Best Freeze-Dried Food of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Freeze-dried food is a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and travellers who need lightweight and long-lasting food options. This process involves removing moisture from food through a freeze-drying process, resulting in a lightweight and shelf-stable product that can be rehydrated with water. Freeze-dried food comes in a variety of flavours and options including meals, snacks, and ingredients. They are also a convenient option for emergency preparedness kits, as they have a long shelf life and require minimal storage space.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Expedition Foods Freeze Dried Chicken Korma Meal Cover #TOP 1
Expedition Foods Freeze Dried Chicken Korma Meal
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Expedition Foods Beef and Potato Hotpot Meal Cover #TOP 2
Expedition Foods Beef and Potato Hotpot Meal
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Firepot Vegan Ration Expedition Pack with 5 Meals Cover #TOP 3
Firepot Vegan Ration Expedition Pack with 5 Meals
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Freeze-Dried Food

#TOP 1

Expedition Foods Freeze Dried Chicken Korma Meal

EXPEDITION FOODS expeditionfoods.com
004-5004-800
Orange
800kcal
Expedition Foods Freeze Dried Chicken Korma Meal Cover
Expedition Foods Chicken Korma with Rice (800kcal) - Freeze Dried Meal

Expedition Foods Chicken Korma is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency rations. With a long shelf life of up to five years, it ensures you always have a meal ready when you need it. Simply add hot or cold water, seal the bag, and wait for the meal to rehydrate, offering you convenience during your adventures. This freeze-dried meal boasts the highest calorie-to-weight ratio, making it an ideal choice for those looking to pack light without sacrificing energy.

What We Like
Long shelf life
Easy preparation
High calorie-to-weight ratio
Ideal for outdoor activities
#TOP 2

Expedition Foods Beef and Potato Hotpot Meal

EXPEDITION FOODS expeditionfoods.com
004-5002-800
Orange
800kcal
Expedition Foods Beef and Potato Hotpot Meal Cover
Expedition Foods Beef and Potato Hotpot - Freeze Dried MealExpedition Foods Beef and Potato Hotpot (800kcal)

The Expedition Foods Hotpot is an easy-to-make freeze-dried meal that simply requires you to add water. In just a few minutes, you can enjoy a hearty dish without the hassle of washing up. Designed for peak performance, it boasts a high calorie-to-weight ratio, ensuring you receive essential nutrition without carrying excess weight. With a remarkable shelf life of up to five years, this meal is perfect for camping or emergency supplies, allowing you to store it safely for future use.

What We Like
Quick and easy preparation
High calorie-to-weight ratio
Long shelf life
Natural taste and texture
#TOP 3

Firepot Vegan Ration Expedition Pack with 5 Meals

DOFE6
1 Count (Pack of 5)
Firepot Vegan Ration Expedition Pack with 5 Meals Cover
Firepot Vegan Ration Expedition Pack (5 Meal) - Healthy Dehydrated Expedition Food

The Firepot Vegan Expedition Pack offers five healthy dehydrated meals, perfect for your outdoor adventures. You can enjoy Dal and Rice with Spinach, Porcini Mushroom Risotto, and Vegan Orzo Bolognese, all designed to provide you with essential nutrients while on the go. The Posh Baked Beans and Chilli Non Carne with Rice complete the selection, offering variety and satisfaction. These meals are convenient, lightweight, and easy to prepare, making them an excellent choice for campers, hikers, or anyone seeking nutritious vegan options.

What We Like
Healthy dehydrated meals
Variety of delicious flavours
Lightweight for easy transport
Quick and easy preparation
#TOP 4

Spaghetti Carbonara Freeze-Dried Camping Meal

EXPEDITION FOODS expeditionfoods.com
004-5018-1000
1000kcal
Spaghetti Carbonara Freeze-Dried Camping Meal Cover
Spaghetti Carbonara | Freeze-Dried Camping & Hiking Food | Double Serving | 1000kcal Meal

The EXPEDITION FOODS Carbonara is a convenient meal option for camping and hiking enthusiasts. It is incredibly easy to prepare; simply add water to the pouch and enjoy within minutes, allowing you to skip the hassle of dishes. Each serving is packed with calories, making it ideal for keeping your energy levels high during outdoor activities. With a long shelf life of up to five years, you can store it without worry. The freeze-drying process ensures that you enjoy a meal with a natural taste and texture, reminiscent of home-cooked food.

What We Like
Quick and easy preparation
High calorie-to-weight ratio
Long shelf life
Taste like home-cooked food
#TOP 5

Wayfayrer Expedition Beans and Sausage Meal

1 Pack
Wayfayrer Expedition Beans and Sausage Meal Cover
Wayfayrer Expedition Camping Food Pack 300g - Beans and Sausage

The Wayfayrer Beans and Sausage is a convenient, ready-to-eat meal perfect for expeditions or camping trips. As a precooked meal, it can be enjoyed hot or cold, allowing you flexibility in how you serve it. Simply heat the unopened pouch in boiling water for eight minutes, or transfer the contents to a saucepan for a quick meal. With a robust, lightweight packaging, it is easy to transport, making it an ideal choice for outdoor adventures. Plus, it boasts a long shelf life of three years from the date of manufacture.

