TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter relates, in general, to package for food items and, in particular, for ready-to-eat food items.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Various packages are used for packaging of ready-to-eat food items. Such packages are air-tight so as to ensure that the moisture from the atmosphere does not enter into the package and further to the product and gives the stored food items a longer shelf life. The ready-to-eat food items are generally used for out of home consumptions and require further preparation steps for finishing and making them ready-to-eat. In one example, the finishing may be last stage of cooking. In one example, the finishing includes addition of an additional ingredient to the packed ready-to-eat food item.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of the system(s), in accordance with the present subject matter, are described by way of examples only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0004] Fig. 1 illustrates a side sectional view of a package for ready-to-eat food items, as per an embodiment of the present subject matter;

[0005] Fig. 2 illustrates a side sectional view of a package for ready-to-eat food items, as per another embodiment of the present subject matter; [0006] Fig. 3 illustrates a side sectional view of a covering layer as per an embodiment of the present subject matter;

[0007] Fig. 4 illustrates a side sectional view of a covering layer for ready-to- eat food items, as per another embodiment of the present subject matter;

[0008] Fig. 5 illustrates the package 100 having a piercing object, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter;

[0009] Fig. 6 illustrates the package for the packaged ready-to-eat food item, according to another embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Ready-to-eat food items packaged in food packages may be ready for consumption after undertaking certain steps for preparation. For example, the cooking of packaged food item may be done by adding an additional ingredient. The most common finishing step for such packaged food items may be first opening the food package and further adding the additional ingredient within the food package. Examples of the additional ingredient may include, but is not limited to, hot water, hot milk, cold milk, a sauce or a combination thereof. Further, the food package may be closed again temporarily for a desired time period while the additional ingredient mixes with the food item for the final preparation.

[0011] However, for such packages food items the amount of the additional ingredient may vary across users as the users may subjectively assess the volume of the additional ingredient to be added. As a result, more or less quantities of additional ingredient may be added, the temperature of the additional ingredient and temperature may not be consistent with what actually may be required to prepare the food item under consideration. This has an impact on the quality and taste of the food item thus prepared.

[0012] In addition to the finished product quality and taste consistency issues, the requirement of the additional ingredient to finish the final preparation of such food items also limits the reach of such food items. For example, if hot water is required to prepare the food item, then in the absence of readily available hot water, the final preparation of the food item may be a hassle. In such a case, the consumer may have to heat the water separately in a heating device and pour the heated water in the food package for final preparation. In such a scenario, the heated water may spill over the hands of the consumer while pouring the heated water in the food package for final preparation.

[0013] Furthermore, the consumption of such ready-to-eat food items is done away from home in most of the cases. In one example, the consumption of such ready-to-eat food items may be limited to office pantries, manned kiosks, or self- service vending machines where access to hot water is available. But in such places, if the additional ingredient to be added to do the final cooking process is other than the hot water, then finding supply of such additional ingredient may be an issue. In one example, hot or cold milk may be required as the additional ingredient.

[0014] To this end, a packaged ready-to-eat food items is described. The present subject matter further describes a method for preparing a food item being ready-to-eat as per an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0015] The present subject matter presented here addresses the possibility of heating up or cooling an additional ingredient before adding it to a packaged ready- to-eat food item for finishing up the cooking in a hassle-free manner or to enhance the experience of food consumption.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, a package for ready-to- eat food items is disclosed. In one example, the package comprises a container for storing the food item. The container comprises an opening. Further, a covering layer may be applied onto the opening of the container so as to enclose the food item. Further, the covering layer comprises at least a portion which is readily pierceable. In one example, the food item may be a ready-to-cook and eat item, examples of which include, but are not limited to, noodles and oat. In one example, the covering layer ensures that the opening of the container is hermetically and physically sealed and further ensures that no entry of moisture or other matter is possible inside the container. In one example, the covering layer may be any shape. In one example, the covering layer may be used to close the containers of different shape and sizes. In one example, the entire covering layer is readily pierceable. In one example, the covering layer may be pierced only at limited points. In one example, the piercing of the covering layer at one or more portions allows entry and exit of steam in case anything to be added to the food item is heated.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the covering layer may be a lid. Further the lid may be rotatably engageable with the opening of the container. In one example, the peripheral portion of the opening and the peripheral portion of the lid may have threads, which mesh with other to provide a rotational engagement.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the covering layer is press fitted onto the opening of the container. In an example, a diameter of the compartment is smaller than a diameter of the covering layer. In one example, the dimension of a surface of the compartment to be coupled with the covering layer is smaller than the dimension of the covering layer.

