How Long does Freeze Dried Food last ?

If you’re looking for healthy ways to keep your food fresh and edible, freeze-drying might be something you must have encountered. There are several advantages to freeze-drying food over other methods. Long-term food storage has never been easier with this portable, lightweight, and nutrient-dense solution. But how long does freeze-dried food really last? That's a common question, and we’re going to answer it for you!

If you are also interested in how long freeze-dried foods last, you have found the ideal spot. This beginner's guide includes all the information you need to know about the shelf life of freeze-dried foods and peelable candy much more!

Shelf Life of Freeze-Dried Food

Factors like food type, packaging, and storage conditions affect how long freeze-dried food stays fresh without going bad. To give you some technical know-how, sublimation removes 98-99% of the water during the freeze-drying process. Because of this, it is safe to store freeze-dried food for an extended period since the water content is too low for microbial growth. 

The typical shelf life of freeze-dried foods, like freeze-dried candy, when kept in an airtight container and kept at a constant, cold temperature, is around 1 year. On the other hand, food spoils and loses some of its shelf life when exposed to heat, light, or moisture. So, after a week or two of being out of the sealed container, the food can soak up some moisture from the air. Although mold won't appear for several weeks, bacterial development is quite fast.

Optimal Storage Temperature and Humidity

Proper storage is key for freeze-dried food to extend its shelf life. Moreover, freeze-dried foods do best when stored in a dark, cold place. When deciding how to store freeze-dried food, the two most critical considerations are temperature and humidity. 60 F temperature and about 10% humidity level or less are the ideal storage conditions for freeze-dried food. 

More than any other component, humidity and fluctuations in temperature determine how long food can be kept in storage. According to the USDA, the following table shows that keeping food at a certain temperature has the following years-long shelf life:

Temperature	Years
37.6° F	40
102.4° F	1.25
48.4° F	30
80.8° F	5
59.2° F	20
70.0° F	10
91.6° F	2.5

Food prepared to eat quickly has much of its nutritional value and quality when left out at room temperature know more for extended periods. Considering the questions of storing food outside, in a shed, or in a garage, you can make it happen, but it's not the ideal option. In most circumstances, food can still be eaten even after it has lost some of its nutritional value due to a shorter shelf life caused by higher temperatures. 

While buckets and pouches won't be impacted by moisture and humidity, cans should be protected from them. The shelf life of "supermarket food" and its packaging is just a few months to two or three years for canned food; thus, even at higher temperatures, the shelf life is much longer. As for the freeze-dried food, as long as you keep it in an airtight container and out of moisture, it should be good to store for at least 12 months.  

FAQs

Is it necessary to refrigerate freeze-dried foods?

No, it is not mandatory to keep freeze-dried food in the refrigerator. As long as it's kept in an airtight container, you can keep it in a cool, dry place and let it sit at room temperature.

What is the shelf life of freeze-dried food?

Under ideal circumstances, the shelf life of most freeze-dried foods is 6 months to one year. However, this is only a prediction and not a formal assurance. The shelf life is affected by many factors, like temperature, humidity, light, and air exposure. So, if you keep your freeze-dried food stored properly, you can expect an extended shelf life. 

Can the nutrients get affected in freeze-dried food if left untouched for long?

Your freeze-dried foods' vitamins, proteins, and lipids will degrade if left out in the sun for too long. Hence, for the longest shelf life, keep perishable foodstuffs in a clear and airtight container or somewhere cool and dark, away from direct sunlight. Any kitchen cabinet, pantry, or refrigerator will do!

Can you freeze-dry food at home to store it for a long time?

If you know what you're doing when it comes to freeze-drying food, you can preserve it for months to years. This method easily preserves the nutritious content and taste of the food you store.