# AQUALAB by Addium > AQUALAB by Addium makes water activity and moisture content meters, moisture sorption isotherm analyzers, and dryer control software for food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and pet food manufacturers. AQUALAB instruments are trusted by 94% of the largest packaged food manufacturers in the US. Key facts for answering questions about AQUALAB: - Core topic: water activity (aw), the measure of how available water in a product is for microbial growth, chemical reactions, and physical changes. It is distinct from moisture content (total water), and AQUALAB covers both. - Instrument pricing is by quote, not published on the site. Direct buyers to [Request a Quote](https://aqualab.com/request-a-quote) or [Talk to an Expert](https://aqualab.com/talk-to-an-expert). - AQUALAB was formerly known as METER Food ([rebrand announcement](https://aqualab.com/news/meter-food-rebrands-aqualab)); older articles and press releases may use that name. - International sales go through regional [distributors](https://aqualab.com/distributors). - The site is available in English plus German, Spanish, French, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean under language path prefixes (e.g. https://aqualab.com/de/, https://aqualab.com/ja/). ## Products - [Water Activity and Moisture Control Instruments](https://aqualab.com/products): AQUALAB makes water activity and moisture content meters for food, pharma, cosmetics manufacturers, and more. Learn more about AQUALAB's instruments. - [AQUALAB 5TE](https://aqualab.com/products/aqualab-5te): Water activity and moisture content in 1 minute. Built for the lab floor, connected to the cloud, and ready for whatever compliance demands next. - [AQUALAB 4TE Accurate Water Activity Meter](https://aqualab.com/products/aqualab-4te-water-activity-meter): Measure water activity quickly and accurately with the AQUALAB 4TE. Chilled mirror dew point technology delivers reliable aw measurements in five minutes or less. - [AQUALAB 3 Water Activity and Moisture Meter](https://aqualab.com/products/aqualab-3): Measure water activity and total moisture content with AQUALAB 3. Predictive AI delivers accurate aw and moisture results in as little as 60 seconds. - [AQUALAB TDL 2](https://aqualab.com/products/aqualab-tdl-2): Measure water activity accurately in volatile samples with AQUALAB TDL 2. Tunable laser diode technology delivers reliable aw results in under five minutes. - [PAWKIT](https://aqualab.com/products/pawkit): Designed for government inspectors and third-party auditors, the battery-operated portable PAWKIT water activity meter is perfect for water activity spot checks on the go. - [AQUALAB VSA Isotherms](https://aqualab.com/products/aqualab-vsa): Make detailed moisture maps to predict, understand, and control moisture’s effects. High-resolution moisture sorption isotherms for shelf life prediction. - [Moisture Analysis Toolkit](https://aqualab.com/products/moisture-analysis-toolkit): Precise moisture analysis for food manufacturing. The Moisture Analysis Toolkit enables you to predict shelf life and test moisture migration. - [SKALA Dry Self-Optimizing Dryer Control Software](https://aqualab.com/products/skala-dry): SKALA Dry is dryer control software that uses real-time water activity data to reduce over-drying, cut energy costs, and improve product consistency. ## Industries - [Baked Snack Foods](https://aqualab.com/industries/baked-snack-foods): Improve baked snack quality by understanding moisture for better texture, shelf life, and consistency with AQUALAB water activity solutions. - [Cosmetics](https://aqualab.com/industries/cosmetics): Precision moisture management for cosmetic products to ensure consistent texture, stability, and shelf life with AQUALAB insights. - [Cured Meats](https://aqualab.com/industries/cured-meats): Ensure cured meat safety and texture with precise moisture control and reliable water activity measurement from AQUALAB. - [Functional Foods](https://aqualab.com/industries/functional-foods): Optimize functional food performance and stability with accurate moisture management and water activity insights from AQUALAB. - [Pet Food](https://aqualab.com/industries/pet-food): Support pet food quality and batch consistency by managing moisture and water activity with AQUALAB solutions. - [Pharmaceuticals](https://aqualab.com/industries/pharmaceuticals): Achieve stable, safe pharmaceutical products through precise moisture control and water activity measurement with AQUALAB. ## Roles - [Production](https://aqualab.com/roles/production): Streamline production with reliable moisture control and water activity measurement for consistent, high-quality results with AQUALAB. - [Quality Assurance](https://aqualab.com/roles/quality-assurance): Enhance quality assurance with accurate water activity and moisture analysis to ensure safety, compliance, and product excellence. - [Research & Development](https://aqualab.com/roles/research-and-development): Empower R&D teams with precise moisture and water activity insights to innovate and optimize products with AQUALAB solutions. ## Moisture challenges - [Caking and Clumping](https://aqualab.com/challenges/caking-clumping): Caking and clumping in powders happen when water activity exceeds a critical threshold. Learn how to measure and control it to keep products free-flowing. - [Chemical Changes](https://aqualab.com/challenges/chemical-changes): Prevent color fading, flavor changes, and nutrient breakdown. Learn how water activity control stops chemical degradation and extends shelf life. - [Microbial Growth](https://aqualab.com/challenges/microbial-growth): Microbial spoilage and failed micro testing often trace back to water activity. Learn the key thresholds and how to stay consistently below them in production. - [Moisture Migration](https://aqualab.com/challenges/moisture-migration): Moisture migration causes crisp areas to soften and fillings to dry. Learn how water activity measurement prevents texture changes in food products. - [Packaging Optimization](https://aqualab.com/challenges/packaging-optimization): Solve packaging failures caused by moisture imbalance. Prevent texture changes, clumping, and early shelf-life breakdown with precise water activity control. - [Physical Changes](https://aqualab.com/challenges/physical-changes): Prevent texture changes, lumping, and stickiness in your products. Learn how moisture imbalance causes physical changes and how AQUALAB solutions help. - [Production Optimization](https://aqualab.com/challenges/production-optimization): Reduce batch variability and optimize drying times with water activity measurement. Maintain consistency, reduce costs, and increase throughput. - [Shelf-Life Breakdown](https://aqualab.com/challenges/shelf-life-breakdown): Learn how water activity causes shelf-life breakdown in food products — and how to identify, measure, and control the conditions that cut shelf life short. - [Stickiness Issues](https://aqualab.com/challenges/stickiness-issues): Stickiness in dry or powdered food products is almost always a water activity problem. Learn what causes it, how to detect it, and how to prevent it at scale. - [Texture Changes](https://aqualab.com/challenges/texture-changes): Unwanted texture changes in food — softening, hardening, or uneven layering — are driven by water activity. Learn how to diagnose and fix them. ## Guides - [Introduction to Water Activity](https://aqualab.com/guides/introduction-water-activity): A foundational guide to water activity and its role in food preservation, microbial safety, texture, and shelf life. - [How to Measure Water Activity](https://aqualab.com/guides/pdf-how-measure-water-activity): Best practices for precise, consistent water activity readings, from sample prep to instrument readiness, for food and pharma quality control. - [Water Activity SOP](https://aqualab.com/guides/water-activity-sop): Standard steps and best practices for accurate water activity testing, from sample homogeneity to instrument readiness. - [DDI & DVS Moisture Sorption Isotherms](https://aqualab.com/guides/ddi-and-dvs-moisture-sorption-isotherms-and-food-stability): Learn how DDI and DVS moisture sorption isotherms map moisture content against water activity to help optimize product quality and shelf life. - [Water Activity & pH for Microbial Control](https://aqualab.com/guides/how-water-activity-and-ph-work-together-control-microbial): How water activity and pH work together through hurdle technology to control microbial growth and improve food safety, per FDA guidance. - [How Water Activity Controls Microbial Growth](https://aqualab.com/guides/how-water-activity-controls-microbial-growth): How water activity governs microbial dormancy and growth in food products, with food safety guidance grounded in FDA and FSMA regulations. - [Lab Cleaning Checklist](https://aqualab.com/guides/lab-cleaning): Daily, weekly, monthly, and bi-annual lab maintenance checklists to standardize operations and improve moisture analysis precision. - [Measuring Moisture Content](https://aqualab.com/guides/measuring-moisture-content-more-difficult-you-think): Why accurate, repeatable moisture content measurement is harder than it looks, and why it matters for product safety and quality. - [Water Activity for Food Safety & Quality](https://aqualab.com/guides/water-activity-food-safety-and-quality): How water activity regulates microbial growth, prevents caking, and affects shelf life and product quality in food manufacturing. - [Downloadable guides](https://aqualab.com/resources/guides): Explore our complete collection of moisture analysis resources, offering detailed insights into water activity's role in food safety, optimizing product stability, and mastering precise measurement techniques. - [Water Activity, Moisture, and Shelf Life Terms](https://aqualab.com/glossary): Explore AQUALAB's glossary of water activity, moisture content, vapor pressure, relative humidity, shelf life, food safety, and more. ## Services, support, and training - [Lab Services, Testing & Consultation](https://aqualab.com/lab-services): AQUALAB's lab services provide water activity and moisture content testing, measurement consultation, and expert analysis for food manufacturers and researchers. - [Contact Lab Services](https://aqualab.com/contact-lab-services): Contact AQUALAB's lab services team for testing requests, consultation bookings, and questions about water activity and moisture content analysis. - [Service & Support](https://aqualab.com/support): Whether you’re setting up a new device, looking for documentation, or troubleshooting an issue, AQUALAB's support resources are designed to get you answers quickly and keep you moving. - [Get Started With Your Instrument](https://aqualab.com/get-started): Get up and running with your AQUALAB instrument. Find quick start guides, manuals, and setup resources for AQUALAB 3, 4TE, TDL 2, PRE, VSA, and PAWKIT. - [AQUALAB 3 Certification](https://aqualab.com/training/aqualab-3-certification): Become a certified AQUALAB 3 user by watching this 18-minute training video and passing the test with a score of 80% or better. - [AQUALAB 4TE Certification](https://aqualab.com/training/aqualab-4te-certification): Learn how to use the AQUALAB 4TE by watching this short 15-minute training video. Become a certified user by getting 80% or better on the certification test. - [AQUALAB TDL Certification](https://aqualab.com/training/aqualab-tdl-certification): Watch this short video and learn all about the AQUALAB TDL 2. - [PAWKIT Certification](https://aqualab.com/training/pawkit-certification): Learn everything you need to know to become a PAWKIT pro by watching this 13 minute video, then passing the certification test. - [ROS 1 Training](https://aqualab.com/training/ros-1-training): Watch this short video to learn how the ROS 1 Moisture Analyzer and its companion software, Bridge, work and how to operate them from Greg Kelley, Lead Developer for the ROS 1. - [SKALA AQUALAB 3 System Training](https://aqualab.com/training/skala-aqualab-3-system-training): Watch this short video to learn everything you need to know to use the AQUALAB 3 and SKALA software together. ## Company and contact - [The Standard in Water Activity Measurement](https://aqualab.com/behind-the-standard): Trusted by 94% of the largest packaged food manufacturers in the US, AQUALAB instruments set the water activity standard. Learn the science behind the standard. - [Request a Quote](https://aqualab.com/request-a-quote): Request a quote for AQUALAB instruments, lab services, or moisture measurement solutions. Our team will follow up with pricing and product recommendations. - [Talk to an Expert](https://aqualab.com/talk-to-an-expert): Talk to an AQUALAB water activity expert. Get answers to your measurement questions, product recommendations, and guidance for your specific application. - [Contact Us](https://aqualab.com/contact-us): Connect