Difference between dehydrated and freeze-dried food can be listed in the following 3 categories:
Nutrition: According to research by the American Institute for Cancer Research[7], freeze-dried foods retain the vast majority of the vitamins and minerals found in the original food. Dehydration, in comparison, can break down vitamins and minerals during the preservation process and retain less of their nutritional value when compared to freeze-dried food. According to UC-Davis research, due to the different process used freeze-dried foods maintain 97% of nutrients during the process. In comparison dehydrated foods only maintain 50-60% of the nutrients.
Taste: Both freeze-dried and dehydrated treats taste good. However due to the different type of process used – freeze drying (very little heat is used); dehydrating (heat is used that results in loss of up to 95% moisture bringing in change of texture and smell). Unlike dehydrated treats, Freeze-dried treats don’t shrivel or become hard. The flavour is locked in, original texture is retained and natural scent is secured.
Weight: Freeze dried treats are lightweight in comparison to dehydrated treats. They maintain their texture and are easier to store, carry while camping or going for hikes