WO2014095377A1 - Method of improving microbiological stability in a still water-based beverage and microbiologically shelf-stable still water-based beverages - Google Patents

Method of improving microbiological stability in a still water-based beverage and microbiologically shelf-stable still water-based beverages Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2014095377A1
WO2014095377A1 PCT/EP2013/075574 EP2013075574W WO2014095377A1 WO 2014095377 A1 WO2014095377 A1 WO 2014095377A1 EP 2013075574 W EP2013075574 W EP 2013075574W WO 2014095377 A1 WO2014095377 A1 WO 2014095377A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
beverage
still water
based beverage
salts
carbon dioxide
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2013/075574
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Virginie FOHRER
Jacqueline MELO
Original Assignee
Nestec S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nestec S.A. filed Critical Nestec S.A.
Priority to BR112015012638A priority Critical patent/BR112015012638A2/en
Priority to MX2015007687A priority patent/MX2015007687A/en
Priority to CA2894929A priority patent/CA2894929C/en
Priority to EP13799563.5A priority patent/EP2934192A1/en
Priority to US14/652,914 priority patent/US9687014B2/en
Priority to RU2015129580A priority patent/RU2015129580A/en
Priority to CN201380064451.5A priority patent/CN104853623A/en
Priority to JP2015546948A priority patent/JP2015536683A/en
Publication of WO2014095377A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014095377A1/en
Priority to PH12015501380A priority patent/PH12015501380A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23LFOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L2/00Non-alcoholic beverages; Dry compositions or concentrates therefor; Their preparation
    • A23L2/42Preservation of non-alcoholic beverages
    • A23L2/44Preservation of non-alcoholic beverages by adding preservatives
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23LFOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L2/00Non-alcoholic beverages; Dry compositions or concentrates therefor; Their preparation
    • A23L2/02Non-alcoholic beverages; Dry compositions or concentrates therefor; Their preparation containing fruit or vegetable juices
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23LFOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L2/00Non-alcoholic beverages; Dry compositions or concentrates therefor; Their preparation
    • A23L2/52Adding ingredients
    • A23L2/54Mixing with gases
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23LFOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L2/00Non-alcoholic beverages; Dry compositions or concentrates therefor; Their preparation
    • A23L2/52Adding ingredients
    • A23L2/68Acidifying substances
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23VINDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND LACTIC OR PROPIONIC ACID BACTERIA USED IN FOODSTUFFS OR FOOD PREPARATION
    • A23V2002/00Food compositions, function of food ingredients or processes for food or foodstuffs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of improving microbiological stability in a still water-based beverage with respect to undesirable growth of microbiological spoilage such as yeast and mould growth during their preparation and/or storage.
  • Said preservation method comprises at least one step of carbonating the still water-based beverage with a specific low carbon dioxide concentration.
  • Still water-based beverages can be unsuitable for drinking for many reasons and, in particular, due to yeast and/or mould growth during their preparation and/or storage.
  • yeast and/or mould growth during their preparation and/or storage.
  • fruit and/or vegetable containing water-based beverages are prone to yeast and/or mould growth.
  • HF Hot Filling
  • CAF Cold Aseptic Filling
  • Preservatives have been also used in beverages to enhance their shelf-life by providing, in particular, microbial growth control or inhibition.
  • Preservatives commonly used in beverages include, for instance, sulphur dioxide, sorbic acid and its salts, benzoic acid and its salts, cinnamic acid and its salts, dimethyl dicarbonate or a mixture thereof which have an antimicrobial activity and thus, prevent from the undesirable yeast and/or mould growth and microbial spoilage in beverages. Nevertheless, as consumer concern grows regarding more natural and healthier food, there has been a desire to reduce the concentration of preservatives in beverages or to replace them with other means.
  • preservatives can frequently cause an off-flavour to the beverages when used at effective concentrations to actually prevent from microbial spoilage.
