Our meals are cooked using a method called retort packaging which is also used for ready-made baby food (in fact our manufacturer produces the bulk of baby ready meals in Australia).
Retort pouches are a food-safe, structured pouch made with layers of laminate, paper products, and/or recycled materials. The retort pouch was invented in the 1950s to make it easier for troops bringing their food on long missions or into battle.
All germs are eliminated by wrapping food in a special carrier film (the retort film) that can endure temperatures of roughly 130 degrees Celsius. When sterilized, retort packaged foods have had all bacteria effectively destroyed. Products in retort packaging have a shelf life of 18 to 24 months. The advantages of retort packaging over traditional packaging encourage its commercial adoption. With antimicrobial food packaging, germs won't be on the menu.
The advent of high barrier plastic films using EVOH, or PVDC coatings, allow for microwave-compatible flexible containers that do not require refrigeration allow items to tolerate processing and storage conditions while retaining their flavor and texture. Retort packaging is excellent in protecting products from air and moisture.
Retort pouches are typically made from three layered materials, each with a specific function. The outer layer is polyester, a high-melting, heat-resistant film that provides durability and helps the pouch withstand processing. The middle layer is aluminum foil, which acts as a strong barrier against oxygen, moisture, light, and bacteria. The inner layer is polypropylene, specially modified to endure the high temperatures of the cooking and sterilisation process while remaining safe for food contact.
Our retorted packaging complies with the FSANZ (Australian) food standards, which cover aspects like material suitability, labeling, and hygiene practices.
Some of the key benefits of our retort packaging are:
- Easy to reheat
- Suitable for all ages
- Vegetarian options
- Most meals are gluten free
- Dairy free meals
- Garlic free meals
- 12 to 24 month shelf life—simply store in the pantry, suitcase, or glovebox
- Ideal for people on the go—work, school, and travel
- Food tastes fresher, looks fresher, and retains its nutritional value better than frozen or fresh ready-to-eat meals
Our meals are cooked in a kitchen that is certified to meet and often exceed global certification standards. Please be sure to check with your health professional before starting any new diet.
- Provide an average of 300 calories per serve
- Contain little or no added sugar
- Range from 4g to 40g of carbohydrate per serve
- Range from 0g to 6.3g of saturated fat per serve
- Provide 2 to 3 serves of vegetables or legumes
- Are mostly gluten free
- Contain no MSG
