In a snack-loving world, a claim about a weight discrepancy in a chip bag has stirred debate and skepticism.
This revelation prompts questions about the science and ethics of snack packaging.
Let’s crunch the numbers and explore the mystery behind the ‘air’ in chip bags and the real weight of your favorite snack.
The Allegation
A user expressed her disappointment about the number of chips she received in her Tortiyahs! chip bag.
She mentioned,
“There’s, like, a quarter amount of chips in this,”
showing a mostly empty bag. To further validate her claim, she opened a second bag, revealing a similar amount of chips.
To provide concrete evidence, she weighed both bags using a kitchen scale.
One bag weighed around 8 ounces, while the other was approximately 7 ounces.
The Reason Behind the ‘Air’
It’s common knowledge that chip bags contain excess space, often referred to as ‘air’.
As explained by a Frito-Lay worker, this mostly-nitrogen ‘air’ serves a dual purpose. We’ll detail why later in the article.
However, while some space is understandable, the weight mentioned on the packaging is expected to be accurate.
The Growing Concern
In the wake of this revelation, many users voiced their concerns and shared their thoughts. Some believed that such misleading packaging was becoming a trend.
One user commented,
“For real it could be a production issue but for REAL real it’s probably shrinkflation.”
Another suggested taking legal action, stating,
“I would look into a lawyer or just file a complaint with the company saying you’re gonna get a lawyer.
People have sued for less.”
Yet another user pointed out the root cause, saying,
“I feel like this isn’t a food shortage issue and more of a greedy corporations issue.”
Why Your Chip Bag Feels Lighter Than Expected
When you pick up a bag of chips, you might wonder why it feels lighter than you’d expect. The reason isn’t solely about the quantity of chips.
As explained by a Frito-Lay worker, the mostly-nitrogen ‘air’ inside the bag serves a dual purpose.
First, it acts as a cushion, protecting the delicate chips from breaking during transportation. Without this protective barrier, your chips might arrive as crumbs.
But there’s more to it than just protection.
The content from Polymer Solutions highlights the complexities of chip packaging[1]. A typical chip bag, made of layers of polymer materials like Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), is designed to keep contaminants and moisture out.
This ensures that the chips remain crispy and free from external contaminants. Although, unfortunately, it also means that chip bags are not recyclable ².
The ‘air’ inside, also prevents the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, ensuring the chips stay fresh for longer.
In essence, while the bag might feel underweight, the packaging is a result of scientific research and design to ensure the best quality and experience for the consumer.
So, the next time you feel your chip bag is light, remember its science and purpose.
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Sources
- polymersolutions.com/blog/the-science-behind-packaging-the-chip-challenge-flavors/
- conserve-energy-future.com/are-chip-bags-recyclable.php
This article was produced and syndicated by Viral Chatter. It was inspired by this video:
@ladyelysiumasylum Isn’t
#foodshortage fun!
#chips
#food
#fyppppppppppppppppppppppp
♬ original sound
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.