How to Store Freeze Dried Foods Long Term

Preserving food is mandatory for my family & of the many ways we go about that, this one is unique. We use a home freeze-dryer (ours is from Harvest Right actually) to preserve as much food as possible. But what’s the shelf life of freeze-dried food? And can it be extended at all so any type of food has a long shelf life? So, let’s talk about storing freeze dried food long term.

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Understanding Freeze Dried Food

Some of the Benefits

Freeze drying is one of the lesser engaged in, but still popular food preservation methods we see today. And I think just honestly that’s because home freeze dryers are expensive. But it’s also a hot thing right now. Despite the cost, don’t worry – the process of freeze-drying may be unique, but the end result is similar to dehydrated foods in that all the water/moisture content is removed. 

So you can preserve much of the same things. Raw foods, fresh food, dry food, dairy products etc. You can get wild & crazy – like I’ve seen some people freeze drying ice cream or you can be plain Jane & stick to something else. But what else is nice about this method of food preservation is its other great benefits. (Not unlike that dream job you might have or be dreaming of)! 

• Long-term storage (Freeze dried food can last 25+ years when stored properly!)
• Nutritional value remains moderately high.
• Emergency preparedness (this area can finally get some well-deserved attention!)
• Lightweight & conveniently portable, excellent for outdoor adventures
• The original taste is intensifed making them uber delicious. This also makes for really simple yet incredible just-add-water meals too! 

A little about the process

The freeze-drying process takes the hard work out of preserving food since it’s virtually hands free most of the time. The unit removes moisture from food items while they are frozen through sublimation of water. That’s a chemical process where using a vacuum pump the product’s water content transitions from solid to water vapor without ever passing through the liquid state. Dehydrated food on the other hand uses heat to remove water. 

After freezing (if not already done pre-loading) the unit goes through a vacuum drying phase to remove moisture. You’ll need to make sure it’s dry. (Most foods will snap when broken). If the center of your food is cold, or has ice crystals, it needs more dry time.

Once finished, food is stored in any number of containers from a vacuum storage bag to glass jars. Then sealed using a heat sealer or iron. If in a jar, the jar attachments of a vacuum sealer come in handy here! Label & then at this point, it’s ready for storing.

Proper Storage Containers & Conditions

But let’s get back to containers for a second. Once you’ve picked any preservation method, the best way to store food for an extended period of time is to have the right containers & conditions. This isn’t just something to throw in a few plastic bags & call it a day. Freeze-dried food storage is no different. If you plan to use this as a long-term food storage system, you’ll need the right containers anyway. 

Mylar bags, vacuum-sealed bags or bags with a ridiculously strong airtight seal, simple airtight containers or mason jars (which you couple with a vacuum sealer) are a great option for long-term storage. For the best quality, always look for something with a good seal. Personally, I love using Wallaby’s 5-mil mylar bags for their durability & I love the sleek black cover too.

Related blog post: How to Use a Mylar Bag Food Storage Chart

These containers I mentioned though protect the food from a variety of factors like exposure to oxygen, moisture, and light. Nature will take its course, but all of these will cause your food to degrade more rapidly over time. You can’t just stick freeze-dried products in freezer bags & throw em into your storage area.

The best option for us has been to use Mylar food storage bags with oxygen absorbers. Some people use a desiccant packet. Real quick, the difference? Oxygen absorbers remove oxygen. Desiccants remove residual moisture. But mylars are easily the easiest & least expensive way to store. They’re also really reliable. Choose a bag that does not have a clear, see-through side as that can let in light & oxygen.

You can also store in #10 cans you see in the grocery store, but you’ll need a can sealer for that.

I then store freeze-dried food in a secondary storage container in a dark place for added protection. The secondary vessel might be a underbed storage tote or 5-gallon food-grade buckets. Both are a good way to make use of limited space. 

Temporarily, I have also put freeze-dried items in sturdy bushel boxes from local orchards. The purpose of the secondary container is another deterrent from pests/pets or rodents. They’re not invincible, but they can help detract unwanted attention & give me peace of mind.

Storing Freeze Dried Food

When storing freeze dried food, it’s important to choose a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. A closet or basement is a good place for this usually. Temperature controlled garages also would work. As long as the environment remains relatively stable around room temperature & doesn’t hit extremes for prolonged periods, it can be a good candidate for long term storage.

If you have a food preservation plan to set aside any food or meals for the unknown, consider keeping this food separate from the rest of your food. Build an emergency food storage bin or shelf, closet or room. Whatever you have the space & need for.

Also remember that in emergency situations, you may not have hot water or have so little water that you’ll need to be able to consume some foods without reconstituting them. If that’s the case, don’t only store freeze dried raw meat for instance!

Tips for Successful Storage

Here are some additional tips for successfully storing freeze dried food:

• Label containers with the date of storage and contents to easily track inventory and rotation.
• Store freeze dried food in personal portions so you limit how much oxygen the container is exposed to if you need to open & reseal containers.
• Regularly inspect stored food for signs of spoilage. This includes discoloration or foul odors. If something is off, don’t chance it. 

Proper storage is everything when it comes to putting away food long term. If you’re freeze drying food & using the right containers, you can enjoy a delicious meal in a pinch. Or a nutritious meal years to come! And it doesn’t matter if you do this for emergencies or just because you’re obsessed with preserving food too. Stocking up on your favorite ingredients is a great thing to do because the grocery store won’t always be there. And this particularly process is a great hands-free & reliable solution for preserving (& storing) freeze dried food long-term. So get in there & get going!

Here’s 3 ideas on how to set up your long-term storage space.

You’ve got this lovely.