Beyond Expiry: BBE
Many shoppers fixate solely on the expiry date, but the 'Best Before End' (BBE) abbreviation offers a different, crucial perspective. BBE is not a safety
indicator but rather a quality benchmark. It signifies the period during which a product is expected to retain its peak taste, texture, and overall freshness. While consuming a product past its BBE date generally doesn't pose a health risk, its sensory attributes might diminish. Understanding this designation helps consumers select items that promise the optimal eating experience, particularly for items like snacks, pantry staples, and ready-to-eat meals, ensuring you get the most enjoyment from your purchases.
Individually Quick Frozen Insights: IQF
A significant portion of consumers, around 85% according to a Godrej Yummiez report, are unaware of the meaning behind 'Individually Quick Frozen' (IQF). This advanced freezing technique involves rapidly freezing each piece of food separately. This distinct method prevents the formation of large ice crystals and stops food items from clumping together. The result is better preservation of moisture, leading to maintained natural texture, flavour, and nutritional content. Foods processed with IQF tend to cook more uniformly and retain their original quality far better than those subjected to conventional freezing methods.
Pressure-Preserved Goodness: HPP
High-Pressure Processing (HPP) is a sophisticated preservation technique frequently applied to items such as juices, dips, and ready-to-eat meals. Unlike heat-based pasteurization, HPP utilizes immense pressure to ensure food safety and extend shelf life. This method is particularly effective at retaining a product's natural nutrients, original flavour profile, and desirable texture. A significant advantage of HPP is its ability to achieve these preservation goals without relying on artificial chemical preservatives. Therefore, spotting 'HPP' on a food label signifies that the product has undergone a process designed to maintain its inherent quality and freshness.
Lightweight Longevity: FD
'Freeze-Dried' (FD) is a process commonly employed for fruits, instant coffee, and various snack components. This method meticulously removes moisture from the food while diligently preserving its original taste, vibrant colour, and nutritional value. The consequence of this dehydration is an extended shelf life, allowing the food to remain flavourful and retain its quality for a considerable duration. Furthermore, freeze-dried products are remarkably lightweight, making them convenient for storage and transport, and they retain their desired taste characteristics when ready for consumption.
