(From left to right) Jacob Ohman, Dawn Withrow-Ohman, and David Ohman proudly opened their new shop in May. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

TOLEDO – Newly nestled in on East High Street in Toledo is a niece candy store designed to change how you taste sweet treats. It’s Better Freeze Dried has been serving the area for around two months and has plans to continue business for the foreseeable future.

Freeze drying is defined as “A low temperature dehydration process that involves freezing the product and lowering pressure, removing the ice by sublimation. This is in contrast to dehydration by most conventional methods that evaporate water using heat.”

By being freeze dried, candies and other products change in texture and size from the change in moisture. This in turn creates a lighter, crunchier, and more intense flavor of the item.

Owned and operated by David Ohman and Dawn Withrow-Ohman along with help from son Jacob Ohman, the family has been through plenty in order to get the business up and running after owning the building for eight years. Located in the old State Farm building, the family has been through reroofing after water was discovered infiltrating the ceiling.

In addition to the roof, the interior of the shop was all redone by David and son Jacob. Everything from flooring to the altering of walls took place, no stone was left unturned in the remodel.

Inspired by Jasmine products are available for purchase in shop, pairing as a nice gift alongside some specialty candy. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

The business came organically to the family after the purchase of a freeze drying machine in 2020 after fears of food shortages due to the incoming effects of COVID-19. Freeze drying foods can preserve them for years and years, extending shelf life of products tenfold.

With three years of experimenting with different candies and foods the store hosts a wide variety of options. Top sellers include Skittles, Carmel Coffee M&Ms, and Nerd Clusters, along with so many options. From salt water taffy to ice cream sandwiches and other assorted candy, the shop has something for everyone.

Owner David Ohman believes in a “try before you buy” approach, encouraging taste testing before committing to the purchase. Everyone is welcomed to come try some of their trendy treats that are sweeping the nation.

Currently the shop hosts three freeze dryers with an additional three on the way to increase production. Holding a competitive price has been a goal for the family and will lead them as an industry leader in the online retail market in the weeks and months ahead.

Dawn Withrow-Ohman spoke of the upcoming expansion into online sales.

A top seller, Skittles adorn the walls and shelves of the new business. Many Skittles flavors are available to purchase in plenty of different sizes. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

“Since our prices are so low, we’re scared we will sell out quickly and have no product left in store,” she said.

With well below standard industry pricing, It’s Better Freeze Dried is going to become a leading brand in the freeze drying space. With a growingly popular way of consuming sweets and foods in general, people from far and wide will be ordering from the small kitchen in Toledo.

Another addition to the business harkens back to the families initial purchase of a freeze dryer, to preserve food incase of emergency situations. As additions are made to the in shop kitchen, inspections and upgrades will be taking place in order to receive top credentials to venture more into typical perishable foods.

When you take a gander into the shop, one will find a whole section filled with various scented candles and soaps. Inspired by Jasmine products are available for purchase in store, offering products such as candles, wax melts, laundry soaps, bar soaps, and much more.

After a friendship blossomed through outside work, owner David and Jasmin Kimrey became intertwined with the new shop. Both David and Dawn echoed sentiments of how much Jasmine has contributed to the functionality of the new business.

PIctured is one of the the shops freeze dryers in action, making a host of new product. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

“It’s been an honor getting to know and help out this family and this shop. I can’t wait to watch the business grow!” Kimrey said.

It’s Better Freeze Dried looks to be a mainstay in the community and hopes to lead with family values, affordable pricing, and meeting customers where they are at. Further information can be found on their official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092182909795&mibextid=LQQJ4d.

PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER