**The Shelf Life of Freeze-Dried Food: Separating Fact from Fiction**
When it comes to freeze-dried food, one of the most common questions we hear is, “How long does your product last?” At first glance, this seems like a simple question. After all, nearly every company in the industry advertises a 25-year shelf life for their freeze-dried products. But when you dig deeper, the answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Let’s explore why.
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### **The 25-Year Shelf Life Claim: Is It Backed by Evidence?**
The claim that freeze-dried food lasts 25 years is ubiquitous. It’s printed on packaging, touted in advertisements, and repeated by manufacturers across the board. But when we asked top companies in the industry if they could provide hard evidence—such as data or studies—to support this claim, the answer was surprising: no one could.
The response we received was consistent across the board. Companies pointed to the long history of freeze-drying, which has been around since 1909. They highlighted its use by NASA and the military for decades, emphasizing its reliability in extreme conditions. While these points are valid, they don’t necessarily prove a 25-year shelf life. The truth is, there is no definitive study or dataset that conclusively demonstrates freeze-dried food lasts exactly 25 years.
In fact, there is a laboratory test that can simulate a 25-year shelf life, but it takes 7 years to complete. This test accelerates the aging process by exposing the product to elevated temperatures and humidity levels. While it provides valuable insights, it’s not the same as real-time data over a quarter-century.
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### **How Do We Know Our Freeze-Dried Food Is Shelf Stable?**
At our company, we take shelf stability seriously. While we can’t claim to have 25 years of real-time data, we rely on scientific testing and best practices to ensure our products are built to last. Here’s how we do it:
1. **Active Water Testing**:
We use a laboratory test called the Active Water (Aw) test to measure the moisture content in our freeze-dried food. For a product to be considered shelf stable, it must have an Aw measurement below 0.65. Our freeze-dried food consistently tests between 0.05 and 0.20—far below the required threshold. This low moisture content is a key indicator of long-term stability.
2. **Proper Packaging**:
Shelf life isn’t just about the food itself; it’s also about how it’s packaged. We use high-quality Mylar bags, which are known for their durability and ability to block light, oxygen, and moisture. Inside each bag, we include a desiccant at the bottom to absorb any residual moisture and an oxygen absorber at the top to remove oxygen, which can cause spoilage over time.
3. **Storage Recommendations**:
Even the best-packaged food won’t last forever if it’s stored improperly. We recommend keeping our products in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. When stored correctly, our freeze-dried food is designed to last for decades.
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### **Why Trust Our Products?**
While we can’t definitively say our food will last exactly 25 years, we can confidently say it’s built to last. Here’s why:
- **Science-Backed Testing**: The Active Water test provides concrete evidence that our products are shelf stable.
- **High-Quality Packaging**: Our Mylar bags, desiccants, and oxygen absorbers work together to create an environment that maximizes shelf life.
- **Proven Process**: Freeze-drying has a long history of success, and we adhere to the highest standards in the industry.
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### **The Bottom Line**
The 25-year shelf life claim for freeze-dried food is more of an industry standard than a scientifically proven fact. While no one can provide hard evidence spanning decades, we rely on rigorous testing and best practices to ensure our products are as shelf-stable as possible. With an Active Water measurement well below the required threshold, proper packaging, and careful storage, our freeze-dried food is designed to last for years—if not decades.
When you choose our products, you’re not just buying food; you’re investing in peace of mind. Whether you’re preparing for emergencies, planning a camping trip, or simply looking for convenient meal options, you can trust that our freeze-dried food will be there when you need it.
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Let us know if you have any questions or need further clarification. We’re here to help you make informed decisions about your food storage needs!