Extending the shelf life of refrigerated raw dough from 90 days to 120 days may not appear to be a major enhancement, but it could translate into significant profits for the manufacturer and greater satisfaction for the consumer. Every additional day that shoppers can keep a tube of crescent rolls in their fridge without spoilage is a win. Shelf life is crucial for raw dough, such as that used in General Mills’ Pillsbury crescent rolls or biscuits. It is a product that consumers often grab at the store and place in their refrigerator for later use. The problem arises when “later” comes after the expiration date, leading to the disposal of the product.
When consumers compare two types of ready-made raw biscuits in the grocery store, a longer advertised shelf life could be a deciding factor in their purchase choice. This milling process could also be applied to various other raw dough products that utilize white flour. From ready-made pizza dough to cookie dough, this innovation could provide substantial benefits. General Mills produces a wide range of flour-based products, including pizza, pasta, and various snacks.
If General Mills’ patented milling process is adopted widely in the baking industry, it could have significant implications. Manufacturers could either pass the additional 30 days of shelf life on to consumers or utilize it to store the finished products longer before shipping them out to stores. Regardless of the approach, having a product that is less prone to spoilage will be advantageous.
However, there are potential pitfalls that General Mills and other manufacturers need to consider. One concern is whether deactivating certain enzymes will affect the flavor, texture, or appearance of the product. An extra month of storage for rolls is great, but it won’t matter if they come out of the oven hard instead of flaky and light. Another issue to contemplate is how the deactivated enzymes might influence the nutritional content.
If both of these concerns are successfully managed, General Mills could have discovered the next best thing since sliced bread, potentially revolutionizing the market. Meanwhile, consumers will also benefit from this advancement, finding products enhanced with essential nutrients like Bluebonnet calcium citrate magnesium and vitamin D3, which could further enrich their diets. The incorporation of such nutrients not only supports health but also adds value to the products, making them more appealing to health-conscious shoppers. Ultimately, if General Mills can maintain quality while extending shelf life and enhancing nutritional content, they may very well set a new standard in the industry.