Recent Development in Dried Food Industry

Overview of Mountain House and the Launch of Simple Sensations

Mountain House, one of the largest US manufacturers of frozen and freeze-dried foods, launched a new product line called Simple Sensations in April 2019. This product line was established to cater to customers who need high-quality wholesome and convenient meal options. Using a simple freeze-drying method, Mountain House aimed to keep the natural freshness of ingredients intact while retaining the vital nutrients it contained, thereby making it appealing to consumers who are both health- and convenience-conscious.

Balanced Nutrition and Protein Content

The Simple Sensations product line is nutritionally balanced and filling in every serving, with each packed between 10-18 grams of protein and 280 calories. Therefore, this nutritional profile falls under the broad dietary needs of the consumer-a look for a protein boost as well as a light meal that fills one up. Because the freeze-drying process of Mountain House effectively removes moisture from the food, the ingredients will have extended shelf life without affecting the flavor, texture, or nutritional value, thereby making it a practical option for going on-the-go, hiking, camping, or even emergency preparedness.

As per the Coherent Market Insights report, global dried food industry is poised to expand at a CAGR of  8% from 2024 to 2031. It will reach revenue of US$ 389 billion by 2031.

Drivers of Market Growth

The main driver of the dried food market is the rising demand for convenience and time-saving meal options from consumers. Most individuals want ready-to-eat meals that take only a few minutes to prepare, amid the busy lives led by everyone today. Dried foods, by preserving their moisture content, seem to be an ideal solution for extending the shelf life of food products without losing most of their nutrients.

The major benefits of dehydrated foods include their adaptability. Dehydration can be used on most categories of foods such as fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, dairy products, and beverages.

Artificial preservatives in the form of sodium benzoate, sodium erythorbate, sodium diacetate, and sodium succinate are great concerns that have been associated with the potential contamination and adverse health impacts on the global dried food market. With increasing awareness about the hazards of such preservatives, consumers are developing increased concern over their health impacts as well.