What We Like
Ready to eat, no preparation needed
Convenient for camping and expeditions
Lightweight and easy to transport
Long shelf life of three years
High quality British pork sausages
#TOP 6

Expedition Foods Asian Noodles with Chicken

EXPEDITION FOODS expeditionfoods.com
004-5001-1000
Expedition Foods Asian Noodles with Chicken Cover
Expedition Food Asian Noodles with Chicken and Mixed Vegetables | Freeze-Dried Camping & Hiking Food | Double Serving | 1000kcal Meal

Expedition Foods Noodles are an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts. They are incredibly easy to prepare; simply add water to the pouch and enjoy a delicious meal in minutes, eliminating the need for extra dishes. With a high calorie-to-weight ratio, these meals ensure you receive ample nutrition for peak performance, which is essential during hikes or camping trips. They also boast a long shelf life of up to five years, making them a reliable option for your adventures. Plus, the freeze-drying process preserves important nutrients, ensuring a natural taste and texture reminiscent of home-cooked food.

What We Like
Quick and simple preparation
High calorie-to-weight ratio
Long shelf life
Natural taste and texture
#TOP 7

Custard with Apple Freeze-Dried Meal

EXPEDITION FOODS expeditionfoods.com
004-0269
Black
Custard with Apple Freeze-Dried Meal Cover
Custard with Apple (Breakfast/Dessert Range) | Freeze-Dried Camping & Hiking Food

The Freeze-Dried Custard with Apple is a convenient meal option for campers and hikers. It is incredibly easy to prepare; simply add water to the pouch and enjoy a delicious dish in minutes, saving you time on cooking and washing up. With a high calorie-to-weight ratio, this meal provides the energy needed for peak performance in the outdoors. Its long shelf life of up to five years means you can store it without worry. Finally, the best-in-class freeze-drying process ensures that the nutrients and flavours are preserved, giving you a taste reminiscent of home-cooked meals.

What We Like
Quick and easy preparation
High calorie-to-weight ratio
Long shelf life
Preserves nutrients and flavour
#TOP 8

Firepot Baked Apple Porridge for Camping

Firepot Baked Apple Porridge for Camping Cover
Firepot Baked Apple Porridge - Healthy VEGAN Dehydrated Camping & Expedition Food…

The Firepot Porridge offers a hearty and warming breakfast option packed with fresh apples, golden raisins, and warming spices. It's a nutritious meal made without artificial preservatives, ensuring you enjoy real food on your adventures. With just a quick addition of hot water, this meal is ready in only 15 minutes, making it incredibly convenient for busy mornings or while on the go. Its dehydrated, lightweight nature makes it perfect for carrying on expeditions and hiking trips.

What We Like
Hearty and warming breakfast
No artificial preservatives
Ready in 15 minutes
Lightweight and portable
#TOP 9

Wayfayrer Ration Packs - 6 Pack Meals

6 Pack
Wayfayrer Ration Packs - 6 Pack Meals Cover
Wayfayrer Ration Packs - 6 Pack - 300g - Wayfarer Meals - Expedition, Hiking, Survival & Camping Food - Emergency Food Rations Long Life for 3 Years - Official DOFE Food - Boil in The Bag Meals

The Wayfayrer Ration Packs offer ready-to-eat meals that are convenient for any outdoor adventure. With no need for rehydration, you can enjoy these meals hot or cold, making them perfect for hiking or camping. They have a long shelf life of three years from the date of manufacture, ensuring you have reliable food supplies for your expeditions. As official DOFE food, these packs are ideal for young adventurers, providing nutritious options while saving you time and effort during your trips.

What We Like
Ready-to-eat meals
Long shelf life
Convenient for outdoor activities
Hot or cold consumption
Official DOFE food
#TOP 10

Expedition Foods Macaroni and Cheese Meal

EXPEDITION FOODS expeditionfoods.com
004-5011-1000
1000kcal
Expedition Foods Macaroni and Cheese Meal Cover
Expedition Foods Macaroni and Cheese (1000kcal) - Freeze Dried Meal

The Expedition Foods Macaroni Meal is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency situations. With a long shelf life of up to five years, you can store it with confidence for future adventures or unexpected needs. Preparing this meal is simple; just add hot or cold water, seal the bag, and wait for it to rehydrate. This meal also boasts the highest calorie-to-weight ratio, ensuring you get the energy needed for your activities without carrying heavy supplies.

What We Like
Long shelf life
Easy preparation
High calorie-to-weight ratio
Ideal for outdoor activities
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is freeze-dried food good for you?

Freeze dried food is as healthy as it was when the food was fresh. Freeze-dried foods maintain 97% of their original nutritional value. Freeze drying is one of the best ways to preserve food for long-term storage while maintaining the most nutritional value.

2. What are some examples of freeze-dried food?

Chunks or slices of shrimp, crab, lobster, beef, and chicken can be freeze-dried. They are often mixed with vegetables as part of soups or main course entrees. Almost all fruits and vegetables can be freeze-dried, including beans, corn, peas, tomatoes, berries, lemons, oranges, and pineapples.

3. What is freeze-dried food used for?

The primary purpose of freeze drying within the food industry is to extend the shelf-life of the food while maintaining the quality. Freeze-drying is known to result in the highest quality of foods amongst all drying techniques because structural integrity is maintained along with preservation of flavors.

4. What is the difference between freeze-dried and dehydrated food?

What's the difference between Freeze-Dried Food and Dehydrated Food? Freeze-drying removes 98% of the water in foods while dehydration removes about 80% giving freeze-dried products a much longer shelf-life. Freeze-dried food is flash frozen and then exposed to a vacuum, which causes all the water in it to vaporize.

Editor's Notes

During our freeze-dried food research, we found 227 freeze-dried food products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,163 customer reviews through our big data system to write the freeze-dried food list. We found that most customers choose freeze-dried food with an average price of £10.47.

The freeze-dried food are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of freeze-dried food, including EXPEDITION FOODS expeditionfoods.com, FIREPOT, Wayfayrer.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.