51ÊÓƵ

Food Science and Technology Vol. 13(4), pp. 309 - 322
DOI: 10.13189/fst.2025.130401
Reprint (PDF) (606Kb)

Effects of Foil Pouch and PET Jar on the Storage Properties of Spray-Dried Kelulut Honey Powder

Jacqueline-Hui-Wen Wa , Siew-Ling Hii ^*, Chen-Chung Koh , Suzy Rini Gindi
Food Technology Programme, School of Engineering and Technology, University of Technology Sarawak, Malaysia

ABSTRACT

Kelulut honey, derived from stingless bees, possesses valuable nutritional and bioactive properties but presents challenges in terms of storage stability and transportability in its natural liquid form. This study aimed to produce spray-dried kelulut honey powder using maltodextrin as a carrier agent and to evaluate its physicochemical properties and stability during storage in two alternative packaging materials: metallized aluminium foil (MAF) pouches and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) jars. The exploration of these packaging options provides additional insight into practical, travel-friendly alternatives to conventional glass containers. The honey powder achieved a high yield of 51.19 ± 1.52% and initially exhibited low moisture content and water activity, which are critical for preventing microbial growth and extending shelf life. During 48 days of storage, MAF pouches outperformed PET jars in maintaining product quality, as evidenced by significantly lower moisture uptake, reduced caking, and more consistent water activity and bulk density values (< 0.05). Both packaging types retained the powder's pH, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity, with a notable increase in phenolic compounds over time, suggesting enhanced bioavailability. Color changes were more pronounced in PET jars. The water solubility index remained above 90% throughout storage, confirming the powder's functional applicability in food systems. Despite limitations associated with the use of high-temperature spray drying, the honey powder retained its essential functional properties. This study demonstrates the feasibility of converting kelulut honey into a shelf-stable powder suitable for convenient storage, transportation, and application in food formulations. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on honey powder development and highlight the relevance of packaging material selection in preserving product quality. The results support the commercialization of portable honey-based products, while also enhancing the economic value of locally produced stingless bee honey and promoting its wider adoption in health-oriented markets.

KEYWORDS
Stingless Bee, Kelulut, Honey Powder, Spray Drying, Foil Pouch, PET Jar, Storage

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Jacqueline-Hui-Wen Wa , Siew-Ling Hii , Chen-Chung Koh , Suzy Rini Gindi , "Effects of Foil Pouch and PET Jar on the Storage Properties of Spray-Dried Kelulut Honey Powder," Food Science and Technology, Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 309 - 322, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/fst.2025.130401.

(b). APA Format:
Jacqueline-Hui-Wen Wa , Siew-Ling Hii , Chen-Chung Koh , Suzy Rini Gindi (2025). Effects of Foil Pouch and PET Jar on the Storage Properties of Spray-Dried Kelulut Honey Powder. Food Science and Technology, 13(4), 309 - 322. DOI: 10.13189/fst.2025.130401.