The foodservice packaging market was valued at USD 114.28 billion in and is expected to reach USD 148.25 billion by .
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The recent growth in demand for takeout, food delivery and grab-and-go grocery store meals has resulted in the increasing need for more foodservice packaging, leading to the industry&#;s growth.
But it&#;s not just a pure numbers game. Bans on plastic in some states are feeding fantastic innovations in foodservice packaging that also meet the needs for food safety, and, increasingly, packaging sustainability, recyclability, and compostability.
For restaurants and other providers foodservice packaging cost is a primary concern. While the increase in food demand is welcome, sometimes the foodservice packaging cost associated with the growth is not. In this article we will share strategies on how restaurants, QSRs, and grocery stores can save on those costs.
Ordering in bulk is one of the best ways to save on foodservice packaging costs. To determine which packaging will provide the greatest cost savings for you when purchased in bulk, compare volume pricing for each item you need and calculate how much you can save if increasing the size of your order. Start with your most used packaging items and then consider the most expensive ones that can achieve savings when bought in bulk. This is a surefire way to save on foodservice packaging costs.
Stocking foodservice packaging that can be used in multiple ways is a great strategy for additional buying in bulk and saving money.
Some foodservice packaging materials are able to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, enabling retailers and providers to minimize the need for a variety of packaging types.
Delis and grab-and-go establishments take advantage of flex-use containers that are able to maintain the temperature of food for longer while it is transported. These containers can be used for salads or for hot prepared dishes.
Whenever possible, you can reduce the foodservice packaging cost for to-go orders by combining foods into one container rather than segregating into multiple containers.
Especially useful for QSRs, using containers and trays that have compartments helps keep the different parts of a meal conveniently separated.
One of the easiest ways to save on your foodservice packaging cost is to only buy the packaging sizes that fit your food. Use smaller containers for smaller deli items, for example.
Bags are another area where there are many different size options depending on the use case. Bakeries can choose from many sizes of cookie, pastry, and bread bags. By ordering bags that are the size needed and not larger than necessary, your baked goods will be packaged beautifully and not break the bank.
Same goes for takeout orders. Have on hand to-go bags with sizes that fit the needs of your typical order.
It&#;s a habit for restaurant servers to ask a diner if they would like a to-go box for whatever might remain of their meal. Consider, instead, training your team to evaluate whether there is enough food remaining on the plate to make it worthwhile for both the diner and your restaurant to offer a doggy bag.
With an estimated 900 million tons of food waste thrown out by Americans each year, those remaining last bites can either be tossed in the restaurant&#;s disposal at no cost, or at the diner&#;s home &#; after you send them on their way with their leftovers in a container you have paid for.
For leftovers that are packaged up for takeaway, another way to save on your foodservice packaging cost is by foregoing the bag and just handing them the container.
Cups are one of the most disposed of single-use packaging products. The move from plastic to other single-use, disposable cups has made paper cups an industry winner and not just for their environmental friendliness, but for their cost savings as well.
Made from renewable resources, paper cups can come with comfort sleeves making them a great choice for hot or cold beverages. Stylewise, paper cups are attractive and meet the demand for single-use sustainability and eco-friendliness.
If you ship delicate or breakable foodservice products, such as bottles of wine, jam, or marinades, consider using molded fiber to ensure that your items remain intact throughout transit. Less breakages in transit means fewer replacement products shipped and happier customers!
The benefits of molded fiber for shipping are many:
Molded fiber is not just for shipping. Molded fiber also has properties that allow it to hold in steam for hot foods and prevent moisture from escaping, thus preventing messy leaks. Molded fiber containers are also microwave safe, perfect for reheating those leftovers.
Single-use shopping bags have been the norm for a long time. To save costs, some retailers are foregoing offering bags altogether, requiring their shoppers to bring their own from home. Other retailers, who want to provide a more pleasant shopping experience for their customers while also considering the environment, are shifting towards reusable bags.
Retailers who provide reusable bags can actually reduce their costs compared to those supplying single-use bags. They achieve this in two ways:
1 &#; Shoppers bring their bags back to reuse on future shopping trips
2 &#; Retailers can charge for attractive reusable bags, alleviating the cost of offering them altogether
The benefits of reusable bags run the gamut from protecting the environment from unnecessary plastic disposal to providing extra brand recognition for the retailers who use them. Shoppers have a tendency to carry reusable shopping bags into other stores, further exposing the retailer&#;s brand and logo.
Not only can a retailer reduce their overall bag expenses, but reusable bags achieve the added benefit of free advertising!
