How Long Do Hillshire Snacking Small Plates Last?
Shelf Life and Storage Tips
Hillshire Snacking Small Plates are designed for convenience and portability, making them a popular choice for consumers seeking a protein-rich snack. These snack plates typically include combinations of deli meats such as Genoa salami, cheeses like natural white cheddar, and accompaniments like toasted rounds. They provide a satisfying snack with a significant amount of protein, boasting around 16 grams per serving.
The shelf life of these pre-packaged snacks (What wine goes well with snacks?) is of interest to consumers who value both the quality and longevity of their food purchases. Since Hillshire Snacking Small Plates are ready-to-eat right from the refrigerator, the expiration date indicated on the packaging is a key aspect in determining how long they can be safely consumed. It is essential that they are stored properly, in accordance with the guidelines provided by Hillshire Farm, to maintain their freshness and ensure food safety.
Proper storage and handling are paramount for extending the life of these snack plates. The sealed packaging helps protect the contents from spoilage and contamination. Once opened, however, it is advisable to consume the snack plate within a short time frame to enjoy its optimal flavor and texture, and to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
Product Overview
The Hillshire Snacking Small Plates have established themselves as a convenient and tasty snack option, available for consumption right out of the refrigerator. They offer a good balance of flavors and are a noteworthy source of protein which appeals to those in search of a quick and satisfying snack.
What Are Hillshire Snacking Small Plates?
Hillshire Snacking Small Plates are a line of ready-to-eat snack options designed to provide a high-protein, convenient eating experience. These small plates are particularly known for combining select ingredients such as cured meats (What wine goes well with cured meats?), cheeses, and toasted bread which are perfect for on-the-go consumption. Each package contains a single serving which is typically 2.76 ounces, making it an ideal snack for individual enjoyment.
Key Ingredients in Small Plates
The Hillshire Snacking Small Plates showcase a combination of three popular components:
Genoa Salame: A type of salami that is mild in flavor but enriched with a blend of seasonings, adding a nuanced taste to the plate.
White Cheddar Cheese: Often characterized by its sharpness, the white cheddar cheese offers a creamy texture and a rich profile that complements the Genoa salame.
Toasted Rounds: These crisps offer a satisfying crunch and a neutral base that pairs well with the salame and cheese, rounding out the trio of flavors.
These key ingredients are selected to create an appealing mix of texture and taste, ensuring that every bite is both satisfying and flavorful.
Health and Nutrition
Hillshire Snacking Small Plates provide a protein-rich snacking option while also containing a substantial amount of saturated fats. It is important for consumers to understand the nutritional content and how it fits into their daily diet.
Nutritional Information
Each Hillshire Snacking Small Plate serving size is typically one package, which varies in weight. For example, one common serving size mentioned is 78 grams.
Nutritional Breakdown per Serving:
Total Carbohydrate: 12g
Protein: 16g
Total Fat: Generally high, particularly in saturated fats.
The specific carbohydrate, protein, and fat content can vary depending on the variety of the small plate. Cheese, often a component of these small plate snacks, contributes to both the protein and the saturated fat content. Please note that milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, which may be relevant for those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies.
Understanding Daily Values
Daily values (DV) serve as a benchmark for assessing the nutritional content of food based on a 2,000-calorie diet, which is a general standard for nutrition labeling.
Saturated Fat: Hillshire Snacking Small Plates are noted for their high saturated fat content. Saturated fats are known to potentially raise bad cholesterol levels, and it is recommended that they should be limited in one's diet.
Protein: A single 78g serving provides 16 grams of protein, an essential macronutrient for body repair and muscle maintenance.
Total Carbohydrate: Carbohydrates are measured at 16% DV per serving, providing a necessary source of energy.
Understanding the balance of these nutrients in relation to their daily values can help consumers make informed snacking choices that fit within their dietary needs and restrictions.
Ingredients and Allergens
In this section, readers will gain an understanding of the key ingredients and allergen information pertinent to Hillshire Snacking Small Plates. The focus here is on the ingredients' quality and the allergens that consumers should be aware of.
Quality of Ingredients
Hillshire Snacking Small Plates prioritize chef-inspired ingredients to elevate the snacking experience. A typical Italian Dry Salame plate may include Italian dry salame, Gouda cheese, and toasted rounds. Hillshire is committed to truth in labeling and aims to use no artificial ingredients in their products, promoting a more natural snacking option.
Allergen Information
The brand follows strict FDA guidelines for allergen labeling. For consumers with dietary restrictions, the top eight allergens (dairy, tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish) (What wine goes well with shellfish?) are clearly listed in the "contains" section of the product packaging. Hillshire ensures transparency, especially when there are changes to product ingredients, by updating the packaging labels accordingly.
Shelf Life and Storage
Understanding the shelf life and proper storage conditions of Hillshire Snacking Small Plates is vital for maintaining their freshness and quality.
Optimal Storage Conditions
Hillshire Snacking Small Plates should be stored in the refrigerator. To ensure optimal freshness, they should be kept at a consistent temperature, generally below 40°F (4°C). This prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and maintains the quality of the product.
Temperature: Below 40°F (4°C)
Location: Refrigerated section
Expiration and Best By Dates
Each package of Hillshire Snacking Small Plates includes a "Best By" date, which indicates the period during which the product will be at its peak quality. Consumers should consume the product by this date to experience the intended flavor profile. It's noted that these products offer a refrigerated shelf-life of 120 days from production when stored properly.
Best By Date: Located on packaging
Shelf Life: 120 days refrigerated from production
Consumers should always refer to the packaging for the most accurate and specific information regarding expiration dates and storage recommendations.
