Lab technologiesFreeze drying
Freeze drying (lyophilization) preserves shape, colour, aroma and nutrients better than any other drying method, and it is also the most expensive one. In our lab in Yakum you can test whether your product justifies the cost, develop it, and run first batches before committing to industrial equipment.
−35 °Caw < 0.3vacuumASLT
What we can do here
- Formulation and product-development trials: fruit and vegetables, snacks, freeze-dried ice cream, powders, ready meals, functional ingredients and probiotics.
- Freeze-drying runs for you (toll processing) for samples, customer tastings or small market tests.
- Drying-cycle design: pre-freezing (down to −35 °C in a blast freezer), primary and secondary drying, shelf temperature and pressure.
- Measurements with every run: water activity, moisture, texture (TA), colour and rehydration.
- Drying simulation: our experience and a drying model to plan scale-up and estimate cycle times and energy use.
When freeze drying fits, and when it does not
Freeze drying fits when shape, aroma or heat-sensitive components are the value of the product, and when the shelf price can pay for it. For simple powders, stable ingredients or price-sensitive products, spray drying, air drying or vacuum drying may give a good enough result at a much lower cost. One benchtop trial next to an alternative drying method shows the difference in numbers and in tasting before you decide.
What happens after drying
A freeze-dried product is porous, has a low water activity and is hygroscopic. Its shelf life is set by moisture uptake, lipid oxidation and brittleness, so packaging (water-vapour and oxygen barrier, oxygen scavenger or nitrogen) is part of development, not a test at the end. The Whole Package is our service for that.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I use a freeze dryer for a food-product trial?
Foodlab in Yakum has freeze-drying capability for formulation, product-development and process-development trials. Depending on the project and our equipment-access policy, the trial can be carried out by our staff, jointly with the client, or through supervised use by trained personnel.
Do you offer contract freeze drying (toll processing)?
Yes, at small scale, supporting product development and prototyping. For commercial volumes we help you design the process and select a manufacturer or equipment.
How long does a freeze-drying cycle take?
Usually between 20 and 48 hours, depending on the thickness of the material, its water content and the shelf temperature. The first cycle is used to measure the drying curve, and from there it is shortened.
Let's put your idea on the bench
A short first conversation: the product or challenge, the market, where you are, and what's already known. Then we ask for a short brief and come back with a proposal.
Talk to usQuestions about cost, timelines or who owns the formula? Read the FAQ