Crisps

DampCat · 23 Oct 2008 at 10:43

I wonder if someone can help settle an argument we're having here in the office.

Quite simply; Does the foil packet make any difference to the lifespan of the Crisps?

My argument is no. The pevious plastic bags were sealed and air tight, and foil would make no difference to this as plastic is just as non-permeable (?) as foil.

I'm perfectly happy to be wrong, i just want to know WHY it makes a difference, and it isn't just a big marketing scam to make us think they care more about what they're selling to us, and charging a premium.

Thanks!

touch · 23 Oct 2008 at 10:45

Maybe something to do with letting less light in?

Maybe also regulates temperature better?

russ0r · 23 Oct 2008 at 11:29

I think foil reflects heat better than plastic which might have something to do with it.

Amnesia · 23 Oct 2008 at 11:31

think of your crisps as little spacemen

Lummox · 23 Oct 2008 at 11:33

memory said:
think of your crisps as little spacemen

This

emmjaybee · 23 Oct 2008 at 11:35

shelf life is longer

MookJong · 23 Oct 2008 at 11:42

Would you put tinned food inside a transparent container.....no you would not.

Kristoph · 23 Oct 2008 at 11:47

Taken from this website - which may or may not be correct.

http://216.239.59.104/search?q=cach...risp+packets+made+of&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=uk

"The shiny crisp packets are made with a piece of aluminium foil sandwiched between two plastic films - the aluminium is used to make the packet more 'oxygen-proof'."

PhillyDee · 23 Oct 2008 at 12:04

mp3kla said:
Taken from this website - which may or may not be correct.

http://216.239.59.104/search?q=cach...risp+packets+made+of&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=uk

"The shiny crisp packets are made with a piece of aluminium foil sandwiched between two plastic films - the aluminium is used to make the packet more 'oxygen-proof'."

This is true. The same for Helium balloons. I think it keeps them crispier than normal crisps, but Probably doesnt extend the lifespan for the Sell By Date.

DampCat · 23 Oct 2008 at 12:47

MookJong said:
Would you put tinned food inside a transparent container.....no you would not.

Why not? Lots of homes have things in tupperware sealed containers.

bledd · 23 Oct 2008 at 12:50

things like chipsticks have rubbish packaging and a shorter shelf life, guess it has to do with light...?

Cosimo · 23 Oct 2008 at 12:55

MookJong said:
Would you put tinned food inside a transparent container.....no you would not.

DampCat said:
Why not?

Could be because it is already in a tin.

Cosimo · 23 Oct 2008 at 12:56

Duplicate post......

The $6m Dan · 23 Oct 2008 at 13:00

DampCat said:
Why not? Lots of homes have things in tupperware sealed containers.

And then they go into the fridge or a dark cupboard.

orderoftheflame · 23 Oct 2008 at 13:26

PhillyDee said:
This is true. The same for Helium balloons. I think it keeps them crispier than normal crisps, but Probably doesnt extend the lifespan for the Sell By Date.

This. Get a foil balloon and a rubber balloon. Leave them and see which deflates quickest.

DampCat · 23 Oct 2008 at 13:35

I see. So "foil makes things last longer, for reasons we dont really know". That's fair then

gillywibble · 23 Oct 2008 at 13:39

It's a conspiracy.

Amnesia · 23 Oct 2008 at 13:58

DampCat said:
I see. So "foil makes things last longer, for reasons we dont really know". That's fair then

silver foil reflects light/heat better....we know that much.

DampCat · 23 Oct 2008 at 14:03

Indeed that is true. I can't imagine what difference Light makes though. Heat i can understand, but again, we're talking about a tiny bag of crisps. I cant help but feel there woudnt really be the kind of heat necessary to adjust the properties of a crisp. I suppose it's a prolonged mild heat of supermarket shelves etc. I dont know.

Amnesia · 23 Oct 2008 at 14:07

light carries heat