FOREVER FRESH & PROACTIVE FREEZE DRIED FOOD
HOW IT’S MADE
THE BASIC SCIENCE
Freeze drying, technically known as Lyophilisation, is a drying process that involves the removal of moisture under vacuum and a further process called Sublimation, where ice is converted to water vapour without melting.
This results in a superior product, that does not shrink or toughen, retains flavour and maintains 98% of the nutritional value and a shelf life of up to 25 years.
THE 3 STEP PROCESS
STEP 1: FREEZE
In this step, our meals are first pre-cooked and then flash frozen solid to lock in and retain their nutrients.
STEP 2: VACUUM
The frozen meals are then put under vacuum and progressively heated. Typically up to 98% of water is extracted through a process called sublimation. (a process where ice is converted to gaseous water vapour to preserve the food texture).
STEP 3: DRY
In the final step, (final dry) the meals are heated and cooled over a period typically lasting up to 48 hours, until the food has 1 to 4 percent water left.
ADVANTAGES OF FREEZE-DRYING
1) QUICK & EASY TO PREPARE
Simply add water, wait the required amount of time, warm and enjoy!
2) ULTRA-LIGHT
The removal of moisture means removal of most of the product’s weight, making our meals much lighter to carry
3) EXTENDED SHELF-LIFE
The shelf life of any product is directly linked to the amount of moisture content and oxygen present. Removing the moisture & reducing oxygen content prolongs the shelf life considerably
4) QUALITY
This gentle process ensures that the product remains high in quality. It guarantees that the taste, texture, appearance and nutritional content is kept intact.
DEHYDRATED VS. FREEZE DRIED – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Dehydration and Freeze-drying both seek to remove moisture from food, however the methods are vastly different.
Dehydrators use heat to evaporate water, whereas Freeze drying uses vacuum freezing (a process called sublimation) to gently remove water, without damaging the food and the delicate vitamins and essential phytonutrients.
This allows the food to retain its original shape, texture and concentrated taste. Freeze dried products are generally more expensive than Dehydrated equivalent products, but are way superior in every other aspect.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHO IS FOREVER FRESH AND PROACTIVE FOODS?
They are both South African food producers specialising in the production of freeze dried outdoor and adventure meals, snacks, single ingredients and pantry items.
WHY FREEZE DRIED?
Freeze-dried products are shelf-stable at room temperature, requiring no refrigeration and (under typical storage conditions) are capable of retaining up to 98% of fresh-equivalent nutritional value for up to 25 years.
DO YOU HAVE A RETAIL SHOP?
NO, We are an online shop only
WHAT PRODUCTS DO THEY OFFER?
They produce and market the following ranges of freeze dried products:
Outdoor and Adventure pre-cooked meals, regular, or high energy meaty dishes
Vegetarian and Vegan meals
Single ingredients
Side Dishes
Adventure Combo Packs
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DEHYDRATED AND FREEZE DRIED?
Great question! Dehydration and Freeze-drying both seek to remove moisture from food, however the methods are vastly different. Dehydrators use heat to evaporate water, whereas Freeze drying uses vacuum freezing (a process called sublimation) to gently remove water, without damaging the food and the delicate vitamins and essential phytonutrients. This allows the food to retain its original shape, texture and concentrated taste. Freeze dried products are generally more expensive than Dehydrated equivalent products, but are way superior in every other aspect.
ARE ANY NUTRIENTS LOST DURING THE FREEZE-DRYING PROCESS?
The freeze-drying process is incredibly gentle and lets the food retain its original shape and flavour as well as much as 98% of its nutrients.
HOW BIG ARE YOUR SERVINGS?
A single serving is based on ¾ cup (150 g) of rehydrated food. Our standard meals contain 1 – 2 servings (i.e., the equivalent of approx. 300 g rehydrated food). Our High Energy Meals contain side dishes (carbs) added into the meals. These meals contain 2 – 4 servings and are bigger than the regular meals.
SERVING SIZE VS PORTION SIZE – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
A “serving size” is a standard measurement amount of a food consumed. A “portion” describes how much you eat. For example, the Nutrition Label may equate ¾ cup (150 g) as a single serving but if you eat 1½ cups (300 g), that is your portion size.
WHAT IS THE NUTRITIONAL CONTENT OF YOUR FOOD?
All our meals have detailed Nutritional information, which can be found on the rear label. These labels appear on each product single page. We also highlight the amount of Protein, Calories as well as Nett (dry) weights on the front label.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CALORIES AND KILOJOULES?
