Why are dried vegetables lighter and smaller than fresh vegetables?

Dried vegetables are lighter and smaller than their fresh counterparts primarily because of the removal of water. During the process of dehydration, heat is applied to the vegetables to liberate moisture, which is then carried away.12

This reduction in water content significantly decreases both the total weight and the volume of the product. By removing this moisture, the remaining nutrients—such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates—become more concentrated per unit of weight. This reduction in size and weight is a major advantage of the process, as it makes the storage and transportation of the vegetables much more efficient.12