Fast delivery.png){kind=small}
Fair prices
We often address food-related topics on the blog, but today I wanted to talk to you about a subject that really concerns many families: how to satisfy our children's sweet cravings without giving them ultra-processed products full of additives ?
We are parents ourselves, so we know the subject !
The whole freeze-dried strawberries, it's a bit of a discovery we would have liked to make earlier, for our children who have already left home. Naturally sweet, crispy, with a bright red color that immediately attracts children, and above all: no additives, no added sugar, and 98% of the vitamins in fresh fruit preserved. Frankly, when you compare it with a pack of classic candies, there's no comparison.
83% of French children consume too much sugar: a concerning observation
I am not going to blame you. Really not. But I think it is important to lay the numbers on the table, because they are quite telling.
According to the INCA 2 study, 83% of French children exceed the WHO recommendations on free sugars.. And when we look in detail by age group, it is even more striking:
- 92% of children aged 3-6 are above the recommended thresholds.
- 86% of 7-11 year olds
- 75% of 12-17 year olds
What particularly caught my attention in this data is the main source of these industrial sugars: sweet products such as cookies, pastries, and candies account for between 30% and 54% of free sugar intake in children. The food industry has also optimized its recipes to achieve this famous bliss point what makes ultra-processed foods so addictive.
The consequences are very real.
The peak of candy consumption is around 8-9 years old. And it is probably not a coincidence if 44% of children of this age already have cavities.. Not to mention the issues of overweight and attention disorders that many parents observe after overly sugary snacks.
I am not saying it's the parents' fault. With Aurélie, we know how difficult it is to resist when a child asks for candy. That's when it becomes interesting to have alternatives that truly delight children, without the drawbacks.
Freeze-dried strawberries: what exactly are they ?
So, concretely, how do we go from a fresh strawberry to this little crunchy fruit that can be preserved for months or even years ?
The freeze-drying process explained simply
The principle is quite fascinating. First, the strawberries are frozen at about -40°C, then the water is removed by sublimation. Sublimation is when water goes directly from a solid state (ice) to a gaseous state (vapor), without passing through the liquid phase. This is exactly what happens when frost disappears from your windshield in cold and dry weather.
What is remarkable about this process is that it preserves the structure of the fruit. The freeze-dried strawberry keeps its shape, color, and especially its nutrients. It is estimated that 98% of the vitamins are preserved, which is considerable when compared to other preservation methods. To better understand all The benefits of freeze-dried fruits, I invite you to consult our dedicated article.
What is the difference between dried strawberries and freeze-dried strawberries ?
This is a question we are often asked. The difference is important:
- Traditional drying uses heat (sometimes up to 70°C), which destroys a good portion of the vitamins and antioxidants. The resulting texture is soft, almost rubbery.
- Freeze-drying works at low temperature thanks to the vacuum. Result: a crispy, light texture that almost melts in the mouth. And the nutrients are preserved.
In fact, the history of freeze-drying is quite amusing: this technology was developed for astronauts so they could take nutritious and lightweight food into space. Today, it is accessible to everyone, and I think that's wonderful.
Nutritional Comparison: Freeze-Dried Strawberries vs. Traditional Candy
Here is what really convinced me when I started looking at the labels more closely. The difference is spectacular.
Per 100g of product:
Organic freeze-dried strawberries:
- Sugars: natural only (those from fruit)
- Fibers: 15 to 17g
- Vitamin C: preserved at 98%
- Additives: zero
- Calories: approximately 30 kcal per 10g
Classic candies:
- Added sugars: 60 to 80g
- Fiber: 0g
- Vitamin C: 0
- Additives: colorants, artificial flavors, preservatives
- Calories: approximately 350 kcal per 100g
Natural sugars and added sugars: a fundamental difference
I am sometimes asked: "But the freeze-dried strawberries, ", it's still sugar, isn't it?" Yes and no. The sugars naturally present in fruit come with a whole array of fibers, vitamins, and antioxidants. They are metabolized differently by the body.
The added sugars in candies, on the other hand, are what are called "empty calories": they provide energy but no nutrients. And without fiber to slow their absorption, they cause blood sugar spikes.
What candies don't have
The fibers of freeze-dried strawberries (about 15g per 100g) play several essential roles:
- They promote satiety, so the child feels full more quickly.
