It’s a familiar scene: your customer is enjoying some of your top-of-the-line beef jerky as a quick, delicious and high-protein snack, and they reach the bottom of the bag. There is only one piece left, and they slow down to savor this last piece to make the flavor last as long as possible. But when they bring the final piece to their lips, they notice the texture is different than the others they’ve eaten. They look down and notice it’s not a piece of beef jerky at all, but that pesky little packet that’s found at the bottom of every package of beef jerky. They’ve been fooled again and robbed of that last piece of beef jerky. But you know the truth. You know that packet is keeping your product as fresh as it can be and tasting its best. But how does it do that?

What are oxygen absorbers?
Oxygen absorbers are small packets of iron powder, designed to absorb oxygen within a sealed food storage environment. The pouch materials are designed to allow oxygen and moisture to enter, absorbing their presence in the container, but does not allow the iron powder to leak out. They are harmless with food contact, and are non-toxic and BPA-free.

Benefits of Oxygen Absorbers
Oxygen Absorbers are primarily use to extend the shelf life of a food product and some pharmaceuticals. By eliminating the oxygen present in a tightly sealed package, food becomes preserved in a safe manner that eliminates the need for common spoil-slowing additives such as BHA, BHT and sulfur dioxide. Oxygen absorbers also prevent the growth of aerobic pathogen and other additives (mold) and delays the natural browning of certain foods such as fruits and vegetables. Oxygen absorbers are also beneficial in retaining distinctive flavors in foods stored for long periods of time, such as the roasted flavor in nuts and coffee, and products that has been specially spiced or seasoned. As an added bonus, they are also environmentally safe!

How to Use Oxygen Absorbers
Oxygen absorbers should only be used on dry foods that have a low moisture and oil content (10% or less.) When package with moist foods, there is a risk of botulism poisoning. When packaging your food with oxygen absorbers, it’s important to plan ahead and be ready to move quickly. Oxygen absorbers begin to absorb oxygen in their environment as soon as their bag is open. To ensure they work as effectively and efficiently as possible, plan to package and seal the pouches immediately (within an hour.) If you won’t be using all of the oxygen absorbers in a package in a single setting, the remaining absorbers can be packed snugly into a mason jar for preservation.

There are several factors to consider when determining what size and how many oxygen absorbers to use. As a general rule of thumb, you can use 300-500cc of oxygen absorbers per gallon of food being stored. It’s also helpful to remember that if you’re unsure, a little extra won’t hurt your food during storage, but using too few could result in the presence of unwanted oxygen in your container.

If you have any questions regarding oxygen absorbers, and how to use them, please don’t hesitate to contact our sales professionals. We are happy to discuss your various food storage needs, and identify which products and methods can work the best for you! In the meantime, we hope you now have a new understanding and appreciation for that “last piece of jerky” and how it contributes to the freshness and great taste of your snack. Enjoy!

For more information and to browse our Oxygen Absorbers, find them on our website: https://www.bunzlpd.com/oxyfree-oxygen-absorbers