WO2005009147A1

WO2005009147A1 - Ready-to-drink formulation containing an active ingredient

Info

Publication number: WO2005009147A1
Application number: PCT/IE2003/000107
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew Anthony Hartigan; Ann Marie O'mara; Brendan Joseph O'mara
Original assignee: Shannon Minerals Ltd.
Priority date: 2003-07-31
Filing date: 2003-07-31
Publication date: 2005-02-03
Also published as: AU2003259532A1; EP1657984A1

Abstract

A ready-to-drink formulation in bottled form comprises still spring water, an active ingredient, one or more flavouring agents, one or more sweeteners and an organic acid, the formulation having a shelf-life in excess of six months. The formulations have excellent oganoleptic properties and a shelf life which is generally in excess of twelve months, while at the same time acting as a vehicle for a range of active ingredients which have a functional effect. Thus, the active ingredient can be a combination of saccharide materials and salts which can be used by consumers to boost their energy levels throughout the day during normal work and recreation, but also in situations where extra energy is required, such as when engaging in strenuous activity, for example sporting activities. The active ingredient can also be potassium hydroxycitric acid, a known appetite suppressant, such that the formulation can have beneficial effects for those wishing to reduce their calorie intake and thus achieve weight loss.

Description

Ready-to-drink formulation containing an active ingredient

Technical Field

This invention relates to beverages, in particular, non-alcoholic beverages in bottled, ready-to-drink form, more especially bottled waters.

Background -Art

Consumption of bottled drinking waters has increased dramatically over the last ten years or so. Prior to this bottled waters were typically consumed in restaurants and also where local water supplies were deemed unfit for human consumption, unless boiled or other steps were taken to minimise the risk of contamination, such as by adding iodine tablets or other antimicrobial agents.

Increasingly people, especially young people, are concerned to maintain their bodies at proper hydration levels. There is also the justified concern at the increasing incidence of pollution of municipal and other local water supplies. There is also an element of good marketing techniques and imitation in the ever increasing use of bottled waters. Bottled waters come in still and sparkling/cabonated/gaseous forms. Bottled waters can also retain flavourings. However, to date bottled waters have not been used as a vehicle for active ingredients with a functional effect other than thirst quenching. Although some bottled waters contain flavourings, such flavourings are included for their taste qualities, especially for those who would not otherwise consume bottled waters, due to their bland taste.

Active ingredients can, of course, have poor organoleptic properties which would deter the manufacturers of bottled waters from including such ingredients in their products.

Disclosure of Invention The invention provides a ready-to-drink formulation comprising still spring water, an active ingredient, one or more flavouring agents, one or more sweeteners and an organic acid, said formulation having a shelf-life in excess of six months.

Ready-to-drink formulations in accordance with the invention have excellent organoleptic properties and shelf life, while at the same time acting as a vehicle for a range of active ingredients which have a functional effect and which are referred to hereinafter inter alia as functional drinks.

In order to meet market demands and consumer preference, the formulation according to the invention will be sold in plastics bottles, rather than glass bottles. However, the formulation according to the invention is also suitable for bottling in glass bottles. As shown hereinafter the formulation in accordance with the invention preferably has a shelf life in excess of nine months, more preferably in excess of one year, thereby, ensuring that these formulations meet the normal criteria for bottled waters. Preferably, the or each flavouring agent is a fruit flavouring agent.

The flavouring agent, which is typically any fruit flavour, such as apple, banana, blackberry, cranberry, orange, peach, raspberry or strawberry assist in masking any organoleptically unacceptable taste associated with the active ingredient. Herbal and other flavourings can also be used, for example vanilla. A combination of such flavourings and fruit flavourings can also be used, for example orange and peach.

Preferably, the flavourings are natural flavouring agents.

Further, preferably, the or each sweetener is an artificial sweetener.

Conventional bottled waters which contain a sweetening agent include artificial sweeteners because of the requirement that bottled waters have the properties of ordinary water, namely that they are calorie free. Thus, the use of the term sweetener when used in accordance with the formulation according to the invention is used in the conventional sense of bottled waters as discussed further below in connection with certain energy-producing formulations in accordance with the invention.