Calories (cal) and kilojoules (kJ) are both units of energy in food. Kilojoules are the official unit for measuring energy in South Africa. The more calories or kilojoules a food contains the more energy it provides. 1 calorie is equal to 4.2 kJ.
HOW MANY CALORIES / KILOJOULES DO I NEED?
Your individual energy needs are largely based on your age, activity levels and gender. Within the South African context, recommendations are published by the National Department of Health under the Food Based Dietary Guidelines. If in doubt, consult with a registered dietitian, who will be able to assist you in tailoring a nutritional plan to suit your needs.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY WHOLE FOODS?
Food is more than a sum of its individual nutrient parts. Whole foods are foods that nature provides with all their edible parts and the benefits come from these combinations of compounds and nutrients that work better together than apart. Whole foods also follow the principle of no additives or preservatives.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WHOLE FOODS?
Being as close to their natural state as when they were first harvested means that they come loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other essential nutrients.
WHAT ELSE OTHER THAN WHOLE FOODS IS IN YOUR PRODUCT?
Nothing
ARE YOUR PRODUCTS RAW OR COOKED?
All our Outdoor and Adventure Meals are all pre-cooked to save you valuable time and energy. These do not require cooking (only heating to your desired temperature) and could as a matter of fact be eaten cold.
The new packaging includes an internal heater. No need to heat the meal on a flame.
1) Tear bag open. Remove oxygen absorber
2) Add water as indicated on the bag. Stir carefully.
3) Seal the bag. Wait the indicated time.
4) Open bag, stir and enjoy.
ARE YOUR PRODUCTS GLUTEN FREE?
In terms of our Single Ingredients, Snacks and Pantry Items, these are generally Gluten Free, since we use only all-natural raw fruit and vegetables.
For our Outdoor and Adventure Meal range, each product has detailed Nutritional Information, including (where applicable) Gluten and Allergens information.
Should we add products that are not Gluten Free, this would be highlighted under the product’s page.
ARE ALL YOUR INGREDIENTS ORGANIC?
Where possible we aim for organic suppliers. Where organic produce is unavailable, our strict sourcing protocol sees us choosing those suppliers that follow best farming practices.
ARE YOUR PRODUCTS HALAAL?
All our Outdoor and Adventure Meals are made in a kitchen under MJC Halaal certification.
WHAT IS YOUR POLICY OF GMO PRODUCTS?
We do not support any kind of GMO processes.
DO YOUR PRODUCTS HAVE ANY ADDITIVES OR PRESERVATIVES?
No, nothing else but the pure ingredient!
ARE THE LITTLE PACKETS INCLUDED OXYGEN ABSORBERS?
Yes, in certain of our products we may include an Oxygen Absorber to assist in keeping your product fresher for longer. Although certified food-safe – Do not eat.
PRODUCT STORAGE – DO THE PRODUCTS NEED TO BE REFRIGERATED?
No, they are shelf stable at room temperature, however we advise you to store them in a dry cool space. Once opened, you can increase its shelf life by refrigerating it but it’s not essential.
IS YOUR PRODUCT SAFE FOR: INFANTS, TEENAGERS, PREGNANT WOMEN, ELDERLY, PETS
All our products have undergone freeze-drying process with no additives or other ingredients. General safety would be similar to that of the fresh equivalent product in its natural state.
Please review each of our product’s Nutritional Labels for known Allergens.
If unsure, always consult a medical professional.
DO YOU ADD ANY ANTI-CAKING OR OTHER ADDITIVES?
Nope – nothing. We want to keep the ingredient as pure as possible and concentrated for the highest quality profile. Also it’s not necessary as under the right storing conditions the product will remain fresh.
MY PRODUCT HAS CLUMPED TOGETHER – NOW WHAT?
In the deliberate absence of food additives, flow agents or similar, some of our products (particularly fine food powders) may sometimes clump. Sometimes this is due to exposure to moisture and/or oxygen or just due to extremely small particles being attracted together. A quick shake or re-blending with a teaspoon or home blending will break up any clumps.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY ORDER FROM DATE OF ORDER?
Shipping will take place approximately 3-5 working days after your payment has been confirmed. Bulk orders may require additional time.
DO YOU PROVIDE ANY SORT OF TRACKING NUMBER?
You will receive a notification that your parcel has left our premises and you will be able to track it until it arrives at its destination.