Sustainable foodservice packaging is made from renewable materials. Renewable materials are plant-based and typically the byproduct of a primary manufacturing process. Bagasse foodservice packaging materials are made from the leftover fibers from sugarcane processing and cornstarch packaging materials, which are very &#;plastic like,&#; are actually made from &#; you guessed it &#; cornstarch.
Since renewable materials use the leftovers from other manufacturing processes, the materials themselves are less expensive than those that require non-plant based manufacturing. Cost savings also come into play since the primary manufacturer of sugarcane, for example, can take advantage of a bagasse manufacturer off-loading the sugarcane remains for them. The entire end-to-end supply chain, including the end-consumer, benefits from the use of sustainable foodservice packaging.
At Servous, we are specialists in helping our customers choose the right foodservice packaging that helps them not only save on packaging costs, but also provides the best options to meet their specific needs.
Our wide array of foodservice packaging options covers use cases for grocery stores, QSRs, delis, grab-and-go, takeout, and even catering.
Let our specialists at Servous walk you through our different offerings as well as tell you about our many customizing options. We can help you find just the right solutions for your store or restaurant to match your budget.
Contact us today to speak with our sustainable packaging experts.
Corn flour is a multipurpose kitchen staple valued for its thickening abilities. Its quality and lifespan may be preserved with appropriate storage.
Knowing the proper ways to store Corn Flour will guarantee that it stays useful and fresh for as long as you need it, regardless of how often you use it.
There are several methods to experiment with, ranging from freezing to refrigeration.
In this article, we&#;ll look into the best ways to store Corn flour to maintain its quality and shelf life.
Understanding Cornstarch and Its Properties
A versatile item that is frequently used in baking and cooking is cornflour. This corn starch makes up most of this fine white powder from the endosperm of corn kernels. Two ingredients make up starch: amylopectin and amylose. Amylose is responsible for the thickening properties of cornstarch, while amylopectin contributes to its gel-like consistency when heated.
What is Cornstarch?
Cornstarch, also known as corn flour in some parts of the world, is a carbohydrate-rich ingredient that adds texture and thickness to various recipes. It is often used as a thickening agent in sauces, soups, and gravies and a binding agent in baked goods.
Nutritional Value of Cornstarch
From a nutritional standpoint, cornstarch is primarily composed of carbohydrates. It contains very little protein, fat, or fibre. Therefore, it does not provide significant vitamins or minerals. It is important to note that cornstarch is high in calories, so it should be used in moderation, especially for those watching their caloric intake.
Culinary Uses of Cornstarch
Cornstarch has many culinary uses beyond its role as a thickening agent. It can be used to make homemade pudding, custard, and even ice cream. It helps create a light and tender texture in cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. Furthermore, it can be used as a coating for fried foods, giving them a crispy and golden exterior.
The Shelf Life of Cornstarch
To maintain the quality and freshness of your cornstarch, it is crucial to understand its shelf life and the factors that can affect it.
Factors Impacting the Shelf Life of Cornflour
The shelf life of corn flour can be affected by several things. The main culprits are moisture, exposure to air, and temperature fluctuations. Water can cause cornstarch to clump and lose its powdery texture, while air exposure can lead to its degradation. Temperature changes can also affect cornstarch, causing it to lose its thickening properties over time.
Signs of Spoilage in Cornstarch
Although cornstarch has an indefinite shelf life when stored properly, it can still spoil under unfavourable conditions. Some common signs of spoilage include clumping, a rancid or off smell, or a colour change. Tossing the cornflour and restocking if you observe any of these symptoms is recommended.
Best Practices for Storing Cornstarch
Proper storage is the secret to extending your cornflour&#;s shelf life and quality. Let&#;s explore some best practices and tips for storing cornstarch.
Ideal Storage Containers for Cornstarch
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It&#;s essential to use airtight containers to store corn flour. Materials impermeable to air and moisture should be used to make the containers. Good choices include plastic containers with tight-fitting lids or glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Cornflour should not be kept in its original container since it cannot offer enough protection from air and moisture.
Optimal Storage Conditions for Cornstarch
Cornflour must be kept from direct sunlight and other heat sources in a cold, dry, and dark environment. The storage temperature should ideally be lower than 75°F (24°C) to avoid damage. If it&#;s kept away from heat-emitting appliances like stoves, cornflour can be kept in a pantry or kitchen cabinet.
Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure the longevity of your cornstarch, it is important to avoid common stage mistakes:
Do not store cornstarch near sources of moisture or humidity, such as the sink or refrigerator.
Moisture can lead to clumping and spoilage.
