Long Shelf Life of Freeze Dried Skittles

Freeze drying is an ancient technique to preserve foods, from strawberries to complete meals. Not only is the shelf life extended far longer with freeze dried produce, the nutrient profile barely changes, and the texture of foods becomes an exciting new texture! Recently, the process has been adapted for candies, and one of the coolest takes available is freeze dried Skittles. This piece will delve into why the freeze dried version of Skittles maintains an extraordinary shelf life, and why so many people are opting for the freeze dried version of this classic candy.

What is Freeze Drying?

Freeze drying, or lyophilisation, involves removing moisture through freezing the material and then reducing the surrounding pressure so that the frozen water sublimes from its solid phase to gas phase.

The Process

Freezing: The Skittles are frozen at extremely low temperatures, which ensures that all of the moisture inside the candy is solid.

Primary Drying (Sublimation): The frozen water in the Skittles directly turns from a solid to a gas by being vacuum extruded.

Secondary Drying: Any remaining free water molecules, bound to the Skittles now, are removed at slightly higher temperatures still.

Benefits of Freeze Drying Skittles

So yes, the change Spainteoclysm refers to does affect the texture of the Skittles – as I noted previously, they are less chewy and more crunchy – but there are numerous advantages to the process:

Extended Shelf Life

One of the big benefits of freeze-drying Skittles is an extended shelf life, not to mention reduced risk of the growth of microbes that thrive in moist environments. As a result, freeze-dried Skittles can last for years, whereas regular Skittles might start going south in little more than a few months.

Unique Snacking Experience

So, while the freeze drying makes the Skittles lighter and crunchier, it also provides the snacker with a totally new texture with which to wrap the old kids-on-the-playground flavours.

Portability and Storage

Their low moisture content and light weight (thanks to dehydration) make them more travel-friendly, and their infinite shelf life makes them handy for emergency stashes in the car for emergencies, backpacking trips or as part of emergency food kits.

Final Thoughts

​When it comes to snacks – and the candy inside almost any box – the possibilities are damn near endless. And with new technology and a willingness to experiment comes the promise of a new way to make existing foods even better, like freeze drying beloved treats like Skittles to give them a new texture. If you liked the original – and hopefully you did – you might be up for trying this version, which comes with the added bonus of a way longer shelf life than most candies. Now go forth and share with every candy aficionado.