Most of us pick up products from supermarket shelves without really reading the label. We tend to look at the price, flavour, or brand and move on. However, food packaging carries important abbreviations
that reveal a lot about the product’s quality, freshness, and how it has been processed. These signs are easy to miss, but they can help you make safer and better food choices.
Dr Manika Singh, Nutritional Consultant, Godrej Industries Group, says, “Food labels are designed to inform consumers, but many people don’t realise how much valuable information they contain. Understanding a few key abbreviations can help you assess freshness, safety, and overall quality before making a purchase.”
Here are four label abbreviations worth checking every time you shop:
1. BBE: Best Before End
Many people focus only on the expiry date and overlook the “Best Before End” (BBE). Unlike expiry dates, BBE refers to quality rather than safety.
Dr. Manika Singh explains, “BBE indicates how long the product will retain its optimal taste, texture, and freshness. While the food may still be safe to consume after this date, its quality may not be at its best.”
Checking the BBE date helps ensure you select products that offer the best flavour and experience, especially when buying snacks, packaged foods, or pantry staples.
2. IQF: Individually Quick Frozen
The STTEM 2.0 report by Godrej Yummiez found that 85% of Indians are unaware of what IQF means.
Dr. Manika Singh says, “IQF, or Individually Quick Frozen, is a freezing method where each piece of food is frozen rapidly and separately. This prevents clumping, preserves moisture, and helps maintain the food’s natural texture, taste, and nutritional value.”
She adds, “When foods are IQF-processed, they cook more evenly and retain their original quality much better compared to conventional freezing methods.”
3. HPP: High-Pressure Processing
HPP is commonly used for juices, dips, ready-to-eat meals, and other perishable products.
Dr Singh explains, “High-Pressure Processing preserves food using pressure instead of heat. This helps retain nutrients, flavour, and texture while ensuring safety, often without the need for chemical preservatives.”
Seeing HPP on a label indicates that the product has been preserved in a way that maintains its natural quality and freshness.
4. FD: Freeze-Dried
FD stands for freeze-dried, a process often used for fruits, instant coffee, and snack ingredients.
Dr Singh says, “Freeze-drying removes moisture while preserving the food’s taste, colour, and nutrients. This helps extend shelf life while maintaining quality.”
This method ensures the product remains lightweight, long-lasting, and flavourful when consumed.
Understanding food label abbreviations can help you make smarter and healthier choices.
Dr Singh concludes, “Consumers today are becoming more conscious about what they eat. Paying attention to label details like BBE, IQF, HPP, and FD can help you choose products that are fresher, safer, and of better quality.”
Taking a few extra seconds to read labels can make a meaningful difference to your overall nutrition and food safety.
