All Beverages

Water Most beverages contain water. Water restores fluids lost through metabolism, breathing, sweating and the removal of waste. Sweetened Sugar, high-fructose corn syrup or other high-calorie sweeteners enhance the sweetness of many beverages. Such beverages include carbonated and noncarbonated soft drinks, fruit drinks and lemonade. Many people drink coffee and tea with sugar. After water, tea and coffee are the two most commonly consumed beverages on the planet. Nutrients Beverages with nutrients include fruit juice, vegetable juice, whole milk, sports drinks, vitamin-enhanced waters and alcoholic beverages. One hundred percent fruit juice contains most of the nutrients of the fruit itself, but also delivers more energy. Vegetable juice can be a lower calorie alternative to fruit juice. Whole milk is a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Skim milk has half the calories of whole milk. Caffeine Caffeine appears in varying quantities in the beans, leaves and fruit of some plants. It acts as a natural pesticide that paralyzes and kills certain insects feeding on plants. Caffeine extracted from the cherries of the coffee plant and the leaves of the tea bush derived from the kola nut. Other caffeine sources include yerba mate, guarana berries and the Yaupon Holly.

Drink Flavors

Consumer preferences have become increasingly complex. This is especially true in the beverage industry, where there is an ample offering of products, each with differing flavor profiles. Research and development teams work diligently to stay on top of consumer trends. Beverage industry experts have a library of flavors that address cultural preferences. A drink flavor that is very popular in Japan may not successfully penetrate the United States marketplace. Relying strongly on sensory research, the beverage industry employs teams of scientists, food specialists and taste testers who experiment with drink flavors to find those best suited to meet the needs of varying demographics. Taste, smell and texture are some of the more important attributes that testers analyze and rate. All ingredients in drink flavors and formulations must meet FDA guidelines and regulations. Beverage industry experts will be aware of these requirements and will make sure that products meet these guidelines. Qualified beverage experts will also be aware of international regulations and ensure products comply. When working with beverage flavors, modifiers enhance the taste of a beverage while other agents mask unpleasant tastes often associated with vitamins, herbs or other ingredients. By using the right mix of beverage flavors and natural ingredients, developers can balance taste profiles and health benefits. Developers use natural and artificial flavorings together to achieve a desirable flavor profile for a drink. Natural ingredients are those whose flavoring originates from a natural source such as a vegetable, fruit or raw animal materials. A laboratory synthetically produces artificial flavorings. Shelf life affects the formulation of beverage flavors. A shelf-stable beverage may not require refrigeration but its ingredients can affect its shelf life. Some beverage flavors require refrigeration to preserve quality and flavor. Drink flavors can be complex, combining many ingredients to produce a product that delivers a favorable sensory experience.