Syneresis is the loss of water causing what change?

• A. Shrinkage
• B. Expansion
• C. Color change
• D. Hardening

Answer: (A)

Syneresis is the loss of water from a gel, which causes it to shrink. When the liquid inside the gel’s network is expelled, the polymer matrix tightens and the overall volume decreases. In foods, you might see liquid separate out (like a puddle or whey) while the gel part becomes smaller and firmer. The defining change is the shrinkage from water loss; color change isn’t produced by drying out, and while a gel can feel harder as it dries, the key idea tied to this term is the contraction and liquid release that results in a smaller structure.