Antioxidant capacity of some caramel-containing soft drinks

Antioxidant properties of foods and beverages have been widely studied; however, few data have been reported on the antioxidant capacity of soft drinks. Apart from fruit juice-based drinks, some of the most common soft drinks contain as a colouring agent one of the four caramel colours allowed in foods (E150 d). Caramels contain melanoidin compounds, which have been reported to contribute to the antioxidant powers of some foodstuff. This study aimed to ascertain the contribution to the antioxidant activity of some caramel-containing soft drinks, such as cola drinks, and chinotto, an original Italian soft drink. Some commercial caramel colours were analysed for main parameters, i.e. HMF (5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furfural), residual glucose and fructose content, total reducing compounds by the Folin–Ciocalteau reagent, and the antioxidant activity by the FRAP and DPPH^∗ methods. Similar analyses were performed on various soft drinks coloured with E150 d. The results showed that even if soft drinks have a lower antioxidant activity than other beverages such as tea, coffee or chocolate, they may contribute to the antioxidant pool assumed with the diet, since the antioxidant activity ranged from 0.2 for cola-like soft drinks to 1.0 mmoles Trolox equivalent/l for chinotto drinks.     

Development of low-alcohol isotonic beer by interrupted fermentation

Alcohol-free beer with isotonic properties is getting more popular and its production can be carried out by different production strategies; however, interrupted fermentation is still a challenge. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a low-alcohol isotonic beer (<0.5% v/v) by interrupted fermentation. Moreover, the major objective is to compare the developed product to commercial beverages (sports drinks, ‘Pilsen' regular beer, alcohol-free beers and low-alcohol isotonic beer). The beverages were evaluated based on pH, alcohol content (% v/v), total titratable acidity (mEq L⁻¹), osmolality (mOsmol kg⁻¹), bitterness International Bitterness Units, colour European Brewery Convention, total phenolic compounds (mg L⁻¹ gallic acid), reducing and total sugars (%) and Na and K contents (mg L⁻¹). The developed low-alcohol isotonic beer presented characteristics similar to sports drinks, with the advantage of being richer in phenolic compounds and suitable osmolality. Despite salts were added in its formulation, the grades attributed to all beers employed in the sensory evaluation, as well as the purchase intention did not present significant differences.     

Corrosion of aluminium in soft drinks

The corrosion of aluminium (A1) in several brands of soft drinks (cola- and citrate-based drinks) has been studied, using an electrochemical method, namely potentiodynamic polarization. The results show that the corrosion of A1 in soft drinks is a very slow, time-dependent and complex process, strongly influenced by the passivation, complexation and adsorption processes. The corrosion of A1 in these drinks occurs principally due to the presence of acids: citric acid in citrate-based drinks and orthophosphoric acid in cola-based drinks. The corrosion rate of A1 rose with an increase in the acidity of soft drinks, i.e. with increase of the content of total acids. The corrosion rates are much higher in the cola-based drinks than those in citrate-based drinks, due to the facts that: (1) orthophosphoric acid is more corrosive to A1 than is citric acid, (2) a quite different passive oxide layer (with different properties) is formed on A1, depending on whether the drink is cola or citrate based. The method of potentiodynamic polarization was shown as being very suitable for the study of corrosion of A1 in soft drinks, especially if it is combined with some non-electrochemical method, e.g. graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS).     

Energy drink consumption and impact on caffeine risk

The impact of caffeine from energy drinks occurs against a background exposure from naturally occurring caffeine (coffee, tea, cocoa and foods containing these ingredients) and caffeinated beverages (kola-type soft drinks). Background caffeine exposure, excluding energy drinks, was assessed for six New Zealand population groups aged 15 years and over (n = 4503) by combining concentration data for 53 caffeine-containing foods with consumption information from the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey (ANS). Caffeine exposure for those who consumed energy drinks (n = 138) was similarly assessed, with inclusion of energy drinks. Forty-seven energy drink products were identified on the New Zealand market in 2010. Product volumes ranged from 30 to 600 ml per unit, resulting in exposures of 10–300 mg caffeine per retail unit consumed. A small percentage, 3.1%, of New Zealanders reported consuming energy drinks, with most energy drink consumers (110/138) drinking one serving per 24 h. The maximum number of energy drinks consumed per 24 h was 14 (total caffeine of 390 mg). A high degree of brand loyalty was evident. Since only a minor proportion of New Zealanders reported consuming energy drinks, a greater number of New Zealanders exceeded a potentially adverse effect level (AEL) of 3 mg kg^?1 bw day^?1 for caffeine from caffeine-containing foods than from energy drinks. Energy drink consumption is not a risk at a population level because of the low prevalence of consumption. At an individual level, however, teenagers, adults (20–64 years) and females (16–44 years) were more likely to exceed the AEL by consuming energy drinks in combination with caffeine-containing foods.     

