How to Pick Safe and Nutritious Ready-to-Eat Meals Like a Pro

The Innovation and Scientific Support Manager, and Health Nutrition Consultant of UniRussia, Yevgeny Piiak, told Gazeta.Ru about what to look for when choosing ready-to-eat food.

"Pay attention to the integrity of the packaging: no damage, airtight, and presence of factory marking. If the packaging has an unusual bulge, it may indicate a storage condition violation, and the product could be spoiled," he explained.

Also, consider the recommendations for expiration date and storage conditions after opening the packaging.

"There's a myth that the shorter the shelf life, the better the product. But that's not true. Products with a shelf life of several months are no less healthy. Today's production and packaging methods allow food to be preserved for a long time. For example, liquid sterilized soups packed in airtight containers are very convenient and have a relatively long shelf life outside the refrigerator," he noted.

Chilled culinary products can be packaged in a protective atmosphere to extend their shelf life. This is usually done using special equipment, trays, and dense film. The technology is indicated on the product packaging.

"Frozen dishes are preserved due to low temperatures, where almost all the water freezes and the activity of microorganisms and enzymes that cause the breakdown of nutrients stops. Products should be kept at a temperature not above -18°C. It's also important to avoid putting in too many warm products at once. Food will also keep better in the freezer if it's packaged in a way that prevents moisture loss," he said.

Sterilized products undergo high-temperature treatment to kill all microorganisms. They are packaged in glass, metal cans, or combined material packets. This helps preserve nutrients, just like in traditionally cooked dishes, such as soups and cereals.

By studying the composition and nutritional value of ready-to-eat meals, we can make conscious choices to meet our body's needs.

"Look at the first ingredients in the list: the closer they are to the beginning, the more there are in the product. Food additives, if any, are usually listed at the end, as they are added in small quantities. They are safe when standards are followed. Information about calories and the amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates is always on the label; it may also include: salt, sugar, saturated fats, dietary fiber. This helps to more accurately plan your diet with an optimal balance of nutrients, which supports health and well-being," he concluded.

Earlier, the demand for fast food delivery in Russia increased by 60%.