Freeze dried foods have become increasingly popular for activities like hiking and camping trips where refrigeration is limited. They provide a lightweight and compact meal option that can last for years when stored properly. But how can you tell if your freeze dried food has gone bad and is unsafe to eat?
Look for Changes in Color or Texture
One of the first signs that freeze dried food has spoiled is a change in color or texture. Freeze dried foods are designed to be shelf-stable for years when kept in a cool, dark place. So if you notice any significant color changes like fading or darkening, that could indicate contamination or oxidation has occurred. The food may also appear dull instead of vibrant.
Check the texture as well. Freeze dried foods should remain crisp or crumbly. If the food has become very hard and clumpy or appears wet/slimy, then bacteria or mold growth may have developed.
Give it a Sniff Test
Your nose can often detect spoilage before your eyes. Give the freeze dried food a sniff and see if you pick up any sour, rancid, or musty odors. Spoiled foods will give off distinct unpleasant smells from the bacterial breakdown.
By contrast, unspoiled freeze dried foods should have very little scent. At most, they may smell slightly sweet or savory depending on the original ingredients. Any pungent or rotten smells are a red flag that the food has gone bad.
Watch for Condensation or Ice Crystals
Properly packaged freeze dried foods should remain moisture-free in their sealed pouches or containers. If you notice any condensation inside the packaging or what appears to be ice crystals or frost on the food, that indicates water contamination has occurred.
This likely means the pouch or container has been compromised and allowed air and moisture in. The food has rehydrated partially and could contain bacterial growth.
Check the Best By Date
The best by date gives you an idea of how long the freeze dried food should retain optimal flavor and texture when stored as directed. While freeze dried foods can often last years past their best by date if stored correctly, a long expired date can be a tip-off that it’s time to discard the food.
Best by dates usually range from 7-10 years for freeze dried foods. While the food is probably still safe beyond that timeframe if unopened, the quality rapidly declines.
Be Cautious After Power Outages
Loss of power can disrupt the ideal storage conditions for freeze dried foods. The fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels can accelerate spoilage.
After an extended power outage, inspect your supply of freeze dried foods carefully. Even if the pouches or container seals are still intact, contamination could have occurred. Discard anything that looks or smells suspicious.
Watch Out for Signs of Pests
Insects, rodents, or other pests can sometimes get into your freeze dried food storage. Telltale signs include chew marks, webbing, droppings, or casings. Discard any opened pouches or containers where pests have gained access.
Pests are attracted to the protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the food. Their infestation can spread bacteria as well as impart unpleasant flavors.
Examine the Packaging Carefully
Always inspect the packaging of freeze dried foods before opening. Look for any punctures, tears, or holes that could have allowed air inside. Also watch for broken or damaged seals. This protective packaging is what keeps freeze dried food shelf-stable for so long.
Even the smallest breach could mean the difference between safe food and contaminated food. When in doubt, throw it out.
Consider How It Was Stored
Reflect on how you have stored the freeze dried food. Has it been kept in a dry location away from heat, light, and bugs? Or was it perhaps in a humid garage or shed subject to extreme temperatures?
If you have any concerns about potential storage issues, it’s best not to take a chance on eating the freeze dried food. Proper storage is key to extending its shelf life.
Rehydrate a Small Portion
You can do a small test by rehydrating a bit of the freeze dried food. Only rehydrate what you plan to eat. Add boiling water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
If the resulting food has an unpleasant smell or shows signs of spoilage like sliminess, discoloration, or mold, do not eat any more of it. This indicates the rest of the food is also bad.
Trust Your Senses
Your senses of sight, smell and taste are excellent detectors of spoiled foods. Pay attention if anything seems “off” about the freeze dried meal in terms of appearance, aroma, or flavor. It’s safer to be cautious if you have doubts.
Monitor Any Foodborne Illness Symptoms
If you do eat some of the suspect freeze dried food, be alert to potential foodborne illness symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever or abdominal cramps. These usually occur within 12-72 hours. Seek medical care if you have severe or persisting symptoms.
Discard the Entire Supply If in Doubt
When one pouch shows signs of spoilage, the odds are any remaining pouches from that batch stored under similar conditions are also spoiled. It’s best to discard the entire supply to be safe.
Don’t take risks by tasting other pouches or hoping the rest is unaffected. With foodborne pathogens, consuming just a tiny amount can make you sick.
Get Replacements for Discarded Food
Having to throw away spoiled freeze dried foods can be disappointing and seem wasteful. But take it as a lesson for proper rotation and storage going forward.
Restock your emergency food supply with fresh pouches or cans. Date and organize them so you can use the oldest first. This will help minimize waste from spoilage.
Look at Expiration Dates on New Purchases
When buying additional freeze dried foods, check expiration or best by dates and select newest ones available. Avoid products with short timeframes until that best by date.
Also inspect packaging to make sure it is undamaged and securely sealed. Don’t purchase anything that looks compromised.
Store in a Cool, Dry, Dark Area
To get the longest shelf life out of replacement freeze dried foods, store in a location that is cool, dry, and dark. The ideal temperature range is around 60-70°F.
Avoid warm, humid spots like the garage or attic. Keep food in sealed containers off the floor and away from walls to prevent pest infestations.
Use Oldest Foods First
Adopt a “first in, first out” system for your stockpile. When it’s time to take out food for a camping trip or emergency, be sure to use up the older pouches and cans first.
This helps ensure you will consume the food while it is still within its prime shelf life period before spoilage can occur.
Inspect and Organize Periodically
To maintain optimal quality, periodically inspect your supplies of freeze dried foods. Check for any signs of spoilage. Organize so oldest is easily identifiable.
Keeping your stockpile organized prevents forgotten old pouches that are more likely to go bad before they get used.
Consider Smaller Packaging
Since freeze dried foods have such long shelf lives, large packages may expire before you can use them up. For the best longevity, consider buying single-serve pouches.
The smaller amount allows you to open only what you need at the time while keeping the rest of the food sealed.
Conclusion
With proper storage and handling, freeze dried foods can remain nutritious and safe for many years. But applying caution and common sense if you see or suspect any signs of spoilage is important. When in doubt, throw it out. Following best practices for rotation and ideal storage conditions will help minimize waste and keep your emergency food supplies fresh and ready to use.
| Signs of Spoiled Freeze Dried Food | What To Do |
|---|---|
| Change in color or texture | Discard |
| Unpleasant sour, rancid or musty odors | Discard |
| Condensation or ice crystals inside packaging | Discard |
| Past best by date | Inspect closely and taste test small portion before consuming more |
| Prolonged power outage without temperature regulation | Inspect for signs of spoilage and discard as necessary |
| Evidence of pests | Discard any opened or punctured containers |
| Torn packaging, punctures, broken seals | Discard |
| Improper storage conditions | Inspect closely before consuming |
| Off smell, taste or appearance after rehydrating small portion | Discard entire supply from that batch |