Presence of the biocide ortho-phenylphenol in canned soft drinks in the United States and Germany

Canned soft drink samples obtained from the United States and from Germany were analyzed for the biocidal (and potentially carcinogenic) compound ortho-phenylphenol (OPP). Sampling locations were Baltimore (Maryland), Yonkers (New York), Pasadena (California), and Munich (Germany). OPP was detected in 49 out of the 55 samples analyzed, with concentrations generally at the μg/l level. The highest OPP value was measured at 16.9 μg/l in a lemon flavored cola. A mean concentration of 2.9 μg/l was computed for OPP in all samples, assuming values of zero for those samples in which OPP was not detected. OPP was detected in soft drinks obtained from all regions sampled, suggesting that contamination of canned beverages by OPP may be a widespread phenomenon.     

Dental erosion potential of beverages and bottled drinking water in Bangladesh

Dental erosion is a growing health problem linked to the exceptional increase in the consumption of soft drinks, fruit juices, and sport drinks in many countries including Bangladesh. Dental erosion is the chemical dissolution of the dental hard tissues by acids without the involvement of microorganisms. Hydrogen ions (H⁺) from acidic solutions can replace the calcium ions (Ca²⁺) of the enamel, consequently breaking the crystal structure of the enamel and initiating dental erosion. Erosive tooth wear can lead to severe impairment of esthetics along with loss of hardness and functionality. Sources of the erosive acidic challenges can be intrinsic (i.e., gastroesophaegal reflux disease) and/or extrinsic (i.e., exposure from acidic foods and beverages). Continuous intake of drinks or food with pH lower than the critical erosive pH of enamel (5.2–5.5) and root dentin (~6.7) are considered to be responsible for dental erosion. Drinks with low pH and high titratable acidity (TA) have more potential to dissolved enamel and root dentin; on the other hand, drinks with low degree of saturation can stimulate leaching of minerals. In Bangladesh, there is limited scientific information available to assess the potential of dental erosion of the commercially available beverages and drinking water. This research aims to characterize the dental erosion potential of soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, and bottled drinking water available in Bangladesh by determining their pH, TA, calcium (Ca²⁺), and phosphate (PO₄^3?). The degrees of saturation of the selected samples were calculated from the experimental results of pH, calcium, and phosphate levels. Soft drinks were found to have high erosion potential followed by energy drinks, fruit juices, and bottled drinking water. Most of the beverages locally available were found highly acidic. Phosphate levels were high in black cola drinks. Total TA was highest for the energy drinks, and moderate for soft drinks and fruit juices. Fruit juices contained high level of calcium compared with other beverages. The degree of saturation was moderate for fruit juices, and very low for few of the soft drinks and most of the bottled drinking waters. This study will be useful as a reference line for the health professionals and regulatory authorities for quality control of the beverages and bottled drinking water available in the local market.     

Influence of the glassware on the perception of alcoholic drinks

Two studies are reported in which the effect of glassware was investigated on subjective ratings of, and willingness-to-pay for, alcoholic drinks. Participants from China (Study 1) and the USA (Study 2) viewed online photographs of red wine, white wine, beer, whisky, and Chinese baijiu presented in 6 different glasses, including a narrow, wide, or stemless wine glass, a highball or rocks glass, and a beer mug. They rated liking, familiarity, and congruency (between the drink and the glassware), as well as how much they would be willing to pay for the drinks. Both the type of drink and the type of glassware influenced participants’ subjective ratings of, and willingness-to-pay for, the drinks. The red and white wine were liked more, and people were willing to pay significantly more for if they thought that the glassware was congruent with the contents. These findings highlight the influence of content–context congruency on consumers’ subjective ratings and willingness-to-pay.     

