LBTU Scientists and Entrepreneurs Develop Freeze-Dried Food for Civilian and Military Use

During the COVID-19 pandemic, LBTU set out to develop and produce food that is lightweight and has a long shelf life without requiring special storage conditions. Over several years, LBTU scientists, together with AS "Roga-Agro", worked on creating safe and tested food reserves for both military use and civilians in extreme situations. As a result, they have developed freeze-dried meal recipes and conducted extensive testing and quality assessments.

"While others in Latvia are just beginning to research and experiment with freeze-dried products, LBTU and AS 'Roga-Agro' are already actively producing and supplying tested meals. The development of freeze-dried food is a great example of how academic knowledge can be transformed into real, in-demand products. This project not only strengthens Latvia’s food industry innovation capacity but also highlights the importance of collaboration between science and business in creating high-value products. We are proud of the joint efforts of university researchers and industry experts, which allow us to develop solutions that meet both military and civilian needs," says Sandra Muižniece-Brasava, Head of the LBTU Technology and Knowledge Transfer Department.

What is Freeze-Drying?

Freeze-drying (also known as sublimation drying) is a food processing method that significantly reduces the water content in products while preserving up to 97% of their nutrients compared to other drying methods. This technology allows for long-term storage without the need for preservatives. Freeze-drying is widely used globally in the space, defense, and military industries, as well as in the active tourism sector.

Introducing "Good Mood Meals"

The freeze-dried meals produced by AS "Roga-Agro" have passed laboratory tests and consumer evaluations. Since 2024, they have been available under the brand "Good Mood Meals" for consumers in Latvia. To ensure high quality, optimal nutritional value, taste, and aroma, the company collaborated with LBTU scientists specializing in nutrition and food technology.

Thanks to rigorous long-term storage tests, these products have an experimentally confirmed shelf life of 8 years without requiring special storage conditions. Further testing is ongoing to extend the shelf life to 10 years. The quality and safety of these freeze-dried products are guaranteed, making them a trusted long-term food solution.

Scientific and Industrial Collaboration

In 2022, AS "Roga-Agro" received support from the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), which provided an innovation voucher for product development. In collaboration with LBTU, prototypes of freeze-dried ready meals were developed and tested in laboratories and among consumers throughout 2022 and 2023.

This type of long-shelf-life, easily storable, and convenient ready-to-eat food is essential for national reserves in case of emergency situations. The Ministry of Defense has also supported product testing and approvals to ensure these meals meet the highest quality standards and the requirements of the National Armed Forces (NBS).

LBTU scientists have over 40 years of experience in food product development, including more than 20 years dedicated to dry ration development for NBS. These rations have been used by the Latvian National Armed Forces for many years. Additionally, LBTU scientists work with leading military food researchers worldwide as part of NATO’s Science and Technology Organization (STO) working group HFM-325, focusing on performance nutrition for fresh food supply during military exercises and operations.

For the past 15 years, AS "Roga-Agro" has also been a key partner in supplying dry rations to NBS. The successful collaboration between LBTU, AS "Roga-Agro," and SIA "Kronis" in transferring scientific research into production and providing dry rations for the NBS was recognized in 2024 with an official acknowledgment from the NBS.

Furthermore, LBTU’s contributions to this field were highly praised, earning the Defense Industry Award for Education and Research in 2021.