4. Extended Shelf Life One of the challenges in bread production is staleness, which occurs due to moisture loss and the rearrangement of starch molecules over time. E481 contributes to moisture retention, thereby extending the shelf life of bread. This is particularly beneficial in commercial baking, where products need to maintain quality over extended distribution periods.
The use of anti-caking agents is not only limited to powdered food products like flour, sugar, and salt; they are also commonly found in various processed foods, seasonings, and spice blends. For instance, when you reach for a container of grated cheese, you may notice an anti-caking agent included in the ingredient list. This agent is crucial in preventing the cheese from sticking together, ensuring that it can be easily poured or sprinkled on dishes.