- They contribute to good intestinal transit.
- They slow down the absorption of sugars.
And then there are the antioxidants, preserved thanks to the low-temperature process of freeze-drying. These compounds protect cells against oxidative stress. This is, in fact, one of the key principles of living food that we have been promoting at Biovie since 2007.
Why do children love freeze-dried strawberries?
It's all well and good to talk about nutrition, but if the children don't like it, it's pointless. This is what we observed, with Aurélie, when we offered them to those around us.
The crispy texture that makes the difference
The first thing that surprises you is the crunchiness. You bite into it and it goes "crunch." Kids love it. It's almost like biting into a tangy candy, except this is a real fruit.
I read a testimony from a grandfather who said: "As soon as my grandchildren want sweets, I give them some." freeze-dried strawberries "to snack on." And frankly, that sums up the situation well.
The bright red color that attracts
Children eat with their eyes first. A freeze-dried strawberry retains its beautiful intense red color. It's visually appealing, it makes you want to eat it. It's a far cry from the green vegetables that some children look at with suspicion! To learn more about self-feeding for children, I recommend our article on the subject to you.
The naturally sweet taste
No chemical aftertaste, no artificial flavor. It's the taste of strawberry, concentrated. Some children who taste it for the first time are surprised by this intensity of flavor. In fact, since the water has been removed, the aromas are more concentrated than in a fresh strawberry.
5 ways to incorporate freeze-dried strawberries into your daily routine
Well, beyond the direct snack (which remains the simplest and most convenient way), here are some ideas we have tested.
1. As a direct snack: the simplest solution
A handful of freeze-dried strawberries and a few almonds, and there you have a complete snack in 30 seconds. That's what we put in the lunch box for school: no squashing, no stains on clothes, no need for refrigeration.
The recommended dosage? Approximately 10 to 15g for a child, which is roughly equivalent to 100g of fresh strawberries once rehydrated.
2. For breakfast: yogurt, muesli, porridge
A plant-based yogurt with crumbled freeze-dried strawberries and a bit of granola makes for a balanced breakfast that even the pickiest eaters enjoy. The crunchy texture provides an interesting contrast to the creaminess of the yogurt.
3. For birthday snacks: creative ideas
Here, you can really have fun. Skewers of freeze-dried strawberries with a bit of melted dark chocolate are a guaranteed hit. Kids love to participate in the preparation, and honestly, it’s a nice change from industrial candy bags. You can also try our recipe for fruit leather to vary the pleasures.
4. As a topping for healthy desserts
On a smoothie bowl, a chia pudding, a pancake... The freeze-dried strawberries bring that touch of crispiness and indulgence that makes the difference.
5. As an infusion for a fruity drink
Less known: a few freeze-dried strawberries in hot water, and you get a delicately flavored drink. It's an interesting alternative to sugary syrups and fruit juices.
How to introduce change gradually
I know that some parents hesitate: "My child is addicted to candy, they will never want that instead." Here is an approach that works.
The secret is gradualness. Instead of cutting everything out at once (which creates frustration), you can start by replacing one out of every three candies with freeze-dried strawberries. Then two out of three. And so on.
Children don't really notice the difference if things are presented to them correctly. "Do you want some fruit candies?" works better than "Do you want fruit instead of your candies?"
And then, we can also offer a mix: some freeze-dried strawberries with others. freeze-dried fruits like the freeze-dried banana, the Nam Dok Mai mango or theQueen pineapple. It makes a colorful and varied assortment that appeals to children.
Our quality commitment at Biovie
At Biovie, we have been working with freeze-dried fruits for many years now. What is important to us is to offer products that truly align with our values.
A nutrient-friendly process
The freeze-drying process we use maximizes the preservation of nutritional qualities. The cold chain is maintained, and temperatures are controlled. The result is products that are freeze-dried strawberriesThat have retained their vitamins, antioxidants, and beautiful color.
Conservation and usage advice
Freeze-dried strawberries can be stored 18 to 24 months in an airtight package, protected from light and moisture - especially moisture. Once the bag is opened, it is sealed tightly with its zip. No need for a refrigerator.
For toddlers who have already mastered chewing (usually around 12-18 months), you can offer freeze-dried strawberries as they are, or crumble them slightly if preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are freeze-dried strawberries good for children's health ?
