You can click on the contact sales/customer service links or just give us a call at 800-544-8734.

After your request is received, you will receive a confirmation e-mail of when you sample will ship out.

Pellets and half products are grain based products created through extrusion similar to a pasta process. Products are differentiated by formula, expansion characteristics, processing parameters, size, shape and method for expansion. Expansion methods include fried (hot oil) baked (hot air) formed (puffing) and micro wave.

A pellet is shelf-stable for up to a year in its "raw" or unexpanded form. Pellets offer unique economies in shipping, because until they are expanded you are not shipping or storing air. Pellet based snacks can deliver a variety of healthful properties compared to traditional fried snacks, for example when pellets are fried they can have a fat content of 15-25%, and when air baked 0-10%, while a traditional fried chip is about 35%.

The shelf life of our pellets is 12 months, when kept in dry, cool storage conditions.

The shelf-life depends on many different variables such as expansion method, packaging film, storage temperature, and weather among other factors.

Optimal storage conditions for pellets are; a dry place, protected from sunlight, with temperature between 15-25°C (59-77ºF) and humidity between 30-65%.

We consider yield in terms of both weight and expansion. Weight: During frying the weight of the moisture in the pellet is replaced with oil. Because of the oil absorbed during frying, approximately 15 - 25% weight can be gained. The amount of oil absorbed depends on ingredients and cell structure. When forced air baked or pressure puffed the original pellet weight remains basically the same.

Expansion: Depending on ingredients and processes used expansion can be from 30% to approximately 1000% of the original pellet size. This is measured as expanded bulk density.

Average raw pellet moisture = 10% - 12%

Average fried pellet moisture = 1.5% - 2.5%

When pellets are fried the moisture content is replaced with oil. Depending on the ingredients and the resulting cell structure, when fried they will have a finished fat content of 15-30%, and when air baked or pressure puffed the finished fat content can be <1-10%. The oil content in air baked or pressure popped is due to a light oil spray on the surface required for the topical seasoning to stick to the product. By comparison a traditional fried chip is about 35%.

Bulk Density is the determinant parameter for bag filling of pellets after expansion.

It is expressed in grams per liter, pounds per cubic foot, etc., and it represents the weight of a given product's volume (weight per unit volume).

Expanded bulk density is measured in a testing cube having a known volume.

A pellet with a low expanded bulk density will take fewer pieces to fill a bag than the same shape with a high expanded bulk density.

There are 9 series of shape families and a wide range of ingredient combinations available. J.R. Short will also develop custom formulas and help design custom shapes, resulting in an pellet product solution to meet your specific business and application needs. Please see shapes and ingredients.

Pellets can made from grain(s), potatoes, vegetables, and starches and can include flavors, colors and bioactive ingredients. Please see ingredients.

Yes, depending on the nature of the ingredients.

Sweet, savory, fruit, vegetable, or other flavors can be included in the pellet formulation to compliment topicals. Topical seasonings are at the discretion of the customer/co-packer and are commonly added after the pellets are expanded.

There are currently 9 series of shapes including; shells, chips, strips & ribbons, twists, rings, tubes, split peas & small balls, grids, brand & custom shapes.

We take pride in our internal R&D team and pilot facility. Just help us understand the characteristics you want in the finished product - nutrition, whole or multi-grain, texture, size, flavor, expansion methods - and we will do our best to develop and produce exactly what you are looking for.

New product timelines depend heavily on individual customer requirements. J.R. Short offers unique speed to market in new product development. Formulas can be developed, reviewed, refined and finalized within a month when using an existing die. Custom die shapes will add about 8 weeks to the process. Generally our customer's consumer testing, production testing and packaging film are key time line considerations.

J.R. Short pellets can be used in many food categories such as snacks, cereals, desserts, sweet goods, and nutrition bars and cross many category lines. Finished pellet products reach the consumer through food, drug, mass and convenience retail channels, as well as restaurants, schools, vending and internet channels.

The preferred minimum order is 10,000 pounds or 4,500kg.

Depending on the shape and customer needs, pellets can be packaged in 20#/9kg kraft bags, 50#/22.7kg kraft bags, or 2,200#/998kg super sacks.

Lead time is 4-6 weeks depending on availability of ingredients. However, unexpected events may occur in your business where you are unable to stay with this target. J.R. Short is committed to meeting your needs and will do our best to respond to short notice requirements.

Delivered time depends on freight arrangements. If necessary, overnight truck is an option, while domestic piggy-back freight adds about 9 days for delivery. Ocean freight generally adds 4 weeks from the date product leaves our docks.

Our internal traffic and logistics department coordinates customer pickup, and makes domestic or international C&F shipping arrangements.

The cost of pellets is entirely dependent upon the ingredient combinations used and the impact those ingredients may have on production. Pellets from J.R. Short are a cost effective option in the food categories where they are commonly used.

• Great taste and excellent bag fill
• Expand your product line utilizing current frying and popcorn popping equipment
• Efficient throughput . pellets fry (using less oil) or pop in seconds
• Innovative and responsive R&D for speed to market
• Healthy position options . whole or multi-grain, less fat pickup
• Excellent shelf-life and shipping efficiencies

You can call us at 1-800-544-8734, fax customer service at 815-937-3989 or see contact sales/customer service on this website.

Full truckload quantities vary depending on how the product is packaged. Please view the packaging requirements under each division for further information. Generally, the following table applies:

J.R. Short is always willing to explore new opportunities across the globe. We have several customers outside of the United States that receive product form us on a regular basis. Our export department is a great source for helping our customers from all over the world.

How you receive your product is up to you. In some cases, certain packaging techniques are used in order to ensure a safe and damage-free delivery of the product. A sales representative will be able to help you assess the best way to ship your product.

In our careers section available positions are listed. If you are interested in a career at J.R. Short you have the option of submitting an application or resume through our web site.

J.R. Short is committed to hiring the right people in the right jobs. Possible positions at J.R. Short include the following: production operators and laborers, warehouse workers, packers and loaders, customer service reps, logistics associates, laboratory techs, and various accounting positions.

Because of the amount of resumes and applications we receive, not everyone will receive a response. However, if there are open positions and we have reviewed your resume or application, we will call you for a phone interview if you meet the qualifications we are looking for.