[0019] Further, a compartment is coupled to the covering layer and can store an additional ingredient. The compartment may lie within an inner space or cavity of the container or may lie above the edge of the container which forms the opening of the container. The compartment further comprising of a surface of material which is also readily pierceable. Further, the surface of the compartment when pierced is to allow the ingredient to exit the compartment and mix with the food item. In one example, the coupling of the compartment with the covering layer may be carried out by a joining technique. In one example, the joining technique may be welding. In one example, the coupling may be carried using an adhesive that is considered fit for food products. In one example, the compartment may be a receptacle. In one example, the compartment may be storage pouch. Examples of the additional ingredient may include, but is not limited to, water, milk, vinegar and sauce.

[0020] In one example, the container is to be mounted to the covering layer in such a way that the container remains attached to the covering layer in a vertical position inside the container.

[0021] In one example, the covering layer with the attached compartment can then be added to the container that contains the ready to eat or ready to cook for retailing. In one example, the compartment contains the desired quantity of the additional ingredient so as to improve the quality and taste of the finished food item.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the covering layer is made of a flexible material. In one example, the flexible material is readily pierceable. Further, the compartment is made of a flexible material. In another example, the flexible material is readily pierceable. Examples of the flexible material may include, but is not limited to, a plastic material, a metallic material, a di-electric material and a food grade material. The flexible material may be easily pierceable at any point for providing an entry and an exit of particles.

[0023] In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the covering layer is made of a firm material. Further, the compartment is made of a firm material. In one example, the firm material is one of the plastic and metal. In such cases, when the firm material is used, provisions are for releasing the contents below are provided. In one example, the covering layer and the compartment made of firm material have defined piercing portions, the compartment being adapted to be pierceable after the covering layer has been pierced. In one example, the covering layer may comprise a pierceable section. In one example, a base of the compartment may comprise a second pierceable section. In one example, the compartment is made of a material that is very pliable and easily pierceable using a reasonably sharp object. In one example, the second pierceable section may be positioned exactly below the first pierceable section so as to ensure that piercing may be done on a same axial line. [0024] In embodiment of the present subject matter, at least one piercing object is disposed in the package for piercing the covering layer and the compartment. In one example, the piercing object may be attached on side walls of the container. In one example, the piercing object may be attached on an upper surface of the covering layer. Examples of such piercing object includes, but not limited to, a pointed tool, a fork, and a spoon. The piercing object may be made of (preferably, but not necessarily) a die-electric material. In one example, the piercing object may have flutes on inside to sequentially allow the additional ingredient to go from the compartment into the container when depressed. In one example, the flutes may be designed in such a way that during heating of the additional ingredient in the compartment (before adding to the food item) or during the heating of the food item with the additional ingredient (after adding to the food item) the flute act as a vent. In one example, one or more piercing object may be attached to the package. In one example, the piercing may be carried out by a non-contact technique. Example of the non-contact technique may include, but is not limited to, a laser.

[0025] In an implementation of the present subject matter, a method for preparing a food item being ready-to-eat is disclosed. In one example, the preparing may be a final preparation. In one example, the preparing may be final cooking. In one example, the preparing may be finishing. The food item is stored in the container being applied with the covering layer having the compartment storing the additional ingredient.

[0026] In operation, the covering layer are pierced on at least two portions. The first pierced portion opens in the compartment. The second pierced section opens in the container. In one example, the pierced portions ensure that pressure generated while heating, moves out of the container to avoid bursting of the container. Further, the container is heated to a desired temperature such that the stored additional ingredient reaches the desired temperature. Furthermore, a base of the compartment is pierced so that the heated additional ingredient exits to the stored food item for mixing thereof and the mixed additional ingredient and food item may be rested for a prespecified time period. Heating to the desired temperature, resting of the prespecified time period and the predefined quantity of the additional ingredient ensure that the finished product quality and taste consistency are up to the mark what the producer of the food item is expecting.

[0027] In another implementation of the present subject matter, the covering layer is pierced. The pierced portion opens in the compartment. Further, the base of the compartment is pierced so that the additional ingredient exits to the stored food item for mixing thereof. Yet further, the mixed additional ingredient and food item are heated to a desired temperature. Furthermore, the heated mixture of the additional ingredient and food item are rested for a prespecified time period. Heating to the desired temperature, resting of the prespecified time period and the predefined quantity of the additional ingredient ensure that the finished product quality and taste consistency are fine and up to the mark what the producer of the food item is expecting.

[0028] The embodiments of the present subject matter ensure that the stored additional ingredient is sufficient in quantity and is of required quality so that the finished product quality and taste consistency are of higher quality. Further, the package of the present subject matter ensures hassle free finishing stage of the ready- to-eat food item. Furthermore, the package of the present subject matter ensures that food item may be finished without requiring multiple resources.

[0029] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the following figures. While aspects of the described aspects of packages can be implemented in any number of different configurations, the embodiments are described in the context of the following package(s).

[0030] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in a greater detail in conjunction with the Figs. 1-4 in the following description. The manner in which the package is implemented and used shall be explained in detail with respect to the Figs. 1-4.

[0031] It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are intended only to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects and embodiments of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0032] Fig. 1 illustrates a side sectional view of a package 100 for a packaged ready-to-eat food item 110, as per an embodiment of the present subject matter. The package 100 comprises a container 102 for storing the food item 110. In one example, the container 102 may have sides which taper to a base of a diameter smaller than a top portion of the container 102. In one example, the container 102 may be made of a food grade material. Further, the container 102 comprises an opening 112. Yet further, a covering layer 104 is applied onto the opening 112 of the container 102 so as to enclose the food item 110. In one example, the food item 110 may be enclosed to prevent any moisture entry within the container 102 that may degrade the quality of the stored food item 110. In one example, the covering layer 104 ensures that the opening 112 of the container 102 is hermetically and physically sealed and further ensures that no entry of moisture or other matter is possible inside the container 102. In one example, the covering layer 104 may be any shape. In one example, the covering layer 104 may be a lid. In one example, the covering layer 104 may be used to close the containers 102 of different shape and sizes. Further, the covering layer 104 comprises at least a portion which is readily pierceable. In one example, the at least one portion may be a first pierceable section 114. In one example, the covering layer 104 is readily pierceable at more than one portions. In one implementation of the present subject matter, the compartment 204 comprises two storage units. In one example, the two storage units store different ingredients. The two storage units are readily pierceable.

[0033] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the covering layer 104 may be a lid 104. In an example, the lid 104 may be rotatably engageable with the opening 112 of the container 102. In one example, the lid 104 may have threads, which mesh with the treads provided over the opening 112 of the container 102.

[0034] In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the covering layer 104 may be press fitted onto the opening 112 of the container 102.

[0035] Further, a compartment 106 to store an additional ingredient 108 can be coupled to the covering layer 104. The compartment 106 may lie within an inner space or cavity of the container 102 or may lie above the edge of the container 102 which forms the opening 112. In one example, the coupling of the compartment 106 with the covering layer 104 may be carried out by a joining technique. In one example, the compartment 106 has an outer diameter that is smaller than the sealing diameter of the covering layer 104 to the container 102. Similarly, the strength of the joining technique is higher than the strength of the sealing strength between the covering layer 102 and the container 102.

[0036] The compartment 106 further comprising of a surface of material which is also readily pierceable. In one example, the compartment 106 may comprise at least one surface of material which is also readily pierceable. In one example, the at least one surface may be a second pierceable section 116. The surface of the compartment 106 when pierced is to allow the additional ingredient 108 to exit the compartment 106 and mix with the food item 110. In one example, the compartment 106 may be storage pouch. In one example, the additional ingredient 108 may be water. Examples of the additional ingredient 108 may include, but is not limited to, milk, vinegar and sauce. In one example, the compartment 106 contains the desired quantity of the additional ingredient 108 so as to improve the quality and taste of the finished food item. The compartment 106 is shelf stable and is inspected through the required processes to make the compartment 106 fit for storing edibles.

