Cola

Objectives

• Current carbonation level at the end of shelf-life is 6.4g/l
• Can the carbonation level at the end of shelf-life be extended to 5.8g/l by the addition of CO₂Sustain  to give a sensory match for fizziness

Sample Preparation

• Cola was re-carbonated on an Armfield carbonator to 2 carbonation specifications 6.4g/l and 5.8g/l
• CO₂Sustain was dosed at 0.2g/l into the bottles with 5.8g/l of CO2 labelled ‘A’
•  Samples were filled into glass bottles and refrigerated overnight

Test Methods

• A sensory panel (8 people) completed a blind taste where the participants were asked whether the CO₂Sustain sample ‘A’ was:
  • Less fizzy than sample B (blank)
  • More fizzy than sample B
  • No difference
• The participants drank directly from the bottle.
• The bottles were then tested for carbon dioxide loss on pouring
• The 275ml sample bottle was poured gently into a glass vessel on an analytical balance
• The weight of CO2 lost was recorded over a 30-minute period

Sensory Results

• Of the 8 panelists, 5 people recorded the sample with CO2 Sustain® as being fizzier
• 3 people recorded no difference

Results – Carbon Dioxide Retention on Pouring

• The graph shows that the sample with CO₂Sustain retained more CO₂ when poured
• At the point of pouring, both samples recorded a carbonation level of 5.2g/l despite having different starting carbonation levels of 6.4g/l and 5.8g/l (with CO₂Sustain)
• The final level of carbon dioxide retained after 30 minutes was 4.3g/l for the sample with CO₂Sustain and 4.1g/l for the standard sample

Conclusions

• Adding CO₂Sustain has allowed a sensory match at 0.6g/l lower CO2
• If the beverage at the end of carbonation shelf-life is losing 01.g/l CO2/week then 0.6g would equate to an extra 6 weeks
• This also presents the possibility to lightweight the PET bottle

Download the report here.

If you would like us to do a similar report on one of your drinks please get in touch either by emailing info@co2sustain.com or calling us on +44 (0)113 205 0971