Freeze-dried food has been around for awhile. I remember when I was a kid, hearing that freeze-dried food was “what the astronauts eat.” And while the idea of eating “space food” sounded cool, the only freeze-dried foods available in the 1980s were decided uncool to a kid. Now, the process of freeze-drying has expanded to a variety of different foods, including candy and desserts! When I had the opportunity to review a few of the freeze-dried snacks from Freeze Dried USA, I knew this was my chance to finally eat freeze-dried food. In this review, I’ll be sharing my experience with three of their standout products: Mint Chocolate Freeze Dried Ice Cream Bites, Freeze Dried Cheesecake Bites, and Freeze Dried Skittles.
I received complimentary Freeze Dried USA product to facilitate this Freeze Dried USA review. All opinions are my own.
Freeze-Dried Snacks: What Makes Them Special?
As someone who’s always on the lookout for exciting new snack options, I was intrigued when I first heard about Freeze Dried USA. Freeze-dried ice cream, cheesecake, and candies that won’t melt or spoil sounded both delicious and convenient.
What is Freeze-Drying, Anyway?
Before I share my review of the Freeze Dried USA snacks I taste-tested, let’s take a moment to understand what freeze-drying ist. Freeze-drying is a process that removes the moisture from food using very cold temperatures and high pressure. The food is frozen and then at specific pressure conditions, the frozen water is removed by turning it into vapor. Instead of dehydrating with heat, you are dehydrating with cold.
Once a piece of food goes the the freeze-drying process it retains the food’s original shape, color, and most importantly, flavor. Because all of the moisture has been removed, the food is much lighter weight and it becomes more shelf-stable. The lack of water helps prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, extending the shelf-life of freeze-dried food up to 25 years or more!
This understanding of freeze-drying helped set my expectations for testing these treats. I’m expecting dried-out versions of these snacks that look and taste just like the “regular” version.
Now, let’s dive into our Freeze Dried USA reviews!
Freeze Dried USA Mint Chocolate Freeze Dried Ice Cream Bites Review
Freeze Dried USA offers freeze-dried ice cream in three different flavors: Mint Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, Strawberry Swirl, and Unicorn Sparkle (Cake flavor). Mint Chocolate is one of my favorite ice cream flavors and I was curious to see how the freeze-dried version compares to the “real thing.”
First Impressions
When I first opened the package of Mint Chocolate Freeze Dried Ice Cream Bites, I was struck by how light they felt. I thought they were similar in feel to a baked meringue cookie. Very light and airy with a dense, crispy texture. They also look exactly like mini scoops of ice cream. Unlike real ice cream, though, these mini ice cream bites don’t melt or need to be frozen.
How Does Freeze-Dried Ice Cream Taste?
I was amazed that the flavor of the freeze-dried ice cream tasted so similar to “regular” ice cream. The texture is so unique – simultaneously crisp and melt-in-your-mouth. Out of curiosity, I popped the bag in the fridge to see if it made a difference. Oddly, I could hardly tell that they were chilled – probably because there was no moisture!
I loved the tiny scoops that let me just grab a handful and enjoy. No scooping or bowls are necessary to enjoy freeze-dried ice cream. I think these would also be great to serve at picnics or other outdoor events. Or even as a topping at an ice cream bar!
Where to Buy Freeze-Dried Ice Cream
Buy Freeze-Dried Ice Cream from the Freeze Dried USA Amazon store.
Unique Selling Points
- No mess, no melt: Perfect for enjoying ice cream anywhere, anytime.
- Lightweight: Ideal for hiking, camping, or space travel (if you happen to be an astronaut).
- Long shelf life: Stock up for those sudden ice cream cravings.
Freeze Dried USA Freeze Dried Cheesecake Bites Review
In addition to freeze-dried ice cream, Freeze Dried USA also offers freeze-dried cheesecake bites. As a cheesecake lover, I was curious to see how the shelf-stable version of this dessert would taste. I often enjoy a good cheesecake delivery. Could the freeze-dried cheesecake bites really capture the rich, creamy essence of this popular baked treat?
First Impressions
Each pack of Freeze Dried USA Cheesecake Bites contains 9 individually wrapped cheesecake “bites.” These are small, square pieces of cheesecake. Each bite is split into two halves. There are 3 bites each of 3 different flavors: New York Style, Caramel Chocolate Chip, and Strawberry Swirl. They look and feel exactly like lighter, airier versions of cheesecake.
