How to Store Seasoning Powder to Keep It Long-Lasting, Dry, and Free from Clumping

In the food and food services industry, the quality of raw materials is one of the primary keys to producing high-quality products that satisfy consumers. For businesses that rely on consistent and vibrant flavors, seasoning powder is a critical inventory item. However, it is also a raw material that is prone to clumping if not stored correctly.

Seasoning powder not only adds flavor to snacks and other dishes but also provides unique characteristics that can differentiate one product from another. It requires proper handling and storage to maintain its quality. Storing seasoning powder correctly not only extends its shelf life but also ensures that its taste and aroma remain optimal when used.

This time, Magfood will discuss various tips for storing seasoning powder to keep it long-lasting and dry, which is crucial for the snack and food service industries. Seasoning powder left exposed to moisture can clump, lose its flavor, and even become a breeding ground for bacteria or mold. Therefore, understanding proper storage methods is an important step in maintaining the quality of your products.

Keep Seasoning Powder Away from High Temperatures and Light

It is best to keep seasoning powder away from high temperatures or hot steam. When adding seasoning powder to a snack that is still hot, do not pour the seasoning directly from its container. Use another tool, like a shaker spoon, or take a sufficient amount of seasoning into a separate container. This is to prevent hot steam from entering the seasoning powder’s storage container. The entry of hot steam can cause the seasoning powder to spoil more quickly.

The recommended storage temperature for Magfood seasoning powder is room temperature, around ±25°C.

Seasoning powder should also be stored in a room that is not exposed to light, as it can cause the product’s color to fade. Light can change the color of seasoning powder for several reasons related to chemical and physical reactions that occur when the seasoning is exposed to light, especially sunlight which contains ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Here are some of the main reasons why light can cause color changes in seasoning powder:

1. Photodegradation
   Exposure to light, especially UV rays, can trigger photodegradation, which is the breakdown of chemical molecules in the seasoning. Many natural pigments in seasonings, such as carotenoids and chlorophyll, are sensitive to UV rays and can break down into simpler molecules that have a different color or are colorless.
2. Oxidation
   Light can accelerate the oxidation process, where chemical components in the seasoning react with oxygen in the air. This process can change the color of the pigments in the seasoning. For example, paprika, which contains carotenoids, can change color from bright red to a paler shade or even brown when oxidized.
3. Other Chemical Reactions
   Some chemical components in the seasoning can react with each other when exposed to light. These reactions can alter the molecular structure, thereby changing the color of the seasoning. For instance, curcumin in turmeric can change color when exposed to light and air.

Store Seasoning Powder in a Dry Place

One of the easiest things you can do to maintain the quality of seasoning powder is to store it in a dry and cool container. It is best to store seasoning powder in a container with a secure and airtight lid so that it is not contaminated by moisture from the environment. You can also use a moisture absorber like silica gel in the storage area for seasoning powder.

Moisture can damage the quality of seasoning powder for several main reasons related to the physical and chemical changes that occur when the seasoning is exposed to humidity. Here are some of the damages that can be caused by moisture absorbed by the seasoning.

1. Clumping
   Moisture can cause seasoning powder to absorb humidity from the air, making the seasoning particles damp and sticky. As a result, the seasoning powder can clump and lose its fine texture. This clumping not only makes it difficult to use but can also affect the distribution of flavor when sprinkled on food.
2. Flavor Degradation
   The moisture absorbed by the seasoning powder can cause chemical reactions that reduce the intensity of the flavor.
3. Microbial Growth
   A humid environment is an ideal place for the growth of microorganisms such as mold and bacteria. When seasoning powder absorbs moisture, the risk of microbial contamination increases, which not only spoils the taste and aroma of the seasoning but can also pose health and safety risks.
4. Hydrolysis
   The presence of water can cause hydrolysis, which is the breakdown of chemical compounds due to a reaction with water. In seasoning powder, this can mean the breakdown of components that are important for taste, color, and aroma, thereby degrading the overall quality of the seasoning.

Use the Right, Airtight Storage Container

The packaging used by Magfood Seasoning Powder is an aluminum foil pouch that is hermetic, opaque, and flexible. This material is intentionally chosen to protect against light, moisture, and oxygen. The pouch packaging used by Magfood is equipped with a zip lock to make it easy for you to store and retrieve Magfood products conveniently. Always ensure the zip lock on the Magfood seasoning powder packaging is tightly closed if there is any product remaining.

If you transfer the seasoning to another container, choose one that is clean and can be sealed tightly to be airtight, such as a food-grade plastic container.

Note and Record the Expiration Date

Always record the date you open the seasoning powder product and the expiration date printed on the packaging. This will help you monitor its shelf life and quality.

Buy According to the Amount Needed

To prevent raw materials from piling up in the warehouse, always use careful calculations before purchasing ingredients. Working with a B2B supplier that understands SME needs can help you manage inventory more effectively, preventing over-stocking and waste. Adjust the purchase amount to your production capacity.

Organize Storage Systematically (Use FIFO or FEFO System)

Arrange raw materials, including seasoning powder, neatly and orderly in containers or on storage shelves. Be sure to label each package clearly, including information such as the ingredient name, expiration date, and batch number if available. Apply a FIFO (First In, First Out) or FEFO (First Expired, First Out) rotation system to ensure that materials stored longer or with earlier expiration dates are used first. This helps prevent waste and ensures optimal quality of raw materials.

Those are various tips for storing seasoning powder to make it last longer and maintain its quality. Always use safe and certified seasoning powders like Magfood Seasoning Powder. Magfood Seasoning Powder is certified with GMP (CPPOB) from BPOM, holds a distribution permit, Halal certification, and an HACCP certificate, giving you peace of mind and a foundation of quality.

Magfood: The Strategic Food Seasoning Partner for Your Business

Magfood is a leading producer of seasoning powders, cooking spices, and premixes that is GMP (CPPOB) certified, has a BPOM distribution permit, is Halal certified, and holds an HACCP certificate. Through a research & development (R&D) division capable of formulating and developing recipes with the latest tastes, trends, and high quality, Magfood empowers SMEs to compete with multinational companies.

Magfood food seasoning can be specially formulated (custom) through our private label (makloon) services to create products with a taste and price tailored to your business. This allows the food and beverages you market to have their own “unique flavor” that differentiates them from competitors, providing a competitive advantage and aligning with your established positioning strategy.

Magfood Coaching Clinic: Mentorship for Your Food Business from Experienced Practitioners

Beyond supplying ingredients, Magfood is committed to fostering entrepreneurial success. We offer a dedicated coaching clinic service designed to elevate your food business and products. Below are the terms and conditions.

• A Coaching Clinic package consists of one consultation session with a Magfood expert. You may attend by yourself or with your team, either online or offline.
• Each coaching session has a maximum duration of 90 minutes.
• Each session will focus on one specific topic as mutually agreed upon.
• The Coaching Clinic can commence 3 days after payment confirmation.
• A minimum of 3 coaching sessions is required per business.
• Contact us at 0855 8800 780 or 0811 1397 161 to learn how we can support your business growth.