Some in the health industry would argue that HPP or high-pressure processing for cold-pressed juice would result in fewer nutrients. The question is, does it? How does HPP preserve food, especially beverages?

What is HPP, and How Does It Work?

HPP is short for high-pressure processing or high-pressure pasteurization. Items are placed inside a large vessel, sometimes in baskets or canisters, sealed using huge plugs on both ends.

Because it doesn't use heat, which would alter the chemical makeup of food, it's categorized as a non-thermal preservation method. HPP uses cold water and pressures up to three times more than that in the deepest part of the ocean. Hence, the food is preserved without having to remove it from the container.

Depending on the machine being used, the vessel may be filled with water, or only the canisters and a certain part that activates the high-pressure mechanism. Water temperature may fall anywhere from four degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius.

The more items undergoing pasteurization simultaneously, the less water is needed, and the more efficient the process will be. Products should be placed in containers ideal for HPP as some would become damaged or not retain the proper shape and size necessary to protect the item

What are the Benefits of HPP?

The nature of HPP creates several advantages over other preservation methods. Because HPP does not use heat or chemicals, it became a standard preservation method, particularly for supermarkets when food is expected to stay on a shelf for long periods.

High-Pressure Processing Preserves Nutrients and Enzymes
In this pasteurization technique, HPP only removes air from the packaging to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, delaying the food's natural process of going bad. This keeps the food in its state before processing for longer.

No chemical compounds are changed or broken down, so the food retains most of the vitamins and minerals, keeping it healthy and fresh. When you open a pack of vacuum-packed fruit, you still get the same or almost all nutrients as when it was freshly harvested.

High-Pressure Processing Preserves the Taste and Freshness for Much Longer
There's no difference in flavor between a freshly squeezed orange juice and one that underwent HPP. The only noticeable change is the shelf life. Fresh fruit juice on its own will last a maximum of five days before it's no longer fit for consumption.

However, the shelf life of cold-pressed juices after high-pressure processing increases from several weeks to even months. This not only saves money for businesses but also provides better value for the customers.

High-Pressure Processing Reduces Risk of Contamination
Other preservation methods involve unpacking, repacking, passing from one person to another, and even heat. These factors increase the risk of bacteria getting onto the food, which is counterproductive to the goal.

HPP treats the product while it's in its packaging, without the need of having to take out the food and handle the product. The absence of heat further lowers the chances of multiplying the bacteria and hastening expiration. With HPP, you can be more certain that the food you're eating remains safe and sanitary, especially throughout the process.

Does Shelf Life Matter?

Yes. It's important to both businesses, consumers, and, most of all, to Mother Earth. It can be difficult at times to accurately determine the demand for each kind of juice on the business end. Stocking up would increase the certainty of having enough for a certain amount of time.

Unfortunately, with fresh cold-pressed juices, the short shelf life gives very little room for that and may increase food waste instead. Producing too little product would create a shortage, which would leave loyal customers unhappy.

Similarly, the five-day shelf life means a higher possibility of creating waste on consumers' end. It also doesn't allow you, the consumer, to stock up on flavor options and save some for some other time, leaving little flexibility for your preferences.

HPP helps reduce food waste while allowing people to always have healthy juices on hand, whether at home or in the office. This non-thermal method creates a healthier planet in more ways than one.

Are Body Fuels' Juices High-Pressure Processed?

Health, value for the customer, and the welfare of our planet are hugely important for our company. Considering HPP, our company meets all three deals with our products. Hence, Body Fuels, Inc.'s (BFI) cold-pressed juices are proudly treated with HPP.

Does it mean they're not fresh? Because HPP retains the nature of the product right before it underwent the preservation method, BFI juices are fresh as that was how they were at the time of processing.

Thanks to HPP's innovation, every bottle will continue to remain fresh for a very long time.

Why are Some Health Brands Against HPP?

Many in the health industry understand fresh as the opposite of preservation and processing, which is not necessarily true for all cases. There's also a widely held belief that HPP destroys good bacteria.

It's simply a misunderstanding, thinking that HPP gets rid of bacteria when it doesn't. Instead, it prevents bacteria from multiplying through the removal of air from the packaging. HPP stops the development of more bacteria and the transfer of germs with timely and proper procedures.

If there's any reduction of nutrients, good bacteria, and enzymes, it's very minimal compared to the benefits that come with HPP.

What Can We Do to Correct This?

By actively promoting accurate information, a better understanding of the technique would spread, and more people will support this pasteurization method. It can be done in simple ways, like sharing content such as this and buying from brands that use HPP and openly advocating for it.

Small acts will amount to incremental changes that would gradually help us get closer to the goal. The more people getting behind the movement, the faster it will reach the finish line and even improve HPP in the future for even fresher, safer, and healthier food.

It's Not "Fresh VS. HPP"

At first glance, it feels that way, but as you look into it and understand how HPP is done and what exactly it does, you'll see there are no two opposing camps. Everyone is trying to simply champion healthier food and, overall, a healthier lifestyle.

Share this article with other loved ones to help get the word out. You might just allow someone to rest easy the next time they're thinking of buying one of our cold-pressed juices. Let them know they're doing a good thing for themselves and the planet.