Frozen but always fresh: the science behind the cold chain

BY Foods cadeia de frio pastéis de nata cold chain Portuguese custard tart


Quality starts with temperature

Many people wonder how a frozen custard tart can taste just like the ones freshly baked in a traditional Portuguese pastry shop.
The answer lies in the cold chain – a carefully controlled process that preserves every tart from production to the moment it is baked and served.

What is the cold chain?

The cold chain is a set of storage, transport, and handling practices at controlled temperatures, designed to preserve sensitive foods.
For frozen pastries, this system ensures:

  • Crispy puff pastry texture;
  • Smooth cream without ice crystals;
  • Food safety across all international markets.

Blast freezing: the secret to extended freshness

Unlike home freezing, blast freezing quickly reduces the tarts’ temperature to around -40 °C.
This rapid process forms microscopic ice crystals that do not damage the structure of the pastry or the custard.

The result: when baked, the product is just like fresh, with the same crunch, creaminess, and aroma.

Safe storage: keeping -18 °C at all times

After blast freezing, products are stored and transported at -18 °C or lower.
Any fluctuation can compromise quality. That’s why BY Foods follows strict monitoring protocols, including:

  • Certified cold-storage chambers;
  • Transport in refrigerated containers and trucks;
  • Continuous temperature tracking, ensuring compliance with international standards.

Global logistics: how custard tarts travel worldwide

Exporting to more than 37 countries requires precise logistics.
The cold chain supports the journey from Portugal to markets as far as Japan, the US, or the Middle East.

  • Sea or air freight in refrigerated containers;
  • Local warehouses keeping frozen stock;
  • Distribution to retail and HoReCa, without ever breaking the cold cycle.

This ensures that customers in Tokyo or London enjoy the exact same product as in Lisbon.

The consumer’s role: best practices at home

The cold chain doesn’t stop at the point of sale. At home, it’s important to follow simple steps:

  • Always store at -18 °C;
  • Do not refreeze once defrosted;
  • Bake directly from frozen for best results.

These practices ensure the custard tart retains all its flavor and quality.

Why it matters

  • Food safety: minimizing any risk of contamination.
  • Sustainability: reducing waste by extending shelf life.
  • Authenticity: bringing the true Portuguese flavor anywhere in the world.

The cold chain is more than just a technical requirement – it’s what makes a frozen custard tart always taste fresh.
Thanks to advanced blast freezing and a reliable global logistics network, every tart is perfect from oven to plate, wherever you are in the world.

3 powerful lessons from the most awarded pastel de nata export strategy

When we decided to take pastel de nata beyond borders, we knew we were bringing more than just a product; we were sharing heritage. But the world is diverse, which demands listening, adapting, and innovating from our side.

1. Local flavours also tell a story

Pastel de nata is unmistakably Portuguese. However, to win over new markets, we had to understand local preferences and introduce variations that stayed true to the product’s essence. In Japan, for example, matcha (green tea) is part of the cultural identity. By creating a matcha version, we connected two traditions authentically, while also responding to local trends. In Paris, flavours like brie and camembert offer a sophisticated and unexpected twist that reflects the local palate.

This balance between authenticity and local adaptation has become a cornerstone of our international strategy. It’s one of the reasons why Nata Pura has been so well received in culturally distinct regions.

2. Each market has its own pace and rules

Legal and operational requirements vary from country to country. From health certifications to logistics needs, we had to invest time and resources to ensure our products arrived safely and met the expected standards. In markets like the U.S., traceability and trust in the supply chain are critical, not only to comply with regulations but to build confidence with clients.

We ensure product quality through strict cold chain logistics and compliance with international export standards, maintaining the authenticity of our pastel de nata across all markets.

3. Storytelling adapts – the truth remains

Whether it’s on a store shelf in Tokyo, a coffee shop in London, or a trade show in Boston, the way we communicate pastel de nata may shift – but what it stands for does not: quality, tradition, and Portuguese passion. That authenticity is the guiding thread of our brand, no matter the language or culture.

The idea of exporting tradition goes far beyond simply selling a product: it’s about building genuine connections with the world, without ever losing sight of where we come from. This philosophy guides everything we do – from the partners we choose to the events we attend.

Ready to bring authentic pastel de nata to your market?

We’re always looking for new partners who believe in the value of quality, innovation, and cultural connection. If you’re looking to import (the most awarded) pastel de nata from Portugal, let’s talk – we export globally, with the know-how and flexibility to match your market’s needs.

👉 Contact us and discover how we can work together.

Making a global pastel de nata: what it takes to deliver quality everywhere

Nata Pura delivers quality everywhere with her pastéis de nata

At BY Foods, we believe that consistency is the most underrated form of innovation – and the key to deliver quality everywhere.

The pastel de nata is more than a dessert. It’s a cultural symbol, a moment of pause, a shared memory for many. But when we decided to take it beyond Portugal, we knew that delivering it with the same quality anywhere in the world would require more than tradition.
From production to preparation, every detail matters – especially when the goal is to preserve flavour and authenticity at scale. Here’s what it truly takes to make a pastel de nata global, without losing what makes it local.

1. Standardised production without compromise

Every Nata Pura tart begins in Portugal, made in a certified facility where the process is key.
We source quality ingredients, follow strict hygiene protocols, and test each batch for consistency in texture, flavour, and structure.

Scaling doesn’t mean simplifying. For us, it means making the artisanal reproducible, without losing its soul.

2. Ultra-freezing to lock in freshness

Right after baking, each tart undergoes ultra-freezing – a method that stops time, in a sense.
It preserves the delicate balance between crispy layers and creamy custard, while extending shelf life and ensuring food safety.

This step is what allows a pastel de nata made in Portugal to taste just as fresh in Japan, Australia, or Canada.

3. Cold chain logistics that leave no gaps

Maintaining product integrity in transit is non-negotiable.
Each shipment of Nata Pura travels at -18 °C, monitored with real-time data, from the loading dock to the final delivery point.

We work with trusted logistics partners who understand that food quality is fragile, and that every hour without control can make the difference between good and great.

4. Preparation at destination: training, tools, and trust

Exporting a pastry is one thing. Making sure it’s served properly is another.

That’s why we provide full support to our clients and partners:

  • Training for kitchen staff (on-site or remote)
  • Recommended baking equipment
  • Clear, visual preparation guides
  • Dedicated technical contacts for follow-up

Whether it’s for a retailer in the UK or the Portugal Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025, we ensure that the final product reflects everything we stand for – from flavour to presentation.

Case in point: Nata Pura at Expo Osaka 2025

Being the official custard tart of the Portugal Pavilion at Expo 2025 is an honour, but also a daily operational test.
Every tart is baked on-site, following precise instructions and using selected equipment. And every visitor tasting it is experiencing the same standard we set from day one.

This is more than a moment – it’s a long-term commitment to delivering Portuguese tradition at its best.

A global standard, built on craft

There’s a quiet power in doing something well, over and over again.

At BY Foods, we don’t just want to go far. We want to go far without changing who we are.
And that means building processes that protect the essence of what we do.

From the first recipe to the final bite, the goal remains the same: Deliver quality. Anywhere.