Taste and Pairings
Hillshire Snacking Small Plates are curated to offer a rich snacking experience with an emphasis on flavor sophistication and compatibility.
Flavor Profile
The Small Plates notably present bold flavors that cater to a gourmet snacking palette. Savory salame provides a classic and hearty base, while options like the wine-infused salame introduce a nuanced taste. Sharp white cheddar cheese adds a depth of flavor that contrasts pleasantly with the meat's umami qualities. For those seeking a fruitier edge, the incorporation of stone fruit flavors can complement and heighten the overall tasting experience, particularly in wine-infused selections.
Recommended Pairings
Hillshire Snacking Small Plates have been designed with pairing in mind. The perfect pairing potential allows for an enhanced snacking session:
Genoa Salami and White Cheddar:
Wine: Fruity Bellini or Sauvignon Blanc
Sides: Crisp toasted roundsWine-Infused Salame with White Cheddar:
Wine: Similar varieties as the salame infusion; a light, stone fruit-flavored wine works well
Sides: Simple crackers to highlight the infused salame
Pairings aim to balance the rich, savory flavors with either a complementing or contrasting taste, effectively elevating the snacking adventure.
Purchase and Consumption
When considering Hillshire Snacking Small Plates, consumers should note both where to purchase these items and the general recommendations for consumption to ensure freshness and satisfaction.
Where to Buy Small Plates
Hillshire Snacking Small Plates can be found in the refrigerated section of many grocery stores, including Target. Availability may vary, so consumers are advised to check local store listings or shop online. When buying, consumers often consider variables like guest ratings and reviews, which may influence their decision to buy the product again. For specific product options:
Hillshire® Snacking Small Plates, Genoa Salami: Popular for its combination of salami and cheese.
Wine-Infused Salame Small Plate: A choice for those preferring a hint of wine flavor.
The availability and variety can also be confirmed on the official Hillshire website.
Consumer Recommendations
Upon purchase, it is crucial to store Hillshire Snacking Small Plates in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. These snacks are designed to be eaten directly from the refrigerator, providing a ready-to-eat experience. Most products, such as the Genoa Salami Deli Lunch Meat and White Cheddar Cheese, claim to be an excellent source of protein, with about 16 grams per serving.
For maximum enjoyment, one should consume these snacks before the expiration date on the packaging; however, typically, unopened snacks can last a few weeks in the refrigerator. Once opened, they should be eaten within a day or two to ensure quality and safety. Customer feedback often reflects satisfaction with the convenience and taste of these snacks, impacting their likelihood of repurchasing and recommending them to others.
Safety and Warnings
When considering Hillshire Snacking Small Plates, consumers should be aware of product-specific warnings and adhere to safe consumption practices to ensure their health and safety.
Product Warnings
Hillshire Snacking Small Plates are ready-to-eat snacks that come with specific storage and consumption instructions to maintain their safety and quality. The products contain Genoa salami and white cheddar cheese, and may also include wine-infused salame, as noted in their description. They should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed by the use-by date marked on the package. Consumers with dietary restrictions or allergies should read ingredient lists carefully, as these products may contain allergens such as milk and other dairy-derived ingredients.
Storage: Keep refrigerated.
Expiration: Adhere strictly to the "use by" date.
Allergens: May contain milk, cheese.
Safe Consumption Practices
Proper handling of Hillshire Snacking Small Plates is crucial for safe consumption. After purchasing, one should transport and store them at a consistent refrigerated temperature to prevent any bacterial growth. Upon opening, if any of the components appear discolored or emit an unusual odor, they should not be consumed.
Consumers should:
Refrigerate promptly: Maintain a constant refrigerated temperature.
Inspect before eating: Check for discoloration or off odors.
Consume before expiry: Eat the contents before the "use by" date.
Following these guidelines helps ensure that these snack plates are enjoyed safely.
Brand Information
Hillshire is a recognizable name in the snacking industry, offering a variety of snack plates that cater to both taste and convenience. Their products combine quality meats and cheeses, which are a testament to their commitment to flavor and customer satisfaction.
About Hillshire
Hillshire Farm® is a brand owned by Tyson Foods, renowned for its wide selection of meat products. They collaborate with professionals and institutions to enhance animal welfare across their supply chain, ensuring that their practices meet high standards of ethics and quality. The brand is committed to transparency, making detailed public information available on their website.
Product Varieties
The Hillshire® Snacking product line includes an assortment of Small Plates that pair select meats with fine cheeses and toasted rounds. Notably, their plates feature natural white cheddar cheese and Genoa salami, known for their rich, authentic flavors. They also offer a combination of Genoa Salame with Natural White Cheddar Cheese that emphasizes quality ingredients. Some other cheese varieties included in different snack plates are Gouda cheese, offering a mild and creamy taste experience to complement the selection of meats. Each plate is crafted to be an easy and protein-rich snack option, ready to eat straight from the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, readers will find concise answers to common questions about Hillshire Snacking Small Plates' shelf life, alongside details for reaching out to customer support for further information.
Common Inquiries
Q: How long do Hillshire Snacking Small Plates last before opening?
A: Hillshire Snacking Small Plates typically have a shelf life indicated by the "use by" date on the package. Unopened, they should be consumed by this date to ensure quality and safety.
Q: What is the safe consumption period for Hillshire Snacking Small Plates after opening?
A: Once opened, they should be eaten within 7 to 10 days. Always store them in the refrigerator after opening, sealed properly to maintain freshness.
Customer Support Info
Q: How can I get in touch with customer support if I have more questions?
A: Customers seeking more information can contact Tyson Foods customer service, as they manage Hillshire Farm® brand. Customer support details are typically available on the product packaging or the official Tyson Foods website.
