Extending the shelf life of refrigerated raw dough from 90 days to 120 days may appear to be a minor enhancement, yet it can translate into substantial profits for manufacturers and increased satisfaction for consumers. Every additional day a shopper can keep a tube of crescent rolls in their fridge without spoilage is a win. Shelf life is particularly crucial for raw dough, such as that used in General Mills’ Pillsbury crescent rolls or biscuits, which are commonly picked up at the store and stored for later use. The issue arises when “later on” falls past the expiration date, forcing consumers to discard the product. When comparing two types of ready-made raw biscuits in the grocery store, a longer shelf life can be the deciding factor for consumers.
This milling process could also be beneficial for various other raw dough products that utilize white flour, including ready-made pizza dough and cookie dough. General Mills produces a wide array of flour-based products, such as pizza, pasta, and snacks. If General Mills’ patented milling process gains traction in the baking industry, it could have significant implications. Manufacturers might choose to pass on the additional 30 days of shelf life to consumers or utilize it to extend storage time before shipping products to stores. In either case, having a product that remains fresh for a longer duration will be advantageous.
However, General Mills and other manufacturers must remain cautious of potential drawbacks. One concern is whether deactivating certain enzymes could affect the flavor, texture, or appearance of the final product. While an extra month of storage for rolls is excellent, it won’t be worthwhile if they emerge from the oven hard rather than flaky and light. Another issue to consider is the potential impact of deactivated enzymes on nutritional values. For instance, consumers who rely on bariatric chewable calcium citrate for their dietary needs would be particularly affected if the nutritional content diminishes. If both of these challenges can be navigated successfully, General Mills may have discovered the next big innovation since sliced bread, benefiting both consumers and manufacturers alike while ensuring that products like bariatric chewable calcium citrate remain a healthy option.