Food delivery services have become increasingly popular, especially over the last year. Orders are often composed of both perishable and non-perishable items. If it’s fresh broccoli or a loaf of bread, it’s important to note the conditions required to keep food from spoiling. Check out these tips to keep your food from going bad during transit, whether you’re running a food delivery service or sending cupcakes to your grandkids.

Shipping Non-Refrigerated Perishables

Non-refrigerated perishables with short shelf life include breads, rice, pasta, and certain kinds of produce like bananas or potatoes. Factors like the weather could have a negative impact on these foods’ quality. Package them similarly to refrigerated perishables to ensure optimal freshness upon delivery.

Shipping Refrigerated Perishables

Refrigerated perishables include everything from eggs to dairy and meat products to certain fruits and vegetables. Shipping cold foods like these can be difficult as the texture, taste, and appearance can all suffer. Experts say a best practice for shipping refrigerated items, is to make sure the desired temperature can be maintained in the package for at least 30 hours. Taking these steps will ensure your products stay fresh.

Prepare Your Foods

When shipping perishables, we recommend cooling or freezing them before you package them up. This is a crucial step in order to avoid any condensation and to expand the length of time it is able to stay cool. Additionally, it is important to choose the right wrapping in order to protect the product from water leakage or damage from other box contents. Options include airtight wrapping, leak-proof packaging, padding, foam inserts, bubble wrap, and more.

Select the Right Package

You’ll need to consider lots of choices when building your perishable package. The right combination of packaging materials will ensure your products stay safe. First, you’ll need to choose the perfect shipping box for all of your products. Then more specific recommendations for the inside of the carrier include:

  • Cold/ice packs around your product
  • Insulated bubble wrap liners
  • Insulated shipping kits
  • Moisture safe cold packs
  • Insulated foam containers
  • Insulated bubble rolls
  • And more!

Remember to research what temperature your food responds well to prior to purchasing packing and insulation materials. 

Shipping Frozen Perishables

When shipping food like ice cream or other delicious frozen desserts, you’ll want to follow the same practices listed above. However, the main difference is using dry ice instead of ice packs. Shipping with dry ice will ensure the foods don’t become soggy and saturated with water. You’ll need to plan for additional charges if you plan to ship frozen food, since dry ice is considered a “hazardous material” and requires additional attention when handling.

Choose the Right Shipping Company

Shipping companies all offer different services to ensure safe and timely delivery. Due to the recent labor shortage, however, delivery times everywhere are much longer than we expect. That’s why it’s important to properly vet your shipping company before working with them. 

Whether you’re expecting overnight delivery or can wait a week, time is of the essence when it comes to food. Ensure your product stays fresh by choosing the right company in advance and working hand-in-hand with them to perfect your order.

Express Packaging Can Provide Your Shipping Materials

At Express Packaging, we have everything you need to ensure your food remains fresh. We know this is an increasing concern, both with longer delivery times and rising temperatures. These tips for shipping food are meant to ease your mind and keep your products safe. 
We’re here to help you do your part in preparing your products for the shipping process. Request a quote from us for your packaging needs.