We have been dehydrating for years. Started with a cheap Ronco, making jerky. A few years back we got an excaliber and have gotten to where we try new stuff every year. And yeah jerky and fruit is to good to leave alone.

As far as prepackaged stuff. We keep some on hand for quick and ready meals. Not as a primary meal source. I kinda look at them like I do MRE's, I keep some on hand mainly for a bug out situation. Other wise they are a supplement at best.