Dairy Products

What is a freeze-dried dairy product?

Freeze-drying is a preservation process that involves freezing a food and then removing all its water content. Milk can undergo this process and become a fully freeze-dried product. The milk is first deep-frozen, then dehydrated by sublimation, at extremely low temperatures that can reach as low as -40°C. Despite this, the freeze-dried dairy product retains the appearance, taste, smell and full nutritional values of the original milk. This process enables dairy products to be stored for several years at ambient temperature — the same applies to cheese and dairy-based desserts, for example. Rehydration is simple and straightforward.

What are the benefits of freeze-dried dairy products?

When we think of freeze-dried dairy products, hikers and outdoor athletes immediately come to mind — and for good reason. These products can be taken anywhere and used throughout any activity. Freeze-dried dairy products are convenient on the go, as preparation is minimal, yet they deliver the same satisfaction as a good bowl of milk. Once the water is removed, these products lose over 80% of their weight, meaning you can carry a substantial food supply in your backpack for long-distance trips.

Furthermore, freeze-dried dairy products taste almost identical to fresh milk or yoghurt. They are enjoyable to eat and you can vary the flavours. Simply pick up a sachet or tub of freeze-dried milk in different flavours. To prepare them, just add hot or cold water, depending on your preference.

One of the major advantages of this type of product also lies in its nutritional profile, much like sports nutrition products. In a single sachet of freeze-dried milk, you get proteins, vitamins, fats and minerals — with no water content whatsoever. Over 95% of the nutritional values of dairy products are retained through the freeze-drying process. It is worth noting, however, that these products are surprisingly lightweight relative to their caloric content.

Are they a good choice for outdoor sports?

Freeze-dried dairy products, in addition to their nutritional benefits, keep hikers' packs light throughout their activities. This can make them an excellent choice compared to other products carried on the trail. However, hikers and skiers don't choose freeze-dried products purely for their weight. Nutritional content, taste, enjoyment and satiety all play an equally important role.

What makes this type of product so practical is that you can consume a sachet of freeze-dried milk while continuing your hike — without interrupting your stride and without compromising on taste. On top of that, dairy products and other freeze dried food are ideal after a full day of intense activity. It goes without saying that sports like hiking can leave you with a huge appetite and a real need to rehydrate.

The well-measured portions of these products are perfectly sized to keep you satisfied. Many people are enthusiastic about packing this type of product in their sports bag for intense physical activities.

How do you choose a good freeze-dried dairy product?

If you love outdoor sports, freeze-dried dairy products could become a must-have companion in nature. If you're new to them, however, it's important to know how to choose the right product for your body and your dietary habits.

First of all, it's important to check the ingredients list of your freeze-dried dairy product. This tells you exactly which ingredients were used during processing. Since the taste remains unchanged, you'll also be able to pair your freeze-dried dairy product with the right accompaniments.

Secondly, your choice of freeze-dried dairy product should match the type of physical activity you are undertaking. This helps you identify which nutrients you need for optimal recovery. It's also worth comparing prices, as freeze-dried dairy products can be quite expensive — largely due to the costly freeze-drying process itself.

For best value, you should also consider the portion sizes on offer — for an activity like hiking, you need a product that delivers enough energy. This helps you work out how much water to keep aside for reconstituting your dairy product, so you can plan your rehydration accordingly.

That said, it's important not to overlook your personal food preferences when choosing a freeze-dried dairy product. Think about the dairy ingredients you normally consume.

Freeze-dried dairy products are easy and practical to prepare. They provide athletes with proteins, vitamins and minerals — all essential for proper muscle recovery after physical exertion. If you are new to freeze-dried dairy products, make sure you read the instructions on the packaging carefully.