The Best FreezeDried Foods to Stockpile for Emergency Situations Our Expert Guide Reveals All

Introduction

Freeze-dried food is a great way to have healthy meals on hand. It has longer shelf life, less weight and improved nutrition compared to canned goods. But choosing the right items can be tricky. So, our guide will help you choose the best freeze-dried foods for emergency situations.

We'll talk about why freeze-dried foods are a great choice for stockpiling. Then, we'll look at the types of products available and how to pick the best ones for your needs. Lastly, we'll look at tips for storing and preparing your food in emergency cases.

Benefits of Freeze-Dried Foods

Freeze-dried foods are a great pick for an emergency food stash! They have many advantages over other sorts of food. They're light, last forever and easy to make. What's more, they have a longer shelf-life than other foods, and need less storage space.

Let's take a look at the perks of freeze-dried foods in this guide!:

• Light
• Last forever
• Easy to make
• Longer shelf-life
• Less storage space

Long shelf-life

Freeze-dried foods last much longer than jerky or trail mix. Up to 25 years! They also come pre-packaged, so they're convenient for stockpiling.

• Plus, they cost less than fresh or frozen options.
• Freeze-drying also keeps more antioxidants intact in the food than other methods.
• And they're lightweight, so great for camping trips or emergency preparedness.

Lightweight and compact

Freeze-dried food has amazing advantages. It uses an intense cold and pressure process to remove water from the food, which prevents it from spoiling. Freeze-dried food is lightweight and tiny, making it perfect for an emergency pantry or a camping trip.

Unlike dehydrated food, freeze-dried food can be eaten in minutes once hot or cold liquid is added. It also preserves many vitamins and minerals. This is because only water is removed and no other processing is needed. The taste of the reconstituted food will be closer to the original than other storage methods like canning or dehydration.

Nutritious and flavorful

Freeze-drying is a type of dehydration which helps to keep the nutrients and vitamins of food. 90% of these are kept, and the texture and flavor stay the same. Almost as nutritious as fresh veggies! Freeze-dried food also lasts up to 25 years!

This makes it perfect for emergency stockpiles. It travels further than other types of food, and doesn't spoil in extreme temperatures.

It's also a popular choice for camping trips. Light to carry, and no refrigeration or extra preparation needed – it reconstitutes quickly with boiling water. Plus, one package can give you complete meals with lots of flavor in minutes – perfect for emergencies!

Types of Freeze-Dried Foods

Freeze-dried foods are great! They provide a fast solution to emergency food stockpiling. This preservation process takes out water from the food, making it last longer.

In this guide, let's discover the different types of freeze-dried foods that can be used for emergency situations:

Fruits

Freeze-dried fruits are the way to go! They come in many flavors – pineapple, apple, cranberry and more. Plus, they last a long time while keeping flavor and nutrition like vitamins A and C. Freeze-dried fruit is without preservatives or artificial flavoring. It is made by freezing fruit quickly in a vacuum, which keeps its shape and flavor. You can easily rehydrate with warm water for a delicious snack. Plus, it's a great addition to cereals, salads, yogurt and oatmeal.

Types of freeze-dried fruits include:

• Pineapple chunks
• Strawberry slices
• Banana chips
• Blueberry slices
• Raspberry pieces

Unique blends, like berry mixtures, also exist with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackcurrant. Yum!

Vegetables

Veggies are an essential part of any diet. Freeze-dried veggies can give you essential vitamins and minerals. Food with water removed – that's freeze-dried! It's light, nutrient-dense and easy to store.

Choose from a range of salads and individual veggies:

• Green beans
• Corn
• Peas
• Carrots
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Cauliflower
• Broccoli
• and more!

Freeze-dried veggies give you flavor and nutrition. Plus, you won't need to spend time cooking!

Meats

Freeze-dried meats are an amazing way to get protein and essential nutrients. They're simple to prepare, no cooking needed, and can be eaten right out of the package.