  • concentration sufficiently low to avoid off-flavour development such preservatives are not efficient against microbial spoilage.
  • the present invention provides an efficient and cost effective method of improving microbiological stability in still water-based beverages with respect to spoilage of microorganisms so as to enhance their shelf life.
  • This method comprises at least one step of carbonating said beverage with a low carbon dioxide concentration.
  • a method of improving microbiological stability in a still water-based beverage with respect to undesirable microbial growth comprising at least one step of carbonating said beverage wherein the carbon dioxide concentration in the resulting beverage is from approximately 500 mg/L to 1000 mg/L.
  • the carbon dioxide concentration in the resulting still water-based beverage is from approximately 750 mg/L to 1000 mg/L.
  • said step of carbonating comprises the steps of:
  • a method of preserving a still water-based beverage wherein said beverage is an acidic beverage having, for example, a pH from approximately 1 to 5 and, in particular, a pH from about 2 to 4.
  • the method according to the invention may further comprise a step of adding at least one preservative and then, preferably, the total concentration of said preservative(s) in the still water-based beverage is approximately below 1000 mg/L or, preferably, below 400 mg/L.
  • said preservative is selected from the group comprising sulphur dioxide, sorbic acid and its salts, benzoic acid and its salts, cinnamic acid and its salts, vanillin, dimethyl dicarbonate, or a mixture thereof.
  • a method of preserving a still water-based beverage as described above which further comprises a step in which said beverage is filled into a container and wherein said container may be selected form the group comprising glass bottles, plastic bottles, cartons, cans or kegs.
  • Said plastic bottle is, for example, made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
  • Percentages are expressed as weight/volume unless indicated otherwise.
  • a microbiologically shelf- stable still water-based beverage comprising:
  • At least one preservative selected from the group comprising sorbic acid and its salts, benzoic acid and its salts, cinnamic acid and its salts, vanillin, dimethyl dicarbonate, or a mixture thereof, and
  • flavouring agents at least one conventional ingredient selected from the group comprising flavouring agents, food coloring agents, natural or artificial sweeteners, salts, vitamins or emulsifiers.
  • said microbiologically shelf-stable still water- based beverage according to any one of the two preceding aspects is in plastic bottles, wherein said plastic bottles are, for example, made of PET.
  • the improving method according to the invention includes the killing, prevention and/or inhibition of the growth and/or the presence of yeasts and/or moulds in still water-based beverage.
  • “Still” beverage as used herein, means a beverage where the carbon dioxide concentration remains below approximately 1000 mg/L. Indeed, it has been shown by the inventors that below this concentration sensory threshold, the consumer feels like it is a non-carbonated beverage.
  • Still water-based beverages according to the invention can be, for example, acidic beverages and thus have a pH from about 1 to about 5.
  • these acidic beverages have a pH equal to or below about 4.
  • suitable acids may be added to reach the required pH.
  • Such acids can be selected, for example, in the group comprising phosphoric acid, citric acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, and lactic acid, and mixtures of these acids.
  • “Microbiologically shelf-stable” beverages refer to beverages wherein uncontrolled mould and/or yeast growth is not observed within at least 1 month after their preparation, and preferably, 3 months or else 12 months.
  • “Water-based” beverages refer to beverage compositions having greater than 50% of water and, for instance, connprising from approximately 60% to 99% of water.
  • such beverages do not comprise beverages containing alcohols, milk or coffee.
  • Still water-based beverages according to the invention may especially comprise:
  • plant extracts such as, for example, tea, ginger, gingko or ginseng extracts, rooibos, hibiscus, guarana, fruit extracts.
  • flavouring agents at least one conventional ingredient selected from the group comprising flavouring agents, food coloring agents, natural or artificial sweeteners, salts, vitamins or emulsifiers.
  • the preservative according to the invention may be , for example, selected from the group comprising sorbic acid and its salts, benzoic acid and its salts, cinnamic acid and its salts, vanillin, dimethyl dicarbonate (i.e. DMDC), or a mixture thereof.
