Modified conditions for S/E handling were used to improve the hydration. The S/E powder was dry blended with one quarter of the total sugar used in each mix. Dry blending granular sugar with stabilizers and emulsifiers is a common practice used by ice cream manufacturers. However, during this project the sugar–S/E dry blend was hydrated separately from the other ingredients by stirring into the 12 kg of water-cream liquid. This slurry was then heated to 82°C using a small steam kettle.