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The Role of Oxygen Absorbers in Food Preservation

Jackson Wallace

December 15, 2022

What are Oxygen Absorbers?

Oxygen Absorbers (sometimes referred to as Oxygen scavengers) are a small container of specific material that is added to an enclosed environment to help remove or decrease the level of oxygen inside of that closed container. Often Oxygen Absorbers are built using a porous sachet or packet that contains an admixture of iron powder, sodium or activated carbon (charcoal). 

Benefits of Oxygen Absorbers?

Oxygen Absorbers have numerous advantages for different use cases in particular in the food and beverage industry. Oxygen absorbers help to prevent the growth of mould and the growth of aerobes without introducing the food to any toxic materials. 

Not only are oxygen absorbers safe to use they are also relatively inexpensive in comparison to their efficacy. 

The usage of Oxygen Absorbers also has the added benefit for both manufacturers and customers that it allows the removal of preservatives from certain foods such as BHA, sulphur dioxide, sorbates, benzoates, BHT and other additives. It also allows for the removal of antimicrobial additives such as nitrates and other chemicals. 

Use Cases of Oxygen Absorbers?

Oxygen Absorbers can be used in a variety of different ways whether it's in storing old documents but most commonly in the food and beverage industry. Some of the items that can be stored alongside Oxygen Absorbers are:

  • Beans, lentils, split peas
  • Rice
  • Meat
  • Dried Meat
  • Flour
  • Instant mixes and powders
  • Coffee beans
  • Pasta
  • Cereal
  • Instant potatoes
  • Whole grains (barley, corn, wheat, oats)

How do Oxygen Absorbers Work?

Oxygen Absorbers work differently depending on the materials used in its construction. However most Oxygen Absorbers will perform their action through a chemical reaction, such as using iron powder that will react with the oxygen in the air causing it to rust and absorb. When all the iron powder inside of the sache has oxidised it will no longer be able to perform its action.

Where can you purchase Oxygen Absorbers?

There are multiple different places to purchase Oxygen Absorbers depending on the volume of sachets you are looking to purchase.

Alchemy Performance Products is the leading supplier of oxygen absorbers and other desiccant products in the Australasia market and can be reached via the contact page located in the top right corner of this website. However we only sell in large quantities.

If you are looking for small packets of oxygen absorbing sachets they can be found online at retailers such as Amazon, etc.