dried and dehydrated options, and why it’s best for camping.

What Is Freeze-Dried Food?

Freeze-dried meals are frozen to capture the water crystals in the food.  The food is placed in a vacuum chamber and introduced to low heat to evaporate the ice crystals. The water vapor is removed, and nitrogen is introduced to prevent contamination. This process removes as much as 98% of the water content while retaining most of the nutrient value. A common misconception is that freeze-dried and dehydrated foods are the same; they are not. Dehydrated foods are heated to remove the moisture, but this process also loses much-needed nutrients. Freeze-dried foods are lighter, have a longer shelf life, and contain more nutrients than dehydrated options.

Why Freeze-Dried Food Is Perfect for the Outdoors

Considered a nonperishable food due to its long shelf life, freeze-dried food can be purchased in bulk without the worry of immediate consumption. When camping — especially if backpacking, hiking, or rock climbing is part of the agenda — it is best to travel as light as possible. In the backcountry, think about waste and threats from animals like bears. Freeze-dried meals come in small packages that are easily placed in bear canisters for safety and sealable plastic baggies for later disposal.

If you’re considering a trip into the backcountry, get freeze-dried foods at R & S Rare Coins in Cabool, MO. With over 20 years of experience in financial security, they have expanded to food security and offer the best line of freeze-dried food products They stock a variety of emergency food supplies, and they’re the best place to buy and sell jewelry and coin collections at competitive prices. To learn more about their products and services, call (417) 962-5213.