Do you know the different types of freeze-drying?

Freeze-drying is a fascinating process that allows sensitive products to be preserved by removing water at low temperatures, without damaging their structure or properties. This method is not only used in laboratories or space missions—it’s key in the food and pharmaceutical industries. But did you know there are different types of freeze-drying depending on the product and purpose?

Today we’ll explain everything, with real examples such as Greenora’s freeze-dried fruit sticks, so you can understand why this method is revolutionising the way you consume healthy, functional foods.

What is freeze-drying used for?

Freeze-drying is used to preserve food, medicines, biological cultures and even works of art. The secret? Maintaining their properties intact by removing water through sublimation (the direct transition from ice to vapour) without applying heat that could degrade compounds.

This method ensures a long shelf life, easy transport and preservation of nutrients and active ingredients. That’s why it is so highly valued by science… and by those of us who want health without complications.

Types of freeze-drying by product and application

Over the years, technology has evolved to adapt freeze-drying to multiple formats. Here are the most common:

Shelf freeze-drying: the most widely used for solid foods

Ideal for whole fruits, vegetables or meats, this technique is carried out by placing the product on trays inside a chamber. It is first frozen and then pressure is reduced to extract the water.

At Greenora, we use this technique as an initial step to ensure the fruit retains all its flavour and nutrients before transforming it into powder.

Ampoule freeze-drying: ideal for pharmaceuticals

This type is used in the freeze-drying of medicines. Each dose is freeze-dried directly in its final container (such as ampoules or vials), ensuring sterility and precision in dosage. This way, vaccines, antibiotics and intravenous solutions remain stable for longer.

Plate freeze-drying: efficient for liquids and semi-solids

Applied to products such as soups, sauces or purées. The liquid is frozen on plates and then subjected to a vacuum. It’s fast and uniform—ideal for large batches.

Continuous freeze-drying: for large-scale industrial production

Designed for industry, it allows a constant flow of product along a production line. It’s perfect when tonnes need to be freeze-dried daily—for example, in factories of supplements or baby food.

Fluidised bed freeze-drying: fruit powder

Here, the product is pre-pulverised and kept in constant movement within a stream of dry air. This reduces processing time and improves the quality of the powder obtained.

Advantages of fruit powder

Fruit powder, like that in Greenora’s sticks, not only preserves the original flavour but also maintains its vitamins, fibre and antioxidants. In addition:

• Mixes easily with water, milk or yoghurt.
• Requires no refrigeration.
• Has a shelf life of up to 12 months.
• Is 100% real fruit, with no additives or added sugars.

Greenora Immune stick, with mango, pineapple, banana, passion fruit and ginger. Perfect for a boost of energy and natural defences.

Freeze-drying in the food industry: much more than preservation

Freeze-drying in the food industry goes beyond preventing spoilage. It makes it possible to develop functional, practical and safe products such as instant soups, healthy snacks, gourmet ingredients… and of course, our Greenora sticks!

Thanks to this process, you can take real fruit anywhere and prepare smoothies or healthy snacks without peeling, washing or chopping.

Have you tried Greenora Fit yet? It contains banana, peach, date, blueberry, beetroot, raspberry and blackberry. A perfect combination to look after yourself without wasting time!

Freeze-drying medicines: stability, purity and long shelf life

Freeze-drying medicines is essential for drugs sensitive to moisture and heat. This process allows vaccines, serums and hormones to remain effective for months or even years without refrigeration.

The pharmaceutical industry relies on freeze-drying to produce more stable, safer and easier-to-transport medicines, especially in areas where the cold chain cannot be guaranteed.

Freeze-drying in your daily wellbeing

Freeze-drying is not just a laboratory technique —it’s increasingly present in your daily life. From the medicines you take to the smoothies you prepare with Greenora sticks, this process makes it possible to enjoy healthy, practical and safe products.

Make the most of each fruit with our freeze-dried sticks. If you’re not sure where to start, try the Greenora Mix Box: a box with 9 assorted sticks so you can discover your favourites. Take care of your body with real fruit —wherever you are!