Here are some American grown freeze dried peaches that are still delicious after 25 years.
Every few days I get a question from someone and in the past, I have always answered them via e-mail. Several weeks ago, I answered one in a post and asked for you to add your comments and suggestions. Since then I have done a couple more and have received good suggestions. I am going to continue to post a question every now and then. Today I received the following question, in regards to the post Long Term Storage Foods From China “I am looking for a manufacturer that can sell me freeze dried food products for emergencies and disaster. How do I know what supplier is good or bad?” The post to which he addressed the question was on the subject of Chinese freeze dried food being imported into the US.
Since I wrote the original article I have done more research on this subject and have found almost no Freeze Dried Foods Companies that do not use food from China in at least a limited fashion.
Mountain House has always been my first choice for high quality Freeze Dried Foods and even they have started to use Chinese Freeze dried foods in limited amounts. The question and answer section on their website states the following, “Mountain House purchases hundreds of ingredients from all over the world. Out of the hundreds of ingredients we use, there are only 3 ingredients from China. These 3 ingredients are used in the following flavors: Spicy Oriental, Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki.”
Many of the less reputable companies use Chinese freeze dried foods extensively. Unfortunately, I can’t give you the names of some companies that I am aware of that use large amounts of Chinese Freeze Dried Foods, because I would compromise my source of information.
However, there are a couple of recommendations that I can make. First, ask questions, don’t be afraid to put them on the spot. Second, stay with older well-established companies like Mountain House, Honeyville Farms, Provident Pantry, and Augason Farms. Thrive is the only company I am aware of that currently claims to use no Chinese freeze dried foods Avoid the newer companies that have suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Some of these companies are so new I don’t have any experience with their products. They may be perfectly ok. But I am going to stay with companies that have long track records. Over the years, I have seen companies come and go and the same thing with their food it went into the trash.
Howard
Since I wrote the original article I have done more research on this subject and have found almost no Freeze Dried Foods Companies that do not use food from China in at least a limited fashion.
Mountain House has always been my first choice for high quality Freeze Dried Foods and even they have started to use Chinese Freeze dried foods in limited amounts. The question and answer section on their website states the following, “Mountain House purchases hundreds of ingredients from all over the world. Out of the hundreds of ingredients we use, there are only 3 ingredients from China. These 3 ingredients are used in the following flavors: Spicy Oriental, Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki.”
Many of the less reputable companies use Chinese freeze dried foods extensively. Unfortunately, I can’t give you the names of some companies that I am aware of that use large amounts of Chinese Freeze Dried Foods, because I would compromise my source of information.
However, there are a couple of recommendations that I can make. First, ask questions, don’t be afraid to put them on the spot. Second, stay with older well-established companies like Mountain House, Honeyville Farms, Provident Pantry, and Augason Farms. Thrive is the only company I am aware of that currently claims to use no Chinese freeze dried foods Avoid the newer companies that have suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Some of these companies are so new I don’t have any experience with their products. They may be perfectly ok. But I am going to stay with companies that have long track records. Over the years, I have seen companies come and go and the same thing with their food it went into the trash.
Howard
Not only are many Chinese ingredients used in freeze dried foods, the freeze drying is often done in China. There are even Chinese Freeze Drying front companies here in the United States that actually do not make any product here and are run by Chinese investors who have massive freeze drying companies in China. Like American Freeze Dry in Washington State. Nothing is actually made there, and they made sure to name it American Freeze Dry. Owned and operated by Chinese who have a freeze dry company in China. Hmm? For what purpose? They claim to use only American produce, etc...but nothing ships out of the facility and nothing ships in either. Most if not all employees are Chinese. What they actually do? I don't know.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. Thanks for the input.
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