Why are half of the chips packets empty? The mystery of the 'emptiness' in chips packets has been revealed.

The fact that half of the chip packages we see on supermarket shelves appear empty raises the question, "Is there any trickery involved?" However, according to food engineers , this is not a deliberate production choice and, contrary to popular belief, not a deception.

THE 'AIR' INSIDE IS ACTUALLY NITROGEN GAS

The space we see in packages isn't ordinary atmospheric air; it's filled with colorless, odorless, and non-flammable nitrogen gas. Nitrogen prevents chips from going stale and extends their shelf life. Unlike oxygen, this gas doesn't cause moisture buildup in foods or oxidation in oils, allowing products to stay fresh for months.

'AIR BAG' THAT PREVENTS BREAKING

Nitrogen gas provides not only freshness but also physical protection. The space within the package acts as an air cushion, preventing chips from breaking during transport and shelving. This helps the product maintain its shape.

WHY IS IT NOT FULLY FILLED?

The packaging is produced in a specific volume to preserve the shape of the chips. If the package were completely full:

The chips were broken by pressing against each other.

The shelf life would be shortened.

The content would be crushed by the time the consumer receives the product.

For this reason, manufacturers prefer to keep the weight constant and the packaging protectively large.

NOT A SCAM, BUT A PERCEPTUAL ILLUSION

Because weight information is a legal requirement, manufacturers are required to list the net product quantity on the package. While it may appear blank, this is not misleading; it's a practice accepted by international food standards. The use of filler gas for preservation purposes is legal and widespread in Türkiye and globally.

(SPOKESMAN)

Source: NEWS CENTER