[0037] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the covering layer 104 may be made of a firm material. Further, the compartment 106 may be made of a firm material. In one example, the firm material is one of the plastic and metal. In such cases, when the firm material is used, provisions are for releasing the contents below are provided. In one example, the covering layer and the compartment made of firm material have defined piercing portions. In one example, the covering layer 104 may comprise the first pierceable section 114. In one example, a base of the compartment 106 may comprise the second pierceable section 116. In one example, the piercing portions 114, 116 are very pliable and easily pierceable using a reasonably sharp object. In one example, the second pierceable section 116 may be positioned below the first pierceable section 114 so as to ensure that piercing may be done on a same axial line.

[0038] In one example, the welding (or any other method of attachment) between the compartment 106 and the covering layer 104 is integral and leak proof so that the climate inside the container 102 is maintained within the favorable conditions so as to keep the consumption of both the additional ingredient 108 and the food item 110, healthy for the consumers. In one example, the compartment 106 and the covering layer 104 are made from materials that provide the necessary pliability and moisture barrier.

[0039] Fig. 2 illustrates a side sectional view of a package 100 for ready-to-eat food item 110, as per another embodiment of the present subject matter. In the embodiment of the present subject matter, the package 100 comprises the container 102 and a covering layer 202 coupled onto the opening 112 of the container 102. In one example, the covering layer 202 may be coupled to the container 102 by welding. Further, the covering layer 202 may be coupled to the container 102 by an adhesive that is fit for edible products. [0040] Further, a compartment 204 may be coupled to the covering layer 202 and can store an additional ingredient 108. The compartment 106 may lie within an inner space or cavity of the container 102 or may lie above the edge of the container 102 which forms the opening 112. In one example, the coupling of the compartment 204 with the covering layer 202 may be carried out by a joining technique. In one example, the compartment 204 has an outer diameter that is smaller than the sealing diameter of the covering layer 202 to the container 102. Similarly, the strength of the joining technique is higher than the strength of the sealing strength between the covering layer 202 and the container 102. The compartment 204 further comprising of a surface of material which is also readily pierceable. In one example, the covering layer 202 and the compartment 204 may be pierced at any point by using a pointed object.

[0041] In one example, the covering layer 202 may be made of a flexible material. In one example, the flexible material is readily pierceable. In one example, the compartment 204 may be made of a flexible material. In another example, the flexible material is readily pierceable. Example of the flexible material may include, but is not limited to, a plastic material, a metallic material, a di-electric material and a food grade material. The flexible material may be easily pierceable at any point for providing an entry and an exit of particles.

[0042] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the compartment 204 and the covering layer 202 may be penetrable with a sharp object separately or together in one stroke. The compartment 204 may or may not tear completely to release all the additional ingredient 108 into the container 102 on the food product 110 below. The pattern with which the additional ingredient 108 may get released into the container 102 can either be controlled or uncontrolled depending the material and design of a piercing device, the compartment 204 and the covering layer 202. In one example, a thinned-out section may be provided on the compartment 204 and the covering layer 202 to enable easy piercing and subsequent tearing. [0043] Fig. 3 illustrates a side sectional view of a covering layer 104 with attached compartment 106 as per an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one example, the covering layer 104 may be made of a firm material. Further, the compartment 106 may be made of a firm material. In such cases, when the firm material is used, provisions for releasing the contents below are provided. In one example, the covering layer 104 and the compartment 106 made of firm material have defined piercing portions. In one example, the covering layer 104 may comprise the first pierceable section 114. In one example, a base of the compartment 106 may comprise the second pierceable section 116. In one example, the piercing portions 114, 116 are very pliable and easily pierceable using a reasonably sharp object. In one example, the second pierceable section 116 may be positioned below the first pierceable section 114 so as to ensure that piercing may be done on a same axial line. Accordingly, as an aspect, the compartment 104 is adapted to be pierceable after the covering layer 202 has been pierced. However, the compartment 104 may be pierceable after the

[0044] Fig. 4 illustrates a side sectional view of a covering layer 202 with attached compartment 204 as per another embodiment of the present subject matter. In one example, the covering layer 202 may be made of a flexible material. In one example, the compartment 204 may be made of a flexible material. In one example, the flexible material is readily pierceable. The flexible material may be easily pierceable at any point for providing an entry and an exit of particles. In one example, the compartment 204 and the covering layer 202 may be penetrable with a sharp object separately or together in one stroke.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the covering layer 202 as well as the compartment 204 may be of any soft material such as plastic, laminated paper or other similar materials with any combination possible. The covering layer 202 as well as the compartment 204 may be made using metals such as flexible aluminum or similar metal depending on the application. The thickness of the covering layer 104, 202 as well as the compartment 106, 204 may vary from a very thin film to a rigid sheet composition with any combination possible.

