37 Best Foods to Dehydrate for Long-Term Storage and Easy Meals

Dehydrating food is a super easy and practical way to keep your favorite ingredients fresh for longer.

Whether you're looking to reduce waste, save some money, or just make sure you always have healthy snacks and meals on hand, dehydrating can really simplify things.

It’s also a great way to prepare for long-term food storage or emergency situations.

In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the best foods to dehydrate, from fruits and veggies to meats, dairy, and even full meals.

We’ll share the best methods, tips, and benefits for dehydrating each of these, so you can get the most out of your dehydrator and keep a variety of ingredients on hand.

Plus, you'll get some practical advice on how to store your dehydrated foods to keep them tasting fresh and flavorful.

Best Fruits to Dehydrate

Dehydrating fruits is a fantastic way to preserve their natural sweetness and flavor, while extending their shelf life for months.

Whether you want to enjoy fruit as a snack, add it to baked goods, or use it for smoothies and other recipes, dehydrated fruits are incredibly versatile.

Below are some of the best fruits to dehydrate, along with tips for getting the best results.

Apples

Apples are among the easiest fruits to dehydrate, making them a popular choice for home preservation. They can be used as a healthy snack, added to oatmeal, or rehydrated for baking purposes.

The key to preserving their color and texture is soaking them in citrus water (like lemon or orange juice) before dehydrating.

This helps prevent browning. Once dried, apples can be stored in the pantry for about six months or frozen for up to a year.

Bananas

Bananas turn into a chewy, sweet snack when dehydrated. They can also be made into crispy chips, especially when using firmer bananas.

A simple treatment with lemon juice before drying will help prevent them from browning and maintain their bright color. Bananas are perfect for trail mixes, granola, or as a quick snack on the go.

For the crispiest chips, opt for bananas that are slightly underripe.

Mangoes

When you dehydrate mangoes, their natural sweetness becomes more concentrated, making them an irresistible snack.

Mangoes are easy to prepare, requiring only peeling, slicing, and drying. They’re a great addition to fruit salads, smoothies, or eaten alone as a treat. Mangoes can be stored for up to a year if frozen, or about six months in the pantry.

Peaches

Peaches are a great fruit for year-round enjoyment. They dehydrate well and can be rehydrated for use in baking or added to cereals and yogurt.

It’s important to choose ripe, unbruised peaches, as imperfections can affect the texture when dried. After dehydrating, store them in an airtight container for up to six months in the pantry.

If you’re looking to preserve a bigger batch, you might also be interested in canning peaches.

Strawberries

Strawberries are one of the quickest fruits to dehydrate, and they retain their vibrant color and flavor. Make sure to use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best results.

They’re perfect for snacking or rehydrating in smoothies. Dehydrated strawberries are a great addition to granola or trail mix. You can store them in a cool, dry place for up to six months.

Watermelon

Dehydrated watermelon has a crunchy, candy-like texture that makes it incredibly fun to eat. This fruit retains a concentrated version of its sweet flavor after drying.

Simply slice the watermelon into thin pieces, remove the seeds, and dehydrate. You can snack on it as is, or rehydrate it to add to salads or smoothies. Stored properly, dehydrated watermelon can last up to six months.

Fruit Leather

Fruit leather is a fun and easy way to preserve a variety of fruits, such as apples, berries, or dates. By pureeing the fruit and mixing it with a bit of lemon juice and honey, you can create a healthy, homemade fruit snack.

Spread the mixture onto dehydrator trays, and after a few hours, you'll have delicious fruit leather ready to enjoy. It’s a great way to make use of overripe or excess fruit.

Best Vegetables to Dehydrate

Vegetables can be dehydrated to enhance their shelf life and preserve their nutrients. Dehydrated vegetables are perfect for soups, stews, casseroles, and snacks, and they make excellent additions to emergency food supplies.

Here are some of the best vegetables to dehydrate, along with tips to ensure they retain their flavor and texture.

Sweet Potatoes

Dehydrating sweet potatoes is an excellent way to speed up cooking time for future meals. To get the best results, it’s a good idea to blanch or bake the sweet potatoes slightly before dehydrating them.

