Analysis of syneresis

Syneresis analysis is a rheological method used to assess the stability of a gel or emulsion by observing the phase separation phenomenon, generally characterized by the exudation of water or liquid from the surface of the product. This phenomenon, while natural, is often undesirable and reflects a progressive breakdown of the colloidal network or emulsion over time, during storage, or under mechanical stress.

Syneresis occurs particularly in fermented dairy products (yogurts, fresh cheeses), food gels (jelly desserts, jams, protein gels), cosmetic emulsions (moisturizing creams, hair care products), and nutraceutical formulations (nutritional gels, liquid supplements). Its measurement is a key indicator of product quality, stability, and shelf life, for both manufacturers and consumers.

Why perform a laboratory analysis of syneresis?

Syneresis analysis addresses several major industrial and regulatory challenges:

• Evaluation of the long-term stability of gelled formulations and emulsions
• Optimizing formulations to reduce or control phase separation
• Quality control of raw materials and finished products
• Validation of shelf life (use-by date, commercial durability)
• Accelerated stability tests (temperature, agitation, aging)
• Product development support (R&D, reformulation, choice of gelling or emulsifying agents)
• Compliance with consumer expectations in terms of appearance, texture and organoleptic quality

Uncontrolled syneresis can lead to batch rejections, damage to brand image , or a negative perception of the product by the end consumer.

Proposed techniques for analyzing syneresis

Several complementary methods allow for the precise characterization of the syneresis phenomenon according to the nature of the product and the evaluation conditions sought.

Measurement by viscometrics and rheology

Viscometrics and, more broadly, rheology are the reference techniques for evaluating the structural stability of gels and emulsions. These analyses allow us to measure:

• The viscoelastic behavior of the product at rest and under stress
• The evolution of the conservation (G') and loss (G") moduli over time
• The resistance of the colloidal network to controlled mechanical stresses
• Structural stability over simulated storage periods

Rheological analysis makes it possible to anticipate syneresis even before it is macroscopically visible, thus offering a powerful predictive tool for R&D and quality control.

Drainage test

The drainage test measures the amount of liquid that spontaneously drains from a gel or emulsion under the influence of gravity. This simple and reproducible method quantifies syneresis under conditions similar to those encountered during commercial storage. It is particularly well-suited to fermented dairy products (yogurts, fresh cheeses), food gels, and dessert preparations.

Centrifugation

Centrifugation , the separation phenomena that would occur over several weeks or months under normal conditions. This technique allows:

• A rapid assessment of formulation stability
• Comparison of several formulations under standardized conditions
• Early identification of unstable formulations during the development phase
• SupportingR&D formulation through rapid iterations

Matrices and sectors of activity concerned

Syneresis analysis applies to a wide variety of matrices and industrial sectors.

Food processing industry

• Yogurts and fermented milks : monitoring of syneresis during storage
• Fresh cheeses and soft cheeses : controlling whey exudation
• Jelly desserts (flans, creams, panna cotta, mousses)
• Jams, jellies and compotes : stability of pectin structures
• Sauces and emulsified preparations (mayonnaise, vinaigrette, ketchup)
• Plant-based protein products (plant-based alternatives to yogurt, plant-based desserts)

Cosmetics industry

• Moisturizing and anti-aging creams
• Cosmetic emulsions (body lotions, makeup removers)
• Hair gels and styling products
• Masks and facial treatments
• Serums and active formulations

Nutraceuticals and food supplements

• Nutritional gels and energy preparations
• Liquid and semi-liquid formulations of food supplements
• Functional beverages with a colloidal structure

Animal nutrition

• Wet and semi-moist pet
• Milk-based formulas for young farm animals
• Liquid or gelled nutritional supplements

Plants and plant extracts

• Gels based on plant polysaccharides (carrageenan, alginates, pectins)
• Gelled extracts of plant origin
• Preparations based on mucilage

Regulatory compliance and accreditations

At YesWeLab, we collaborate with a rigorously selected network of over 200 partner laboratories, the majority of which are certified and/or accredited according to ISO 17025 and COFRAC standards. These accreditations guarantee:

• The metrological reliability of the results produced
• Complete traceability of the analyses performed
• International recognition of test reports
• The probative value of the results for regulatory and quality files

Our partner laboratories are selected based on your specific needs, the matrices to be analyzed and the analytical techniques required, thus guaranteeing expertise truly tailored to each project.

Why choose YesWeLab for your syneresis analyses?

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting manufacturers, distributors, and engineering firms in the centralized management of their analytical needs. Our unique approach is based on several differentiating strengths:

• All-in-one digital platform for ordering, tracking samples and receiving results
• Catalogue of over 10,000 analyses covering all industrial sectors
• Network of over 200 specialized
• Personalized support from a dedicated scientific team
• Fast turnaround times without compromising on quality
• Compliance with ISO 17025, COFRAC and sector regulations
• Competitive rates thanks to the pooling of analyses

If you have specific requirements (complex matrices, specific storage conditions, accelerated stability tests), our scientific team will do everything possible to respond to them accurately and responsively.

Additional analyses to syneresis

For a complete characterization of the stability and texture of your products, several complementary analyses can be considered:

• Viscosity analysis : characterization of flow behavior
• Elasticity analysis by DMA: in-depth viscoelastic characterization
• Accelerated stability tests : thermal aging, stress exposure
• Particle size analysis of dispersed phases in emulsion
• Zeta potential measurement : evaluation of the electrokinetic stability of emulsions

Feel free to consult us to define analytical strategy based on your specific issue.

Request a quote for a syneresis analysis

Do you have a project to characterize the stability of your formulations? Our scientific team is available to study your request and offer you the analytical solution best suited to your needs.

Contact our experts now to get a personalized quote and benefit from YesWeLab's expertise for your syneresis and stability analyses.