  • - natural sweeteners such as, for example, sugar, maple syrup, molasses, barley malt and rice syrups, honey and agave nectar,
  • - artificial sweeteners such as, for example, aspartame, sucralose and acesulfame potassium
  • concentrations of the preservatives used, according to the invention may vary over the following ranges, depending upon the nature of the beverage to be preserved, such as, for example:
  • preservatives can be used alone or as a mixture.
  • the total preservative concentration in the beverage obtained by the method of improving microbiological stability according the invention may remain below 1000 mg/L or, preferably, below 400 mg/L or else below 350 mg/L.
  • a microbiologically shelf-stable still water-based beverage according to the invention may, for example, comprise a total preservative concentration of approximately 100 mg/L to 400 mg/L and, in particular, about 400 mg/L or 350 mg/L.
  • the total preservatives concentration in said microbiologically shelf-stable still water-based beverage is approximately 250 mg/L or about 150 mg/L or about 100 mg/L.
  • the off-flavour is avoided or at least attenuated. Moreover, the consumer's desire to consume a beverage having a reduced concentration of preservatives is satisfied.
  • the improving method according to the invention comprises a step of carbonating which means that a specific amount of carbon dioxide is added to the beverage so as to obtain the required carbon dioxide concentration in the resulting still water-based beverage.
  • the resulting still water-based beverage is thus the still water-based beverage obtained after carbonating step.
  • This carbonating step can be performed with a carbonator beverage filling machine where the carbon dioxide is dosed and dissolved in gaseous form into the beverage.
  • a dosing unit as described in the patent application FR 2 799 137 can be used. Said dosing unit is used to transfer the liquid carbon dioxide from a tank to a dosing valve. When this valve is opened, the liquid carbon dioxide is converted into solid form and falls into the beverage's container. Using the latter device makes it easier to reach the required low carbon dioxide concentration in the resulting still water-based beverage.
  • the carbonating step may take place before or after the filing phase wherein the still water-based beverage is filled into the container.
  • composition of a still water-based beverage is prepared in a PET bottle of 500 mL:
  • flavour agent - 450 mg/L of flavour agent
  • the carbonating step is performed in batch production, using pilot scale carbonator equipment, so that the carbon dioxide concentration in the resulting still water-based beverage is 500 mg/L.
  • the step of carbonating is carried out, using the same equipment, either before or after the filling step of the beverage.
  • bottles are inoculated separately with two mixtures of microorganisms, respectively moulds and yeasts, for performing a challenge test.
  • the mould and yeast strains used are as follows:
  • the five mould and five yeast strains were diluted and mixed together to achieve the desired concentration in colony forming units (CFU) per bottle.
  • CFU colony forming units
  • a still water-based beverage is prepared in a bottle of 500 mL in an analogous way as for the composition of example 1, except that it does not contained carbon dioxide. No carbonating step was, then, performed.
  • composition of example 2 was then tested in the presence of the same two mixtures of microorganisms as those used in example 1 and in the same conditions.
  • the grey cells in the table above also indicate that uncontrolled growth of microorganisms was observed.
  • a still water-based beverage is prepared in a bottle of 500 mL in an analogous way as for the composition of example 1 and comprises the following components:
  • flavour agent - 350 mg/L of flavour agent
  • composition of example 3 was then tested in the presence of the same two mixtures of microorganisms as those used in example 1 and in the same conditions.
  • the grey cells in the table above also indicate that uncontrolled growth of microorganisms was observed.
  • a still water-based beverage is prepared in a bottle of 500 mL in an analogous way as for the composition of example 3, except that it contains 150 mg/L of vanillin instead of 200 mg/L and that it does not contain carbon dioxide. No carbonating step was, then, performed.
  • composition of example 4 was then tested in the presence of the same two mixtures of microorganisms as those used in example 1 and in the same conditions.
  • the grey cells in the table above also indicate that uncontrolled growth of microorganisms was observed.
  • a still water-based beverage is prepared in a bottle of 500 mL in an analogous way as for the composition of example 1 and comprises the following components:
  • flavour agent - 350 mg/L of flavour agent
  • composition of example 5 was then tested in the presence of the same two mixtures of microorganisms as those used in example 1 and in the same conditions.
  • the grey cells in the table above also indicate that uncontrolled growth of microorganisms was observed.
  • a still water-based beverage is prepared in a bottle of 500 mL in an analogous way as for the composition of example 1, except that it does not contain carbon dioxide. No carbonating step was, then, performed.
  • composition of example 6 was then tested in the presence of the same two mixtures of microorganisms as those used in example 1 and in the same conditions.
  • the grey cells in the table above also indicate that uncontrolled growth of microorganisms was observed.
  • yeast growth was under control during at least 12 months, but no mould growth control was observed.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Nutrition Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages (AREA)
  • Dairy Products (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of improving microbiological stability in a still water-based beverage with respect to undesirable growth of microbiological spoilage such as yeast and/or mould growth during their preparation and/or storage.

Description

Method of improving microbiological stability in a still water-based beverage and microbiologically shelf-stable still water-based beverages
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a method of improving microbiological stability in a still water-based beverage with respect to undesirable growth of microbiological spoilage such as yeast and mould growth during their preparation and/or storage. Said preservation method comprises at least one step of carbonating the still water-based beverage with a specific low carbon dioxide concentration.
Background of the Invention
Still water-based beverages can be unsuitable for drinking for many reasons and, in particular, due to yeast and/or mould growth during their preparation and/or storage. For instance, fruit and/or vegetable containing water-based beverages are prone to yeast and/or mould growth.
Thus, it is necessary in the beverage industry to take steps to make certain that the beverage does not become spoiled due to undesirable microbial growth in the package between the time of manufacturing and ultimate consumption.
Available methods of improving microbiological stability in beverages use specific manufacturing and packaging technologies such as Hot Filling (HF) or also Cold Aseptic Filling (CAF). The main aim of these technologies is to protect the product from microbial spoilage. HF involves pasteurization of the beverage and its container such that the resulting sealed beverages do not contain spoilage microorganisms. Aseptic processing and packaging of a beverage, such as CAF, also aim to provide a product free of spoilage microorganisms.
However, even if various technologies are available, these methods require very expensive equipment and regular cleaning of the process line which is time-consuming and also expensive. In addition, the risk of accidental exposures to spoilage microorganisms cannot be set aside.
Preservatives have been also used in beverages to enhance their shelf-life by providing, in particular, microbial growth control or inhibition. Preservatives commonly used in beverages include, for instance, sulphur dioxide, sorbic acid and its salts, benzoic acid and its salts, cinnamic acid and its salts, dimethyl dicarbonate or a mixture thereof which have an antimicrobial activity and thus, prevent from the undesirable yeast and/or mould growth and microbial spoilage in beverages. Nevertheless, as consumer concern grows regarding more natural and healthier food, there has been a desire to reduce the concentration of preservatives in beverages or to replace them with other means.
In addition, such preservatives can frequently cause an off-flavour to the beverages when used at effective concentrations to actually prevent from microbial spoilage. Moreover, at a concentration sufficiently low to avoid off-flavour development, such preservatives are not efficient against microbial spoilage.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method of improving microbiological stability in a still water-based beverage which comprises at least one step of carbonating said beverage wherein the carbon dioxide concentration of the resulting beverage is low, and which does not require expensive equipment or high concentration of preservatives, or to at least to provide a useful alternative.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention provides an efficient and cost effective method of improving microbiological stability in still water-based beverages with respect to spoilage of microorganisms so as to enhance their shelf life. This method comprises at least one step of carbonating said beverage with a low carbon dioxide concentration.