Refrain from using damp utensils or hands when scooping cornstarch, as any moisture introduced to the container can affect its quality.
Always seal the container tightly after each use to prevent air exposure.
Using Cornstarch in Cooking and Baking
Now that we&#;ve covered the best practices for storing cornstarch, let&#;s explore its various culinary uses in cooking and baking.
How to Use Cornstarch as a Thickening Agent
A great thickening agent for many different kinds of recipes is cornflour. Use it as a thickening agent by combining it into a slurry with a small amount of cold liquid, such broth or water. The hot liquid you want to thicken should next be gently mixed with the slurry. Stirring constantly, heat the mixture until the appropriate consistency is reached. Take care not to overheat corn flour as too much heat might cause it to lose its ability to thicken.
Tips for Baking with Cornstarch
In baking, cornstarch is used as a substitute for flour in certain recipes, especially in gluten-free baking. It helps create a light and delicate texture in baked goods. When substituting flour with cornstarch, use a ratio of 2 tablespoons of cornstarch for every 1 tablespoon of flour. Additionally, sift the cornstarch before using it to ensure a smooth and lump-free texture in your baked goods.
Cornstarch in Coating and Frying
Cornstarch is a popular ingredient for coating and frying foods. Whether you&#;re making crispy fried chicken or tempura vegetables, cornstarch can provide a light and crispy coating. To use cornstarch for coating, simply dredge the food in a mixture of cornstarch and seasonings before frying it in hot oil. The cornstarch coating will help seal in moisture and create a golden-brown crust.
DIY Personal Care Products with Cornstarch
An art from its culinary uses, cornstarch can also be utilized to create DI personal care products, providing a natural alternative to commercial products.
Recipes for Homemade Cornstarch-Based Products
Cornstarch can be used as the main ingredient in various DIY personal care products. Here are a few recipes to get you started:
Homemade Deodorant: Add several drops of your favourite essential oils to a mixture of cornflour and baking soda. Apply this mixture to your underarms for a natural and effective deodorant.
Baby Powder: Cornstarch can be used as a talc-free alternative to baby powder. Apply a small amount to your baby&#;s skin to help absorb moisture and keep them dry.
Dry Shampoo: In between hair washes, sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch onto your roots and gently massage it in. Cornstarch absorbs excess oil and adds volume to your hair.
Substitutes for Cornstarch
In some situations, you may find yourself in need of a cornstarch substitute. Whether you&#;ve run out of cornstarch or are looking for alternative options, there are several substitutes available.
Alternative Thickeners and Their Uses
Arrowroot Powder: Arrowroot powder is a gluten-free thickening agent, much like cornflour. It works well in sauces, gravies, and desserts. Use it as a 1:1 substitution for cornstarch.
Tapioca Flour/Starch: Another gluten-free alternative for thickening is tapioca flour or starch. Use it in the same ratio as cornstarch when substituting.
Potato Starch: Potato starch is a versatile thickener used in various recipes. It works well in soups, sauces, and pies. Substitute it for cornstarch using a 1:1 ratio.
Conclusion:
You can make sure that your cornflour is strong, fresh, and ready to add flavour to your dishes whenever inspiration strikes by following these storage tips.
You may maximize the use of this adaptable ingredient for all of your baking and culinary requirements if you take good care of it and pay attention to storage.
Looking for the best cornstarch manufacturers?
Angel Starch is the best starch manufacturer to help you.
Angel Starch & Food Private Limited is the world&#;s foremost company, establishing itself as a one-stop shop for high-quality functional food ingredients and customized products containing starches, carbohydrates, and hydrocolloids for use in the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries, among others.
Frequently Asked Question
Can cornstarch be refrigerated or frozen?
Cornstarch can be refrigerated or frozen to extend its shelf life. However, it&#;s not necessary if stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Refrigeration or freezing may cause clumping or changes in texture when thawed or brought back to room temperature. If using this method, ensure it&#;s tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption and contamination.
How can you tell if cornstarch has gone bad?
To check if cornstarch has gone bad, look for signs of moisture, mould, or an off odour. Fresh cornstarch should be odourless, dry, and free-flowing. If it appears clumpy, discoloured or emits a strange smell, it&#;s likely spoiled and should be discarded.
Are there any risks associated with using expired cornstarch?
Using expired cornstarch poses minimal risks if it&#;s properly stored and shows no signs of spoilage. However, it may lose its effectiveness over time, affecting thickening properties in recipes. Consuming spoiled cornstarch could lead to foodborne illness, so it&#;s best to discard any suspicious batches and replace them with fresh ones for optimal safety and quality in cooking.