When looking for a healthy snack, dried fruit often comes up as a go-to option. But did you know that there are two very different techniques? Dehydrated fruit and freeze-dried fruit are not the same thing at all—not in taste, texture, or nutritional value. We explain everything here 👇
1. What is dehydrated fruit?
Dehydrated fruits are dried using heat (usually hot air or oven drying) to remove most of their water.
This gives a fruit:
-
Denser and softer
-
With concentrated taste
-
Often sweeter
-
But which loses some of its heat-sensitive vitamins
This is the oldest and most widespread method.
2. What is freeze-dried fruit?
Freeze-dried fruits are cold-dried. The process involves freezing the fruit , then removing the water under vacuum (sublimation), without ever heating it.
Result :
-
A very light and crunchy fruit
-
Melts in your mouth
-
With a pure, intense and authentic taste
-
Which retains up to 95% of nutrients
✨ This is the preferred method for innovative snacks… and perfect for hikers, kids, or foodies.
3. Texture and taste: the match
| Criteria | Dehydrated | Freeze-dried |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Soft, sometimes sticky | Crispy, airy |
| Taste | Concentrated, often sweeter | Natural, radiant |
| Appearance | Darker and reduced | Maintains the shape of the fruit |
| Nutrition | Less stable to heat | Better preserved nutrients |
4. And what about use?
Dried fruits are often used in muffins, trail mixes, or as a topping.
Freeze-dried fruits are perfect:
-
As a crunchy snack
-
In cereals or smoothies
-
As a topping for desserts or yogurts
-
Or simply to eat as is
🔗 To discover:
👉 Our collection of 100% Quebec freeze-dried fruits
👉 Original and crunchy freeze-dried candies
In summary
| You like... | Choose... |
|---|---|
| A soft and sweet texture | Dehydrated fruits |
| A crispy and light texture | Freeze-dried fruits |
| Nutritious and innovative snacks | 100% Quebec freeze-dried fruits ✅ |
Both have their advantages, but for a modern sensory experience, freeze-dried fruit clearly makes a splash .