In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of improving microbiological stability in a still water-based beverage with respect to undesirable microbial growth, comprising at least one step of carbonating said beverage wherein the carbon dioxide concentration in the resulting beverage is from approximately 500 mg/L to 1000 mg/L.
In a preferred aspect of the invention, the carbon dioxide concentration in the resulting still water-based beverage is from approximately 750 mg/L to 1000 mg/L.
In another aspect of the invention, said step of carbonating comprises the steps of:
- using a dosing unit to transfer the liquid carbon dioxide from a tank to a dosing valve, and
- opening said dosing valve to transfer said carbon dioxide in solid form into a bottle.
In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of preserving a still water-based beverage wherein said beverage is an acidic beverage having, for example, a pH from approximately 1 to 5 and, in particular, a pH from about 2 to 4.
The method according to the invention may further comprise a step of adding at least one preservative and then, preferably, the total concentration of said preservative(s) in the still water-based beverage is approximately below 1000 mg/L or, preferably, below 400 mg/L.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said preservative is selected from the group comprising sulphur dioxide, sorbic acid and its salts, benzoic acid and its salts, cinnamic acid and its salts, vanillin, dimethyl dicarbonate, or a mixture thereof.
In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of preserving a still water-based beverage as described above, which further comprises a step in which said beverage is filled into a container and wherein said container may be selected form the group comprising glass bottles, plastic bottles, cartons, cans or kegs. Said plastic bottle is, for example, made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Percentages are expressed as weight/volume unless indicated otherwise.
In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a microbiologically shelf- stable still water-based beverage comprising:
- 60% to 99% of water,
- 0% to 25% of fruit or vegetable juices, - 0 to 2 g/L of plant extracts,
- 1000 mg/L of carbon dioxide,
- 0.5 g/L to 4 g/L of at least one acid,
- 100 mg/L to 400 mg/L of at least one preservative selected from the group comprising sorbic acid and its salts, benzoic acid and its salts, cinnamic acid and its salts, vanillin, dimethyl dicarbonate, or a mixture thereof, and
- at least one conventional ingredient selected from the group comprising flavouring agents, food coloring agents, natural or artificial sweeteners, salts, vitamins or emulsifiers.
In another aspect of the invention, said microbiologically shelf-stable still water- based beverage according to any one of the two preceding aspects is in plastic bottles, wherein said plastic bottles are, for example, made of PET.
Detailed Description
The improving method according to the invention includes the killing, prevention and/or inhibition of the growth and/or the presence of yeasts and/or moulds in still water-based beverage.
"Still" beverage, as used herein, means a beverage where the carbon dioxide concentration remains below approximately 1000 mg/L. Indeed, it has been shown by the inventors that below this concentration sensory threshold, the consumer feels like it is a non-carbonated beverage.
Still water-based beverages according to the invention can be, for example, acidic beverages and thus have a pH from about 1 to about 5. In particular, these acidic beverages have a pH equal to or below about 4. In each case, suitable acids may be added to reach the required pH. Such acids can be selected, for example, in the group comprising phosphoric acid, citric acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, and lactic acid, and mixtures of these acids.
"Microbiologically shelf-stable" beverages, as used herein, refer to beverages wherein uncontrolled mould and/or yeast growth is not observed within at least 1 month after their preparation, and preferably, 3 months or else 12 months. "Water-based" beverages, as used herein, refer to beverage compositions having greater than 50% of water and, for instance, connprising from approximately 60% to 99% of water.
In particular, such beverages do not comprise beverages containing alcohols, milk or coffee.
Still water-based beverages according to the invention may especially comprise:
- 60% to 99% of water,
- 0% to 25% of fruit or vegetable juices,
- 0 to 2 g/L of plant extracts such as, for example, tea, ginger, gingko or ginseng extracts, rooibos, hibiscus, guarana, fruit extracts.