Common types are beef, chicken, turkey, ham, and sausage. Most come pre-seasoned, but you can get plain to season as you like.

• Beef is a terrific source of protein, and it's still tender and tasty after freeze-drying. It's packed with vitamins and minerals, making it perfect for stroganoff, tacos, stir fry, soups, and stews.
• Chicken is the most versatile freeze-dried meat. It's loaded with protein and retains its texture. It's great for roast chicken, soup, sandwiches, salads, and fried strips with sauces.
• Turkey has a mild flavor, so it works well in fajitas, sandwiches, and salads. It won't change texture, and you don't need extra seasoning since it's already tasty.
• Ham has a smoky flavor and aroma, making it a fantastic addition to salads, macaroni salad, and more. It's tender even after freeze-drying, so it can stretch meals and make plenty for everyone.
• Sausage is a great ingredient, whether cured or uncut. It adds flavor to Italian dishes like lasagna and spaghetti, breakfast burritos, and more. It's already well-seasoned, so you don't need extra seasoning.

Dairy Products

Many dairy staples can be freeze-dried for long-term storage. This makes them lighter and easier to store. Freeze-dried milk, creamers, butter, cheese and yogurt are popular for emergency storage.

• Milk: Freeze-dried milk is great for storage due to its high nitrogen levels, keeping its nutrition and freshness. Mix it with hot or cold water for use. Milk proteins remain concentrated, without added cholesterol or trans fats.
• Creamers: Sweetened condensed milk, half and half and plain creamer can all be freeze-dried. Plate or granulate it for a smoother texture when rehydrated.
• Butter: Butter lasts up to 18 months in sealed containers, in cool places. The powdered version has higher calories as fat solids are added back. Don't overindulge, though, as it's calorie dense!
• Cheese: Freeze-drying removes moisture, separating into particles. Shelf-life varies from 6 months up to 2 years. Cheese powders absorb flavours quickly. Slices may still melt within minutes – ideal for pizzas!
• Yogurt: Freeze-drying extends yogurt's shelf-life up to two years. Mix with lukewarm water and fruit puree for fresh flavour. Probiotic cultures survive, so you get healthy gut benefits.

Grains and Legumes

Grains and legumes, freeze-dried, are a great way to add nutrition without taking too much time. Beans and lentils provide protein, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and B vitamins. Freeze-drying grains makes them healthier, with more fiber and trace minerals.

Freeze-drying technology allows many grains and legumes to be preserved. Brown rice, quinoa, couscous, and bulgur wheat can be rehydrated in minutes with boiling water or stock. They retain their original color, flavor, and nutrients, great for salads and sides.

Legumes, such as black beans, chickpeas, and kidney beans, are also freeze-dried, with vegan protein that can last up to 25 years. They need soaking in hot water for 4 hours, much faster than dried legumes, which can take days. The best part? Nutritious meals without tons of prep time.

Recommended Brands

Emergency prep? Freeze-dried food is the way to go! It stays fresh for ages, plus provides essential vitamins and minerals. Need ideas? Check out this guide! We've got brands and products that'll give you a balanced, nutritious diet in an emergency.

Mountain House

Mountain House is a top-notch brand in the freeze-dried food and storage sector. Their products can last for up to 25 years when stored correctly.

Their selection includes:

• Breakfast and entrees
• Fruits
• Desserts and snacks

All ingredients are natural, with no artificial flavors or preservatives. They also provide vegetarian options. Minimal preparation is needed – just add hot water or follow the instructions. Moreover, all Mountain House products are certified gluten free by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. They use premium quality ingredients that are inspected before packaging to guarantee safety and consistency.

Augason Farms

Augason Farms is a top name in freeze-dried food preparedness. They offer long-term solutions with shelf lives from 8 to 20 years. Their Emergency Food Supply Kits provide enough food for 1 adult for a year or 4 adults for 3 months. All ingredients are USDA certified and placed in nitrogen-flushed #10 metalized lamination pouches.

