Learn why milk powder and other dairy powders are so prone to clumping during the monsoon. Discover the best way to store them in high humidity.
1 Answer
Dairy powders clump in rainy season due to increased humidity in the air, which causes the powder particles to absorb moisture and stick together, forming clumps.
Detailed Explanation:
Dairy powders, such as milk powder or whey protein, are hygroscopic, meaning they readily absorb moisture from the surrounding environment. During the rainy season, the humidity levels in the air significantly increase. This higher humidity leads to the powder particles absorbing more moisture than usual.
When the powder particles absorb moisture, the water molecules create a thin film on the surface of each particle. This film acts like a glue, causing the particles to stick together. As more and more particles clump together, larger and harder clumps form. This clumping is exacerbated by the fact that dairy powders often contain sugars and other components that are also hygroscopic, further increasing their tendency to absorb moisture.
The storage conditions also play a crucial role. If the dairy powder is stored in a container that is not airtight or in a location with poor ventilation, it will be more susceptible to moisture absorption and clumping.
Pro Tip:
To prevent clumping, store dairy powders in airtight containers with a desiccant packet (like silica gel) to absorb excess moisture, especially during humid seasons.