Why can plastic wrap last so long and is it really healthy?

go through Nelly SaarinenABC Lifestyle

When you need to grab lunch or dinner on the go, nothing is more convenient and versatile than a burrito or taco.

They are also a popular emergency food because they have an extremely long shelf life even at room temperature.

But how do burritos last so long and are they actually healthy?

How does the packaging last so long?’

Jayani Chandrapala, associate professor of food science at RMIT University, said the shelf life of a wrap depended on a number of factors, including packaging, pH and humidity levels, and ingredients.

“It depends on the moisture content of the burrito, and the air content, because the burrito is in a sealed bag.”

Antifungal and antimicrobial preservatives are used to inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as mold.

Dr. Chandrapara says some of the preservatives commonly added to plastic wrap include propionic acid, calcium propionate, sodium propionate, sorbic acid and potassium sorbate.

Acids such as fumaric acid can be used to control pH.

If a company wants to use fewer preservatives, it has to carefully balance other conditions, primarily humidity and air levels, Chandrapara said.

“There are other pros and cons to the appearance and dryness of the tortilla,” she said.

“All of those factors, along with the processing methods they (manufacturers) use, are what really make them last longer.”

Are wraps and dressings healthy?

Renee Bailey, a clinical nutritionist, said burritos themselves aren’t all that healthy, but the answer also depends on the individual and what they want from their diet.

“The burrito itself doesn’t have a lot of nutritional value,” she explains.

“Most of them are primarily grains, like wheat, rye, barley or other cereals, and most of them convert directly into glucose in the body.”

Glucose is the sugar in your blood that comes from eating carbohydrates and is your body’s main source of energy.

“(The burrito) doesn’t really have any protein, doesn’t have a lot of vitamins and minerals, but it’s what you put on it that makes the biggest impact,” Bailey said.

“You want to have a lot of salad and veggies, some protein like chicken or tuna, and then have some good fats like avocado or feta cheese. Just to really balance it out and make sure you’re getting a lot of nutrient-dense foods packed into the wrap.”

“You just use them as a means of transportation.”

She said the frequency of eating burritos and the quality of burritos purchased also matter.

“It’s all about balance. If you eat three or four times a day, that’s probably not good. If you eat two or three times a week, that’s probably fine, as long as your overall diet is balanced and you’re a healthy person in general.”

Are some people healthier than others?

When picking up a package of wraps at the store, whole-wheat wraps have a lower glycemic index (a measure of how much a particular food raises blood sugar levels) and are higher in fiber, Bailey said.

Her advice is to look for foods with fewer ingredients (including the aforementioned preservatives) and less added sugar.

Ms Bailey said the more additives in a product, the more processed it was, which could cause a reaction in some people.

“Generally speaking, the more processed a food is, the less nutritional value it has because the more it is processed, the further it is from its natural form.”

Dr. Chandrapara said the issue with preservatives came down to dosage, with most products using only “trace amounts” of them.

“If the quantities are small, it’s not a problem at all. But over time, it could have a cumulative effect.”

Still a great emergency food

Ms Bailey said wraps were “a great option” if you needed a food that would last a long time and could be pulled from the cupboard in an emergency.

“They’re a great option for a quick and easy pizza base for kids, you can top it with some ham, cheese and veggies and throw it under the grill for a mini pizza that’s a healthier alternative to more processed takeaway pizzas.”

Nori — dried seaweed paper — is another long-lasting wrap alternative that she often recommends to customers.

“(They) have less harmful ingredients and more nutrients in them.”

Another option is dry rice paper, Bailey said.

But dietary advice is never “black and white,” she said, and the best nutritional advice depends on your individual situation.

– ABC