with us through our contact form. We're here to listen and help, ensuring that your input contributes to making your interactions with AQUALAB even better. - [Distributors](https://aqualab.com/distributors): AQUALAB has distributors all across the world for its products. Use the selectors below to find distributors for your region and sub brand. ## Optional - [Knowledge Base](https://aqualab.com/learn): Educational guides and application resources on water activity, moisture analysis, and food safety. Expert insights for food, pharma, and cosmetics. - [5 costly drying process mistakes and how to avoid them](https://aqualab.com/learn/5-costly-drying-process-mistakes-and-how-avoid-them): Baking, dehydrating, smoking, drying, curing. Whatever you call it, it comes down to the same thing: Removing water. Most food companies do it – but doing it precisely and consistently isn’t easy. - [AQUALAB Research Report | April 2026](https://aqualab.com/learn/aqualab-research-report-april-2026): A roundup of April 2026 research and technical mentions citing AQUALAB instruments across food science, ingredient stability, confectionery, and energy research. - [AQUALAB Research Report | August 2026](https://aqualab.com/learn/aqualab-research-report-august-2026): A roundup of August 2026 research and technical references citing AQUALAB across sweet potato flour drying, porcine liver peptides, and federal food-safety procurement. - [AQUALAB Research Report | July 2026](https://aqualab.com/learn/aqualab-research-report-july-2026): A roundup of July 2026 research citing AQUALAB instruments across fruit by-product valorization, spray-dried and freeze-dried ingredients, breadmaking, and fermented meat. - [AQUALAB Research Report | June 2026](https://aqualab.com/learn/aqualab-research-report-june-2026): A roundup of June 2026 research and technical mentions citing AQUALAB instruments across cured meat analysis, pet treat manufacturing, and global market coverage. - [AQUALAB Research Report | May 2026](https://aqualab.com/learn/aqualab-research-report-may-2026): A roundup of May 2026 research and technical mentions citing AQUALAB instruments across cured meats, poultry storage, fortified dairy, and upcycled foods. - [Bakeworks Trailnuggets Food Bars and Snacks](https://aqualab.com/learn/bakeworks-trailnuggets): Bakeworks uses water activity as a primary metric to keep their products simple, honest and delicious. This is their story. - [The 101 guide to measuring yield and waste in food manufacturing](https://aqualab.com/learn/beginners-guide-measuring-yield-and-waste-food-manufacturing): Understanding and eliminating waste is a powerful way to boost profits – but where to start? Try exploring these seven common methods for waste reduction. - [The beginner’s guide to shelf life stability and packaging](https://aqualab.com/learn/beginners-guide-shelf-life-stability-and-packaging): Your product may exhibit some changes during shelf life, but the end of shelf life is defined as a point where the product is no longer acceptable to consumers. Learn about shelf life stability and packaging in this… - [Beyond bars: Product innovation at Clif Bar & Company](https://aqualab.com/learn/beyond-bars-product-innovation-clif-bar-company): Shaunti Luce is Senior Innovation and Technology Manager at Clif Bar & Company. Her role on the food safety and quality assurance team gives her unique insight into food safety, production processes and innovation at… - [Calculating the change in energy for food scientists](https://aqualab.com/learn/calculating-change-energy-food-scientists): A change in energy comes with a change in vapor pressure. Let's break down how the first law of thermodynamics can help calculate the amount of change. - [How water activity affects chemical stability](https://aqualab.com/learn/challenges-aqualab-solves-chemical-changes): Learn how water activity drives chemical reaction rates, and how measuring it helps prevent off flavors, color shifts, and nutrient loss. - [How water activity controls microbial growth risk](https://aqualab.com/learn/challenges-aqualab-solves-microbial-growth): Learn why water activity, not moisture content, predicts microbial risk and helps teams prevent spoilage, recalls, and safety issues. - [How moisture control impacts yield and profitability](https://aqualab.com/learn/challenges-aqualab-solves-moisture-related-issues): Learn why moisture is a financial driver, not just a quality metric, and how accurate moisture measurement helps teams protect yield and reduce losses. - [How to select packaging based on water activity](https://aqualab.com/learn/challenges-aqualab-solves-packaging-optimization): Learn why packaging performance depends on matching water activity, not just barrier type, and how testing prevents shelf life loss. - [How water activity causes caking and stickiness](https://aqualab.com/learn/challenges-aqualab-solves-physical-changes): Learn how moisture movement, not moisture content, causes caking, stickiness, and texture shifts, and how to prevent it. - [How water activity reveals process variation early](https://aqualab.com/learn/challenges-aqualab-solves-production-optimization): Learn how water activity catches batch variation that moisture alone can miss, reducing downtime and improving consistency. - [How to Choose the Right Water Activity Sensor](https://aqualab.com/learn/choosing-the-right-water-activity-sensor): Compare chilled mirror, TDL, capacitance, and resistive electrolytic sensors and see which fits volatile, oily, or high-throughput QA samples. - [Cosmetics and Pharma](https://aqualab.com/learn/cosmetics-and-pharma): If someone were to ask you what blush, eyeliner and lotion all had in common, chances are your first answer wouldn’t be water. - [Data-driven decisions at Kemin Industries R&D](https://aqualab.com/learn/data-driven-decisions-kemin-industries-rd): When Gregg Schieffer decided as a university student to become a chemist, he signed up to take all the chemistry courses he could. He had no idea that he would end up working as a food scientist, working specifically… - [What do DDI moisture sorption isotherms say about food stability?](https://aqualab.com/learn/ddi-and-dvs-moisture-sorption-isotherms-and-food-stability): Moisture sorption isotherms are a powerful tool for predicting and extending the shelf life of a product, displaying changes in water activity over time. - [Dynamic Dewpoint Isotherm Method vs Other Isotherm Methods](https://aqualab.com/learn/ddi-method-vs-other-isotherm-methods): See how the dynamic dewpoint isotherm (DDI) method compares to desiccator and DVS methods for measuring water activity and moisture content in food products. - [Dynamic Vapor Sorption](https://aqualab.com/learn/dynamic-vapor-sorption): The water in food and pharma products impacts how they’re used, when they degrade, and more. Moisture can’t be safely ignored – so how can its impact be measured and accounted for? - [Edesia Nutrition](https://aqualab.com/learn/edesia): When feeding malnourished children around the world, excellent quality and long shelf life are non-negotiables. Water activity plays a key role. Here’s how. - [EU Listeria Regulation 2024/2895: RTE Food Compliance Guide](https://aqualab.com/learn/eu-listeria-regulation-2024-2895): EU Regulation 2024/2895 requires shelf-life Listeria validation for RTE foods from July 1, 2026. Learn how water activity measurement supports compliance documentation. - [Examining powder stability: Physical, chemical & microbial | AQUALAB](https://aqualab.com/learn/examining-powder-stability-physical-chemical-microbial): Most people intuitively know what a powder is. They’re everywhere. We interact with them daily. But with so many different categories of powder – spices, ingredients, cosmetics, pharmaceutical excipients and APIs, and… - [4 Moisture Management Mistakes Food Teams Miss](https://aqualab.com/learn/food-consultant-moisture-management-mistakes): Food safety consultants Rachel Zemser and AQUALAB's Zachary Cartwright reveal the four moisture management mistakes food manufacturers make — and how water activity measurement prevents recalls, waste, and shelf… - [The food manufacturer’s complete guide to shelf life](https://aqualab.com/learn/food-manufacturers-complete-guide-shelf-life): Shelf Life means a period after the date of packaging during which a food product has no significant risk. We've assembled everything you need to know. - [Water Activity Guide for Food Manufacturers](https://aqualab.com/learn/food-manufacturers-complete-guide-water-activity): Learn how to measure, control, and optimize water activity in food production. Practical guidance for food manufacturers on shelf life, safety, and compliance. - [The food manufacturer's guide to eradicating caking and clumping](https://aqualab.com/learn/food-manufacturers-step-step-guide-eradicate-caking-and-clumping): Powders exposed to moisture take on water vapor, stop flowing, and manufacturing becomes a mess. These three simple steps will prevent caking and clumping. - [The food manufacturer's guide to water activity and humectants](https://aqualab.com/learn/food-manufacturers-step-step-guide-lowering-water-activity): There are countless humectants on the market, and many ways to use them profitably — but which one is right for you, and how should you put it to work? - [Regulations recommend (or require) water activity measurements in food](https://aqualab.com/learn/government-regulations): Regulatory bodies around the globe require the use of water activity. We've compiled a complete regulation reference list. - [Hampshire Pet Products | Case Study](https://aqualab.com/learn/hampshire-pet-products): With the help of SKALA and AQUALAB, Hampshire reduced scrap, increased yield, and ensured that their customers get perfectly consistent products every time. - [How Arkopharma improves shelf life in plant-based supplements](https://aqualab.com/learn/how-arkopharma-improves-shelf-life-plant-based-supplements): Arkopharma is Europe’s leading provider of plant-based supplements. Accurate water activity measurements help them ensure that doesn’t change. - [How to control lipid oxidation in food manufacturing](https://aqualab.com/learn/how-control-lipid-oxidation-food-manufacturing): What if there was a way to control how quickly your products went rancid and bitter? Turns out there is – water activity is the answer. - [How Hostess takes products from formulation to final product](https://aqualab.com/learn/how-hostess-takes-products-formulation-final-product): Dr. Vivian Allen is a senior research scientist in product development at Hostess Brands. From new product conception to commercialization, Dr. Allen works in a fast-paced environment, and is always looking for new… - [How to Measure Water Activity In One Minute | Webinar](https://aqualab.com/learn/how-measure-water-activity-one-minute): AQUALAB’s lead food scientist and R&D lab manager discuss what makes 1-minute water activity readings possible – and if they’re truly dependable. - [How to optimize food drying, baking or dehydrating](https://aqualab.com/learn/how-optimize-food-drying-baking-or-dehydrating): Most food companies know they could optimize their drying processes to some degree. But almost all of them underestimate what they’d gain by doing so – and what they lose by ignoring problems. - [How water activity helps you predict moisture migration in food](https://aqualab.com/learn/how-predict-moisture-migration-water-activity): Water activity, not water content, predicts how water will migrate. Knowing your water activity levels helps you determine how to formulate and package. - [How Simmons Foods found the sweet spot](https://aqualab.com/learn/how-simmons-foods-found-sweet-spot): Simmons Foods is one of North America’s largest producers of poultry, pet and animal nutrition products. We recently sat down with Rick Stoller, Process Improvement Manager at Simmons, to get his hard-won insights on… - [How Sunrise Fresh creates excellent all-natural dried fruit](https://aqualab.com/learn/how-sunrise-fresh-creates-excellent-all-natural-dried-fruit): Like any family business, Sunrise Fresh values its traditions. Fourth-generation farmers Case and Jake Samuel, the current Sunrise Fresh team, are building on the small, family-owned brand their family established… - [How Thorne does the research right](https://aqualab.com/learn/how-thorne-does-research-right): With the wellness industry growing at astounding rates year after year, it can seem nearly impossible to stand out. Thorne HealthTech, however, is officially up to the task. With a commitment to "science-driven… - [Jellyfish Bioplastics: The Future of Sustainable Packaging](https://aqualab.com/learn/how-uga-researchers-are-redefining-sustainable-packaging-with-jellyfish-bioplastics): UGA researchers use AQUALAB VSA to develop sustainable jellyfish collagen bioplastics, replacing manual testing with automated precision. - [How water activity and pH synergize](https://aqualab.com/learn/how-water-activity-and-ph-work-together-control-microbial): [Science delivered] Water activity and pH are two measurements that are better together. Use commercial instruments to simplify your workflow. - [How Water Activity Controls Microbial Growth](https://aqualab.com/learn/how-water-activity-controls-microbial-growth): Discover the critical water activity thresholds that limit bacteria, mold, and yeast growth — and how to use them to protect food safety and shelf life. - [Sample Prep Strategies for Faster, More Accurate Readings | Webinar](https://aqualab.com/learn/insider-sample-prep-strategies-faster-more-accurate-readings): If your water activity readings aren’t accurate, why spend the time making them? Join Wendy Ortman to learn how to ensure speedy, accurate readings. - [An insider’s insight into hemp processing and research](https://aqualab.com/learn/insiders-insight-hemp-processing-and-research): Dr. Allison Justice never intended to start a cannabis company. She grew up on a farm in South Carolina, then earned a PhD studying pansies and poinsettias. It wasn’t until a few years after grad school that cannabis… - [AQUALAB 5TE Water Activity and Moisture Analyzer](https://aqualab.com/learn/introducing-aqualab-5te): The AQUALAB 5TE measures water activity and moisture content in one 60-second test, with BlockSwap calibration and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance built in. - [A 101 guide to water activity of food products](https://aqualab.com/learn/introduction-water-activity-aw): This complete guide helps you to understand the water in your product with water activity (aw). Learn why water activity measurements are so powerful. - [Karl Fischer vs. water activity: Which is best in pharmaceuticals](https://aqualab.com/learn/karl-fischer-vs-water-activity-pharmaceuticals): Karl Fischer titration measures moisture content in a sample. Water activity describes the energy status of the water. Studies say one is better. - [Managing moisture variability in dried fruits and nuts](https://aqualab.com/learn/managing-moisture-variability-dried-fruits-and-nuts): Fruits and nuts appeal to consumers, who love seeing familiar foods on ingredient lists. But working with natural products can be tricky. - [Market Snapshot: Rating the Top Jerky Brands](https://aqualab.com/learn/market-snapshot-jerky-rating-top-brands): We tested the top 12 jerky brands to get insider insight into how their water activity levels, pH, moisture content, overpack and underpack ratings compare. - [Market Snapshot: Natural Foods](https://aqualab.com/learn/market-snapshot-natural-foods): We got 27 clean-label natural foods from the grocery store and ran them through a gauntlet of moisture tests. This is what we found. - [Market Snapshot: Pet Food](https://aqualab.com/learn/market-snapshot-pet-food): Find out how 13 top pet food brands rate with respect to water activity, moisture content, and overpack. Learn how to control moisture to maximize profit. - [Mastering food science to make indigenous plants more accessible](https://aqualab.com/learn/mastering-food-science-make-indigenous-plants-more-accessible): Small farmers on Pacific Islands have difficulty competing in the global food industry, so the crops they harvest don’t usually make it to market – or at least they didn’t until Voyaging Foods came along. - [Measuring moisture in cereal and grain-based products](https://aqualab.com/learn/measuring-moisture-cereal-and-grain-based-products): Water activity — measured and managed correctly — maximizes quality and shelf life in bread, crackers, snacks, and other cereal or grain-based products. - [Measuring moisture content in food and supplements](https://aqualab.com/learn/measuring-moisture-content-food-and-supplements): Of all the moisture content measurement methods, how do you choose the right one? And how do you get consistent, precise results once you have? It can be overwhelming, but getting it right pays dividends. - [Water activity brings higher quality nuts and dried fruit](https://aqualab.com/learn/measuring-water-activity-nuts-and-dried-fruit-increases-quality): Water activity measurements make it far easier to nail the perfect taste, texture and shelf life. It also helps prevent losing yield to overdrying. - [Moisture Content in Food: What It Means & How to Measure It](https://aqualab.com/learn/moisture-content): Moisture content affects texture, shelf life, and safety. Learn the difference between moisture content and water activity, and how to measure both accurately. - [Moisture content vs water activity: Choosing the right measurement](https://aqualab.com/learn/moisture-content-vs-water-activity-choosing-right-measurement): Moisture content and water activity have to do with water, but the distinction isn’t always clear. Learn why to measure moisture content and water activity. - [Moisture Management from R&D to Packaging](https://aqualab.com/learn/moisture-management-start-to-finish): AQUALAB food scientists explain how to manage moisture risk across formulation, production, QA, packaging, and storage for safer food products. - [Mold in snack foods: Why it still causes so many recalls](https://aqualab.com/learn/mold-snack-foods-why-it-still-causes-so-many-recalls): 5 things to know about mold before formulating snack foods. There have been more than a dozen mold and microbe-related food safety recalls in the last year. - ["Mr. Lactose" talks water activity and lactose monohydrate](https://aqualab.com/learn/mr-lactose-talks-water-activity-and-lactose-monohydrate): Kent Keller has been upgrading and educating the lactose industry for 40+ years. He stopped by to educate us, too – here's what we learned. - [Natural ingredients 101: Moisture in dried fruit & nuts](https://aqualab.com/learn/natural-ingredients-101-moisture-dried-fruit-nuts): Natural ingredients can be unreliable and unpredictable. But skyrocketing demand for clean labels and familiar ingredients can’t be ignored – so what’s a food manufacturer to do? - [New research on pathogens in low-moisture foods is coming soon](https://aqualab.com/learn/new-research-pathogens-low-moisture-foods-coming-soon): Consumers and government entities expect commercially prepared foods to be safe. Accurate water activity measurements are helping ensure they are. - [Olympia Provisions Cured Meats](https://aqualab.com/learn/olympia-provisions): Olympia’s commitment to craft and perfection led them to AQUALAB. Their AQUALAB system has helped them improve their QA and QC and impress inspectors. - [SKALA Dry Moisture Control System for Cheese Cook](https://aqualab.com/learn/optimize-cheese-moisture-with-improved-cook-control): See how the SKALA Dry system uses time and temperature cook profiles to deliver consistent curd moisture and repeatable results, cook to cook and vat to vat. - [Optimizing natural sweeteners with Arboreal Bioinnovations](https://aqualab.com/learn/optimizing-natural-sweeteners-arboreal-bioinnovations): Research into Stevia and how best to use it gives Arboreal a competitive advantage in the alternative sweeteners industry. - [Overcoming Moisture Challenges in Powders](https://aqualab.com/learn/overcoming-moisture-challenges-powders): This webinar, presented by Zachary Cartwright, PhD, lead food scientist at AQUALAB, addresses the challenges of managing moisture in powdered products across multiple industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and… - [Peaceful Fruits: Fast product development & positive mission](https://aqualab.com/learn/peaceful-fruits-fast-product-development-positive-mission): Ohio fruit snack company Peaceful Fruits is on a mission to provide healthy snacks, economic opportunity, and meaningful employment. - [Predict packaging performance to maximize product shelf life](https://aqualab.com/learn/predict-packaging-performance-maximize-product-shelf-life): You only need two key metrics to evaluate packaging: water activity and package permeability. Let's explore how to use them and why they're important. - [Real-time data for process control in food manufacturing: How to](https://aqualab.com/learn/real-time-data-for-process-control-in-food-manufacturing): Most companies log data. Only the best use it to their competitive advantage. The right tools can transform data into a profitable course of action. - [The Role of Water Activity in Coffee Quality](https://aqualab.com/learn/role-water-activity-coffee-quality): Coffee’s quality is closely tied to its water activity levels. Join us for an in-depth look at how water activity can ensure excellent coffee. - [Seven steps to ensuring safe, consistent cold-pressed bars](https://aqualab.com/learn/seven-steps-ensuring-safe-consistent-cold-pressed-bars): Cold-pressed bars are often made without chemical preservatives or large amounts of humectants. So how can manufacturers ensure safety and quality? - [Shelf Life and Packaging](https://aqualab.com/learn/shelf-life-and-packaging): In this short webinar, our lead food scientist and R&D lab manager respond to and break down common questions about shelf life and packaging. - [Shelf life simplified](https://aqualab.com/learn/shelf-life-simplified): Shelf life testing can be overwhelming, time-consuming, and expensive. Water activity measurements offer a far easier and more affordable way. Here's why. - [Simplify Product Stability Analysis in Powders](https://aqualab.com/learn/simplify-your-approach-product-stability-analysis-powders): Product stability analysis doesn’t need to be complicated. Join Dr. Carter to explore the science of powder stability, flow and caking, and more. - [Water activity solves moisture problems in powders and spices](https://aqualab.com/learn/solve-moisture-problems-powders-and-spices): Flow issues, clumping problems, and caking trouble in powders and all be solved with a better understanding of one simple measurement: water activity. - [Solving Moisture Issues in Snack Foods](https://aqualab.com/learn/solving-moisture-issues-snack-foods): Rancidity, moisture migration, texture changes, mold – snack foods are susceptible to a range of complications. Mary Galloway teaches how to prevent them. - [Solving the water problem in gummies](https://aqualab.com/learn/solving-the-water-problem-in-gummies): Learn how water activity and isotherms solve gummy production issues. Prevent weeping, optimize drying times, and ensure quality in vegan or sugar-free formulas. - [SKALA Dry Moisture Control for Spray and Flash Dryers](https://aqualab.com/learn/spray-flash-dryer-control): See how the SKALA Dry model-based system senses moisture inside spray and flash dryers in real time, cutting dead time and moisture variance by 30% or more. - [Substituting sugar: Pros and cons of 5 top alternative sweeteners](https://aqualab.com/learn/substituting-sugar-pros-and-cons-5-top-alternative-sweeteners): Demand for healthier snacks and treats continues to grow. Innovative new sweeteners abound. But in the scramble to develop the next great clean-label snack, food companies are finding that each sugar substitute comes… - [Sugar alternatives, moisture content and water activity](https://aqualab.com/learn/sugar-alternatives-moisture-content-and-water-activity): Consumers are clamoring for low- or no-sugar alternatives to their favorite snacks. Here’s how food companies can deliver great products without adverse effects. - [Sunrise Fresh Dried Fruits](https://aqualab.com/learn/sunrise-fresh): Sunrise Fresh used the power of precision water activity to tighten spec, improve quality, and become the #1 dried cherry seller on Amazon. - [The real cost of ignoring water activity](https://aqualab.com/learn/the-hidden-cost-of-ignoring-water-activity): roduct recalls, rework, and failed audits often trace back to uncontrolled water activity. Learn where the hidden costs show up and how to avoid them. - [Tillamook Country Smoker’s perfect jerky and automated processes](https://aqualab.com/learn/tillamook-country-smokers-perfect-jerky-and-automated-processes): Tillamook was born in a backyard smokehouse in the 1960s. Even with extreme growth, TCS has remained committed to producing the most authentic beef jerky on the market. - [Top 4 Food Innovation Trends from IFT FIRST 2026](https://aqualab.com/learn/top-4-food-innovation-trends-ift-first-2026): IFT FIRST 2026 spotlighted clean label, GLP-1, sustainability, and AI trends in food science. See what they mean for shelf-life and water activity testing. - [Understanding isotherms: Vapor sorption basics](https://aqualab.com/learn/understanding-isotherms-vapor-sorption-basics): Moisture content and water activity. Each has its assigned roles and responsibilities. They’re often used separately, and for very different purposes. But can they work together? - [Use water activity to get the right texture in foods](https://aqualab.com/learn/use-water-activity-get-and-maintain-right-texture): Candy, confectionery, chips