Freeze dried candy is a type of candy that has been frozen and then dehydrated to remove all of the water. This process leaves behind a light, airy candy with a concentrated flavor. Freeze dried candy is becoming increasingly popular, as it is often seen as a healthier alternative to traditional candy.
Contents
- 1 What is freeze dried candy?
- 2 How is it made?
- 3 Is it healthier than traditional candy?
- 4 Nutritional comparison
- 5 Freeze-dried candy vs. other types of candy
- 6 Potential health benefits of freeze dried candy
- 7 Potential health drawbacks of freeze dried candy
- 8 Conclusion
- 9 Resources
- 10 Read out more blogs:
What is freeze dried candy?
Freeze dried candy is made by freezing candy and then placing it in a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber reduces the pressure, which causes the water in the candy to turn into ice. The ice is then heated, which causes it to sublimate, or turn directly from a solid to a gas. This process removes all of the water from the candy, leaving behind a dry, light product.
How is it made?
The process of making freeze dried candy is relatively simple. First, the candy is frozen. This can be done in a commercial freezer or in a home freezer. Once the candy is frozen, it is placed in a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber reduces the pressure, which causes the water in the candy to turn into ice. The ice is then heated, which causes it to sublimate, or turn directly from a solid to a gas. This process removes all of the water from the candy, leaving behind a dry, light product.
Is it healthier than traditional candy?
Freeze dried candy is often seen as a healthier alternative to traditional candy because it has a lower calorie content and a higher nutrient retention. However, it is important to note that freeze dried candy is still candy, and it should be consumed in moderation.
Here is a comparison of the nutritional content of freeze-dried candy and traditional candy:
| Nutrient | Freeze dried candy | Traditional candy |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 100-150 per serving | 200-300 per serving |
| Sugar | 20-30 grams per serving | 40-50 grams per serving |
| Fat | 0-1 grams per serving | 1-2 grams per serving |
| Protein | 0-1 gram per serving | 0-1 gram per serving |
| Fiber | 0-1 gram per serving | 0-1 grams per serving |
| Vitamins and minerals | Retains some vitamins and minerals | May lose some vitamins and minerals during processing |
Nutritional comparison
| Nutrient | Freeze dried candy | Traditional candy |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | Lower | Higher |
| Sugar | Similar | Similar |
| Fat | Similar | Similar |
| Protein | Similar | Similar |
| Fiber | Similar | Similar |
| Vitamins and minerals | Higher | Lower |
Freeze-dried candy vs. other types of candy
| Characteristic | Freeze-dried candy | Other types of candy |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Light and airy | Varies depending on the type of candy |
| Flavor | Concentrated | Varies depending on the type of candy |
| Health benefits | Lower calorie content, better nutrient retention | Varies depending on the type of candy |
| Shelf life | Longer | Shorter |
| Examples | Freeze-dried Skittles, freeze-dried strawberries, freeze-dried ice cream | Chocolate candy, gummy candy, hard candy, chewy candy |
Potential health benefits of freeze dried candy
- Lower calorie content: Freeze dried candy has a lower calorie content than traditional candy because the freeze-drying process removes water, which accounts for most of the weight of candy. This makes freeze-dried candy a good option for people who are watching their weight or trying to reduce their calorie intake.
- Better nutrient retention: Freeze-drying is a gentle process that does not expose the candy to heat, which can destroy vitamins and minerals. This means that freeze-dried candy retains more nutrients than traditional candy. For example, freeze-dried strawberries retain more vitamin C than regular strawberries.
- Longer shelf life: Freeze-dried candy has a longer shelf life than traditional candy because the freeze-drying process removes all of the water from the candy. This prevents the candy from spoiling or growing mold.
- Easier to digest: Freeze-dried candy is easier to digest than traditional candy because it is lighter and fluffier. This makes it a good option for people with digestive problems.
Potential health drawbacks of freeze dried candy
- High sugar content: Freeze-dried candy is still candy, so it is important to be aware of the high sugar content. Eating too much sugar can lead to a number of health problems, including weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
- Added flavors and colors: Some freeze-dried candy contains added flavors and colors. These additives can be harmful to your health, especially for children. For example, some artificial food colorings have been linked to hyperactivity and attention problems in children.
- Risk of overindulging: Freeze-dried candy is often light and airy, which can make it easy to overindulge. It is important to be mindful of your portion size when eating freeze-dried candy, as it is still high in calories and sugar.
Here are some tips for minimizing the health drawbacks of freeze-dried candy:
- Choose freeze-dried candy that is made with whole fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid freeze-dried candy that contains added sugar, artificial flavors, or colors.
- Consume freeze-dried candy in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
Conclusion
freeze-dried candy is a slightly healthier alternative to traditional candy, but it is still candy and should be consumed in moderation.
Tips for making a healthy choice
- Choose freeze-dried candy made with whole fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid freeze-dried candy with added sugar, artificial flavors, or colors.
- Consume freeze-dried candy as a snack or dessert, not a meal replacement.
Resources
- Freeze-dried candies from blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) and yoghurt. Physicochemical and sensorial characterization
- Mathematical Estimation of the Energy, Nutritional and Health-Promoting Values of Multi-Layer Freeze-Dried Vegetable Snacks
- Freeze-Drying of Plant-Based Foods
- Bioactive phenolics of fresh and freeze-dried sweet and semi-spicy pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum L.)
- Freeze-drying – application in food processing and biotechnology – a review
1: Why candy cannot be freeze dried?
Candy cannot be freeze-dried because of its high sugar content and other ingredients that do not freeze-dry well.
2: Why is freeze dried candy expensive?
Freeze-dried candy is expensive because the freeze-drying process is complex and removes the water, making the candy smaller and lighter.
3: Does freeze dry change calories?
No, freeze-drying does not change the calorie content of food. It only removes the water, which makes the food lighter and more concentrated. This means that a smaller serving of freeze-dried food may have the same number of calories as a larger serving of fresh food.
4: Can you eat freeze dried candy with no teeth?
Yes, you can eat freeze-dried candy with no teeth. It is light and airy, and it dissolves easily in your mouth. This makes it a good option for people with dentures, dental implants, or other dental problems.
5: Are freeze dried candy nice?
Yes, freeze-dried candy is nice! It has a unique texture that is light and airy, and it often has a more intense flavor than traditional candy. Freeze-dried candy is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, and it has a longer shelf life than regular candy.