As more people pay attention to health, more are selecting vacuum-fried chips as a better snack choice. However, besides the nutrition and fat, keeping the freshness and quality of these chips is a worry for many customers. While the vacuum frying process at lower heat with air removal helps retain vitamins, it also makes the chips more vulnerable to moisture, light exposure, and temperature changes. These can ruin the crunch and flavor if not stored correctly.
Vacuum Fried Chips Dominate Healthy Snack Industry
Vacuum-fried chips have seen rising popularity as consumers search for snack choices with some nutritional positives. These chips are in high demand due to their taste and health advantages compared to standard deep-fried versions. Their larger share in the healthy snacks industry is thanks to these characteristics:
- Nutrition Profile: Vacuum frying removes the majority of the oil, leaving only a small amount compared to others in regular chips. This makes them lower in fat and calories.
- Retained Nutrients: The lower cooking temperature of vacuum frying helps maintain natural levels of nutrients. They may otherwise be destroyed during high-heat processes.
- Crisp Texture: While retaining more nutrients and flavors from the potato, vacuum-fried chips are still pleasantly crispy and crunchy like regular chips due to the frying process.
- Versatile Indulgence: Their moderate nutrition offers the enjoyment of an indulgent snack without as much guilt. This satisfies both health and taste expectations.
Preservation Guidelines
Proper preservation helps maintain the quality and freshness of vacuum-fried chips. Some recommendations include:
1. Optimal Storage Conditions
Several factors affect chip storage, including temperature, humidity, and light exposure levels. Maintaining optimal conditions helps prolong shelf life.
Temperature Control
Storing at room temperature prevents rapid oil oxidation from the heat that imparts rancidity over weeks. Slight fluctuations may accelerate this reaction. Precise thermostats preserve freshness.
Humidity Management
Relative humidity of around 60% protects chips’ texture, crispiness, and oil integrity. Levels too high or low compromise any of these attributes within days. Hygrometers help monitor this critical variable.
Light Exposure
Minimize exposure to light. Ultraviolet wavelengths in light are the most harmful. They initiate vitamin degradation within a few days. Opaque containers and controlled lighting systems are recommended to eliminate this risk factor.
2. Packaging Solutions for Longevity
Various packaging types and materials can extend chips’ freshness for weeks if selected and used properly. Here are some recommendations:
Airtight Containers
Use back-sealing bags and standing pouches filled with nitrogen to prevent air and moisture from affecting the mixed vegetable chips. Those featuring oxygen-scavenging inner coatings are recommended. They form an impenetrable barrier to air and moisture for several weeks.
Vacuum Packaging Options
Vacuum technology applies a forceful suction that extracts excess air down to minimal residual oxygen content. In this way, it prevents oxidation reactions and helps extend chips’ shelf life and freshness.
Choosing Materials
Polyethylene terephthalate film is a good material choice. Low-density polyethylene is also recommended. Both materials resist water vapor and gas transfer. They can physically shield contents from external quality-compromising elements.
3. Best Practices in Handling and Storage
Correct handling and storage are key to preserving the quality of vacuum-fried chips. Standard operating procedures optimize product longevity. The best practices include:
Handling Techniques
When handling the packaging, make sure that they are transported and stored with the utmost care. Gentle movements minimize the breaking of vacuum-fried chips, which can lead to accelerated oxidation and rancidity development over weeks.
Stock Rotation
Use warehouse management software to automatically print labels dictating the precise first-expiry-first-out rotation of all stock. This will ensure that the closest expiry dates are processed first. This helps ensure customers always receive the freshest products.
Display and Sales Considerations
Follow proper merchandising guidelines to ensure attractive retail display setups. These emphasize keeping chips sealed in the packaging until sale from temperature-controlled display cabinets. This dual protection maintains high product appeal and quality for customers over the weeks on retail shelves.
Conclusion
Properly following preservation guidelines is integral to maximizing the shelf life and quality of vacuum-fried chips. This involves optimizing key factors like temperature, humidity, and light exposure levels during storage, as well as utilizing packaging solutions and handling techniques best suited to retain freshness. As a leading ODM healthy snacks manufacturer, Kaida ensures optimal freshness and quality of these products through production expertise and innovations. For many years, we have delivered delicious, natural, vacuum-fried snacks globally using premium non-GMO ingredients. Visit our website to learn more about our wide range of healthier snack options.