Carbonated soft Drinks

Abstract

The carbonated soft drinks are non-alcoholic beverages having carbon dioxide dissolved therein. Their main components are water, sugar, carbon dioxide and additives. The main additives of carbonated beverages are acidifiers (e. g. phosphoric, citric and tartaric acids), dyes (yellow 6, red 5, allura red, tartrazine), sweeteners and conservatives (as sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate). Although all of them have a particular function, as a whole they help to highlight the organoleptic properties of the final product. All the ingredients used in the formulation of drinks have to complain with national or international standards. In this way, the water used in the production process must be properly conditioned through physicochemical methods to guarantee its quality.

The Mexican market of the drinks is on the rise; our country represents more than a third of the soft drink market in Latin America, with a continuous growth. The shelves of the self-service shops are filled with carbonated soft drinks. However, many people drinks soft beverages daily without knowing the adverse effects arising from an excessive consumption. For instance, the ingredients of the soft drinks cause pleasant sensations and can create an addiction in the consumers. Several studies have demonstrated that the soft drink abuse can lead to diseases; due to their large content of sugar, these beverages are related to overweight and to diabetes and hypertension risks. According to figures released by consumer organizations, a Mexican consume on average 164 liters of carbonated drinks per year.