Estimated intake of the sweeteners,acesulfame-K and aspartame,from soft drinks,soft drinks based on mineral waters and nectars for a group of Portuguese teenage students

In a survey of levels of acesulfame-K and aspartame in soft drinks and in light nectars, the intake of these intense sweeteners was estimated for a group of teenage students. Acesulfame-K was detected in 72% of the soft drinks, with a mean concentration of 72 mg l^?1 and aspartame was found in 92% of the samples with a mean concentration of 89 mg l^?1. When data on the content of these sweeteners in soft drinks were analysed according to flavour, cola drinks had the highest mean levels for both sweeteners with 98 and 103 mg l^?1 for acesulfame-K and aspartame, respectively. For soft drinks based on mineral water, aspartame was found in 62% of the samples, with a mean concentration of 82 mg l^?1 and acesulfame-K was found in 77%, with a mean level of 48 mg l^?1. All samples of nectars contained acesulfame-K, with a mean concentration of 128 mg l^?1 and aspartame was detected in 80% of the samples with a mean concentration of 73 mg l^?1. A frequency questionnaire, designed to identify adolescents having high consumption of these drinks, was completed by a randomly selected sample of teenagers (n = 65) living in the city of Coimbra, in 2007. The estimated daily intakes (EDI) of acesulfame-K and aspartame for the average consumer were below the acceptable daily intakes (ADIs). For acesulfame-K, the EDI was 0.7 mg kg^?1 bw day^?1 for soft drinks, 0.2 mg kg^?1 bw day^?1 for soft drinks based on mineral waters, and 0.5 mg kg^?1 bw day^?1 for nectars, representing 8.0%, 2.2%, and 5.8% of the ADI, respectively. A similar situation was observed for aspartame. In this way, the EDI for soft drinks was 1.1 mg kg^?1 day^?1, representing only 2.9% of the ADI. In respect of nectars, the EDI was 0.2 mg kg^?1 bw day^?1, representing 0.5% of the ADI. Soft drinks based on mineral waters showed the lowest EDI values of 0.3 mg kg^?1 bw day^?1, accounting for 0.7% of the ADI.     

Micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography of methylxanthines‐containing beverages: discussion of the molecular species involved

Micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MECC) experimental conditions were applied to 12 samples of methylxanthine‐containing infusions of different commercial brands of yerba mate, coffee, tea and cocoa as well as two cola drinks. The best resolution in this mode of automated high‐performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE) was achieved here when using 15 kV voltage in an uncoated fused‐silica capillary of 45 cm length (40 cm effective length), 50 mM sodium dodecylsulfate, 90 mM pH 8.5 borate buffer and UV detection. Theobromine, caffeine and theophylline were separated, and the peak splitting due to tautomeric species was observed. Experimental conditions were controlled, keeping constant the size of the elution window in each analysis. The limit of detection was less than 1 mg l^?1, the limit of quantitation was 2.5 mg l^?1 and the work range was 2.5–300 mg l^?1. This HPCE–MECC system has proved suitable for the analysis/quality control of xanthines in beverages for consumption. Roles of various parameters as well as distinctly charged species of each xanthine and the origin of peak splitting in this MECC system are discussed. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Supplementation of prebiotics to a whey-based beverage reduces the risk of hypercholesterolaemia in rats

Fructooligosaccharide-supplemented whey drinks may have potential as an interventional strategy for lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels in dyslipidaemic conditions. A bioefficacy study was conducted in normal, hypercholesterolaemic and hyperglycaemic Sprague Dawley rats, running two consecutive trials for validity of results. Control drink (T₀), whey drink (T₁) and whey drink supplemented with 1.5% fructooligosaccharides (T₄), were given to each group. The functional drink caused a significant reduction in serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides, and an increase in high density lipoprotein. The greatest decline in total cholesterol was induced by T₄ (10.9% and 12.0% in hypercholesterolaemic rats and 7.0% and 7.7% in hyperglycaemic rats, for trials 1 and 2, respectively). The decrease in total cholesterol by T₄ was mainly due to a pronounced decrease in LDL cholesterol (14.7% and 16.1% in hypercholesterolaemic rats and 7.4% and 8.1% in hyperglycaemic rats for trials 1 and 2, respectively).     

