Water activity readings are easy to make if you follow a few steps to prepare a sample. Points to remember:
- Water activity isn’t like moisture content – you don’t need to increase the surface area to get a good reading. Just make sure the sample fits in the sample cup.
- In general, less sample preparation is better. Grinding or shredding your sample may create heat that causes moisture loss, changing water activity. Try to test samples intact, or the way they go into the package.
- If you have a multi-component product, include components in ratios that are similar to the packaged product.