What are the Health Benefits of Freeze-Dried Foods?

If you are creating a long term food storage plan, you should not skip out on freeze-dried food.

Freeze dried foods are the best way to develop a long-term food storage plan that offers variety, and they are one of the best ways that you can get all of your essential nutrients during emergencies.

If you want to get accurate information about how freeze-dried food is prepared and why it is better than any other conventional food drying method, you can read our previous blog here. 

Health Benefits of Freeze-Dried Food

With advanced technology, it is now possible to freeze-dry meat, fruit, and vegetables safely. Consuming freeze-dried food items offers positive health benefits in the long run, and during an emergency, you need all the nutrients you can get!

Let’s see what benefits freeze-dried meat and fruit specifically have to offer.

Freeze-Dried Meat

In an emergency, you still need to consume a healthy, balanced diet. Now, if you eat meat, you might already know that meat is a great source of protein, zinc, calcium, and other micronutrients.

Protein and micronutrients are very important. They make critical hormones and enzymes, they help to repair any internal wounds, and they provide you with energy. So, if there is an emergency and you don’t have access to fresh food, consuming freeze-dried meat could be highly beneficial.

• Freeze-Dried Chicken

Freeze-dried chicken is a great source of lean protein that can help you maintain your weight in an emergency situation. It contains all nine essential amino acids, and provides you with essential nutrients, such as vitamin B12, vitamin A, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. 

When packaged correctly in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers after the freeze-drying process, freeze-dried chicken stays fresh for up to 12 years.

• Freeze-Dried Beef

Freeze-dried beef is a great source of protein to build muscle mass and maintain strength during an emergency.

Protein helps boost your metabolism and reduces the risk of coronary heart disease. In addition, freeze-drief beef is known to be rich in nutrients which improve cognitive functioning, such as iron, vitamin B, and zinc

Freeze-drief beef can last for up to 15 years if it is properly stored in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. Considering freeze-drief beef’s nutrient density and long shelf-life, we highly recommend that you add freeze-dried beef to your emergency food supply. 

• Freeze-Dried Ham

If you want a snack that is satiating, and rich in protein and micronutrients, freeze-dried ham is a great option for you! It can reduce hunger pangs, and it will provide you with a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, copper, vitamin B, and iron.

Freeze-dried ham has a shelf life of 12 years if it is stored long-term in Mylar bags, and it serves as a great component to sandwiches, soups, and much more. 

• Freeze-Dried Turkey

Freeze-dried turkey is another source of lean protein that is rich in essential nutrients, such as iron, vitamin B, and phosphorus. 

Freeze-dried turkey stays fresh for 15 years when stored in Mylar bags in a cool, dry place. You can serve it with mashed potatoes, root vegetables, or in pot pies, so even in an emergency, you can enjoy hearty meals.

Freeze-Dried Fruits

Fruits are the most popular when it comes to freeze drying, and consuming them freeze dried has great health benefits.

• Freeze-dried fruits don’t have any added sugar as compared to conventionally dried fruit. 
• Freeze-dried fruits have a high fiber content, which makes them very satiating.
• Freeze-dried fruits also have higher antioxidants. They are more concentrated in freeze-dried fruits in comparison to regular fruits. For example, when compared to 1 cup of fresh raspberries, 1 tablespoon of freeze-dried raspberries has more antioxidants. Antioxidants are essential to reducing free radicals which cause damage to the cells. 
• Since freeze-dried fruits have no added sugar, they are perfect for anyone who is struggling with managing their blood sugar.

Bottom Line

Freeze-dried fruits and meats are an especially great component to any emergency food supply! They will help you meet both your nutritional and calorie needs in a situation where you don’t have access to fresh food.

If you want more long-term food storage advice, be sure to read more of Wallaby’s blog posts. 

You can also check out our online store if you need high-quality Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers to store your freeze-dried foods, dry goods, and so much more.

Head to our website to shop and learn!