HPLC determination of caffeine in tea,chocolate products and carbonated beverages

Different brands of mate and black tea, chocolate products and carbonated beverages available on the Brazilian market were analysed for caffeine by high-performance liquid chromatography with a UV-vis detector at 254 nm. The column was a reverse phase C18 and the mobile phase consisted of methanol–water (30:70, v/v), acetonitrile–water (10:90, v/v) and methanol–water (25:75, v/v) for tea, chocolate products and soft drinks respectively. Caffeine content ranged from 1.05 to 15.83 mg per cup in mate tea, from 32.21 to 36.23 mg per cup in black tea, from 0.14 to 0.95 mg g⁻¹ in chocolate products from 2.73 to 7.49 mg per can in guaraná-type soft drinks and from 19.81 to 45.89 mg per can in cola soft drinks. These data indicate that the levels of caffeine in Brazilian teas, chocolates and soft drinks are within the ranges reported for similar products in other countries. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

High performance liquid chromatographic determination of soluble carbohydrates in commercial drinks

High performance liquid chromatography was carried out to determine the soluble sugar content in canned soft drinks and commercial fruit juices stored in different types of containers. The total amount of sugars ranged from 9.2 to 13.5 g 100 ml^?1 for the soft drinks, 10 to 14 g 100 ml^?1 in fruit nectars and 3 g 100 ml^?1 in tomato juice. The individual sugar content of soft drinks varied between different batches, although the total amount remained fairly constant for each kind of drink or juice. Only in tomato juice where sucrose was not present, did the values for glucose and fructose remain constant.     

一种新型可乐型饮料的研制

主要研究以啤酒生产中的原料作为部分原料,辅以可乐原料,采用特殊工艺生产一种新型可乐饮料。该产品既具有黑啤酒的外观特征又具有普通可乐的口感特征,是一种介于啤酒和可乐之间的新产品。通过实验确定了新型糖化工艺、麦汁处理技术和其它工艺参数,采用此工艺生产的可乐饮料符合GB/T10792－1995标准。     

Qualitative and quantitative research of propyl lactate in brewed alcoholic beverages

Recently, propyl lactate has been firstly detected in Chinese Baijiu (Chinese liquor) as one of the odor-active components. In this study, the contents of propyl lactate in other different brewed alcoholic beverages were investigated, including wine, soju, sake, vodka, rum, tequila, whisky and beer, and analyzed by solid-phase microextraction and liquid–liquid extraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, determined by internal standard method followed by GC-MS with selective ion monitoring. The analyses indicated that propyl lactate was present in beer and tequila samples, while not detected in other brewed alcoholic beverages. The results showed that among the 40 beer samples from 11 different countries, 36 of them contained propyl lactate at concentrations in the range of 0.23–51.71 µg L^?1. In addition, all of six tequila samples contained propyl lactate at concentrations in the range of 0.77–12.14 mg L^?1, and the odor activity values (OAVs) of propyl lactate were greater than 1 in all of the tequila samples. These findings indicated that propyl lactate was widely distributed in beer and tequila; it was also an odor-active component of tequila according to OAVs.     

Production,iron analysis and consumer perception of functional Thai Sinlek iron rice (Oryza sativa) drink

We produced the iron rice (IR) drink, determined the relevant chemical composition and antioxidant activity and tested the consumers’ degree of satisfaction. IR grains were digested with α-amylase and analysed chemical composition and antioxidant activity, while the hydrolysate (pH 4.0) and flavouring agents were added for final preparation of the IR drink. The IR hydrolysate contained a total iron content of 13.9 mg g⁻¹, a total phenolic content of 1.33 ± 0.07 mg gallic acid equivalent g⁻¹ and γ-oryzanol of 70.12 ± 2.7 mg kg⁻¹ rice grain, all of which inhibited the generation of free radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. The IR drink was composed of flavonoids and phenolic acids for which kaempferol was predominant. The members of all three groups of elderly subjects who consumed the low-dose IR (1.47 mg iron/100 mL), high-dose IR (2.74 mg iron/100 mL) and white rice (WR; 0.5 mg iron/100 mL) drinks expressed satisfaction and interest with the beverages at 91.2%, 100% and 88.9%, respectively. In terms of sensory evaluation, the low-dose IR drink revealed a higher acceptance rating than high-dose IR and WR (P < 0.05). Notably, the Sinlek rice drink was abundant with iron, anti-oxidative phenolics and γ-oryzanol, for which consumers expressed an overall degree of acceptance (8.1 ± 1.1).     

