How does the retort pouch method generally result in better-tasting food compared to traditional metal canning?

Its flat shape allows for faster heat penetration during processing

The retort pouch represents an advanced packaging technique where a flexible, layered package is sterilized at high temperatures, often between $240^{ ext{F}}$ and $250^{ ext{F}}$. The key advantage this technology holds over traditional metal cans lies in its geometry. Because retort pouches are flat, they possess a much higher surface-area-to-volume ratio compared to the cylindrical shape of a can. This physical difference means that the required sterilizing heat can penetrate the food product much more rapidly and evenly throughout the pouch. This quicker heat exposure minimizes the duration the food is subjected to high temperatures, which in turn results in superior retention of flavor, texture, and overall quality compared to the longer processing times often necessary for larger, thicker metal containers.