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There’s that magical time after school and before dinner when kids turn into starving little monsters with bottomless stomachs. Actually, that sounds like most of us right around 3:00 p.m., so feel free to commandeer a few portions for yourself!

Managing snacks is important – healthy nibbles help kids get through homework or sports practice and tide them over until dinner. What you don’t want kids to do is start eating out of vending machines or scrounging through the kitchen for unlimited portions of cereal or chips.

Kids are fussy eaters, and finding that balance between healthy and tasty can be quite the task. Enter freeze dried snacks. Delicious, nutritious, and with a satisfying crunch that kids adore.

We love freeze dried after-school snacks because they don’t need refrigeration, there are no preservatives, you can avoid allergens, they don’t spoil in a hot locker during the day, and you can pack or portion their favorite foods while having some control over what they’re eating. For younger kids who are eager for some autonomy in the kitchen, freeze dried snacks are the perfect compromise.

All of these snacks are eaten without rehydration. So they keep the unique flavor and texture that the freeze drying process created. They are light and easy to take along with you. And best of all, they are ready anytime you are hungry.

What is Freeze Drying?

To the uninitiated, freeze drying might sound like something from a sci-fi movie. But in reality, it’s a revolutionary way to preserve the taste, texture, and nutritional value of foods. From fruits to cheeses, the possibilities are endless.

Freeze-drying, also known as lyophilization, is a process that removes water from food or other materials by freezing it and then lowering the pressure so that the ice turns directly into vapor. This vapor is then removed, leaving behind a dry product.

Imagine you have a sponge full of water. If you want to dry it out, you could put it in the sun or in an oven. But that would take a long time, and the sponge might get damaged.

A better way to dry the sponge would be to freeze it and then put it in a vacuum chamber. The ice in the sponge would turn directly into vapor, which would be removed by the vacuum pump. This would leave the sponge dry and intact.

Freeze-drying is used to preserve food, medicine, and other materials. It’s a great way to preserve food because it doesn’t change the flavor, texture, or nutritional value of the food. Freeze-dried food is also very lightweight and easy to store, which makes it ideal for on-the-go snacks.

How Do You Freeze Dry at Home?

Freeze-drying food at home is a great way to preserve food and make it more portable. With a little practice, you’ll be able to freeze-dry just about any type of food you can imagine! It is relatively simple. Although the whole process can take 24 to 28 hours to complete, the actual hands-on time is minimal.

To freeze dry foods at home, you will need a freeze dryer. Harvest Right freeze dryers are high-quality, home-based freeze dryers that allow you to preserve your own food for long periods of time. They are easy to use and come in a variety of sizes to fit your needs. Check out our buyers guide for more information.

Once you have your freeze dryer, you’re ready to start freeze-drying! Here are the steps:

1. Prepare your food. Cut your food into small pieces and spread it out on a freeze dryer trays. You can freeze-dry just about any type of food, but some foods, like fruits and vegetables, may need to be blanched first.
2. Freeze your food. You can pre-freeze your food in a regular freezer. This will allow you to increase efficiency and decrease your batch time. If you have enough freezer space, place the trays in your freezer and freeze the food until it’s solid.
3. Place your food in the freeze dryer. Once your food is frozen, place it in the freeze dryer and turn it on. The vacuum pump will remove the air from the chamber, which will cause the ice in your food to turn directly into vapor.
4. Freeze-dry your food. Once the air has been removed from the chamber, the freeze-drying process can begin. This process can take anywhere from 12 to 48 hours, depending on the type of food you’re freeze-drying and how you prepared it.
5. Store your freeze-dried food. Once your food is freeze-dried, it’s important to store it properly. Freeze-dried food should be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.

Here are some expert tips for freeze-drying food at home:

• Don’t overcrowd the trays. Overcrowding will prevent the food from freeze-drying evenly.
• Freeze-dry food in small batches. This will help to ensure that the food freeze-dries evenly and completely.
• Once your food is freeze-dried, store it immediately in airtight containers. This will prevent the food from reabsorbing moisture which will diminish its shelf life.

Are Freeze Dried Snacks Healthy?

Freeze-dried snacks can indeed be a healthy choice. When done right, freeze drying preserves the nutritional content of foods, locking in essential vitamins and minerals. Since no additional preservatives or additives are needed, you’re indulging in the pure, unaltered goodness of fruits, vegetables, meats, and more. Plus, freeze-dried snacks are typically low in calories and free from unhealthy fats, making them a nutritious option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. Whether you’re enjoying fruits as a guilt-free treat or savoring savory meats for a protein boost, freeze-dried snacks can be part of a health-conscious lifestyle.

