The Benefits of Freeze-Dried Foods

28 May

Sarah Reddington, aka Low Toxin Rabbit, breaks down the benefits of freeze-dried snacks

As a parent, you always want to provide the best for your children, especially when it comes to their health and nutrition. That's why it's important to choose the right kind of snacks that are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. However, it can be tricky finding healthy snack foods that are convenient and perfect for busy on the go families. That is where freeze-dried foods come in - an innovative and healthier alternative to traditional snacks that your kids will absolutely love.

Let's take a look into the benefits of freeze-dried foods and why they make for better healthy snack foods for your family.

Understanding Freeze Drying

Freeze drying, also known as lyophilization, is a method of preserving food by removing its moisture content while maintaining its structure and nutritional value. The process begins by freezing the food, which is then placed in a vacuumed environment to extract its frozen water content. This results in foods that can last for an extended period, retain their original flavours, and be rehydrated easily. This method not only reduces food waste but also ensures the most amount of nutrients are retained.

Benefits of Freeze-Dried Food

Retains Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds:

Research shows that freeze-drying is the best method for retaining nutrients in food, like cancer fighting and immune strengthening phytochemicals, while also keeping their colour, taste, and shape intact. Studies have also found that freeze-drying beats other drying methods in keeping antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, and vitamin C, intact. This means that the snacks your child enjoys can be loaded with important vitamins and minerals, making them a healthier option for kids.

No Added Sugar, Preservatives, or Artificial Flavors:

Unlike many conventional snacks, many freeze-dried foods are free from added sugars, preservatives, and artificial flavours. They simply take advantage of the natural sugars already present in nature. This means that your kids can enjoy the natural sweetness and flavours of fruits and vegetables without any unhealthy additives. However, not all freeze-dried snacks are made equal, so it is important to always read the label to ensure you are choosing snacks free from unwanted additives. This is one of the most important steps when selecting healthy snacks for kids.

Allergy-Friendly:

For children with food intolerance or allergies, finding suitable snacks can be a challenge. Fortunately, freeze-dried foods are often gluten-free, diary free and many other allergens making them an excellent option for kids with dietary restrictions.

Easy to Store and Transport:

Freeze-dried snacks are lightweight, compact, and have a long shelf life, making them perfect for on-the-go families. You can easily pack them in your kids' lunchboxes, take them on road trips, or enjoy them during outdoor activities without worrying about going off or mess.

Better than Dehydrated Foods:

While both freeze-drying and dehydrating involve removing water from food, the processes are quite different. Dehydration, which typically involves exposure to heat, can lead to significant nutrient loss, particularly in heat-sensitive vitamins like vitamin C, unlike freeze-drying. Dehydration also does not retain the taste, colour, and texture as effectively as freeze-drying. Often, you find dehydrated foods are tough, chewy, or lacking in flavour due to the heat exposure. Not to mention, preservatives are often added to dehydrated food to help mitigate these problems. Think of the unnaturally bright coloured dried apricots you can purchase in the bulk bin section of your supermarket.

Why Choose NaturKidz Freeze-Dried Snacks

As a health-conscious mum, it is really important for me to choose kids' snacks that are wholesome, nutritious, and free from harmful additives, GMOs, and unpronounceable ingredients. That is why I choose NaturKidz as a great on-the-go snack option. I know my kids will love them and that they are packed with vitamins and minerals. They are also free from nuts, added sugar, dairy, and gluten, which means even I can enjoy them too! Whether you're looking for snack ideas for lunchboxes or easy, healthy snacks to keep on hand, NaturKidz freeze-dried snacks are the perfect healthy choice for your family.