As a freeze-dried ingredients supplier, we often get asked questions about the differences between freeze-dried and frozen ingredients.
The terms “freeze-dried” and “frozen” refer to two different methods of preserving food, each with their own process, benefits and drawbacks.
Both methods have their place depending on the need, whether for long-term storage, convenience, cost or food texture and quality.
What does freeze-drying mean?
Freeze-dried ingredients are quickly frozen to very low temperatures before being placed into a vacuum chamber.
The ingredients then go through sublimation, where the ice in the food sublimates under low pressure. This transitions it directly from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid state, removing almost all moisture from the food.
This is an important part of the process, as the low moisture in freeze-dried ingredients helps preserve the product at ambient temperatures.
Freeze-dried foods can last for years if stored properly because removing moisture inhibits the growth of microorganisms and enzymatic reactions that cause spoilage.
The benefits of Freeze-dried ingredients are:
- They are very lightweight due to lack of moisture, which makes them easier to transport
- Easily stored at ambient temperatures lowering costs
- They retain their natural nutrients, colour and flavour.
- Easily rehydrated by just adding moisture.
- Retains freeze-dry state until moisture is added, so can be used in dry mixes such as stuffing mixes or noodle pots.
How Frozen Ingredients are Processed
Frozen ingredients are produced by food being cooled and stored at a temperature below freezing, causing the water content to turn into ice. They are typically stored at temperatures below -18°C.
The freezing process helps slow down the activity of microorganisms and enzymes that cause food to spoil, meaning they have a longer shelf life than when fresh.
Benefits of Frozen Ingredients:
- Frozen food often retains the texture and flavour.
- Freezing preserves most of the nutrients, though there can be some loss during the process.
- Less expensive than freeze-drying as it’s a simpler process.
Each method offers customers the chance to pick ingredients that suit their production and facilities. Talk to the team today about your processes so we can find a solution to suit your needs.
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