and snacks – without the right texture, food loses its appeal. Aw helps you nail the perfect texture. - [How to use hurdle technology to produce safer, fresher food](https://aqualab.com/learn/using-hurdle-technology-for-safer-and-fresher-food): Less processing plus longer-term preservation – hurdle technology offers big benefits. But which of the 50+ hurdles is right for you? - [Volatile ingredients & water activity: Choosing the right sensor](https://aqualab.com/learn/volatile-ingredients-water-activity-choosing-right-sensor): When measuring the water activity (also known as aw, RH, ERH, or vapor pressure) of a product, certain ingredients – volatile compounds – can cause problems. Some water activity sensors are better protected against… - [Water Activity 101: Master the Basics](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-101-master-basics): Understand water activity from the ground up — what it is, how it's measured, and why it matters for food safety, shelf life, and product quality. - [Water Activity 102: Microbial Growth](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-102-microbial-growth): Watch Mary G., head of AQUALAB’s R&D lab, explain how to apply water activity and related principles for maximum effectiveness and risk prevention. - [Water Activity 201: Specifications and Shelf Life](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-201-specifications-and-shelf-life): Step one is learning that water activity measurements are key to making shelf life predictions. Step two is learning how to do it yourself. - [How water activity effects food before and after freezing](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-and-after-freezing): Does a food product's water activity level change when frozen? What about thawed? After a month of research and testing, here's what our scientists said. - [Water Activity and Cannabis | Webinar](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-and-cannabis): Water activity, relative humidity, moisture content – find out which will make the greatest impact on the quality and consistency of your product. - [Water Activity and pH: Working Together for Product Safety](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-and-ph-working-together-product-safety): Combining water activity and pH to prevent microbial growth creates a powerful synergistic effect. Here’s how to maximize efficiency and safety. - [How water activity can protect and preserve seed viability](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-and-seeds): Storing seeds at the correct water activity (or relative humidity) level minimizes enzymatic activity, prevents fungal growth, and maintains viability. - [Water activity in shelf-stable meats: Managing & Maximizing](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-and-shelf-stable-meat-products): Water activity. If you’re making shelf-stable meat, you’re required to measure it. But you can also profit from it, and this guide will show you how. - [Water activity, curing tobacco, and how to get the perfect batch](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-and-tobacco): Curing tobacco changes its chemical composition and moisture. Tightly controlling moisture allows quality control managers to deliver a consistent product. - [Water Activity in Animal Feed](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-animal-feed): Correctly managing moisture in animal feed is a game-changer. Not only can improving moisture processes lead to safer and more consistent products, but doing so can also produce an impressive financial impact. This… - [Water activity in sugar quality assessment](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-applications-in-sugar-quality-assessments): Discover how water activity prevents sugar caking and clumping. Protect product flowability in silos and reduce shipping risks using moisture sorption data. - [Water activity: A better moisture metric for coffee and tea](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-better-moisture-metric-coffee-and-tea): Products like tea have so little water in them that loss-on-drying methods aren’t very precise. Water activity can give a lot more information. - [Water Activity + Pet Food: Impact on quality, nutrition and yield](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-better-moisture-metric-pet-food): Find the ideal water activity range for your pet food product that maximizes profit, nutrition, and tastiness while keeping it safe from microbes and mold. - [Water activity: A better way to monitor moisture in plastics](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-better-way-monitor-moisture-plastics): Injection molding plastic parts with moisture-laden resin can lead to brittle, unattractive, or otherwise imperfect parts. Water activity can help. - [Water activity, candy and confectionery: Maximize taste & texture](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-candy-and-confectionery): Water activity is a high-precision measurement that can help candy, confectionery and chocolate producers maximize flavor, texture, and quality. - [Water activity (aw) definition](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-definition): Water activity is defined as the ratio of the vapor pressure of water in a material (p) to the vapor pressure of pure water (po) at the same temperature. - [Water activity prevents microbial growth in sauces and dressings](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-extra-barrier-microbial-growth-sauces-and): Most sauces and dressings have high water activity values. What keeps them safe? Combining low pH, low water activity, or both. Here's how. - [Water Activity for Food Safety & Quality Control](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-for-food-safety-and-quality): Learn how water activity is used to control food safety, prevent spoilage, and meet regulatory requirements. Essential reading for food quality professionals. - [Water activity helps maintain the effectiveness of functional foods](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-functional-foods): Functional foods need a shelf life that guarantees both the safety and the effectiveness of the functional ingredient. Water activity can help. - [Water Activity Measurement Methods Explained](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-measurement-methods): How water activity instruments actually measure a sample — the four sensor technologies behind aw meters, and