Press Release

The U.S. freeze-dried food market revenue surpassed US$ 15.76 billion in 2024 and is predicted to attain around US$ 53.11 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 15.21% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033.

The freeze-dried food market in the United States is undergoing significant expansion, driven primarily by the growing demand for preserved food products. This surge is largely attributed to the increasingly busy lifestyles of consumers, who are seeking convenient meal solutions that fit into their hectic schedules. 

The popularity of freeze-dried meals is further evidenced by the fact that approximately 28 million Americans incorporate these options into their diets at least once a month. This growing consumer base highlights a shift towards more convenient and nutritious eating habits, as individuals increasingly prioritize both taste and health in their food choices.

In particular, freeze-dried fruits and vegetables have gained notable traction in various segments, including bakery, confectionery, and breakfast cereals. These versatile ingredients not only enhance the flavor and nutritional value of different food products but also cater to the preferences of health-conscious consumers. Moreover, the freeze-dried food industry has demonstrated remarkable adaptability to changing consumer lifestyles. By 2024, it is projected that the United States will produce around 62 thousand metric tons of freeze-dried foods, showcasing the sector's responsiveness to the evolving market needs. 

U.S. Freeze-Dried Food Market Key Takeaways

• The U.S. freeze-dried food market is projected to achieve a remarkable valuation of $53.11 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.21% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033.
• In terms of product segmentation, the freeze-dried vegetable segment has firmly established itself as a leading force within the U.S. freeze-dried food market. This category now commands more than 32.50% of the market share, attributed to its ability to offer nutrient-rich, convenient, and lightweight food alternatives.
• When examining packaging types, bags have increasingly emerged as the preferred choice among consumers and producers alike in the U.S. freeze-dried food market. Capturing over 46% of the market share, the dominance of bags reflects both economic prudence and packaging innovation.
• Looking at shelf life, there is a strategic focus on freeze-dried food items that offer a shelf life ranging from 3 to 5 years. This emphasis has further solidified their presence in the U.S. market, with products in this category commanding over 46% of the total market share.
• In terms of end-users, households remain a significant driving force in the freeze-dried food market, accounting for over 51.58% of total sales derived from household purchases.

Market Overview

Freeze-dried food has gained significant popularity in the United States due to its remarkable convenience, nutritional value, and impressive shelf life. As busy lifestyles become more prevalent, many consumers are turning to freeze-dried options that allow for quick meal preparation without sacrificing quality. This method of food preservation effectively retains the essential nutrients and flavors of fresh ingredients, making it an attractive choice for those who prioritize both health and convenience in their diets.

The freeze-dried food market is poised for continued growth as an increasing number of consumers adopt a health-conscious mindset and actively seek out preservative-free options. This shift in consumer behavior reflects a broader trend towards more natural and wholesome eating habits. In fact, last year alone, the industry saw approximately 4.5 million shipments of freeze-dried superfood blends, highlighting a sustained demand for nutrient-rich meals that cater to the health and wellness movement. 

These blends often combine freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, and other superfoods, making it easier for individuals to incorporate essential nutrients into their daily diets. As consumers prioritize their health and nutrition, the appeal of freeze-dried foods is likely to expand further.

Market Growth Factors

Driver

Increasing Home-Based Meal Solutions: The shift towards home-based meal solutions has gained significant momentum, with consumers increasingly favoring shelf-stable strategies that simplify cooking. As people seek convenience and quality in their meals, shelf-stable products have become a popular choice, allowing for easy meal preparation without the need for frequent trips to the grocery store.

Rising Consumer Emphasis on Safety Protocols: Alongside the growing interest in home cooking, there is an increasing consumer emphasis on safety protocols, particularly concerning food preservation. Freeze-dried food techniques have gained recognition for their ability to enhance safety and extend the shelf life of a wide variety of products without compromising quality.

Restraint

Preserving Taste Nuances in Ingredients with Differing Moisture Content: A significant challenge in the food processing industry is preserving taste nuances when working with ingredients that have differing moisture content. Ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, and proteins can vary greatly in their moisture levels, which can affect their flavor profiles during processing.

Unpredictable Consumer Handling Measures and Freeze-Dried Food Stability: The stability of freeze-dried food products is increasingly jeopardized by unpredictable consumer handling measures, despite advancements in packaging solutions. As more consumers turn to freeze-dried foods for convenience and long shelf life, the importance of proper handling cannot be overstated.

Top Trends

Intersection of Freeze-Dried Technology with Desserts and Beverages: A fascinating development in the food sector is the growing intersection of freeze-dried technology with dessert creations and beverages. Freeze drying preserves the flavor, color, and nutritional content of ingredients, making it an ideal method for creating innovative products.

Proliferation of Specialized Flavors: The food industry is witnessing a remarkable proliferation of specialized flavors that highlight global cuisines and innovative ingredient pairings. This trend is driven by consumers' increasing interest in diverse culinary experiences and authentic tastes from around the world.

Recent Developments

• In January 2025, Natures Menu unveiled a new selection of raw freeze-dried treats and rewards. In addition, they have expanded their existing range of complete and balanced raw freeze-dried dinners.
• In October 2024, Feel Good Foods introduced its latest offering: Gluten-Free Chicken Soup Dumplings. These delicious snacks come in a convenient microwaveable steamer tray, allowing consumers to enjoy them in three minutes.
• In September 2024, Nature's Path, recognized as North America's leading organic breakfast and snack food brand, revealed its new Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) Flavored Oatmeal line. This exciting collection features two standout flavors: Berries & Cream and Dark Chocolate & Cocoa.

Key Players in the US Freeze-Dried Food Market 

• Nestle SA
• OFD Foods, LLC (Mountain House)
• Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
• European Freeze Dry
• Harmony House Foods, Inc.
• Backpackers Pantry
• Other Prominent Players

Key Market Segmentation:

By Product Type

• Fruits
  • Seasonal
  • Regular
• Vegetables
  • Peas
  • Corn
  • Potatoes
  • Others
• Dairy Products
  • Milk
  • Butter
  • Cheese
  • Others
• Meat & Poultry
  • Red Meat
  • Pork Meat
  • Poultry Meat
• Seafood
• Bakery Products
  • Bread
  • Pizza Crust
  • Cakes & Pastries
  • Others
• Soups
  • Ready Meals
  • Dumplings
  • Rice Based
  • Italian (Pastas)
  • Indian
  • Korean
  • Chinese
  • Others
• Pet Foods
• Others

By Packaging Type

• Box
• Cans
• Bags
• Trays
• Others

By Shelf Life

• 2 Years
• 3-5 Years
• 5+ Years

By End User

• Household Consumers
• Foodservice Industry
• Pet Owners
• Travellers
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Retail
• Online
• Supermarket/ Hypermarket
• Convenience Stores/ Standalone Stores
• Enterprise Sale (B2B)
• HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurants, Café) - Food Service
• Travel (Railway/ Airline/ Others)
• Educational Institutes
• Food Processing Industry