Powders

Dry particulate forms of foods and food ingredients, such as milk powder, flour, starches, spices, and instant beverage mixes. Powders offer long shelf life, light weight, and easy dosing, but their quality depends on particle size distribution, flowability, and resistance to caking, which manufacturers manage through agglomeration, instantizing agents, and moisture-proof packaging. Fine powders can be dusty and explosive, so plants control dust and ignition sources, while hygroscopic powders need dry storage to prevent lumps and microbial risks. Rehydration behavior, dispersibility, and freedom from foreign matter are routine quality checks.