Frequently Asked Questions
---Shipping Questions---
How fast will my order ship?
-All orders ship within 3-5 business days after purchase. If for any reason we cannot ship your order within that timeframe, we will notify you by email ASAP to resolve any issue.
---Product Return and Satisfaction Questions---
How many days do I have to return any food products purchased from Arctic Ops?
-Due to the nature of our products, being food products, we cannot accept any returns for any reason. At Arctic Ops, we strive for 100% customer satisfaction, if for any reason you aren't satisfied with our products please reach out on our CONTACT page and connect with a team member who will be happy to help you.
---Freeze Dryer Questions---
How does the freeze dryer work?
-The freeze dryer has 2 main modes, regular mode and candy mode. In regular mode, the freeze dryer will initially freeze its contents before creating a vacuum in the chamber using a specialized pump. Once the chamber has reached a specified vacuum level, the machine will slowly heat the contents, causing the frozen water inside the food to turn to vapor and evaporate. (Sublimation) This whole process is dependent entirely on the water content of what is being dried and can take upwards of 30-40 hours. ***This mode is used for all our fruits and ice cream products*** In candy mode, the machine doesn't freeze, instead it heats to a specified temp somewhere between 135° and 150° and then hold at that temp for a specified time before creating a vacuum inside the chamber. While under a vacuum pressure, these candies expand and dry into their new shape. Sometimes in candy mode, the vacuum will be applied immediately as it warms to the specified temp. All these settings are candy specific, in an attempt to reach the desired result at the end of the drying cycle. Most candy will dry under vacuum pressure for 2 hours.
Is freeze-dried fruit/ice cream/candy healthier for me or does it have less calories?
-No, wouldn't that be something?!? Freeze-dried food has the exact same nutritional content and calories as it did in its original state. The freeze drying process just removes the water from the food. It removes between 98-99% of the water in the food.
What is the benefit of freeze drying food/candy?
-Freeze drying food is primarily used for long term food storage. Food that is properly dried, properly packaged, and properly stored within an acceptable temperature range, can reasonably be expected to last 20-25 years! Freeze drying allows the storage of most foods for extended periods of time without the need for refrigeration while maintaining all its original flavor and nutritional value. When candy is freeze-dried it changes the shape, texture, and sometimes gives the perception of increased flavor all leading to a unique snacking experience.