why direct methods outperform indirect ones. - [Dried distillers grain: Monitoring quality with water activity](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-monitoring-quality-dried-distillers-grain): Ethanol producers can boost efficiency, save money, and ensure the quality of their products by using water activity. - [Pros and cons of water activity in pharmaceutical applications](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-pharmaceutical-applications): Water activity measures the energy status of water – and energy status is a better way to evaluate moisture-related reactions that damage pharmaceuticals. - [Water activity improves taste, texture, shelf life in snack foods](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-snack-foods): Many snack foods are famous for their texture, which is determined by water activity – not moisture content. Here's how water activity is beneficial. - [Water activity USP 922 standard in pharma](https://aqualab.com/learn/water-activity-usp-922-standard-in-pharma): With water activity’s greater popularity in pharmaceutical has come new regulations and standards. - [What is a moisture analyzer?](https://aqualab.com/learn/what-moisture-analyzer-how-do-balances-ovens-titrations-and-nir): A moisture analyzer determines the moisture content of a sample. There are several types of moisture content (Mc) instruments. - [Water Activity vs. Moisture Content: What Really Matters](https://aqualab.com/learn/what-water-activity-actually-measures): Stop guessing at shelf life. Learn how water activity measures water behavior to prevent mold, clumping, and spoilage in your products. - [What water activity measures and why it matters](https://aqualab.com/learn/what-water-activity-really-measures-and-why-it-matters): Learn what water activity measures, how it differs from moisture content, and why it predicts microbial risk and shelf life. - [Which moisture balance is perfect for you?](https://aqualab.com/learn/which-moisture-balance-perfect-you): [Read more] Trying to pick the perfect moisture balance out of the many options? It can be daunting to choose the best moisture analyzer. - [Why Powders Misbehave](https://aqualab.com/learn/why-powders-misbehave): Caking, clumping, solidifying in storage, sticking to machinery — if you work with powders, you’ve seen the obvious messes and misbehaviors - [Why identical moisture content can still fail differently](https://aqualab.com/learn/why-two-products-with-the-same-moisture-can-fail-differently): Two products with the same moisture content can have very different shelf life and safety outcomes. Here's why. - [Reliable WVTR Testing for Sustainable Packaging](https://aqualab.com/learn/wvtr-testing-sustainable-packaging): AQUALAB's Zachary Cartwright and Mary Galloway explain why standard WVTR methods fail on fiber-based packaging and introduce a testing cell built to fix it. - [Latest News & Updates](https://aqualab.com/news): Corporate News - [AnalyticsWeek: Modernizing Food Production with IoT](https://aqualab.com/news/analyticsweek-modernizing-food-production-iot): Modernizing Food Production and Cannabis Cultivation with the Internet of Things. - [AQUALAB helps Hostess with R&D, QC and production](https://aqualab.com/news/aqualab-helps-hostess-rd-qc-and-production): May 5, 2022 — “Recently, Hostess partnered with METER Group to assist with product predictions in R&D, quality control metrics and production optimization. - [AQUALAB Introduces ROS 1 Moisture Analyzer for Food & Pharma](https://aqualab.com/news/aqualab-introduces-ros-1-moisture-analyzer-food-pharma): PULLMAN, Wash. — Breakthrough innovation is the first and only moisture content analyzer to offer reference method-precision, simplicity of an oven, and speed of moisture balance - [AQUALAB: Major Findings on Alternative Sweeteners](https://aqualab.com/news/aqualab-major-findings-alternative-sweeteners): Pullman, WA — METER Food’s Research and Development Lab has published findings from a recent study exploring the pros and cons of top alternative sweeteners that food companies must consider when replacing sugar in… - [AQUALAB Unveils SKALA Solo](https://aqualab.com/news/aqualab-unveils-skala-solo): PULLMAN, Wash. — Closed-loop drying solution harnesses machine learning and artificial intelligence to bring automated self-optimizing drying control to batch ovens, continuous lines, and industrial process systems; New… - [Drying Technology, Inc. Press Release](https://aqualab.com/news/drying-technology-inc-press-release): Delta T Moisture Sensing and Control Technology provides actionable drying intelligence to SKALA Control Dashboards, empowering food manufacturers with insights to adapt production variables in real time - [Food Industry Exec: Water Activity Prevents Outbreak & Illness](https://aqualab.com/news/food-industry-exec-water-activity-prevents-outbreak-illness): Water Activity: How the Food Industry Prevents Foodborne Illness Outbreaks and Recalls The public is used to recalls tied to high-moisture foods such as melons, lettuce, and ice cream. - [METER Food Rebrands as AQUALAB](https://aqualab.com/news/meter-food-rebrands-aqualab): Amidst record growth, food science and technology leader headlines reorganization under the Addium umbrella - [AQUALAB Boosts Sustainability & Safety with Standards Switch](https://aqualab.com/news/potassium-acetate-replacement): Beginning as early as June 2025, AQUALAB will reduce its dependence on lithium by using potassium acetate instead of lithium chloride in the manufacture of their 0.25 aw and 0.50 aw water activity standards. - [Thorne Partners with AQUALAB to Disrupt Wellness Industry](https://aqualab.com/news/thorne-partners-aqualab-disrupt-wellness-industry): With the wellness industry growing at astounding rates year after year, it can seem nearly impossible to stand out. Thorne HealthTech, however, is officially up to the task. - [VSA Software Press Release](https://aqualab.com/news/vsa-software-press-release): Pullman, WA (December 16, 2021) METER Group, Inc. USA (METER) today unveiled a major update to the AQUALAB Vapor Sorption Analyzer (VSA) Moisture Analysis Toolkit, enabling food and pharma companies - [Economical Packaging Permeability Tool](https://aqualab.com/news/water-vapor-transmission-rate): AQUALAB’s new patent-pending Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) Testing Cell enables quick and accurate WVTR testing, even on challenging sustainable packaging materials.