Spray drying definition covers a thermal process that atomises a liquid feed such as juice, puree or extract into fine droplets inside a hot-air chamber, producing a dry powder within seconds and enabling shelf-stable ingredient supply.
In trade practice
Suppliers specify inlet and outlet air temperatures, carrier type such as maltodextrin, and bulk density in product data sheets. QA teams test the resulting powder for moisture, particle size, solubility and residual carrier content. A common oversight is failing to declare the carrier on ingredient lists, which creates labelling non-compliance for EU buyers. Packaging must protect the powder from moisture ingress during storage and transit.
In a specification
A spray-dried powder specification states target moisture, bulk density, particle size distribution and carrier identity, and may reference the applicable food additive or processing aid rules under EU legislation.