The artificial sweetener used in accordance with the invention is preferably selected from aspartame or acesulfame K or a mixture thereof, although other artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin, can also be used.

It has been found that a combination of aspartame and acesulfame K increases the shelf life of the formulation according to the invention. A formulation containing acesulfame K alone has a shelf life of the order of three-four months, whereas a formulation containing aspartame alone has a shelf life of the order of six months. However, a combination of aspartame and acesulfame K results in the formulation having a shelf life of nine-twelve months.

Preferably, the organic acid is selected from ascorbic or citric acid or a mixture thereof. The organic acid imparts inter alia an acidic flavour while assisting in stabilising the formulation, due to its effect of lowering pH and thus bacterial growth.

Preferably, the formulation contains a preservative, although the formulation could also be pasteurised, if desired. As the formulation will preferably be bottled in plastic bottles, if pasteurisation is to be used, the so-called flash or hot fill pasteurisation technique would be used. The so-called tunnel method of pasteurisation, which involves passing a bottle through a very long steam oven and gradually raising the temperature of the liquid to over 65 °C, followed by lowering the temperature down slightly as the bottle leaves the oven, can only be used for glass bottles, as plastics bottles would melt.

Flash pasteurisation entails raising a liquid to over 65 °C for a very short period of time and then immediately lowering the temperature to approximately 30-40°C, just prior to filling. This method can be used with plastics bottles. However, with this method there is a risk that the liquid can be contaminated between the flash pasteurisation and the point of filling. Accordingly, typically this method of pasteurisation is used in conjunction with a preservative such as dimethyl dicarbonate as sold under the Trade Mark VELCORIN.

Hot fill pasteurisation, as the name suggests, involves raising the liquid to over 65 °C and maintaining this temperature while filling. Thus, this method can be conveniently used with both glass and special temperature resistant plastics bottles, for example PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

However, where a preservative alone is used in the formulation according to the invention, preferably the preservative is selected from dimethyldicarbonate, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, sodium metabisulphite and sulphur dioxide, most especially sodium benzoate.

When potassium sorbate is used as a preservative in the formulation according to the invention in admixture with aspartame, the potassium sorbate must be added after the aspartame and, indeed, the active ingredient so as to avoid any likelihood of precipitation.

Furthermore, the potassium sorbate should be dissolved in water before adding to the mixing tank in which the formulation is prepared. According to a first embodiment of the invention, the active ingredient is one or more essential minerals.

Thus, the formulation according to the invention can be a source of minerals essential to health and optimal functioning of the human body. Preferably, the minerals are selected from magnesium, manganese, selenium and calcium.

Further, preferably, the or each mineral is in the form of a salt.

An especially preferred formulation is one wherein the active ingredient is a combination of magnesium citrate, manganese citrate, selenium and calcium carbonate.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the active ingredient is caffeine.

A formulation in accordance with the invention containing caffeine has the normal effects of caffeine while being in a ready-to- drink, and thus convenient, form which gives the consumer a 'boost' on consumption. Further, preferably, the formulation contains glutamine, thereby, ameliorating the effects of the caffeine. Glutamine, apart from being an essential amino acid, is also known to have a positive effect on the immune system and may have specific immunostimulatory effects. According to a third embodiment of the invention the active ingredient is an energy-producing saccharide material.

Preferably, the saccharide material is selected from one or more monosaccharides, one or more disaccharides or one or more polysaccharides. Further, preferably, the the saccharide material is selected from fructose, lactose and maltodextrin.

Still further, preferably, the formulation contains one or more salts, more especially common salt (sodium chloride) and magnesium chloride as additional active ingredients. A formulation in accordance with the invention containing an energy-producing saccharide material can be used by consumers to boost their energy levels throughout the day during normal work and recreation, but also in situations where extra energy is required, such when engaging in strenuous activity, for example sporting activities. Although formulations in accordance with the invention may not contain added sugars, natural flavourings when used may contain small amounts of natural sugars. Any such natural sugars, if present, will be detected by the Brix test as hereinafter exemplified in the Examples. According to a fourth embodiment of the invention, the active ingredient is hydroxycitric acid or a salt thereof, more especially potassium hydroxycitric acid.

A formulation in accordance with the invention containing hydroxycitric acid can be used to reduce one's appetite, given that hydroxycitric acid is a known appetite suppressant. Thus, by consuming bottled water containing hydroxycitric citric acid in accordance with the invention can have beneficial effects for those wishing to reduce their calorie intake and thus weight loss. The formulation according to the invention preferably has a pH in the range 2.0-4.0 which, as indicated above, assists in stabilising the product over its normal shelf life.

Ready-to-drink formulations in bottle form according to the invention will be fitted with a conventional tamper-evident closure to assure the consumer that the bottle has not been opened or tampered with since leaving the factory or site of manufacture.

It will not normally be necessary to supply bottled formulations in accordance with the invention with a child-proof closure, because of the nature of the active ingredients, although normal parental control and, indeed, consumer awareness will be assumed in the use of the formulations according to the invention. The capacity of a human to consume and absorb water, which is the major component of the ready- to drink formulation as hereinafter described and exemplified, is limited. Typically the volume of water will be 500ml or 1.5 litre, in which the various ingredients, including the active ingredient(s) is/are dissolved.

The method of manufacturing the formulation according to the invention, will typically involve preparing a pre-blend of active ingredient, organic acid(s) and sweetener(s) in a double-cone blender and then passing the resultant blend through a fine gauze screen. The pre-blend is added to the spring water followed by the flavouring(s) and preservative(s), as appropriate, followed by adjustment to the final volume required. However, the nature of the ingredients to be used may dictate a different method of manufacture as hereinafter exemplified.

The liquid mixture is then filled into bottles using standard soft- drinks industry, neck-handling equipment.

The invention will be further illustrated by the following Examples.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

Example 1

Mineral-containing readv-to-drink formulation

A mineral-containing ready-to-drink formulation was prepared containing the following ingredients:

The mineral-containing ready-to-drink-formulation was prepared according to the following procedure:

1. The mixing tank (5000 litre capacity) was approximately half- filled (that is at a level above the mixer) and the mixing paddle switched on.

The sodium benzoate (Univar, Herbertstown, County Limerick, Ireland) was weighed out and added to the tank. When the formulation also contains citric acid as in the case of the present formulation, the sodium benzoate should be added before the citric acid.

3. The Acesulfame K (Camida Ltd., Clonmel, County Tipperary, Ireland) and aspartame sold under the Trade Mark NUTRASWEET (O'Brien Ingredients, Dublin, Ireland) were then added to the mixing tank and dissolved. Aspartame is a difficult substance to dissolve and thus to assist in its dissolution it can be dissolved in warm water before adding it to the mixing tank. Dissolution of the aspartame can also be assisted by adding an amount of citric acid thereto, namely 1 kg citric acid/ 1.5 kg aspartame dissolved in 10 litres of hot water.

4. The citric acid (anhydrous citric acid) (Univar, Herbertstown, County Limerick, Ireland) was weighed out and dissolved in warm water and added to the tank.

5. The raspberry and strawberry flavours (Dohler Euro Citrus Ltd., Milton Keynes, England), magnesium citrate (Kelatron Corporation, Utah, U.S.A.), manganese citrate (Kelatron Corporation, Utah, U.S.A.), selenium (Gee Lawson, London, England) and calcium citrate (Gee Lawson, London, England) were then added and mixed and the water brought up to the full level. In the subsequent Examples the or each active ingredient is added in Step 5 in like manner.

6. Mixing was continued until all of the ingredients had dissolved, but mixing should only continue for the minimum amount of time necessary to dissolve all of the ingredients. Care was taken so as to ensure that the mixture was not overmixed, as this can lead to the introduction of air which causes foaming during the subsequent filling process. 7. The mixture was pumped over to a holding tank.

A number of tests were then carried out on the mixture, prior to the mixture being filled into bottles.

1 Brix Test This test is carried out to measure the dissolved solids in the formulation and to quantify the sugar content thereof, given as one reading.