This helps to lock in the flavor and texture. Dehydrated sweet potatoes can be rehydrated and added to soups or stews, or they can be made into mashed potatoes by adding water.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are great for soups, stews, and sauces, and they dehydrate well, retaining much of their flavor and texture.

Clean mushrooms gently with a damp towel before dehydrating them. Once dried, they can be stored in airtight containers for several months and rehydrated with water whenever needed.

They’re a great pantry staple for adding umami flavor to dishes.

Tomatoes

Dehydrated tomatoes have a concentrated flavor that can enhance any dish. You can dry them whole, or slice them into thinner pieces for quicker drying.

Dehydrated tomatoes are especially great for making tomato powder, which can be used in soups, sauces, or seasonings.

Avoid refrigerating tomatoes before drying, as it can cause them to spoil more quickly. Store dehydrated tomatoes in airtight containers, and they’ll last for up to six months.

Peppers

Peppers, including hot varieties like jalapeños and bell peppers, are excellent for dehydration. Dried peppers intensify in flavor and heat, making them perfect for seasoning or adding a spicy kick to meals.

If you’re working with hot peppers, be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from the heat. Dried peppers can be ground into powder or rehydrated for use in sauces and dishes.

Carrots

Carrots become sweet and tender when dehydrated, making them a great addition to soups, stews, and casseroles.

Blanching carrots before dehydration helps preserve their color and ensures they remain softer when rehydrated. Dehydrated carrots can also be used in recipes like carrot cakes or as a snack when you’re looking for something crunchy.

Onions

Onions are a must-have in many recipes, and dehydrating them is an easy way to keep them on hand.

You can dehydrate onions as slices or flakes, or even ground into powder for use in seasoning blends. Slice onions evenly for uniform drying, and store them in an airtight container.

Dehydrated onions will last for several months and can be used as needed in cooking.

Best Meats to Dehydrate

Dehydrating meats is a fantastic way to preserve protein-rich foods for long-term storage.

Whether you're making jerky, meat floss, or simply prepping ingredients for future meals, dehydrated meats are a versatile addition to your pantry.

These dehydrated proteins are easy to store and can be rehydrated for use in a variety of recipes, making them perfect for camping trips, backpacking, or emergency food supplies.

Beef Jerky

Beef jerky is perhaps the most well-known dehydrated meat. Lean cuts of beef, such as top round, work best for making jerky.

The meat should be marinated to enhance flavor and then cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160°F to ensure it’s safe to eat before dehydrating.

Once dried, jerky has a long shelf life and can be stored in a vacuum-sealed bag or airtight container for several months. It’s a great snack for those on the go or as a high-protein meal addition.

Turkey, Chicken, and Fish

Turkey, chicken, and fish are also great candidates for dehydration. These meats are typically lower in fat, which helps them preserve better during the drying process.

Similar to beef jerky, marinate these meats before dehydrating them to infuse flavor. After dehydrating, these meats can be rehydrated and added to stews, soups, or casseroles.

Chicken, in particular, can be used as a tasty, protein-rich snack for dogs by dehydrating it into small pieces.

For fish like salmon and tuna, be sure to dry them thoroughly to avoid spoilage. Dehydrated fish can be a great source of protein for those who enjoy fish-based meals while traveling or for emergency supplies.

Slow-Cooked Meats (Meat Floss)

Slow-cooked meats, such as pot roast, can be shredded and dehydrated to make what’s known as meat floss.

This is a great way to preserve cooked meats, turning them into a light, fluffy texture that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Shredded beef or chicken can be seasoned to taste, dehydrated, and stored for use in sandwiches, wraps, or as an addition to rice dishes.

Meat floss is also a fantastic topping for salads or soups, adding a savory protein boost to your meal.

Best Dairy to Dehydrate

Dairy products are often overlooked when it comes to dehydration, but they can be a convenient addition to your pantry.

Dehydrating dairy allows you to store it for longer periods without the need for refrigeration.

While not all dairy products are suitable for dehydration, there are a few key items that can be preserved effectively and rehydrated for use in various dishes.

Yogurt

Yogurt can be easily dehydrated into powder, making it a great option for long-term storage. Yogurt powder can be used in smoothies, baked goods, or as a replacement for fresh yogurt in recipes.

