HPP for Fresh Foods: Longer Shelf Life, Same Great Quality
This is the third video in Savor Brands’ HPP series. HPP stands for High Pressure Processing. It’s a type of water-pressure pasteurization that extends the shelf life of food products.
This video was recorded in July 2025, when we had the chance to learn about HPP technology from Hiperbaric. Their HPP machine is located at the Wahiawā Value Added Product Development Center, where local food and farm businesses can use commercial kitchens, freezers, packing stations, and other tools to make and pack products.
That access matters. For smaller businesses, HPP can make it easier to preserve food products and handle longer travel times, which supports selling in local, national, and global markets.
What is thermal pasteurization?
Thermal pasteurization is the traditional method many people know. It uses heat to pasteurize food.
Heat pasteurization can work well, but it’s not always the best match for fresh-style products. For some foods, heat can change what customers notice most.
It may affect:
- Flavor
- Color
- Texture
- The overall fresh feel
Why HPP is used instead of heat for some products
HPP is often used as an option that replaces thermal pasteurization. Instead of heat, it uses high water pressure to help extend shelf life.
For many fresh foods, that difference is important. Brands want products that still taste and feel fresh, while also lasting longer and holding up better during shipping and distribution.
What types of foods benefit most from HPP?
HPP is used across many categories, especially foods that people expect to be fresh and high quality. Here are the types of products that can be preserved with HPP.
Beverages and liquids
- Fruit juices
- Vegetable juices
- Smoothies
- Cold-brew coffee
- Coconut water
Dips, sauces, and spreads
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Hummus
- Pesto
- Salad dressings
Meat and poultry
- Ready-to-eat deli meats
- Ham
- Chicken strips
- Ground beef
- Sausages
- Significantly reduces Listeria
Seafood and shellfish
- Raw fish
- Oysters
- Lobster
- Crab
- Helps with shucking
Fruits and vegetables
- Fruit purees
- Apple sauce
- Fresh-cut produce
- Ready-to-eat meals
- Pre-cooked meals
- Soups
- Baby food
Other products
- Raw pet food
- Dairy products like yogurt and cream cheese
- Fermented products
Fresh Products That Can Go the Distance
HPP gives fresh food brands a way to extend shelf life without relying on heat, which can be a better fit for products where taste, texture, and freshness matter. And when small businesses can access HPP technology locally, it creates real opportunity to ship farther and grow into bigger markets.
Thanks again to the teams at the Wahiawā Value Added Product Development Center, Leeward Community College, and Hiperbaric for a highly engaging event.
Packaging that can handle high pressure
HPP requires packaging that can stand up to high pressure during processing. Savor Brands packaging is 100% compatible to withstand high pressure and preserve food products at the highest quality.
If you’re exploring HPP for your product, reach out. Our team is here to help with packaging needs.
