People shocked to learn the real reason why chip packets are always half empty

Have you ever opened up a pack of crisps only to notice the huge space left empty inside the packet? Most of us have probably lamented the fact that crisp packets always look way fuller than they actually are due to this. Turns out, there is actually a good reason for this, so much so that it even has a specific term to describe it.

As reported by Ladbible, the inflated space inside crisp packets are called ‘functional slack-fill,’ and its main purpose is to protect the food inside. Here are all the details.

Requirement for functional slack-fill

The foods inside packets are prevented from being crushed during transportation etc. by filling them with nitrogen. Thus, this process ensures you can have whole intact crisps.

Nitrogen gas also helps retain the freshness of the foods so it remains crispy till consumers can lay their hands on them. Without it, we would all be eating state, soggy chips.

The secret of the empty space in chip packets have also been revealed by a TikToker @sherifelsahly to his surprised followers.

More details about your crisp packets

Over the years, many people have alleged that crisp companies may have been reducing the amount of chips inside and increasing the amount of air. Rest assured, nothing of this sort is happening.

Companies are legally mandated to fill in the requisite weight of food that appears in the label printed on the packet.

As the website of chips company Walker’s says, there’s a good reason the crisp packets look bigger in comparison to its contents. It states,

Our packets of crisps are filled by weight. You should always find that the packets weigh the grammage stated on the packet.

However, there is a very good reason for the packets not being filled right to the top. Crisps are very fragile and can get crushed very easily. To try and prevent this from happening, we put air in the packs before they are sealed to act as a cushion for the product during transit.

This does mean that the packets have to be a bit bigger than the contents.

Sources used:

Ladbible: ‘There's a reason for empty space in crisp packets and it even has a name’

Walker’s: FAQ