What Does Freeze Dried Cheese Cake Taste Like?
Even though I knew that freeze-dried foods are supposed to taste like their “hydrated” versions, I was still surprised at how much the freeze-dried cheesecake bites taste like cheesecake. It was almost like eating crunchy, cheesecake cookies. As the freeze-dried cheesecake started to melt or dissolve, I would taste the cheesecake flavor even more.
All three of the freeze-dried cheesecake flavors tasted spot-on. They are rich, creamy, and perfectly satisfying.
Where to Buy Freeze-Dried Cheesecake Bites
Buy Freeze-Dried Cheesecake from the Freeze Dried USA Amazon store.
Freeze-Dried Skittles Review
Freeze Dried USA additional offers several types of freeze-dried candies for sale. They sell freeze-dried Skittles in various flavors including Original, Watermelon, Cherry Limeade, and Sour Skittles. They also offer freeze-dried Starburst and freeze-dried Salt Water Taffy.
First Impressions
Out of the three freeze-dried snacks I tried, the freeze-dried Skittles looked the most unlike their original forms. Freeze-dried Skittles look like they’ve popped from the inside out like popcorn. The (normally) chewy interior transformed into a light and crispy. The hard candy shell remained intact, clearly identifying the different flavors.
What Do Freeze-Dried Skittles Taste Like
Eating freeze-dried Skittles was so unusual! If you crunched down to chew them, they would simply crunch up into little pieces and just hit you with fruit flavor. Alternately, if you let the Skittles melt in your mouth, the white, puffed-up interior almost has a pop-rock effect, slowing dissolving and leaving only the two pieces of candy shell.
The freeze-drying process seemed to intensify the flavors. Each color was distinctly identifiable, perhaps even more so than in the original candy, but with a different texture. I think I might prefer freeze-dried Skittles more!
Where to Buy Freeze-Dried Skittles
Buy Freeze-Dried Skittles from the Freeze Dried USA Amazon store.
Freeze Dried USA Review: The Verdict – Are Freeze Dried Snacks Any Good?
Since trying the Freeze Dried snacks from Freeze Dried USA, I’ve found myself reaching for them more often than I expected. Their freeze-dried candies and desserts offer a unique and enjoyable eating experience that’s perfect for satisfying cravings, putting something special in a child’s lunchbox, adding excitement to outdoor snacking, or simply indulging in a fun treat at home.
One thing I will caution is that you must exert some level of self-control. I found myself quickly going back to the bag for “just one more piece”. And while these feel light and airy, they still retain all the nutritional value of the original food.
The convenience factor can’t be overstated – it’s pretty amazing to be able to have “ice cream” or “cheesecake” in the pantry, ready to be enjoyed without worrying about it melting or spoiling.
Freeze Dried USA has truly impressed me with their innovative approach to popular snacks. Their freeze-dried snacks offer a unique combination of novelty, convenience, and taste that sets them apart. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a curious foodie, or someone looking for a fun treat to share with friends, Freeze Dried USA has something to offer.
Try Freeze-Dried Snacks and Treats Today!
Ready to embark on your own freeze-dried tasting journey? Head over to Freeze Dried USA’s Amazon Store today and treat yourself to these out-of-this-world snacks. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
About Freeze Dried USA
Freeze Dried USA is a family-owned and operated company based in Iowa. They use state-of-the-art equipment and only the finest ingredients to create a variety of freeze-dried treats including candy, ice cream, and cheesecake. Freeze Dried USA products are available to buy in select stores in Illinois and Iowa, as well as online on freezedriedusa.com and amazon.com.
FAQs About Freeze Dried Snacks
Q: How long do freeze-dried snacks last?
A: Thanks to the freeze-drying process, these snacks have a remarkably long shelf life. If stored in ideal conditions, freeze-dried food can last from 20-30 years.
Q: Can I rehydrate these snacks?
A: While you can technically rehydrate them, it’s not recommended and they likely will not regain their original shape or texture. These snacks are designed to be enjoyed in their crispy, freeze-dried state.
Q: Are freeze-dried snacks healthier than regular snacks?
A: Freeze-drying does not make it healthier than regular snacks. Freeze-dried snacks retain most of the nutritional value of the original food.
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