Yes, really. The freeze-dried strawberries retain 98% of the vitamins from fresh fruit, contain about 15g of fiber per 100g, and have no added sugar or additives. It is a natural alternative to candy that provides antioxidants and vitamin C.
What is the difference between dried strawberries and freeze-dried strawberries ?
Freeze-drying removes water through sublimation at low temperatures (-40°C), preserving 98% of the nutrients. Traditional drying uses heat, which destroys some of the vitamins. The texture is also different: crispy for freeze-dried strawberries, soft for dried ones.
How many freeze-dried strawberries can a child eat per day ?
A portion of 10 to 15g constitutes a balanced snack for a child. This is equivalent to about 100g of fresh strawberries. As with any food, moderation is key, but the freeze-dried strawberries can easily replace daily sweet snacks.
How to store freeze-dried strawberries ?
They can be stored for 18 to 24 months in an airtight package, away from light and moisture. Once opened, reseal the bag tightly and consume within 2-3 months. No refrigeration needed.
Do freeze-dried strawberries make you gain weight ?
No, freeze-dried strawberries are low in calories (about 30-35 kcal for 10g) and rich in fiber, which promotes satiety. They contain only the natural sugars of the fruit, unlike candies that provide added sugars without any nutrients.
At what age can you give freeze-dried strawberries to a child ?
The freeze-dried strawberries can be introduced as early as 12-18 months, once the child has mastered chewing. The crispy texture that melts in the mouth makes them suitable for young children. For toddlers, they can be slightly rehydrated or mashed.
Can you eat freeze-dried strawberries during pregnancy ?
Yes, the organic freeze-dried strawberries are perfectly suited for pregnancy. They provide vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber without added sugar or additives. It's a healthy snack to satisfy sweet cravings while nourishing the baby.
And what about the price ?
I know that this is a question that comes up often. "The freeze-dried strawberries, it's more expensive than candy, isn't it?" Yes, that's true. If we just compare the price per kilo, organic freeze-dried strawberries are more expensive than regular candy.
But I think we need to see things differently.
First, we are not comparing comparable products. On one side, we have a real fruit, with its vitamins, fibers, antioxidants. On the other, we have sugar, colorants, artificial flavors. It's like comparing the price of an organic tomato with that of industrial ketchup.
Then, there is the cost of health. A child who consumes less added sugar potentially has fewer cavities (and dental care is expensive), a lower risk of being overweight, and fewer health problems in the short, medium, and long term. I'm not saying that freeze-dried strawberries are a miracle cure, but when you add up the health savings over time, the investment is justified.
And then, the feeling of fullness is not the same. With candies, we tend to eat a lot because they don't satisfy hunger. The fibers in freeze-dried strawberries, on the other hand, quickly curb the desire to snack. Therefore, we consume less of them to feel satisfied.
What we observe at Biovie
Since 2007, we have been supporting families in their transition to a more vibrant and healthier diet. And I can tell you that the feedback on freeze-dried fruits is unanimous.
Parents often tell us, "My children are asking for the freeze-dried strawberries "as they used to demand the candies before." That's exactly what we hope for: that the alternative becomes a pleasure, not a punishment.
During her last sleepover, our daughter Zia was keen to impress her friend with other freeze-dried fruits from our range. It was joyful and festive, with an atmosphere of discovery and mystery surrounding these unusual fruits.
What makes me particularly proud is when children discover that "real" flavors can be just as satisfying as artificial ones. Their palates have been so accustomed to synthetic aromas that they are sometimes surprised by the intensity of a real fruit. But once they've tasted it, they never go back.
In summary
Here you go, I think I've covered the topic. The freeze-dried strawberries, it's truly a discovery that I am happy to share with you. It's not a miracle solution, but it is a concrete and accessible alternative to reduce industrial candies without depriving children of pleasure.
Honestly, when we see the numbers (83% of children exceeding sugar recommendations, 44% of cavities among 8-9 year olds), we think it's time to explore other options. And the organic freeze-dried strawberries they really tick all the boxes: taste, texture, convenience, nutrition.
What I particularly appreciate is that this solution is easy to implement. There's no need to revolutionize your entire family organization. You can make changes gradually, without stress, without guilt.
