5 Myths About Freeze-Dried Food That Are Keeping You From Eating Well While Hiking

Freeze-drying, a cutting-edge technology

Freeze-drying is a dehydration process that generally preserves the taste, texture and nutritional value of foods .

Compared to freezing or simple dehydration, this method is recognized for better preserving the qualities of the ingredients.

An undeniable asset for outdoor enthusiasts

Thanks to its advantages, freeze drying has established itself as an interesting option for hiking , camping and adventure enthusiasts looking for tasty and nutritious meals, without weighing down their bag .

Let’s dissect together 5 persistent preconceived ideas about these foods.

Myth 1: “Freeze-dried foods have no taste”

The aromas are well preserved with freeze drying

Freeze-drying is a very good method for preserving the flavors of foods.

Compared to freezing, it allows up to 95% of the molecules that give the aromas to be preserved, compared to only 65% ​​for freezing .

This means that freeze-dried foods retain a much truer and more intense taste.

Food qualities are well maintained

The freeze-drying process avoids damaging 80% of the molecular structures that give food its taste and smell. Thanks to this, the compounds that create the flavors remain intact .

When we rehydrate these foods, we can then faithfully find the same delicious flavors as at the beginning.

Myth 2: “The Texture of Dehydrated Meals is Bad”

A firm and pleasant texture thanks to freeze-drying

Compared to simple dehydration, freeze-drying generally allows the cellular structure of foods to be better preserved.

During the process, the cells do not collapse as much and maintain a firm consistency.

So, once rehydrated, freeze-dried meals have a very firm and pleasant texture, close to that of a fresh dish .

A demonstration in less than a minute

Discover the texture of our meals once rehydrated:

Myth 3: “Freeze Dried Food is Not Nutritious”

Generally preserved nutritional value

Thanks to the freeze-drying process, 95% of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and proteins are well preserved in food.

The process helps preserve the nutritional value of the original ingredients.

Nutritional benefits for sports and activities

Although nutrient contents are not increased, freeze-dried meals can be a good option to support physical efforts during outdoor activities .

Their ease of preparation and transport make them practical allies for hikers and sportsmen.

Myth 4: “Dehydrated Meals Are Too High in Sodium”

Not too much salt please!

At Treko, we pay special attention to the sodium content of our freeze-dried meals. Our compositions are designed so that each serving contributes less than 15% of the recommended daily value of sodium , as recommended by Canada's Food Guide .

Lower sodium levels than other options

Compared to prepared meals or protein bars, our freeze-dried products often have lower sodium levels, giving you more control over your salt intake during your outdoor adventures. In fact, we’ve seen brands offer a bag containing 71% of your daily sodium intake ...

Myth 5: “Dehydrated Meals Are Difficult to Prepare”

Quick and easy rehydration

Although dehydrated, many freeze-dried meals can be quickly reconstituted by adding hot or cold water and mixing. It is a very simple preparation that does not require any special equipment.

In the end, preparing a Treko freeze-dried meal can be summed up in 3 simple steps:

• Open the bag
• Pour hot (or cold) water into the bag
• Mix and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes.

We have made a more detailed blog post on the subject

Practical formats for the field

Their lightness and compactness make them perfect allies for lightening your hiking bag, without sacrificing the quality of your meals.

You can therefore fully enjoy your activities in the great outdoors

To finish...

In short, what we thought about freeze-dried meals is wrong. Thanks to the unique way we make them, our Treko products retain their great taste and all their nutrients very well.

Contrary to popular belief, our freeze-dried meals are super tasty and easy to prepare. They are just as good for your health as fresh meals. It's perfect for your next nature outings!

So don't hesitate any longer, come and discover Treko products. You'll love them!