Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between dehydrated and freeze dried foods?

Dehydrating food is simply having the water content removed through low heat and modern air drying methods. During dehydration, the product will shrink, making it up to 80% less bulky than “wet pack” foods, and 10-15 times lighter in weight. Freeze drying involves removing moisture through a freeze blasting method, then “super heating” it to cause all the water to vaporize into steam. This product does not shrink in size and keeps the original volume, thus requiring more storage space.

Dehydrated foods are compacted by having the water removed and thus, are smaller to store. For example, a one-year food supply of three meals a day for two adults takes up about as much space as your kitchen refrigerator. All dehydrated foods are vegetarian-based using a textured vegetable protein (TVP).

Freeze dried foods require significantly less water to reconstitute them, less preparation time (i.e. heating) and are the only option for meat products.

How is the food packaged?

All of our high quality products are nitrogen packed and vacuum-sealed. Nitrogen packing displaces oxygen, which is the #1 factor in the natural breakdown of food (i.e. bacteria, mold spores, etc.). By packing products in a nitrogenous atmosphere rather than an oxygenated one, key factors that hinder quality long term food storage are eliminated.

Does the nutritional value decreased or lost during packaging?

No! The only component removed from the food during dehydration is moisture. Since oxygen is replaced with nitrogen inside during packaging, the natural breakdown of the food and its nutrients is reduced, which helps give our product the extended, high quality, long-term extended shelf life our products are known for.

Do you have samples?

Yes, we do! We have “sample cases” which includes a selection of all food groups. See how easy and simple the products are to use as well as how great they taste!

How long will the food last after opening a can?

If kept sealed with fitted plastic lids, foods stay good for up to one year! Milk and eggs are the exception, with a shelf life of 8-10 months after opening, but remember, regardless of the foods, when they are fully sealed, they’ll stay in top quality condition for over two decades!

How should I store my food supply?

All foods should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Suggestions include the base of a closet, under a bed, or in a finished (temperature controlled) basement. Garages, attics, or outside sheds are not good choices due to their temperature extremes.

If I have had my supply for many years, how do I know if the food is still good or not?

The only way to check it is a harmless visual, smell and taste test. If the food looks odd in color, has an odd smell, has lost flavor or tastes bitter, it’s time to replenish your supply.

What is the cost comparison to store bought groceries?

Although prices lately have varied greatly, we encourage you to take a pencil to our prices. Delivered right to your door and no waste with unused portions, we have an increasingly higher number of our customers buying our foods to be used in lieu of trips to the grocery store.

What are the rehydration guidelines?

Reconstitution of foods will vary with each product. Each product is labeled with a recommended reconstitution ratio. Most foods can be rehydrated using cool water, however others may require hot water and some cook time, as would store-bought noodles, for example. Many of our products can be eaten “as is” right out of the can.

Once rehydrated, use them as they would be for normal meal preparations.

What does # 2 ½ or #10 can mean?

A #10 can is about the size of a large store-bought coffee container, and a #2 1⁄2 can compares to a can of soup. If you filled them up with water the #10 would hold close to a gallon and the #2 1⁄2 about a quart.

How much water should I store with my food to meet emergency needs?

The amount of water needed will vary depending on how much food you have stored, however, for reconstitution of foods (this does not account for water needed for drinking and personal hygiene) we suggest a minimum of 1 gallon of water, per person, per day.

How much space does the food require?

Surprisingly little. A full food reserve adequate for two adults for one year takes up about as much space as a typical refrigerator. This small volume is possible because the food has been thoroughly dried. You can easily store your food in a corner of your basement, in a closet, or under a bed.

What is TVP?

TVP is textured vegetable protein. It is a soy-based product used as a protein substitute, offering a vegetarian alternative to meat. TVP proteins are certified Kosher.

Why are my cans bulging?

During shipping, altitude changes and can affect the internal pressure of a can. This does not damage or affect the food in any way. What does happen is the expansion and contraction of the can is in response to changing air pressure; it is not the product that is causing the can to expand.

How long does it take to receive my order?

At All-In-One, we pride ourselves on our quick turnaround time. That said, supplies have been limited at certain points in the recent past. Generally, we try to fill all orders between 1-5 business days depending on the size of the order. International orders take longer due to Customs requirements.

Is the nutrient content of products compromised with dehydrating or freeze-drying?

Absolutely not! Products lose shape and size when dehydrated or freeze dried, but all maintain their nutrient dense values.

Are your products organic? Do they contain preservatives?

Presently, we cannot claim that any of our products are organic. That said, we try to get as close to organic as possible, but because we are working with dehydrated and freeze dried goods, most of the fruits and vegetables do contain sulfite additives to prevent browning.

Do your premixed items, such as pancake mix and bread and roll mix, already contain the leavening ingredient?

No. A mixture cannot be stored with the leavening ingredient included. If the leavening ingredient is added to a premixed item, it triggers chemical reactions that may cause the cans to bulge due to expanding pressure inside. Each product label notes which leavening ingredient must be added. We carry leavening ingredients such as yeast and baking soda that do not cause a problem when canned alone.

Do you do demonstrations?

Absolutely! We do demonstrations locally in homes and at conferences. If you would like to arrange a demonstration for you individually or a group, please contact us at aio@allinonepreparedness.com.

What is your return policy?

Damaged or defective items will be returned within 30 days of the original ship date will be fully refunded or replaced absolutely free of charge. All damages must be reported to AIO within five business days of delivery.

For returns or refusals within 30-days of the original ship date for any other reason than damaged or defective items, the customer is responsible for shipping the items back and will be refunded the full order amount less a 20% restocking fee to cover applicable shipping costs to the original destination address.

For returns or refusals of items after 30 days from the original ship date, we will issue in-store credit less a 20% restocking fee to cover applicable shipping costs to the original destination address. The customer is responsible for shipping the items back if the items are being returned for any other reason than damaged or defective items.

What is All-In-One’s privacy policy?

Through private consultations, we get to know our customers and try to adjust our schedules to yours. Feel free to contact us at any time to set up a face-to-face meeting or a conference call.
We do not share nor disclose any customer information to third parties…EVER!