A Key Factor in Food Safety, Quality, and Market Success
Shelf life isn’t just a number printed on packaging—it’s a critical measure of how long a food product remains safe and of acceptable quality. Whether you’re launching a new product or reformulating an existing one, understanding shelf life is essential to protecting your brand, satisfying regulatory requirements, and meeting consumer expectations.
In this blog, we’ll explain how shelf life is determined, what influences it, and why it should never be overlooked in your product development process.
What Is Shelf Life?
Shelf life refers to the time period during which a food product maintains its intended safety, quality, and sensory characteristics (such as taste, smell, and texture) under recommended storage conditions.
Once a product moves beyond its shelf life, it may:
- Become unsafe to consume
- Lose its flavour, texture, or appearance
- Fail to meet labelling or customer expectations
- Damage brand reputation or lead to food waste
How Shelf Life Is Determined
Determining shelf life isn’t a guessing game. It requires a combination of scientific testing, food technology expertise, and real-time evaluation. Here’s how it’s typically done:
01. Product Type and Composition
Certain foods spoil faster than others due to their moisture content, acidity, fat levels, or preservatives. For example:
- High-moisture foods (like fresh soups or dairy) have shorter shelf lives
- Dry goods (like crackers or flour) may last months or even years
02. Packaging and Storage
Oxygen exposure, temperature control, and light all impact how long a product lasts. Packaging innovations like vacuum sealing or modified atmosphere packaging can greatly extend shelf life.
03. Microbiological Testing
Lab-based microbiological tests are used to assess how quickly bacteria, mould, or yeast develop under typical conditions. This is essential for food safety, especially in high-risk categories like meat, dairy, and ready-to-eat meals.
04. Chemical and Sensory Analysis
Testing for rancidity, colour changes, off-flavours, and texture degradation helps assess when a product no longer meets quality expectations.
05. Real-Time & Accelerated Shelf Life Trials
- Real-time trials monitor product performance over time under normal storage conditions
- Accelerated testing simulates the ageing process under elevated temperatures or humidity
Both approaches provide data to determine a realistic and reliable shelf life.
Why Shelf Life Matters to Your Business
01. Food Safety and Compliance
Incorrect or unverified shelf life claims can lead to unsafe consumption, regulatory penalties, and product recalls. Regulatory bodies like MPI require shelf life to be scientifically justified—especially for perishable and packaged foods.
02. Brand Reputation
A product that spoils before its expiry date will quickly lose customer trust. Clear, accurate shelf life helps you deliver a consistent, quality experience to every consumer.
03. Cost Control and Waste Reduction
Overestimating shelf life increases the risk of expired stock and returns. Underestimating it can shorten selling windows unnecessarily. Getting it right balances safety with profitability.
04. Market Access
Many retailers and export markets demand documented shelf life trials before accepting new products. Without proper testing and reporting, your product could miss out on key opportunities.
How AFS Can Help
At AFS, we work with food businesses across New Zealand to provide:
- Shelf life study design and testing
- Product reformulation for improved stability
- Sensory and microbiological assessments
- Packaging and storage advice
- Compliance guidance for domestic and export labelling
Whether you’re developing a new product or facing shelf life issues with an existing one, our technical team offers practical, science-driven support to protect your product and your brand.
We’re here to help.
Want to Extend or Verify Your Product's Shelf Life?
today to speak with our food technologists and plan your shelf life strategy.