[0046] In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the compartment (106, 204) is coated with a microbial growth detection chemical. In one example, microbial growth detection chemical changes color upon detecting any microbial growth within the package. In one example, microbial growth detection chemical changes color upon detecting any microbial growth within the compartment (106, 204). In one example, the container (102) comprises a microbial detection device for detecting the microbial growth upon leakage of the stored additional ingredient on to the stored food item. In one example, the microbial detection device may be a chemically treated film. In one example, the package may be transparent. In one example, some components of the package may be transparent.

[0047] In one example of commercial applications, the compartment 106, 204 may come pre-filled with the desired additional ingredient 108, then sealed ono the covering layer 104, 202 and can be rolled as large rolls to be brought to the assembly line to be put on the container 102 for the sealing process. In one example, the covering layer 104, 202 may have the integrated empty compartment 106, 204 being provided with a one-way valve. Said one-way valve may enable addition of the desired additional ingredient 108 at a later stage even after sealing the covering layer 104, 202 onto the container 102.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the package 100 may be designed for piercing, heating and delivery using a fully automated vending system. In one example, only some parts of the piercing-heating-delivery cycle may be automated and other parts may still require some human intervention. In case of heating using a microwave, the package 100, as a whole, may be made using dielectric materials.

[0049] In one example, the package may be designed for piercing, cooling and delivery using a fully automated vending system. To facilitate faster cooling using blast chilling or similar methods, the covering layer and the compartment may be made of materials with higher thermal conductivity such as aluminum or a like.

[0050] Fig. 5 illustrates the package 100 for the packaged ready-to-eat food item 110 having at least one piercing object 502, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. In said embodiment, the piercing object 502 is disposed in the package for piercing the covering layer 104, 202 and the compartment 106. Examples of such piercing object 502 includes, but not limited to, a pointed tool, such as a pin. In one example, the piercing object 502 may be attached on an upper surface of the covering layer 104, 202 such that the piercing object 502 may pierce the compartment 106, 204 for releasing the contents in the compartment 106, 204 into the container 102. In other example, the piercing object 502 may be attached on side walls of the container 102, again, to release the contents in the compartment 106, 204 into the container 102. In an example, the piercing object 502 may be made of a food- grade polymer which has enough stiffness to pierce the compartment 106, 204. In other words, the material of the piercing object 502 is selected to have greater stiffness than the material of the compartment 106, 204. In another example, the piercing may be carried out by a non-contact technique. Example of the non-contact technique may include, but is not limited to, a laser.

[0051] Further, as an example, the piercing object 502 may have flutes on its inside to sequentially allow the additional ingredient to go from the compartment 106, 204 into the container 102 when the piercing object 502 is depressed. In one example, the flutes may be designed in such a way that during heating of the additional ingredient in the compartment 106 (before adding the contents of the compartment 106, 204 to the food item) or during the heating of the food item with the additional ingredient after adding to the food item, the flutes may act as a vent to let the vapours out of the container 102.

[0052] In other examples, the piercing objects 502 can provide for regulating flow of the additional ingredient 108 from the compartment 106 to the container 102 to mix with the food item 110. In one case, the piercing objects 502 may be so shaped, sized, and positioned as to allow the user to selectively pierce the surface of the compartment 106 in such a manner that a regulated amount of the additional ingredient 108, such as water, can flow through the pierced hole and mix with the food item 110 in the container. For instance, the package 100 may include a plurality of piercing objects 502 of different lengths so that the user can select the number of piercings to be done in the surface of the compartment, thereby controlling the flow of the additional ingredient 108 into the container 102. In another instance, the plurality of piercing objects 502 may each have a different diameter to allow a regulated mixing of the food item 110 and the additional ingredient 108. Further, in one other example, the piercing objects 502 can be designed for a certain hold-time, i.e. the time for which the piercing objects 502 block the pierced portion in the surface of the compartment 106, disallowing the flow of additional ingredient 108 into the container 102. Accordingly, the piercing objects 502 may be designed in accordance with a hold-time for which the mixing of the contents of the compartment 106 and the contents of the container 102 are not allowed to mix even after the surface of the compartment 106 has been pierced.