Their Ready Made Meals include breakfast cereals, mashed potatoes, white/brown rice, apples, peas, corn, and more. Plus, convenience items like protein powder and pre-measured scoops. Whether you need something for a short term emergency or stocking up for the long term, Augason Farms has you covered.

Wise Company

Wise Company is one of the most popular sources for freeze-dried food stockpiling. They offer emergency kits with breakfast, lunch and dinner meals, plus fruits and vegetables. All meals are free from MSG and trans fats.

Their Ready Wise Emergency Food Kit is a one-time purchase. It provides 1 month of complete survival food supplies with 24 servings per day. Each meal only needs two cups of boiling water for preparation. It can remain fresh up to 25 years if stored properly.

The Bucket Kit offers 60 tasty servings of breakfasts, main entrees and sides. They are sealed inside Mylar pouches for freshness, and can last up to 30 years under ideal conditions. The Ready Lite Kit requires no cooking and just needs water.

Wise Company also sells single bucket specialty products. These include:

• Trail Mix & Fruit Combo
• Vegetarian Entree Bucket
• Gluten Free Entree Assortment
• Protein Pack

These emergency kits come with great flavors like cheesy lasagna, macaroni & cheese, and orange chipotle chicken fritters. Everyone in your group will stay full during an emergency!

How to Store Freeze-Dried Foods

Freeze-dried foods are a top choice for emergency stockpiling. 25-year shelf life, same nutrition as fresh food, and fraction of the cost – wow! In this guide, we give you the low-down on storing and using freeze-dried foods. Different types, storage options, and the best brands – all here!

Vacuum sealing

Vacuum sealing is the best way to store freeze-dried foods for emergency situations. It creates an airtight barrier, keeping out both air and moisture. This makes freeze-dried foods stay fresh for a long time.

There are many types of vacuum sealers. Look for ones designed for food. They often come with a handle or clip attachment. This helps you save space in small areas like basements or garages.

When sealing your freeze-dried foods, don't overstuff the bag. Compress items tightly. If you need to open the sealed package, apply gentle pressure so you don't break the airtight barrier. Reseal the bag and check for leaks. That way, your food will stay fresh for months.

Storing in airtight containers

When storing freeze-dried foods, use airtight containers. This will help keep moisture and oxygen away. Temperature should not exceed 65°F (18°C) and should be stored away from light. Oxygen and moisture can spoil the food and reduce shelf life.

If using plastic, make sure it's sealed. If there's an opening on the bottom, put it in another airtight container or line it with mylar and close it with a lid and/or clip. To protect against dust and insects, line the containers with transparent nonporous material like PVC or mylar. Storing in a dark area is also recommended, as sunlight can damage the food over time.

Temperature and humidity considerations

When storing freeze-dried foods, temperature and humidity must be taken into account. To keep them in prime condition, store them in a cool, dry place.

Conclusion

When it comes to prepping for emergencies, focus on long-lasting, nutritionally balanced freeze-dried foods. They are easy to store, lightweight, and don't need refrigeration. Plus, they taste better than canned goods and have more variety. Having nourishing meals on hand will give you comfort and energy during a crisis.

Choose foods high in protein, with 10% of the daily recommended value of vitamins and minerals. No preservatives or added chemicals. Store freeze-dried food in a temperature controlled environment, away from direct light. With this stockpile, you'll be ready for any emergency!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the advantages of freeze-dried food?

A1: Freeze-dried food is lightweight and requires no refrigeration or cooking. It also has a long shelf life, typically up to 25 years, making it an ideal choice for emergency stockpiling.

Q2: What are the best freeze-dried foods to stockpile?

A2: The best freeze-dried foods to stockpile for an emergency situation include fruits and vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy products. These items are compact, require little preparation, and can provide essential nutrients during an emergency.

Q3: How should I store my freeze-dried food stockpile?

A3: Freeze-dried food should be stored in a cool, dry place. It should also be kept in an airtight container or a Mylar bag. It's important to rotate your stockpile every 6-12 months to ensure the food stays fresh and nutritious.