Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most. Don't see yours? Contact us.
What is freeze drying?
Freeze drying removes almost all of the water from food by freezing it and then turning the ice directly into vapor under a vacuum. The food keeps its shape, flavor, and most of its nutrition, and becomes shelf stable for years.
How does your service work?
- Contact us to schedule.
- Drop off your food or ship it to us.
- We freeze dry and package it.
- Pick it up, or we ship it back.
What foods can be freeze dried?
Most foods work well, including fruits, vegetables, cooked meals, soups, pasta, rice, yogurt, ice cream, candy, herbs, cheese, fully cooked meat, and pet treats.
What foods are not suitable?
Foods high in fat or sugar don't freeze dry well: butter, peanut butter, pure chocolate, syrups, honey, and oils.
How long does a run take?
A typical run takes 24 to 48 hours, depending on the food and how much water it holds.
How much food fits in one run?
About 7 lb of food per run.
What packaging do you use?
Mylar bags (with oxygen absorbers) and vacuum-sealed bags. Mason jars are available on request.
How long does freeze-dried food last?
- Mylar with oxygen absorbers: 20–25 years
- Vacuum-sealed bags: several years
- Mason jars: 1–5 years
Does freeze drying keep the nutrients?
Yes. Freeze drying retains most of the food's nutrients, along with its flavor and color.
Does it need to be refrigerated?
No. Once sealed, freeze-dried food does not need refrigeration. Store it somewhere cool, dry, and dark.
Can you freeze dry homemade meals?
Yes! Homemade meals freeze dry very well.
Can you freeze dry baby food?
Yes. Please contact us first so we can talk through your order.
Can you freeze dry pet treats?
Yes, pet treats are a great fit.
Is my food mixed with other customers' food?
Never. Each customer's food is processed separately in its own reserved run.
How should I prepare my food?
- Wash produce.
- Cut pieces evenly so they dry at the same rate.
- Let cooked food cool completely.
- Use clean containers.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the number of runs, the packaging, and any special requests. See our Services for standard prices, or contact us for a quote.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, all services are by appointment. See our Booking & Cancellation Policy.
Are you a licensed business?
Yes, we are a licensed home-based service, and we follow strict sanitation practices for every run.
Why freeze dry?
- Less food waste
- Save seasonal harvests
- Emergency preparedness
- Camping and hiking
- Recipes and baking
- Healthy snacks
- No canning required
Quick questions
Can you freeze dry frozen food? Yes. Fresh food? Yes. Candy? Yes. Fruit? Yes. Leftovers? Yes. Bulk orders? Yes. Multiple runs? Yes. Gifts? Yes!