To dehydrate yogurt, spread it in a thin layer on a dehydrator tray and dry it at a low temperature. Once dehydrated, it can be stored in an airtight container. To rehydrate, simply add water until it reaches the desired consistency.

Cheese

Harder, drier cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda are ideal for dehydration. These cheeses can be shredded and dehydrated into a powder or kept in small cubes.

Dehydrated cheese powder can be used in a variety of recipes, such as making cheese sauces, sprinkling over popcorn, or adding to pasta dishes.

Dehydrating cheese cubes takes longer but results in a more substantial snack. Ensure that the cheese is thoroughly dried to prevent any moisture from causing mold or spoilage.

Eggs

Eggs can also be dehydrated into powder. Scrambled eggs or raw beaten eggs can be dehydrated to make an easy-to-store source of protein.

To dehydrate eggs, cook them scrambled and spread them thinly on a dehydrator tray. Alternatively, you can dehydrate raw beaten eggs at 165°F to ensure they are safe from salmonella.

Once powdered, eggs can be stored in airtight containers for long periods, and they can be rehydrated to make scrambled eggs, added to baking recipes, or used in cooking.

And don’t toss the shells – eggshells can be used as pest control in your garden.

Best Herbs to Dehydrate

Dehydrating herbs is a simple yet effective way to preserve their fresh flavors for use throughout the year.

When dehydrated, herbs retain their essential oils and flavor, making them just as potent as fresh herbs in your recipes. Here’s a look at some of the best herbs to dehydrate, and how you can use them to enhance your cooking.

Basil, Dill, and Rosemary

Basil, dill, and rosemary are some of the most popular herbs for dehydration. These herbs retain their vibrant flavors even after drying, and they’re perfect for seasoning a variety of dishes.

To dehydrate, simply remove the leaves from the stems, spread them evenly on a dehydrator tray, and dry at low temperatures (usually 95-115°F) for about 1-4 hours. Once fully dried, you can crumble the leaves or store them whole in airtight containers.

Dehydrated basil is great for Italian dishes, while dill can enhance soups, salads, and pickles. Rosemary is perfect for roasted meats, potatoes, and bread recipes.

The key to successful dehydration of herbs is to store them properly in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to prevent the loss of flavor and aroma.

Thyme, Sage, and Oregano

Other essential herbs like thyme, sage, and oregano are also perfect for dehydrating.

These herbs are commonly used in Mediterranean cooking and can easily be added to your stockpile of dehydrated ingredients.

Dry them the same way as basil and rosemary. Thyme and oregano both work well in sauces, meats, and vegetables, while sage is ideal for stuffing and poultry dishes.

Since these herbs tend to have strong, concentrated flavors, a little goes a long way once dehydrated.

Make sure to store them in a cool, dry place to preserve their potency. When ready to use, you can crumble them into your dishes for that fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Mint, Lavender, and Marjoram

Mint, lavender, and marjoram are more delicate herbs that also dehydrate well and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. Mint is perfect for teas, smoothies, and desserts.

Lavender, known for its floral fragrance, can be used in baked goods, teas, or even homemade potpourri. Marjoram, a cousin of oregano, has a mild flavor and can be used in meats, stews, and sauces.

To dehydrate mint and lavender, lay the leaves or flowers out evenly on the dehydrator trays, and dry them at low temperatures until fully crisp.

These herbs can also be stored in airtight containers and will retain their flavors for up to six months, depending on the storage conditions.

Other Things You Can Dehydrate

Beyond the typical fruits, vegetables, meats, and herbs, there are many other items you can dehydrate to enhance your meals or prepare for long-term storage.

From full meals and pet food to quick-to-make snacks like marshmallows, there’s no limit to the foods you can preserve.

Here’s a look at some additional things that work well in a dehydrator.

Meals and Leftovers

One of the most useful ways to use a dehydrator is to preserve leftover meals for future use.

If you have extra stew, chili, or pasta dishes, you can dehydrate them to create lightweight, long-lasting meals perfect for backpacking or emergency supplies.

By dehydrating leftovers, you can reduce food waste and always have a ready-to-go meal available. Simply cook the meal, portion it, and dehydrate it.

Once dried, store it in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags for maximum shelf life.

When it’s time to eat, just rehydrate the meal by adding hot water, and you'll have a quick and satisfying dish without any hassle.

