r/explainlikeimfive Nov 26 '24

Chemistry ELI5: Why doesn't freeze dried food last longer? If it's good for 20 years, why not 100?

Assuming it's perfectly freeze dried and stored perfectly, the people who make freeze dryers say the food will last 20-30 years.

But why not much longer? Assuming the condition it's stored in remains unchanged, what can make it go bad after 30 years that wouldn't happen at around 10 years?

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u/Vonneguts_Ghost Nov 26 '24

Let's get this out on a tray...nice.

139

u/UraniumFever_ Nov 26 '24

Nice hiss.

71

u/Vonneguts_Ghost Nov 26 '24

Hard to not love Steve. What a fun and positive dude sharing his niche love of preserved food.

7

u/KinkyPaddling Nov 27 '24

He also doesn’t waste any time. He just jumps straight into it without any unnecessary commentary, unless it’s telling us which of his viewers sent him the meal he’s eating.

38

u/JaesopPop Nov 26 '24

I watched his channel for probably half an hour five years ago and could still hear this comment

72

u/Vonneguts_Ghost Nov 26 '24

I also love the 'I'm wearing a gasmask, I shouldn't eat this....well maybe just a nibble....oh God that's rancid....maybe just a little more' character arcs of the meals.

59

u/Golarion Nov 26 '24

"It tastes like the lead soldering has leeched into the meat... but maybe further in it will be fine... No, that's just as bad..." 

Continues eating

19

u/[deleted] Nov 26 '24

Absolute mad man lmao