Discover a More Sustainable Path to Clean-Label Innovation with REV™ Dehydration

Consumers remain interested in clean labels featuring short, simple lists of ingredients that are free from artificial additives or preservatives. “Clean labels are all about transparency and trust with the end user, and meeting today’s demand for foods that are natural, minimally processed, and remain as close to their original state as possible,” says Danna Dunnage, VP of Global Sales at Enwave.

Dried foods have become increasingly popular as they can offer delicious, snackable options that yield clean labels. However, traditional drying technologies require lengthy, energy-intensive processes and often result in tough or crumbly foods that can lack nutritional value and don’t retain their natural colors and aromas.

In contrast, a gentler, scalable approach to drying enables the clean label trend by maintaining functional and nutritional properties without added chemicals, Dunnage says. “This process is relevant for product developers seeking simple ingredient lists and natural formulations.”

Dunnage recently spoke with IFT about how gentle drying technologies allow foods to maintain nutritional value and appearance, while saving time and energy.

Can you explain how gentle drying technologies differ from conventional methods, and why that matters for product developers?

Gentle drying, like EnWave’s radiant energy vacuum dehydration technology (REV™), uses microwave and vacuum to create lower temperature rapid drying to retain more color, taste, texture, and nutrition compared to the more common conventional processes of air or freeze drying. Traditional methods can mean hours or even days of heat, which can degrade sensitive nutrients, alter flavors, and change appearance. REV™ is 25x faster than freeze drying, delivers consistent quality, provides access to a range of textures through its volumetric process, uses considerably less energy, and gives producers greater control over product characteristics.

How does this approach help preserve both the nutritional profile and functionality of ingredients without relying on additives?

The REV™ process uses vacuum pressure to remove oxygen from the chamber and lower the boiling point of water and is then combined with microwave to create quick dehydration from the inside out without oxiziding the product. This creates a fast, uniform, volumetric heating environment with precise temperature regulation allowing dehydration at low temperatures, avoiding heat damage, and protecting delicate vitamins, antioxidants, proteins, and bio actives. Because the process is quick and gentle, there’s less need for stabilizers or preservatives, enabling truly clean label products with better color, flavor, and nutritional value.

What makes this process scalable for commercial use, beyond just small-batch or premium applications?

EnWave’s technology is proven at every scale, from R&D to full commercial lines. Systems are available in multiple sizes; volume dependent for small pilots up to industrial-scale production.  Our machines are designed to scale up as business needs increase. Aside from our smallest unit, which is a batch machine, all other larger machines are a continuous line, meaning they can be used in production for up to 22+ hours per day. Flexible machinery means that, whether launching a specialty product or ramping up global supply, the process remains efficient, energy-saving, and cost-effective without sacrificing quality.

For product developers looking to simplify ingredient lists, how can this technology make a tangible difference?

Because REV™ dehydration preserves texture, color, and flavor at exceptional levels, there’s less need for added sugars, coloring, or preservatives to create consumer appeal. The consistent, gentle process helps retain functional properties naturally, enabling simpler, cleaner ingredient decks and supporting strong, marketable clean label claims.

How do you anticipate regulations or consumer expectations evolving around clean label claims? 

Regulations are getting stricter, and regulatory compliance requires more proactive adaptation for today's producers, as clean label becomes an expectation, versus a product niche. Technologies like REV™ support honest claims by delivering real food benefits, requiring no additives, and enabling brands to stay ahead of changing standards and innovate while staying ahead of both consumer and regulatory demands.

Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for sustainable, clean label ingredient innovation? 

We’re excited by trends in upcycling, plant-based snacks, alternative proteins, healthy pet food and treats and functional ingredients where clean, fast processing is critical. REV™ dehydration technology conserves water minimizes energy and waste and enables new products and textures that previously weren’t possible. The ability to create premium, shelf-stable, naturally nutritious products can open doors across dairy, snacks, fruits, and more.

Learn more about Enwave and its REV™ drying techniques.