How do you think it helps when The sealed packets in which food items such as chips are sold usually filled with nitrogen?

Nitrogen gas (N2) is commonly used as a modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) gas for food preservation because of its several benefits:

Inertness: Nitrogen is an inert gas, meaning it is chemically unreactive and does not readily react with food components. This helps maintain the original flavor, color, and nutritional value of the food items.

Oxygen Barrier: Nitrogen acts as an oxygen barrier, reducing the amount of oxygen inside the sealed packets. Oxygen can cause oxidation and spoilage of fats, leading to rancidity and off-flavors. By reducing oxygen levels, nitrogen helps extend the shelf life of food products.

Preservation of Quality: Nitrogen helps maintain the quality of food items by slowing down the growth of aerobic bacteria and other microorganisms that require oxygen to survive. This helps preserve the freshness and nutritional value of the food for a longer period.

Prevention of Collapse: In flexible packaging, such as plastic bags or pouches, nitrogen helps maintain the shape and structure of the packaging. Without nitrogen, the packaging may collapse, compromising the integrity of the product and making it susceptible to damage.

Reduced Moisture Loss: Nitrogen can help minimize moisture loss from food products, especially those that are prone to drying out. By maintaining an optimal moisture level, nitrogen helps preserve the texture and quality of the food items.

Improved Shelf Life: The combination of oxygen reduction and inhibition of microbial growth helps extend the shelf life of food items packaged with nitrogen. This allows for longer storage and distribution times without compromising the quality of the food.

Overall, the use of nitrogen in sealed packets helps maintain the freshness, quality, and nutritional value of food items, leading to reduced spoilage and extended shelf life.