Silica gel are used as a desiccant in many different food products and in other sorts of purposes in which the setting must be totally free of humidity. The desiccant functions by removing excessive water from the environment in an enclosed environment. Desiccant packets could be used for storage for foodstuff, including for meat jerky.

Silica gel may also be employed for many other uses too. A prime example will be the drying of natural and organic items, such as fresh picked mushrooms. Garden-fresh organic food such as fresh mushrooms must be dried to stop them from decaying or spoiling while in storage. Drying out these organically grown material by using a desiccant helps prevent spoilage given that the fungi or bacteria that contribute to spoilage require water to grow. Without any liquid the decomposition of such an organic substance is slowed tremendously. This is particularly practical if one does not have commercial dehydrating device accessible.

Using a silica gel packet as a desiccant you could keep food items that will ruin under regular moisture situations forever.