- 500 mg/L to 1000 mg/L of carbon dioxide,
- 0.5 g/L to 4 g/L of at least one acid such as, for example, citric acid,
- 0 to 1 g/L of at least one preservative, and
- at least one conventional ingredient selected from the group comprising flavouring agents, food coloring agents, natural or artificial sweeteners, salts, vitamins or emulsifiers.
The preservative according to the invention may be , for example, selected from the group comprising sorbic acid and its salts, benzoic acid and its salts, cinnamic acid and its salts, vanillin, dimethyl dicarbonate (i.e. DMDC), or a mixture thereof.
Conventional ingredients according to the invention are, for example:
- flavouring agents,
- food colouring,
- natural sweeteners such as, for example, sugar, maple syrup, molasses, barley malt and rice syrups, honey and agave nectar,
- artificial sweeteners such as, for example, aspartame, sucralose and acesulfame potassium,
- salts,
- vitamins, and
- emulsifiers. The concentrations of the preservatives used, according to the invention, may vary over the following ranges, depending upon the nature of the beverage to be preserved, such as, for example:
- about 0 to 500 mg/L of sorbic acid or its salts,
- about 0 to 500 mg/L of benzoic acid or its salts,
- about 0 to 500 mg/L of cinnamic acid or its salts,
- about 0 to 250 mg/L of DMDC.
These preservatives can be used alone or as a mixture. When a mixture of preservatives is used, the total preservative concentration in the beverage obtained by the method of improving microbiological stability according the invention may remain below 1000 mg/L or, preferably, below 400 mg/L or else below 350 mg/L.
In addition, a microbiologically shelf-stable still water-based beverage according to the invention may, for example, comprise a total preservative concentration of approximately 100 mg/L to 400 mg/L and, in particular, about 400 mg/L or 350 mg/L. Preferably the total preservatives concentration in said microbiologically shelf-stable still water-based beverage is approximately 250 mg/L or about 150 mg/L or about 100 mg/L.
At a preservative concentration below the threshold of 1000 mg/L, the off-flavour is avoided or at least attenuated. Moreover, the consumer's desire to consume a beverage having a reduced concentration of preservatives is satisfied.
The improving method according to the invention comprises a step of carbonating which means that a specific amount of carbon dioxide is added to the beverage so as to obtain the required carbon dioxide concentration in the resulting still water-based beverage.
"The resulting still water-based beverage" is thus the still water-based beverage obtained after carbonating step.
This carbonating step can be performed with a carbonator beverage filling machine where the carbon dioxide is dosed and dissolved in gaseous form into the beverage. Alternatively, a dosing unit as described in the patent application FR 2 799 137 can be used. Said dosing unit is used to transfer the liquid carbon dioxide from a tank to a dosing valve. When this valve is opened, the liquid carbon dioxide is converted into solid form and falls into the beverage's container. Using the latter device makes it easier to reach the required low carbon dioxide concentration in the resulting still water-based beverage.
Other methods known to the skilled person may also be used.
The carbonating step may take place before or after the filing phase wherein the still water-based beverage is filled into the container.
As used in this specification, the words "comprises", "comprising", and similar words, are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean including, but not limited to.
Any reference to prior art documents in this specification is not to be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.
The invention is further described with reference to the following examples. It will be appreciated that the invention as claimed is not intended to be limited in any way by these examples.
EXAMPLE 1
The following composition of a still water-based beverage is prepared in a PET bottle of 500 mL:
- 996 g/L of water,
- 350 mg/L of hibiscus extracts,
- 90 mg/L of acesulfame potassium
- 150 mg/L of aspartame,
- 2 g/L of citric monoacid,
- 20 mg/L of caramel color,
- 450 mg/L of flavour agent,
- 500 mg/L of carbon dioxide,
- 300 mg/L of vanillin, and
- 200 mg/L of potassium cinnamate. Ingredients are mixed in a batch production, filled in PET bottles and pasteurized.