This method is a great way to ensure that your cooked meals don’t go to waste, and it’s convenient for meal prep.

Pet Food

Homemade or store-bought wet pet food can also be dehydrated.

This is especially useful if you’re looking to extend the shelf life of wet food or want to provide your pet with a healthier, homemade option.

You can dehydrate meat-based meals or stews and use the resulting product as treats or complete meals for your pet.

Simply cook the pet food, spread it evenly on a dehydrator tray, and dry it thoroughly. Once dehydrated, store the food in a vacuum-sealed bag or airtight container.

This method is great for creating custom pet food recipes or making treats that are easy to store and travel with.

Soup Mixes

Dehydrated soup mixes are incredibly convenient for quick meals, especially when you’re on the go. You can dehydrate vegetables, beans, and seasonings to create your own soup mixes.

Simply dry the ingredients individually, and then store them in a jar or bag. When you're ready to make soup, just add water and let the ingredients rehydrate.

This method is perfect for creating customized soups that match your taste and dietary needs. You can add spices, herbs, and even protein to make a complete meal.

Dehydrated soup mixes also make excellent gifts or emergency preparedness items, as they are easy to store and have a long shelf life.

Raisins and Prunes

Dehydrated grapes and plums can be made into raisins and prunes, which are not only delicious but also great for snacking or adding to dishes like granola, baked goods, and salads.

Grapes should be blanched before dehydrating to help preserve their color and texture. Plums can be dehydrated in the same way to create prunes that are perfect for breakfast or as a natural digestive aid.

Instant Rice

Dehydrating cooked rice is an excellent way to make instant rice for future meals. By cooking the rice, drying it, and then storing it in airtight containers, you’ll have a quick-to-prepare option for busy days.

To rehydrate, simply add water and heat it up. Dehydrated rice can be used as a base for various dishes, such as stir-fries, casseroles, and soups.

Marshmallows

Marshmallows are another fun snack that can be dehydrated, especially mini marshmallows, which are much easier to dry.

Once dried, marshmallows can be used as toppings for hot chocolate, desserts, or simply as a crunchy snack.

They retain their sweetness and texture when rehydrated, making them an enjoyable treat for all ages.

Start dehydrating today to preserve your food, reduce waste, and have healthy meals ready whenever you need them!

Dehydrating food is a great way to keep your favorite ingredients for longer, cut down on food waste, and always have healthy options on hand.

Whether you're drying fruits for snacks, vegetables for soups, meats for jerky, or even full meals for later, dehydrating makes long-term food storage easy and effective.

With the right tools and methods, dehydrating can change the way you store and prepare food, making it simple to have healthy, shelf-stable options ready when you need them.

Start with a few of the fruits and veggies mentioned here, and soon you’ll be confident in dehydrating and storing all kinds of foods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got questions about dehydrating food? These FAQs cover everything from the best foods to dehydrate to storage tips, making it easier for you to get started.

1. What are the best fruits to dehydrate?

Some of the best fruits to dehydrate include apples, bananas, mangoes, peaches, strawberries, watermelon, and fruit leather made from pureed fruits. Each of these fruits offers unique flavors and textures once dried, making them perfect for snacks, baking, or rehydration in future recipes.

2. Can I dehydrate meats like chicken and fish?

Yes, lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and fish are great for dehydration. These meats can be turned into jerky or rehydrated for use in soups and stews. Be sure to marinate the meat beforehand to enhance its flavor and ensure food safety during the drying process.

3. How do I prevent fruits like apples and bananas from browning when dehydrating?

To prevent browning, soak fruits like apples and bananas in citrus water (such as lemon or orange juice) before dehydrating. This treatment helps preserve their color and texture throughout the dehydration process.

4. What vegetables are best for dehydrating?

Vegetables like sweet potatoes, mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, onions, and potatoes are excellent options for dehydration. These vegetables are great for soups, stews, and other dishes, and can be easily rehydrated when needed. For some vegetables, blanching before dehydration helps preserve their color and texture.

5. How do I store dehydrated food for long-term use?

Dehydrated food should be stored in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to protect it from moisture and contaminants. Keep your stored food in a cool, dry, and dark place to extend its shelf life. When stored properly, dehydrated foods can last for months or even years.