Nitrogen
The short version
An inert packaging gas — displaces oxygen to extend the shelf life of snacks, coffee, and ready meals.
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Where it comes from
Industrially separated from atmospheric air by cryogenic distillation or pressure-swing adsorption. Air is 78% nitrogen by volume — production is essentially limitless.
How it's used
Inert flushing gas for modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) — displaces oxygen in chip bags (the puff that protects fragile crisps), ground coffee, ready meals, salad bags, and instant-noodle cups. Liquid nitrogen used for blast-freezing and rapid cooling of beverages. Inert gas blanket on wine tank.
Safety profile
ADI not specified — completely inert and a major component of the air we breathe. The only practical hazard is asphyxiation from displacement of oxygen in confined spaces during industrial handling.
Physical & chemical properties
Colorless, odorless, tasteless gas at standard conditions. Liquid form at –196 °C. Practically insoluble in water at room temperature.
Regulation worldwide
Permitted globally without restrictive limits — quantum satis for all packaging applications.
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.