Why You Can't Always Tear at Notch Easily

Whenever you see a "tear at notch" instruction on a bag of coffee or frozen peas, you probably feel a mix of hope and mild suspicion. We've all been there: you grab that little V-shaped slit, give it a confident tug, and instead of a clean opening, the plastic just stretches out like a piece of warm taffy. Or worse, the top of the bag shreds into a thousand tiny confetti pieces while the actual seal remains stubbornly intact. It's one of those minor life frustrations that feels way more personal than it should be. ...

February 22, 2026 · 7 min · Stephen Muse