Result:

Target Found Dissolved Solids/Sugar Content: 0.2-0.7 0.5

2) Acidity Test

Measured as mg/1 as citric acid in this Example and the following Examples.

Result: Target Found

Acidity: 0.21-0.29 0.23 3) pH Test

Result:

Target Found pH: 2.91-3.2 3.03

4) Colour/ Appearance

Result:

Clear Liquid

The results of the above tests having been found to conform to the required specifications, the mixture was released for filling into plastics bottles, made of PET manufactured on site from preforms, using standard soft drinks industry, neck-handling equipment as referred to above. The bottles were fitted with tamper-evident caps, namely a closure sold under the Trade Mark ORION by Owens Illinois Plastics, Gloucestershire, England. The formulation was also subjected to microbiological assessment in accordance with good manufacturing practice as used in the food and drinks industry. The results are shown in Table 1. Table 1

The test was carried out on the day of manufacture and repeated on Days 7, 14 and 42, thereafter. The shelf life of the product was also determined and the product found to have a shelf life of at least six months. The protocol used involved storing the product in conditions similar to those experienced during normal storage, namely heat and ultraviolet light, but under accelerated conditions. The accelerated shelf life test was carried out at 37°C x 24 hours x 42 days under continuous UV light, which equates to a normal six month shelf life test.

Once no deterioration was observed under such accelerated conditions, deterioration would not be expected when the product is stored under normal conditions for periods of twelve months and over. Organoleptic properties

The finished product was tested for organoleptic properties and the following properties noted:

Appearance: A clear still drink

Aroma: A slight strawberry aroma

Flavour: A natural strawberry flavour Texture: A smooth mouthfeel

Example 2

Caffeine and glutamine ready-to-drink formulation A caffeine and glutamine ready-to drink formulation was prepared containing the following ingredients:

The caffeine and glutamine ready-to-drink formulation was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1 and like ingredients were sourced from the same suppliers. The natural blackberry flavour was sourced from Dohler Euro Citrus Ltd., Milton Keynes, England. The caffeine and glutamine were obtained from Fiske Food Ingredients, Lucan, County Dublin, Ireland. The ascorbic acid was obtained from O'Brien Ingredients, Dublin, Ireland. The ascorbic acid was added to the mixture after the citric acid, as required.

The end product was tested in the same manner as for the formulation of Example 1 and the results of the test are as follows:

Result-

Target Found

Dissolved Solids/Sugar Content: 0.7-1.2 1.0

2) Acidity Test

Result:

Target Found

Acidity: 0.25-0.31 0.28 3) pH Test Result:

Target Found pH: 2.8-3.2 3.1 4) Colour/Appearance

Result:

Clear Liquid

The results of the above tests having been found to conform to the required specifications, the mixture was released for filling into bottles following the procedure described in Example 1.

The formulation was also subjected to microbiological assessment as described in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 2.

Table 2

The shelf life of the product was found to be at least six months.

Organoleptic Properties

Appearance: A clear still drink Aroma: A slight blackberry aroma Flavour: A natural blackberry flavour Texture: A smooth mouthfeel

Example 3 Energy-producing ready-to-drink formulation

An energy-producing ready-to drink formulation was prepared containing the following ingredients:

The energy-producing ready-to-drink formulation was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1 and like ingredients were sourced from the same suppliers.

The orange and peach flavours were obtained from Dohler Euro Citrus Ltd., Milton Keynes, England. The lactose was obtained from Glanbia Pic, County Kilkenny, Ireland. The maltodextrin was obtained from Cerestar U.K. Ltd., Carrigaline, County Cork, Ireland. The fructose was obtained from Fiske Food Ingredients, Lucan, County Dublin, Ireland. The salt was obtained from Martin Mc Guire, Salt Provider, Limerick, Ireland. The magnesium chloride was obtained from Fuerst Day Lawson, London, England. The sequence of the addition of the organic acids was in accordance with the procedure adopted in Example 2 and additionally the ascorbic acid was added before the orange flavour.

The end product was tested in the same manner as for the formulation of Example 1 and the results of the tests were as follows.

