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Silica gel for food is an inorganic polymer colloidal material made from the polycondensation of silicate. The main ingredient is SiO2*nH2O, which has a content of more than 98%. It is non-toxic, odorless, and has stable chemical properties. Under normal conditions, except for caustic acid and hydrofluoric acid, it does not react with any acid-base salts. Because it is a colloidal structure, it has many micropores and a large specific surface area.
Edible silica gel is refined and sterilized, and can be mixed with food and medicines in the required amount to directly ensure the drying of food and eat with food without any toxic side effects on the human body. In the production process of liquid beverages, as a safe food-grade filter aid, it prevents beer, wine, etc. from becoming turbid and extends the shelf life, which is necessary for high-quality food production.
1. Moisture Control in Packaging
Dry Foods: Silica gel packets are often included in the packaging of dry foods such as jerky, nuts, dried fruits, and spices. The silica gel helps to keep these products dry, preventing mold growth and extending shelf life.
Powdered Products: Items like powdered milk, protein powders, and spices can clump together when exposed to moisture. Silica gel helps to keep these products free-flowing.
2. Preventing Mold and Spoilage
Baked Goods: While not as common, silica gel can be used in the packaging of baked goods to prevent mold growth by keeping the environment dry.
Pet Foods: Silica gel packets are also used in the packaging of pet foods to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
3. Wine and Beverage Storage
Wine Bottles: Silica gel can be used in wine storage to control humidity levels, especially in wine cellars. This helps to prevent mold growth on corks and labels.
Beverage Packaging: In some cases, silica gel is used in the packaging of powdered drink mixes to prevent clumping and maintain quality.
The high adsorption and affinity of silica hydrogels for phospholipids, trace metals, and soap make these synthetic amorphous silicon materials highly suitable for the refining process of various edible oils. Free-flowing silica hydrogels powder can be accurately formulated and easily dispersed into the oil. Silica hydrogels do not adsorb oil-soluble pigments such as chlorophyll and carotene; therefore, if color removal is required, silica hydrogels must be used in conjunction with bleaching adsorbents. In this case, the order of adsorbent addition is very important. It is preferable to treat the oil in the following order, first with silica hydrogels, then with bleaching clay. In the first stage, silica adsorbs phospholipids, trace metals, and soap. In the second stage, sufficient bleaching clay is added to remove the colored patches.
