menu
Silica gel is very effective in removing moisture from within a container.
Our packets can absorb water and other substances like aromatics, CO2, C12, and HC1. By absorbing water, silica gel packets can stop mold from growing, and prevent spoilage and other forms of moisture damage.

Moisture Absorbing Packets: The F&B Industry’s Good Samaritan

Ah! Product packaging – the lifeblood of every industry vertical. However, nowhere is it more crucial than in the food and beverage industry. And not just any packaging; it must be equal parts appealing to the eyes and equal parts durable and safe. 

Customers may be drawn to the exterior, but they keep returning for the flavour and freshness of the food items inside. However, moisture, a faithful friend and a flattering foe, can change the cookie back to dough! 

Yes, humidity threatens the shelf life of your food products; thankfully, there is a way to keep moisture out – enter food moisture absorber packets or silica gel, also known as desiccating agents. Let's understand what makes this tiny packet full of hard little beads indispensable to the F&B industry. 

Properties of Silica Gel 

Silica gel or moisture-absorbing packets (in layman's terms) are not a new invention. They have been around for decades, typically in supplement bottles or shoe boxes. The only difference the past few years have made is that silica gel's applications have broadened immensely. 

They are used to preserve the life of dry fruits, coffee powder, rice, and other food items that require arid storage conditions. Not only that, but it's possible to find moisture-absorbing packets in other items like electronics, clothing, medicines, and more. 

The compound silica gel, made available in beads or crystals, is derived from silicon dioxide. This compound mainly works as a desiccant, pulling out moisture from its surroundings. But how does it happen?

So, the silica gel crystals (tiny as they are) contain millions of even tinier (microscopic) pores. These widen the surface area of each crystal and reduce the vapour pressure of the jar or box they are placed in. The said phenomenon ultimately helps in moisture absorption. 

An amazing fact about the tiny silica gel crystals is that they are entirely non-corrosive, non-toxic, and do not react easily to chemicals. This makes them a reliable and suitable food moisture absorber for the F&B industry. 

Most Common Applications of Food Moisture Absorber 

Within the food and beverage industry, silica gel finds widespread applications. Listed below are four of the most common –

1. Clarifying Agent and Thickener

As a clarifying agent, silica gel or moisture-absorbing packets are used to eliminate the formation of suspended solids in liquids (which naturally happens over time). For instance – the slight cloudiness or haziness that forms in non-alcoholic beverages will not appear if silica gel packets are used. 

Similarly, food and beverage companies use silica gel as a thickener – to enhance a liquid product's viscosity for a better customer experience. Better viscosity ensures the liquid flows much more smoothly. 

2. Flow and Anti-Caking Agent

Food companies that specialise in products available in powder or granule form require moisture-absorbing packets to prevent caking from taking place. 

The moisture in the air naturally causes clumps or makes the granules stick to one another. When moisture-absorbing agents are added to such products, moisture is no longer a threat. Besides, they also help in convenient packaging, transportation, and final consumption. 

3. Drink-Clearing Agent

Food moisture absorber packets can help remove natural turbidity from essential oils to liquors. This benefit does not extend to the elimination of haziness or cloudiness from the liquids but also enhances the flavour and smell. 

This same feature of silica gel also comes in handy for breweries in beer stabilisation and clarification. As far as health is concerned, moisture-absorbing agents are completely safe and non-toxic. So, the stabilisation is achieved without destroying proteins needed for that eye-appealing fizz/foam that develops on the surface. 

4. Moisture Identifier

Did you know that silica gel beads that change colour are available in the market?

However, this does not happen randomly or in isolation. The colour of the beads (usually clear-white or transparent) changes to blue (indigo, to be precise) when they come in contact with moisture. This helps in the easy identification of the level of moisture in the packaging. 

Packers can use moisture-absorbing packets that change colour to ensure the packaging is well-sealed. 

Do Moisture Absorbing Packets Expire?

As helpful as silica gel is in removing moisture, bad odour, and taste, the more critical question is can it go rancid? The answer is no! Moisture-absorbing packets do not expire. 

However, they do become less effective over time. This process is faster when these packets are exposed to air and moisture. But if stored in airtight packages or containers, they will last a long time. 

It is only when they have reached their maximum limit of absorbing the moisture that they stop functioning. Then, it's time to toss them away and insert new ones. 

Enhance Customer Experience Today! 

Customers in the food and beverage industry identify and trust brands based on attractive packaging, but more so through product longevity, freshness, and taste. 

 

Want to gain a competitive edge and keep your food products from going rancid due to moisture? Then, invest in commercial-grade food moisture absorber packets available in a variety of sizes at Interteck Packaging. Choose the reliable supplier and you’re good to go! Let your customers experience the edge of right packaging for themselves!