What are the best freeze dried snacks?

The list of yummy snacks to make in your freeze dryer is lengthy, but here are some of our freeze dried favorites that my kids love:

Fruit Snacks

 Think strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, pineapple and bananas. They become crispy, crunchy treats!  An absolute favorite: Crunchy grapes. Yes, you can freeze dry grapes! Just slice up all of your favorite fruits and place them on the tray. They turn into sweet, crunchy bites that are a hit with kids.

Want more direction on Freeze Drying Fruit- Check out our recent article:

How to Freeze Dry Fruit: A Complete Guide

How to Freeze Dry Apples for Smart Snacking and Baking

Apple and Oatmeal Bites

This is such an easy, healthy after-school treat. Cook a batch of oatmeal and stir in apples that are sliced or diced to about 1″. Place in bite-size dollops on the freeze dryer trays and run them through a standard cycle. These handheld nibbles are like an oatmeal cookie but are full of protein and slow-burning carbohydrates that will help kids stay full until dinner.

Yogurt Drops 

To make yogurt drops, use a zip-lock bag and cut a small hole in one corner of the bag. Then make small coins of yogurt on your freeze dryer trays. It may help to line your trays with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Start up your freeze dryer about 30 minutes beforehand, then simply place in the freeze dryer for a standard cycle. Imagine yogurt drops that are portable, and can be in a book bag all day but melt in your mouth. It is such a light, tangy snack, and I love that it is an option full of protein.

Here’s another perfect combination: Freeze dried yogurt and fruit- mix your favorite fruit into your yogurt and then make small coins on the freeze dryer tray.

Check out our recent guide How to Freeze Dry Yogurt.

Veggie Chips

This is one of our favorites because freeze dried veggies have a powerful flavor. They’re the perfect crunchy texture and can easily satisfy those afternoon munchies. All veggies can easily be made into a healthy snack with a little spritz of olive oil and a dash of seasonings like lemon pepper, Mrs. Dash or even cinnamon. Just slice and freeze dry, then sprinkle with your favorite seasoning or spice. Freeze dried sweet potatoes are a favorite, they are so good that you might not ever want potato chips again.

Cheese

This is a crunchy and savory snack that’s hard to resist. During the freeze drying process, cheese retains its rich flavor while losing its moisture content, resulting in a satisfyingly crispy texture. This makes it a convenient and mess-free snack for on-the-go or whenever those cheese cravings strike. It also is a great source of protein and calcium.

Meat

Freeze dried meats maintain their essential nutrients and robust flavors while achieving a satisfying crunch. Freeze dried beef, chicken, or turkey, are a great way to curb hunger and boost your energy levels. Their long shelf life and convenience make them a valuable addition to your pantry, providing quick and delicious protein options whenever you need them. Learn our tips and tricks to easily freeze dry meats.

Want more things to freeze dry- Check out our recent article:

10 Best Things to Freeze Dry: Unlocking the Magic

Recipe: Freeze Dried Fruit Snacks

My family loves these freeze-dried fruit snacks for school lunches and day trips. They are deliciously crunchy. We also love to add them to cereals and incorporate them into baked goods or for snacking within the next couple of months, we mix the freeze dried fruit with cereals and nuts to make a delicious trail mix.

Freeze Dried Fruit Snacks

Ingredients:

• Assorted fresh fruits (such as strawberries, bananas, and apples)
• Lemon juice (for preventing browning, if desired)

Instructions:

1. Wash and prepare the fruits you’ve chosen. For berries, remove stems and leaves. For larger fruits like bananas and apples, peel and slice them into uniform pieces.
2. If you want to prevent browning, you can lightly dip the fruit slices in lemon juice before proceeding.
3. Arrange the prepared fruit slices on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other.
4. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and let the fruit slices freeze until solid, usually for a few hours or overnight.
5. Once the fruit slices are completely frozen, it’s time to move on to the freeze-drying process. If you have a freeze dryer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set up the machine and load the frozen fruit slices.
6. Let the freeze dryer work its magic, which may take several hours or even a day, depending on the type and quantity of fruit.
7. Once the freeze-drying cycle is complete, carefully remove the freeze-dried fruit slices from the machine. They should be crisp and lightweight, with no moisture left.
8. Transfer the freeze dried fruit into airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags.
9. Store your homemade freeze-dried fruit snacks in a cool, dry place away from light and moisture.