Why packets of chips are filled with nitrogen gas rather than oxygen? (2024)

FAQs

Why packets of chips are filled with nitrogen gas rather than oxygen? ›

Nitrogen gas is used in chips packets because it controls the Oxygen reactivity. The agents called antioxidants prevent oxidation of oils and fats in food. Nitrogen is used to flush bags of chips beacuse it slows down the oxidation of chips.

The goal is to prevent the chips from becoming oxidized, which would cause them to become stale or soggy. Because oxygen is highly reactive, it tends to interact with other molecules, causing chemical changes that may damage the chips.

As an inert gas, nitrogen has many uses in and benefits for food and beverage packaging: It 'flushes out' oxygen which plays a big role in food spoilage. Oxygen causes oxidation and also encourages the growth of certain bacteria. Nitrogen stabilizes flavours and seasonings by eliminating oxidation.

In the packaging of food, nitrogen gas is filled in a packet so that it maintains the inertness and the food will not be spoiled by oxygen and it remains fresh.

Inorder to prevent rancidity, packets of chips are flushed with nitrogen gas. Nitrogen gas is an anti-oxidant, which prevents oxidation of fat and oil molecules.

Well, because oxygen will react with the ingredients in the food which can spoil it or make the chips go stale and soggy. So, nitrogen is added. Nitrogen gas is considered to be stable and non-reactive. Most of the chips or crisps have a shelf life of 40-55 days before they become stale.

The air in chip bags is actually nitrogen, and it's there for a reason. “The reason for the nitrogen and chip ratio is to keep the chips safe during transportation,” Aragon said. “These chips will get handled a lot. So it just ensures the chips aren't getting smashed, and it keeps them fresh longer.”

Nitrogen is widely used due to the fact that is does not react when exposed to other gases, unlike oxygen, which is extremely reactive. Due to its chemical composition, nitrogen atoms need more energy to be broken and react with other substances.

Answer and Explanation:

Nitrogen, as a gas, tends to be very stable in the atmosphere, unlike oxygen which interacts with many substances. It doesn't break down readily when exposed to solar radiation.

* Exposure to Nitrogen is dangerous because it can replace Oxygen and lead to suffocation. Only NIOSH approved self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode should be used in Oxygen deficient environments.

Is nitrogen gas good for you? ›

High concentrations of nitrogen gas can be particularly harmful to human health. Nitrogen can displace oxygen from ambient air within an enclosed space leading to a dangerous build-up of the inert gas.

Is Nitrogen Flushing Bad for You? You may be wondering if the nitrogen flushing procedure is damaging in any way to your health. Rest assured, nitrogen-packed food is perfectly safe. In fact, 78% of the air you breathe is composed of nitrogen, which makes it a readily available and affordable option.

A typical potato chip bag is made up of multiple layers of polymer materials: Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) on the inside, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in the middle, another middle layer of BOPP, and an outer layer of Surlyn, a thermoplastic resin… Each layer performs a specific function.

The chips packet is filled with nitrogen gas to prevent oxidation and to prevent it to get rancid. Nitrogen gas a an inert gas ie it does not react with food item inside the packet or react itself. If the packet is filled with oxygen gas the material inside the packet will react with the oxygen gas and become rancid .

By adding nitrogen gas, oxygen is removed. Oxygen deteriorates food items due to oxidative rancidity moisture loss or gain. Purging packaging of oxygen is what allows us to have long life food on our shelves, but is also useful to keep fresh food produce fresher for longer.

Nitrogen prevents the oxidation of the fats and oils. Potato chips manufacturers fill the packet of chips with nitrogen gas.

Nitrogen in chip bags

Some consumers get annoyed by all that “air” in their bag of chips. But that air isn't air at all. If it were, it wouldn't take long for your potato chips to spoil and for their taste to deteriorate.

Nitrogen gas is non-oxidative in nature and does not react with the oils and fats of chips. So, it is often filled in chips packets to prevent rancidity.

The cushion actually is nitrogen gas. Chip manufacturers fill bags with this preservative gas to help keep chips fresh. If it were filled with regular air, the chips would likely turn soggy and spoil.

The percentage of nitrogen in the air is 78%. Oxygen occupies 21% and argon occupies 0.9%. Gases like carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides, methane, and ozone are trace gases that account for about a tenth of one percent of the atmosphere.