Freeze-dried food is a cooked dish from which water has been removed under vacuum. The food is first frozen at very low temperatures, allowing the solid water to turn directly into gas through sublimation. It becomes lightweight, stores for a long time, and regains its texture once rehydrated with hot water.
FAQ
Do you have questions about SLY freeze-dried meals? Below you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the process, preparation, storage, ingredients, and outdoor use.
Freeze-drying removes water in the cold, while dehydration uses heat. With freeze-drying, the texture is more pleasant, the flavors are better preserved, and the nutrients are better retained.
Yes. Contrary to popular belief, freeze-dried meals can be very tasty. Freeze-drying preserves the flavors and texture of food. Once rehydrated, the meal regains a texture similar to a home-cooked dish.
At SLY, every recipe is cooked before being freeze-dried, so once rehydrated with hot water, you get a real meal.
Freeze-dried meals are lightweight, quick to prepare and have a long shelf life. They are a simple solution, offering a complete and nourishing meal for outdoor activities or everyday use.
Yes. Freeze-drying preserves vitamins, minerals, and proteins in food—much better than traditional dehydration. At SLY, nutritional quality starts with the ingredients: legumes, grains, vegetables, and plant proteins, for hearty and nourishing meals, whether on a trail or a weeknight.
Add boiling water to the pouch, stir, and let it sit for about 12 minutes. Enjoy directly from the pouch.
The amount of water varies depending on the recipe; it is always indicated on the packaging. Respecting this quantity is important to achieve the right texture and best taste.
Yes. Meals are designed to be prepared and consumed directly in their packaging.
Yes, but it takes longer (30 to 40 minutes) and the taste will be less developed. Hot water is recommended for a better result.
Some meals are designed to be rehydrated with lukewarm or cold water. Always refer to the instructions on the package.
This can happen if the water is not hot enough, if the rehydration time is too short, or if the meal has not been mixed enough. The water should ideally be boiling (100 °C) for proper rehydration.
Note: altitude reduces the boiling point of water, which can extend the rehydration time required.
They can be stored for up to 5 years at room temperature, in a cool, dry place. For an optimal experience, we recommend consuming them within the first 3 years.
The small sachet in the packaging is an oxygen absorber. It removes residual oxygen from the sachet to preserve food freshness, extend shelf life, and prevent ingredient oxidation.
This sachet is not edible and must be removed before preparing the meal.
Our recipes primarily use legumes (split peas, beans), cereals (rice, wheat, corn), plant-based proteins (soy protein), vegetables, and spices. We also use canola oil, known for its digestibility and richness in unsaturated fatty acids.
Yes. All SLY meals are 100% plant-based. They are suitable for people on a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Some meals may contain common allergens, including wheat, soy, or peanuts. We recommend checking the ingredients list on each product.
Most of our meals contain around 700 calories per serving when rehydrated. They are designed to provide a good source of protein and calories, and to be hearty and filling, perfect for recovery after an active day.
All SLY meals are prepared in Quebec, in the Laurentians, specifically in Saint-Agathe-des-Monts. Most ingredients come from Canada or local suppliers. Some recipes use imported ingredients—such as coconut or certain spices—that do not grow here.
Yes. They are lightweight, compact, easy to prepare, and suitable for outdoor activities.
Because water is removed from the food, a freeze-dried meal is much lighter than a conventional meal.
By removing the water, you save approximately 300 to 400 g per meal.
It all depends on the intensity of the activity. An active day may require between 2,000 and 3,000 calories, while an intense expedition can demand up to 6,000 calories per day. Meals rich in protein and calories are recommended to sustain effort over several days.
Our meals are available in our online store and at several outdoor retailers across Canada. Check our store locator to find the closest point of sale.
