Food Packaging Shelf Life
Food packaging has a number of uses – from guarding against contamination to sealing in freshness and increasing the shelf life of many food products. The shelf life of any given product ranges from several days to indefinitely, depending on the type of food and type of packaging used. It may not always be easy to determine the shelf life of a food product just by looking at its packaging, so we’ve put together a table explaining the different types of food packaging and their expected shelf lives.
| Type of Packaging | Food Use | Expected Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Canning | Multiple uses – meat, vegetables, fruit, and more | Years – can often be safe even if product is past the expiration date on the can. |
| Glass Jars | Multiple uses – product that may only have a portion used at a time. | Months and/or Years |
| Plastic Containers | Pantry items, dairy, juices Typically items needing guarding against moisture | Weeks to Months, depending on the product |
| Plastic Bags | Products requiring Modified Atmosphere Packaging (think salad green) Meats Certain types of beans and rice | Weeks to Months, depending on the product |
| Pouches | Multiple uses – especially for food on the go | Weeks to Months, depending on the product |
As you can see, various types of packaging and the product packaged within greatly affects the estimated shelf life of the product.
The Right Packaging Material
When trying to determine how best to package your food product, turn to the experts at Fusion Tech. Our team will provide recommendations for the best packaging material, as well as the right equipment to meet your packaging goals and needs. We have over 10 years experience providing custom designed food packaging equipment that increases production and decreases your bottom line. Learn more about our equipment by clicking the button below.
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