The carbonating step is performed in batch production, using pilot scale carbonator equipment, so that the carbon dioxide concentration in the resulting still water-based beverage is 500 mg/L.
The step of carbonating is carried out, using the same equipment, either before or after the filling step of the beverage.
After pasteurization, bottles are inoculated separately with two mixtures of microorganisms, respectively moulds and yeasts, for performing a challenge test.
The mould and yeast strains used are as follows:
Figure imgf000009_0001
The five mould and five yeast strains were diluted and mixed together to achieve the desired concentration in colony forming units (CFU) per bottle. For both tested compositions, the determination of germ count of, respectively, yeasts and moulds was determined by membrane filtration.
When the number of yeast or mould colonies is decreasing with time or equal to 0, it is considered that the yeast or mould growth is under control.
The results of these challenge tests are shown in Table 1:
Table 1
Figure imgf000009_0002
The grey cells in the table indicate that uncontrolled growth of microorg was observed. The results show that the method according to the invention prevents, in the composition of example 1: uncontrolled yeast growth during at least 12 months
uncontrolled mould growth during 6 months.
EXAMPLE 2 (comparative example)
A still water-based beverage is prepared in a bottle of 500 mL in an analogous way as for the composition of example 1, except that it does not contained carbon dioxide. No carbonating step was, then, performed.
The composition of example 2 was then tested in the presence of the same two mixtures of microorganisms as those used in example 1 and in the same conditions.
The results of the corresponding challenge test are shown in Table 2:
Table 2
Figure imgf000010_0001
The grey cells in the table above also indicate that uncontrolled growth of microorganisms was observed.
The results show that the microbiological stability of the composition of example 2 is decreased compared with the one observed for example 1.
Indeed, in the composition of example 2:
- yeast growth was under control during at least 12 months, and
- mould growth was under control during only 2 months. EXAMPLE 3
A still water-based beverage is prepared in a bottle of 500 mL in an analogous way as for the composition of example 1 and comprises the following components:
- 948 g/L of water,
- 8.27 g/L of apple juice (5 %),
- 40 g/L of sugar,
- 1.9 g/L of citric monoacid,
- 350 mg/L of flavour agent,
- 500 mg/L of carbon dioxide,
- 200 mg/L of vanillin,
- 200 mg/L of potassium cinnamate, and
- 150 mg/L of potassium sorbate.
The composition of example 3 was then tested in the presence of the same two mixtures of microorganisms as those used in example 1 and in the same conditions.
The results of the corresponding challenge test are shown in Table 3:
Table 3
Figure imgf000011_0001
The grey cells in the table above also indicate that uncontrolled growth of microorganisms was observed.
The results show that the method according to the invention prevents, in the composition of example 3: uncontrolled yeast growth during at least 12 months, and
uncontrolled mould growth during at least 12 months. EXAMPLE 4 (comparative example)
A still water-based beverage is prepared in a bottle of 500 mL in an analogous way as for the composition of example 3, except that it contains 150 mg/L of vanillin instead of 200 mg/L and that it does not contain carbon dioxide. No carbonating step was, then, performed.
The composition of example 4 was then tested in the presence of the same two mixtures of microorganisms as those used in example 1 and in the same conditions.
The results of the corresponding challenge test are shown in Table 4:
Table 4
Figure imgf000012_0001
The grey cells in the table above also indicate that uncontrolled growth of microorganisms was observed.
The results show that the microbiological stability of the composition of example 4 is decreased compared with the one observed for example 3.
Indeed, in the composition of example 4:
- yeast growth was under control during at least 12 months, and
- mould growth was under control during only 6 months.
EXAMPLE 5
A still water-based beverage is prepared in a bottle of 500 mL in an analogous way as for the composition of example 1 and comprises the following components:
- 1000 g/L of water,
- 8.27 g/L of apple juice (5 %), - 40 g/L of sugar,
- 1.9 g/L of citric monoacid,
- 350 mg/L of flavour agent,
- 750 mg/L of carbon dioxide,
- 350 mg/L of potassium sorbate.
