Improving packaging reliability for Zing Pantry Shortcuts

Tyler Williams, Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab

Zing Pantry Shortcuts partnered with Conestoga’s Food Research & Innovation Lab  
(CFRIL) to address packaging challenges affecting several of its flagship chili crisp products. As the company’s distribution expanded nationally, occasional leaking jars were observed during production and in retail environments. The project focused on identifying the underlying causes and developing practical packaging and process improvements to support consistent product quality. 

CFRIL’s packaging team conducted an on-site assessment of Zing Pantry Shortcuts’ production processes, packaging materials, and quality control procedures. Through a detailed review and testing process, the team evaluated the interaction between jars, closures, and filling methods to identify opportunities to strengthen packaging performance. Recommendations also included improvements to quality control practices and simulated shipping tests to better understand how the product performs during distribution. 

The project resulted in several practical recommendations to improve packaging reliability, including updates to closure systems, greater control over sealing processes, and packaging adjustments to better protect the product during shipping. Together, these changes provide Zing Pantry Shortcuts with a stronger packaging approach that supports continued growth and national distribution. 

Funding for this project was provided by the National Research Council Canada.