Result:

Target Found

Dissolved Solids/Sugar Content: 0.6-1.5 0.9

2) Acidity Test Result:

Target Found

Acidity: 0.25-0.29 0.28

3) pH Test Result:

Target Found pH: 2.6-3.2 3.01 4) Colour/ Appearance

Result:

Clear Liquid

The results of the above tests having been found to conform to the required specifications, the mixture was released for filling into bottles in the manner described in Example 1.

As in the case of the preceding Examples, the formulation was also subjected to microbiological assessment in the manner described in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 3.

Table 3

The shelf life of the product was found to be at least six months. Organoleptic Properties

Appearance: A clear still drink

Aroma: A slight orange and peach aroma

Flavour: A natural orange and peach flavour Texture: A smooth mouthfeel

Example 4

Readv-to-drink formulation containing appetite suppressant A ready-to-drink formulation containing an appetite suppressant was prepared containing the following ingredients:

The ready-to-drink formulation containing an appetite suppressant was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1 and like ingredients were sourced from same suppliers. The natural cranberry flavour was obtained from Dohler Euro Citrus Ltd., Miltown Keynes, England. The potassium hydroxycitric acid was obtained from ADM Foods, Kent, England.

Result:

Target Found

Dissolved Solids/Sugar Content: 0.2-0.8 0.6

2) Acidity Test

Result:

Target Found

Acidity: 0.25-0.30 0.26 3) pH Test

Result:

Target Found pH: 3.2-3.9 3.6

4) Colour/Appearance

Result:

Clear Liquid

As in the case of the preceding Examples, the formulation was also subjected to microbiological assessment in the manner described in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 4.

Table 4

The shelf life of the product was found to be at least six months.

Organoleptic Properties The finished product was tested for organoleptic properties and the following properties noted:

Appearance: A clear still drink Aroma: A slight cranberry aroma Flavour: A natural cranberry flavour Texture: A smooth mouthfeel

Claims

Claims: -

1. A ready-to-drink formulation comprising still spring water, an active ingredient, one or more flavouring agents, one or more sweeteners and an organic acid, said formulation having a shelf-life in excess of six months.

2. A formulation according to Claim 1, having a shelf-life in excess of nine months.

3. A formulation according to Claim 1 or 2, having a shelf-life in excess of one year.

4. A formulation according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each flavouring agent is a fruit flavouring agent.

5. A formulation according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each sweetener is an artificial sweetener.

6. A formulation according to Claim 5, wherein the artificial sweetener is selected from aspartame or acesulfame K or a mixture thereof.

7. A formulation according to any preceding claim, wherein the organic acid is selected from ascorbic or citric acid or a mixture thereof.

8. A formulation according to any preceding claim, which contains a preservative.

9. A formulation according to Claim 8, wherein the preservative is sodium benzoate.

10. A formulation according to any preceding claim, wherein the active ingredient is one or more essential minerals.

11. A formulation according to Claim 10, wherein the minerals are selected from magnesium, manganese, selenium and calcium.

12. A formulation according to Claim 11, wherein the or each mineral is in the form of a salt.

13. A formulation according to any one of Claims 10-12, wherein the active ingredient is a combination of magnesium citrate, manganese citrate, selenium and calcium carbonate.

14. A formulation according to any one of Claims 1-9, wherein the active ingredient is caffeine.

15. A formulation according to Claim 14, which also includes glutamine.

16. A formulation according to any one of Claims 1-9, wherein the active ingredient is an energy-producing saccharide material.

17. A formulation according to Claim 16, wherein the saccharide material is selected from one or more monosaccharides, one or more disaccharides or one or more polysaccharides.

18. A formulation according to Claim 17, wherein the saccharide material is selected from fructose, lactose and maltodextrin.

19. A formulation according to any one of Claims 1-9, wherein the active ingredient is hydroxycitric acid or a salt thereof.

20. A formulation according to Claim 19, wherein the active ingredient is potassium hydroxycitric acid.

21. A formulation according to any preceding claim, which has a pH in the range 2.0-4.0.

22. A ready-to-drink formulation according to Claim 1 , substantially as hereinbefore described and exemplified.