Our Process, Explained
Gentle preservation without heat
Why freeze-drying?
Freeze-drying (also known as lyophilisation) is a preservation method that removes water from frozen milk using low temperatures and pressure, rather than heat. This matters because many of breastmilk’s valuable components - including proteins, enzymes, and immune factors - are sensitive to heat.
Scientific research shows that freeze-drying is one of the most effective ways to preserve the nutritional and bioactive profile of human milk, while creating a stable, easy-to-store format.
Low temperature, controlled dehydration
What happens during freeze-drying?
- Milk is frozen
Freezing locks the milk’s structure in place before any moisture is removed. - Water is gently removed
Under carefully controlled conditions, frozen water is removed directly as vapour, without passing through a liquid phase. This avoids the structural damage associated with heating. - Milk becomes a dry, stable powder
The result is a lightweight, shelf-stable powder that can be safely stored and rehydrated when needed.
Throughout this process, temperature and exposure are kept low to protect sensitive components.
Preserving nutrients and bioactives
Does freeze-drying affect the “goodness” of breastmilk?
Current scientific evidence indicates that freeze-drying does not significantly damage or reduce the key nutritional and bioactive components of human milk.
Peer-reviewed studies have shown that freeze-drying preserves:
- Proteins and amino acids, including major and minor milk proteins
- Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs)
- Immune factors, such as secretory IgA and other antibodies
- Cytokines and bioactive signalling molecules
- Overall physicochemical properties, including pH and density
In multiple studies, freeze-dried human milk showed no meaningful differences when compared with frozen milk, supporting freeze-drying as a gentle and effective preservation method.
Protecting heat-sensitive components
Why we don’t use heat-based processing
Heat is known to reduce or alter certain breastmilk components, particularly immune proteins and enzymes. Our process avoids heat entirely, relying instead on freezing and dehydration under controlled conditions.
By not applying heat, we aim to preserve breastmilk as close as possible to its original state - just without the water.
Quality depends on careful handling
A note on storage and handling
Like all forms of breastmilk storage, outcomes depend on careful handling. Scientific literature consistently highlights that proper freezing, packaging, storage, and rehydration are essential to maintaining quality. Our guidelines are designed to support this - helping ensure milk arrives frozen, powder remains protected from moisture, and rehydration is done correctly.
For best results, freeze-dried powder should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. Always keep the powder in its sealed, airtight packaging until ready for use, and avoid exposing it to moisture or frequent temperature changes. Once opened, reseal promptly and follow the recommended usage guidance provided.
Science-led, family-focused decisions
Evidence-based, parent-focused
Freeze-drying has been studied for decades in food science and breastmilk research. While no processing method can claim to make milk “identical” to fresh, the evidence strongly supports freeze-drying as a method that maintains the integrity, nutrition, and biological value of breastmilk better than heat-based alternatives.
Our approach combines this science with careful handling and clear guidance - so families can choose flexibility without compromising what matters most.