Freeze Dried Food

Freeze-dried food is an excellent solution for emergency preparedness and camping. With long shelf lives, rich flavors, and easy preparation, it’s no wonder that more and more families and businesses are choosing freeze-dried food. Total Prepare has been bringing freeze-dried food to Canadians since 2012, expanding our selection to include vegetarian, non-GMO, and gluten-free options.

Meet the Brands:
We test all our freeze-dried food brands in-house and only offer products that we would personally include in our own emergency kits. Here’s a quick summary of Total Prepare’s favorites:

• Legacy Food: While not as well-known as some of its counterparts, Legacy is our go-to recommendation. With large serving sizes, high-quality food, and flavorful menus, it’s easy to see why! Legacy food also includes gluten-free options, is non-GMO, and has no added MSG.
• ReadyWise: In an emergency, water and fuel can be critical. Each pouch of ReadyWise freeze-dried food requires less water and fuel to cook than the competition. The meals are tasty, and the pouch sizes are perfect for individuals or those eating smaller portions.
• Augason Farms: Known for their large, economical meal kits and excellent fruit and vegetable offerings, Augason Farms has been in the preparedness space since 1972. Augason Farms pails boast the lowest cost per pound – rivaling even large bulk packages from other brands.
• Total Prepare: We offer our own branded line of freeze-dried food. These products include fruits, veggies, meats, cheese, and eggs, all freeze-dried right here in Canada! We use only the highest quality ingredients, and it shows in every bite.

How long will freeze-dried food last?
Food typically becomes unsafe to eat due to two factors: moisture and air. These elements create an environment where bacteria can grow and contaminate the food. The freeze-drying process removes all moisture from the food, and special packaging keeps it sealed in a space free of oxygen.

Thanks to these precautions, freeze-dried food can last up to 30 years if stored under the correct conditions. Most of the foods at Total Prepare have shelf lives of 25 years, with any variance or specific storage conditions listed on individual product pages.

How is food freeze-dried?
Freeze-dried food is created through a process called sublimation. Food is frozen and placed in a strong vacuum, where the water within the food turns straight from ice to vapor, skipping the liquid state and preserving the food.

Professionally freeze-dried food is usually packaged in mylar bags that are resistant to oxygen, moisture, and light. An oxygen absorber – a small pouch that removes oxygen from its immediate environment – is packed with the food. Just before the package is sealed, it is flushed with nitrogen to ensure that as little oxygen as possible remains with the food.

Is freeze-dried food healthy?
Freeze-dried food retains almost all the nutritional value of the original food. Manufacturers strive to use the best quality ingredients to ensure that their meals and sides are as healthy as possible.

Because salt is a natural preservative, freeze-dried food is often high in sodium. If you require a low-sodium diet, we recommend choosing ingredients that do not have added salt, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats. Alternatively, you can package your own dry ingredients using mylar bags and oxygen absorbers.