如何准确测量饮料中二氧化碳的含量

<正> 在当今竞争激烈的世界中,各家公司的首要目标之一是保证消费者能得到优质的产品,饮料业也不例外。消费者对啤酒或软饮料有所不满,其最普遍的原因是产品跑了气,即产品的二氧化碳含量有偏差。 一些啤酒和软饮料生产商利用仪器量度产品的“总压力及温度”,以了解饮料中CO_2(二氧化碳)的含量;然而这种计算方法并不可靠,因为这是基于饮料中只存在CO_2一种气体的假设,事实却并非如此。     

An overview of microorganisms and factors contributing for the microbial stability of carbonated soft drinks

Soft drinks, which are largely produced and consumed worldwide, are acidic beverages (pH 2.5–4.0), formulated with water, sucrose, carbonated with 1.5–5.0 volumes of CO₂, and added or not with chemical preservatives and fruit juices. A simplified manufacturing process of soft drinks consists of water treatment, production of simple syrup, production of compound syrup, carbonation and filling. As any other food and beverage, soft drinks can be contaminated by microorganisms; however, the low pH caused by the addition of acidulants, the presence of preservatives, and the presence of CO₂ comprise major barriers to microbial growth. Because of these characteristics, filamentous fungi and some bacteria, including pathogens, do not pose spoilage and safety risks for soft drinks. On the other hand, because of their tolerance to acidic environments and CO₂, both yeasts and aciduric bacteria can survive and deteriorate soft drinks. This review deals with the microorganisms of relevance, as well as with the factors influencing their survival and role on soft drink spoilage.     

Transfer of aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin B1 from naturally contaminated raw materials to beer during an industrial brewing process

The aim of this research was to determine the fate of aflatoxins (AFs) and fumonisins (FBs) naturally occurring in raw materials (maize grit and malted barley) during four industrial brewing processes. The aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) level in raw materials varied from 0.31 to 14.85 µg kg^?1, while the fumonisin B₁ (FB₁) level (only in maize grit) varied from 1146 to 3194 µg kg^?1. The concentration in finished beer ranged from 0.0015 to 0.022 µg l^?1 for AFB₁ and from 37 to 89 µg l^?1 for FB₁; the other aflatoxins and fumonisin B₂ were not found in beer samples. The average percentage of toxins recovered in finished beer, referring to the amounts contained in raw materials, were 1.5% ± 0.8% for AFB₁ and 50.7% ± 4.7% for FB₁. These results were mainly due to the different solubility of the two mycotoxins during the mashing process. If raw materials comply with the limits fixed by European Commission Regulations, the contribution of a moderate daily consumption of beer to AFB₁ and FB₁ intake does not contribute significantly to the exposure of the consumer.     

Brominated vegetable oil in soft drinks – an underrated source of human organobromine intake

In North America brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is frequently used as a clouding agent for soft drinks. BVO containing soft drinks have a market share of about 15% in the USA. In our study we analysed several soft drinks from North America for BVO and calculated exposures from our results and consumption data. Based on a mean content of 8 ppm in BVO-containing soft drinks, the average daily human intake of BVO exceeds the intake of other organobromine compounds, e.g., polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), by >4000 times for adults and >1000 times for children. By comparing the patterns of the brominated fatty acids (BFA) in the soft drinks, we were able to distinguish three BVO products used by three soft drink manufacturers. The analysis also revealed that the predominant BFAs in BVO are the Br₂-18:0 (bromination product of oleic acid) and Br₄-18:0 (bromination product of linoleic acid).     

Profile and levels of bioactive amines in orange juice and orange soft drink

The levels of bioactive amines, pH, soluble solids, acidity, specific gravity, and total sugars were determined in different brands of orange products. Nine amines were detected in orange juice at mean total levels of 53.5 mg l⁻¹. There were significant differences, among orange juice brands, in the levels of spermidine, synephrine, spermine, octopamine, pH and total acidity. Five amines were detected in soft drinks with mean total levels of 3.85 mg l⁻¹. There were significant differences, among orange soft drink brands, in the levels of most amines and the physicochemical characteristics. The predominant amine was putrescine, followed by synephrine and spermidine, in both orange juices and soft drinks. The levels of these amines in the soft drink varied from 5.0% to 7.6% of the mean levels in orange juice, suggesting that less than 10% of orange juice could have been used in the soft drink.