Dry liquids having a particle size distribution (cumulative undersize)D10% 80 to 140 μm D50% 140 to 200 μm D90% 190 to 340 μm are prepared by passing the liquids and a hydrophobic, pyrogenically prepared silica through a clearly defined, spatially limited shear zone in which the liquids are broken up into small droplets and are surrounded by the hydrophobic, pyrogenically prepared silica.