Category Archives: shelf life testing

Package Barrier Testing

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One of the first questions that a producer often asks when launching a new product or modifying an existing product is, “What type of package should I use?” Shelf life testing is a great affordable way to look at the performance of your product in an array of different packages. Using accelerated shelf life you can often find exactly what you are looking for in just weeks. Often time we can monitor organoleptic properties as well as changes in chemical properties over time. Call Erin Smith at 402-829-9845 to help with the design of your next packaging project.

20 Hot Restaurant Menu Trends in 2012

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Restaurant Menu Trends in 2012Children’s Nutrition and Local Food sourcing  are the key issues to look at in 2012 according to the Food Product Design Site.

Here is their Top 20 List:

The following Top 20 trends for 2012 include:

  1. Locally sourced meats and seafood.
  2. Locally grown produce.
  3. Healthful kids’ meals.
  4. Hyper-local items.
  5. Sustainability as a culinary theme.
  6. Children’s nutrition as a culinary theme.
  7. Gluten-free/food allergy-conscious items.
  8. Locally produced wine and beer.
  9. Sustainable seafood.
  10. Whole grain items in kids’ meals.
  11. Newly fabricated cuts of meat.
  12. Farm/estate-branded items.
  13. Food trucks/street food.
  14. Artisan spirits.
  15. House-made/artisan ice cream.
  16. Health/nutrition as a culinary theme.
  17. Non-traditional fish.
  18. Fruit/vegetable kids’ side items.
  19. Children’s mini-meals (i.e. smaller versions of adult menu items).
  20. Culinary cocktails.

Picture vsmoothe

Determining What Type of Shelf Life to Run

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Determining Factors:

  1. At what temperature will the test be performed?
    1. If samples will be sold refrigerated, then tests will be run using a refrigerator.
    2. If samples will be sold frozen, then tests will be run using a freezer .
    3. If samples will be stored at room temperature then there are two options (Real Time and Accelerated)
    4. How long would you like to run the study?

      5. Refrigerator Shelf Life/ Freezer Shelf Life

      Refrigerator shelf life studies have the ability to assess changes in food quality and microbiological growth This study will determine how long a sample will remain safe to consume while at refrigerated or freezer conditions. The frequency of the test is dependent on product.

      Ambient, Room Temperature, Shelf Life

      Room temperature studies have the ability to assess changes in appearance, odor, microbiological growth as well as rancidity.

      Accelerated, 40 deg C/75% humidty, Shelf Life

      Accelerated studies will assess changes in moisture content, water activity, and sensory characteristics. They can NOT be used to test for microbial growth