Freeze-Dried Confectionery – Marshmallows & Gummies/Candy + Dehydrated Marshmallows

posted by Mark Hepworth, June 7, 2023

About Us:
Freedom Confectionery are pioneers in the Confectionery industry:

• Our owners were majority owners in FTF Sweets Ltd t/a Goody Good Stuff – the First Company in the World to offer Gelatine Free Gummies/Candy in 2008 – before vegan was a trend. The business was sold in May 2012.  In January 2013 we entered the Vegan Marshmallow Sector – the First Company outside of the US.
• In 2013 Freedom Confectionery were First in the World to launch the Only All-Inclusive Marshmallow Leaving Nobody Out being; Vegan, Top 14 Allergy-Free, Halal Certified and Kosher & PKU Suitable.
• In November 2018 we were the First in the World to pan our Vegan Mallows in Dark Chocolate “Choc Mallow Bites”. In October 2019 we launched the World’s First Vegan Twin Marshmallow Bar enrobed in Dairy Free Chocolate “MallowOut”.
• In November 2020 Freedom Confectionery were first in the World to bring a Plant Based Gummy Bar enrobed in Dairy Free Chocolate.
• Our NPD Team continuously innovate. Our Choc Mallow Bites have been taken to the next level in 2022 – they now have a Marshmallow Core, inner layer of Chocolate and outer layer of Sugar Shell!

We are Tried, Trusted and Loved by some of the World’s Largest Household Brands.

We can accommodate a variety of sizes, colors and flavors of marshmallows and gummies that can be Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated. 

How Freeze Dried Marshmallows and Gummies/Candy Are Made
Freeze Drying Marshmallows and Gummies/Candy involves subjecting them to intense cold, freezing the Marshmallow or Gummy/Candy. From there the Marshmallows/Gummies/Candy is placed in a refrigerated vacuum system, switching from heating and cooling in order to remove up to 99% of moisture. This does not cause it to thaw. As the Marshmallow/Gummy/Candy is frozen, the dehydration process does not alter the structure of the Marshmallow/Gummy/Candy – allowing for the shape, color and nutrient content to stay the same as the product before freeze-drying. The flavor, however, is intensified by the process.  Freeze-drying will increase the size of the marshmallow pieces marginally.

Freeze-drying gummies/candies does result in a larger increase in size.

Freeze-drying is used to preserve perishable materials, either to increase shelf life (which can be upwards of 25 years) or to prepare for transport.

Freeze-dried confectionery was and is used by the armed forces as the product is light for ration packs, provide the energy required and benefit from an extended shelf life.  Freeze-dried confectionery is also used by other industries outside of the military such as astronauts, disaster volunteer organisations.

Freeze-dried confectionery is used in many applications; breakfast cereal, cereal bars, hot beverages, in baking – cookies/brownies, cake decoration, ice cream/gelato/yoghurt, trial mixes etc

We can accommodate substantial volumes as each freeze-drying chamber can accommodate 1,136 – 1,364kgs / 2,500 – 3000lbs.  There are 4 chambers currently, therefore, we can accommodate 4,544 – 5,456kgs / 10,000 – 12,000lbs per load.

We offer variety of shapes (up to 72) including but not limited to cylindrical and star shaped marshmallows and sizes from 5mm x 7mm and upwards.

How Dehydrated Marshmallows Are Made
Dehydrating Marshmallows involves evaporating water from them, using heat. It is a simpler task compared to the freeze-drying process as dehydrating involves removing water content, and not freezing.

Dehydrating uses heat – we can remove between 70-97% of moisture from the mallow to suit your requirements. This does also increase the shelf life by c. 5 years.

Dehydrated confectionery was and ius used by the armed forced as the product is light for ration packs, provide the energy required and have an extended shelf life.  Dehydrated marshmallows are used in other industries outside of the military such as astronauts, disaster volunteer organisations.

Dehydrated marshmallows are used in many applications; breakfast cereal, cereal bars, hot beverages, in baking – cookies/brownies, cake decoration, ice cream/gelato/yoghurt, trial mixes etc

Dehydrating marshmallows does not alter the size of the original product as freeze-drying can.

We can accommodate a variety of marshmallow shapes (up to 72 shapes) including but not limited to cylindrical and star shaped marshmallows and sizes from 5mmx7mm and upwards.

Get in Touch:
Contact us today to discuss your next project and learn how we can be off assistance.
+44(0)330 002 0990
innovation@freedomconfectionery.com