Why is there so much air in potato chip bags?

Potato chip bags are filled with air to protect the chips from being crushed during shipping and handling. The air also helps to keep the chips fresh by preventing them from becoming stale.

The amount of air in a potato chip bag is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA requires that potato chip bags contain at least 30% air by volume. This ensures that the chips are adequately protected from damage and that they remain fresh for as long as possible.

Some potato chip companies choose to fill their bags with more air than the FDA requires. This is done to make the bags appear larger and more appealing to consumers. However, there is no evidence to suggest that potato chips with more air are any better than potato chips with less air.

In fact, some consumers prefer potato chips with less air because they believe that the chips are fresher and taste better. Ultimately, the amount of air in a potato chip bag is a matter of personal preference.