Siempre hay espacio para la innovación en uno de los segmentos de bebidas más antiguo.
They are on every beverage shelf, at countless family celebrations and social gatherings: today, more than two centuries after their birth, carbonated beverages are a regular feature of modern life. Globally, carbonated beverages are the second largest beverage consumption segment after water. However, the market is in constant flux, with some analysts pointing to stagnation in the segment's growth as consumers are showing a preference for beverages with more natural ingredients and healthier formulas. This trend presents a new opportunity for the beverage industry: functional, natural ingredients and, above all, exceptional flavors.
On a brief tour of a supermarket it is easy to notice that, in addition to carbonated beverages with seasonal flavors and new proposals, there are carbonated beverages with flavors that are always present: such as cola, lemon and ginger ale. These flavors can be traced back to the origin of carbonated beverages when pharmacists attributed health properties to the practice of drinking carbonated water mixed with caffeine, quinine or aromatic herbs. It has been more than 100 years since carbonated beverages began to be mass marketed in individual containers, but the “classic” flavors are still favorites. Our offering of traditional flavors, plus new and interesting combinations, allows for a re-invention of the consumer experience.
Components of a carbonated beverage.
Agua
The quality of water used is a definitive element to obtain consistent results in aspects such as the flavor and color of the beverage and to keep the integrity of the other ingredients intact. In addition, it is crucial to ensure the microbiological stability of the beverage during shelf life. Local health regulations usually include quality parameters for drinking or treated water; however, many beverage producers conduct a thorough study of the water quality parameters in their beverages since there are many more elements to consider that affect taste and appearance.
Azúcar
For non-caloric beverages, sugar is the second largest ingredient in carbonated beverages. While in some regions high fructose syrup is used for sweetening, globally sugar is the most commonly used sweetener in beverages. Flavor perception will definitely be affected by the source of sweetness.
Sugar is added in the form of syrup to carbonated beverages. It is interesting to note that, from their origins in drugstores and soda fountains, carbonated beverages were prepared using flavored sugar syrup, which was then mixed inside the bottle with carbonated water. This practice of producing carbonated beverages by mixing syrup and water continues to this day and has important operational advantages such as volume efficiency, ease of in-line adjustments and better preservation of the syrup. The design of modern industrial production equipment continues to be developed to work on the basis of an adjustable ratio of syrup to water.
Once a flavor profile has been designed for a carbonated beverage, it will be crucial to maintain its characteristics throughout the industrial production process: syrup making, mixing and subsequent maturation of the flavor system in the container.
Dióxido de Carbono
Carbon dioxide is the essential ingredient in carbonated beverages. This gas is dissolved under pressure in the liquid mixture and, once added, is responsible for the effervescent sensation we feel when drinking a carbonated beverage. The amount of carbon dioxide incorporated, as well as the way in which it is released, must be adjusted for an optimal experience of the particular flavor in the beverage.
OUR RANGE OF FLAVORS
BLACK COLA FLAVORS
By far the most popular flavor on the market. A complex blend of citrus notes and spices, cola flavors offer the opportunity to work on several concepts: 100% natural ingredients, combinations with other flavors such as vanilla, cherry and orange, vegetable-based colorings, among others. Once in contact with the acidulants present in the beverage, the cola flavor components undergo important modifications. This is a natural process known as “flavor maturation”.
Developing flavor profiles for a particular beverage concept or target market is a painstaking task. It is important to have the technical support of a specialized team to arrive at what will become the winning flavor.
Sabores Cosco de Centroamérica can accompany you in the process of developing your beverage by adapting the profile you are looking for to your particular ingredients.
CITRUS FLAVORS
Lime, lemon, orange, grapefruit and tangerine flavors are also among the favorites for carbonated beverages. Consumers of these flavors are looking for those “fresh” notes of citrus fruits, and these flavors can be developed into premium products with natural fruit juice content for unique flavors and natural colorings for the most demanding audiences.
Preservation of flavor freshness and stability of emulsions are among the most critical aspects of formulation. Cosco Flavors can offer you a wide variety of citrus flavors in the form of flavors and emulsions, as well as juice concentrates designed for application in carbonated beverages.
SPICES AND BITTER NOTES
Flavors with “bitter” notes are being rediscovered by a new generation of consumers looking for new styles and sophisticated beverages. Bitter notes combined with spice or sour flavors are gaining popularity, especially when incorporated into the design of carbonated beverages with less sweetness. Again, in these profiles we find traditional flavors that remain favorites: ginger ale and tonic water; but there are many more interesting possibilities such as sour orange, bitter melon, aromatic herbal extracts such as peppermint and wormwood combined with citrus notes.
Designing a flavor for carbonated beverages also requires integrating and evaluating the effect of other ingredients in the flavor system.
The particular hallmark of each beverage is its flavors, the characteristic and unique notes that make the difference. The world of flavors is constantly adapting to the preferences of particular markets and regions. Our research and development team can offer you a wide range of flavors and flexible solutions. We also provide technical support during the process of developing your formula, selecting the ingredients you want to work with and industrial testing.