Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying solid foodstuffs is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing in which a gas permeable conveyor carrying the foodstuffs is arranged. The housing is divided into at least one drying section and at least one cooling section near the discharge end of the conveyor. Each section comprises means for generating a flow of drying or cooling gas along the foodstuffs, perpendicular to the conveyor. After passing along the foodstuffs, the gas is recirculated to drying or cooling means arranged in each section. The foodstuffs are thus first heated and then cooled down, so that the temperature thereof at the discharge end is substantially equal to the temperature at which the foodstuffs are supplied. The drying and cooling means are arranged such, that the temperature of the foodstuffs does not exceed 40.degree. C., and that the foodstuffs leave the apparatus at a temperature of less than 5.degree. C.