[0053] Fig. 6 illustrates the package 100 for the packaged ready-to-eat food item 110, according to another embodiment of the present subject matter. In the present embodiment, similar to the previous embodiments, the package 100 includes the container 102 has an opening 112 and can be used for storing the food item 110. The opening 112 can be covered by the covering layer 104 provided as part of the package 100, the covering layer 104 being applied onto the opening 112 to close the container 102 with the food item 110 stored therein. Further, the covering layer 104 can include a portion which is readily pierceable. In addition, the package 100 can include the compartment 106 to store the additional ingredient 108, coupled to the covering layer 10. The compartment 106, as explained previously, may lie within the inner space or cavity of the container 102 or may lie above the edge of the container 102 which forms the opening 112. The compartment 106 further can have a surface of material which is readily pierceable, such that the surface when pierced allows the additional ingredient 108 to exit the compartment 106 and mix with the food item 110. Therefore, as explained previously, the package 100 includes features that make the package 100 a double-pierceable package, i.e., for a user to access or consume the contents of the package 100, two different membranes or surfaces have to pierced in the package 100. In other words, the package 100 has to undergo two piercings for the user to be able to access or consume the contents of the package 100.

[0054] In addition, according to an aspect of the present embodiment, the package 100 can be provided with additional features that allow a control of the manner of mixing of the contents of the container 102, i.e., the food item 110, and the contents of the compartment 106, i.e., the additional ingredient 108. At the same time, the additional features can allow ease of access of the contents of the container 102 once mixed. Accordingly, in said embodiment, the package 100 can include a preformed lid 602 for the container 102. The preformed lid 602 can be positioned at the opening 112 below the compartment 106, i.e., between the surface of the compartment 106 and the container 102. According to an aspect, the preformed lid 602 can have one or more openings 604 adapted for controlling mixing of the food item 110 and the additional ingredient 108. For instance, the one or more openings 604 can be designed to meter or regulate the amount of additional ingredient 108 that can enter the container 102 and mix with the food item 110 in the container 102, thereby regulating, say a speed or extent of mixing of the food item 110 and the additional ingredient 108.

[0055] In addition, the preformed lid 602 is provided with a delivery portion 606 adapted for consumption of the mixed food item 110 and the additional ingredient 108. In addition, the one or more openings 604 may be covered with a pierceable membrane 608 which is readily pierceable, for instance, when the surface of the compartment 106 is pierced. Furthermore, the one or more openings 604 may be aligned with the compartment 106 in such a manner that when a piercing object 502 is used to pierce the surface of the compartment 106 by depressing the piercing object 502 against the surface of the compartment 106, the piercing object 502 pierces the pierceable membrane 608 on the one or more openings 604 upon further depressing the piercing object 502.

[0056] For instance, in case the container 102 is a coffee cup, the food item 110 is coffee mix, and the additional ingredient 108 is water, the user may pierce the covering layer 104 using the piercing object 502 and then heat the container 102 to heat the water. Once done, the user may then pierce the readily pierceable base or the surface of the compartment 106, again, using the piercing object 502 by depressing the piercing object against the readily pierceable surface of the compartment 106. In the example, where the openings 604 of the preformed lid 602 are aligned, the user may further depress the piercing object 502 to pierce the pierceable membrane 608 on the openings 604. Consequently, the design of the openings 604 allows a metered amount of the water to mix with the coffee mix in the container 102 allowing an effective mixing and, thereby, facilitating in effective preparation of a beverage. Even otherwise, where the openings 604 are not covered by the pierceable membrane 608, the design of the openings 604 allow for metered or regulated mixing, thereby, forming a high-quality beverage. Further, the user may use the delivery portion 606, such as a sipping spout or an opening designed for sipping the coffee, for consuming the prepared beverage. In addition, the package 100 of the present embodiment can have the piercing object 502 (not shown in Fig. 6) which has been explained in detail with reference to Fig. 5. As will be understood, the piercing object 502 in the package 502 of the present embodiment can include few or all of the features explained above.

[0057] Although examples for the present disclosure have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it should be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed and explained as examples of the present disclosure.