Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a vacuum sealable storage bag and method in which a pad of material is located within the storage bag and is positioned to block, trap, and/or absorb fluid from product to be stored within the storage bag. The pad of material can comprise fluid-absorbing material, and in some embodiments is positioned between an open mouth of the bag and an interior of the bag in which product is retained.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a vacuum sealable storage bag and method in which a pad of material is located within the storage bag and is positioned to block, trap, and/or absorb fluid from product to be stored within the storage bag. The pad of material can comprise fluid-absorbing material, and in some embodiments is positioned between an open mouth of the bag and an interior of the bag in which product is retained.

Abstract: Packaged food portions, such as food slices, consisting of two or more food items, such as peanut butter and jelly, and processes for making them. The food portion is provided with sufficient viscosity and textural properties to enable its formation into a cohesive mass which can be extruded while maintaining the individual identity and organoleptic attributes of each food item within the food portion. The food portion may be shaped into a slice or other configuration prior to or during its encasing within a flexible packaging material. Product formulations which provide for minimal moisture migration between the different food items within the food portion and for optimum product stability, as well as processes and methods for providing and processing these formulations, are also disclosed.

Abstract: In some embodiments of the present invention, a strip of material is employed to assist in evacuating a storage bag. Although this venting strip can be used in vacuum sealing any type of plastic bag, in some preferred embodiments the venting strip is used in vacuum sealing storage bags having one or more heat sealable inner layers and one or more outer layers resistant to gas permeation. The venting strip can be apertured and/or can have a textured or rough surface that creates channels between the inside surface of the storage bag and the venting strip, thereby allowing air to exit from the interior of the storage bag. The venting strip can be made at least partially of heat-sealable material, and can melt with heat sealable inner layers of the storage bag when a vacuum sealer applies heat to seal the storage bag.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a vacuum sealable storage bag and method in which a pad of material is located within the storage bag and is positioned to block, trap, and/or absorb fluid from product to be stored within the storage bag. The pad of material can comprise fluid-absorbing material, and in some embodiments is positioned between an open mouth of the bag and an interior of the bag in which product is retained.

Abstract: A packaged cheese product comprises a hermetically sealed container, preferably a pouch, made out of flexible material; a decorator tip or adaptor therefor inside the container, a cheese product inside the container and a cap for closing the decorator tip when the pouch is partially emptied. The cheese product can be extruded after cuffing the corner off of the pouch and seating the decorator tip in the resulting opening. Cheese in decorative shapes can then be easily applied as a garnish on food items and the pouch can then be reclosed by capping the decorator tip. The cap preferably has a bulb member that fits inside the decorator tip and a skirt member that fits around the outside petals of the preferred decorator tip.