Shelf Life: Do I need to Measure Water Activity?
Shelf Life: Do I need to Measure Water Activity?
You're sold: controlling water activity is the key to extending shelf life; let's go!
But wait.
Do you need to measure water activity at this stage? What other factors might impact shelf life? Is purchasing an expensive meter the right move for your business?
In the seventh article in our guide, we'll explore why measuring water activity might not be necessary for you right now or, if it is, what the options for determining water activity are. Subsequent articles look at good hygiene and storage practices as other essential factors in the shelf life of your confections.
Previous Article
Do You Need to Measure Water Activity (Aw)?
As yourself a few questions:
- Are you just starting out?
- Are you an established chocolatier?
- Is ganache your primary product?
- Are you selling into the wholesale market?
- Do you need absolute certainty?
- Have you solved the other major issues that affect shelf life?
- Are you also performing other shelf life tests?
How you answer these questions will help you decide how important measuring water activity is for you right now. For example, if you are just getting started and not selling your products, it might be a bit early to start testing your products. If you're an established chocolatier and you're thinking about shipping or selling your products wholesale, it could be a good idea to know how long your products will last.
Options for Calculating Water Activity
Water Activity (Aw) Meters
A water activity meter purchase is only justified if you use it frequently and truly depend on the results. These are advised for larger operations selling products into wholesale and retail supply chains where the longest possible shelf life is expected.
Lab Testing for Water Activity
Individual tests are somewhat expensive and take longer to return results; however, for artisans who do not change recipes frequently and use similar recipes across all products, lab tests will be the most practical and affordable option.
Shelf Life/Water Activity Software
Some software applications can theoretically calculate shelf life but can only be trusted if you also run real-life tests to prove accuracy!
Manual Calculation of Free Water
This is almost impossible if you don’t have scientifically verified data about your ingredients to base calculations on. While manufacturers may be able and willing to provide this information, not all will allow it, and information may change without notice.
