Discover the fascinating story of Mountain House, a brand that has revolutionized the freeze-dried food industry for outdoor enthusiasts, the military, and more.
The Beginnings of Oregon Freeze Dry
In 1963, Oregon Freeze Dry began leveraging a cutting-edge preservation method: freeze-drying. Initially, the process gained attention for creating astronaut ice cream, but its full potential was yet to be realized. The founders chose Albany, Oregon, as their base due to its low-cost energy and abundant strawberry supply. Early on, they freeze-dried fruits for General Food cereals, but the venture didn't last. Instead, they pivoted to support the U.S. military during the Vietnam conflict.
By 1967, Oregon Freeze Dry had secured its first government contract, producing lightweight, easy-to-carry freeze-dried meals for troops. These meals proved invaluable, and returning soldiers recognized their utility for camping, hiking, and outdoor activities. This insight led to the launch of the Mountain House brand in the early 1970s, catering specifically to outdoor recreation.
Mountain House Today
Since its inception, Mountain House has been synonymous with high-quality freeze-dried foods. Popular among hikers, campers, and adventurers, the brand offers over 450 just-add-water products, including meals, fruits, vegetables, and desserts. Beyond outdoor foods, Mountain House has diversified into other areas, developing freeze-dried products for Gerber Foods, Nutri/System, and the military.
What Sets Mountain House Apart?
High-Quality Ingredients
Mountain House is dedicated to using premium meats, vegetables, fruits, and other ingredients in their freeze-dried products. This commitment ensures that every meal is not only convenient but also nutritious and delicious.
Decades of Experience
With decades of innovation in the freeze-drying industry, Mountain House leads the way in refining and advancing the technology. Their expertise ensures consistently high-quality results in every product.
The Freeze-Drying Process
Mountain House has perfected the freeze-drying process, removing 98-99% of moisture while preserving nutritional value, taste, and texture. This process makes it possible to enjoy meals anywhere by simply adding water. Whether climbing mountains or exploring valleys, millions of adventurers rely on Mountain House products each year.