The composition of example 5 was then tested in the presence of the same two mixtures of microorganisms as those used in example 1 and in the same conditions.
The results of the corresponding challenge test are shown in Table 5:
Table 5
Figure imgf000013_0001
The grey cells in the table above also indicate that uncontrolled growth of microorganisms was observed.
The results show that the method according to the invention prevents, in the composition of example 5: uncontrolled yeast growth during at least 12 months, and
uncontrolled mould growth during 3 months.
EXAMPLE 6 (comparative example)
A still water-based beverage is prepared in a bottle of 500 mL in an analogous way as for the composition of example 1, except that it does not contain carbon dioxide. No carbonating step was, then, performed.
The composition of example 6 was then tested in the presence of the same two mixtures of microorganisms as those used in example 1 and in the same conditions.
The results of the corresponding challenge test are shown in Table 6: Table 6
Figure imgf000014_0001
(N/A stands for not available)
The grey cells in the table above also indicate that uncontrolled growth of microorganisms was observed.
The results show that the microbiological stability of the composition of example 6 is decreased compared with the one observed for example 5.
Indeed, in the composition of example 6 yeast growth was under control during at least 12 months, but no mould growth control was observed.
The challenge tests of example 1 to 6 show that the method according to the invention provides an improved microbiological stability. Uncontrolled mould and yeast growth was observed after at least 3 months when the method according to the invention was implemented.
Although the invention has been described by way of example, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, where known equivalents exist to specific features, such equivalents are incorporated as if specifically referred in this specification.

Claims

Claims
1. A method of improving microbiological stability in a still water-based beverage comprising at least one step of carbonating said beverage wherein the carbon dioxide concentration in the resulting still water-based beverage is from 500 mg/L to 1000 mg/L.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the carbon dioxide concentration in the resulting still water-based beverage is from 750 mg/L to 1000 mg/L.
3. A method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein said step of carbonating comprises the steps of :
- using a dosing unit to transfer the liquid carbon dioxide from a tank to a dosing valve, and
- opening said dosing valve to transfer said carbon dioxide in solid form into a bottle.
4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said still water-based beverage is an acidic beverage.
5. A method according to claim 4, wherein said acidic beverage has a pH from 1 to 5.
6. A method according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein said acidic beverage has a pH from 2 to 4.
7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising the step of adding at least one preservative.
8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the total concentration of said preservative(s) in the still water-based beverage is below 1000 mg/L.
9. A method according to any one of claims 7 and 8, wherein the total concentration of said preservative(s) in the still water-based beverage is below 400 mg/L.
10. A method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein said preservative is selected from the group comprising sulphur dioxide, sorbic acid and its salts, benzoic acid and its salts, cinnamic acid and its salt, vanillin, dimethyl dicarbonate, or a mixture thereof.
11. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a step in which said beverage is packed into a container, which is selected form the group comprising glass bottles, plastic bottles, cartons, cans or kegs.
12. Microbiologically shelf-stable still water-based beverage comprising :
- 60% to 99% of water,
- 0% to 25% of fruit juices,
- 0 to 2 g/L of plant extracts,
- 1000 mg/L of carbon dioxide,
- 0.5 g/L to 4 g/L of at least one acid,
- 100 mg/L to 400 mg/L of at least one preservative, and
- at least one ingredient selected from the group comprising flavouring agents, food coloring agents, natural or artificial sweeteners, salts, vitamins or emulsifiers.
13. Microbiologically shelf-stable still water-based beverage comprising :
- 60% to 99% of water,
- 0% to 25% of fruit juices,
- 0 to 2 g/L of plant extracts,
- 1000 mg/L of carbon dioxide,
- 0.5 g/L to 4 g/L of at least one acid,
- 350 mg/L of at least one preservative, and
- at least one ingredient selected from the group comprising flavouring agents, food coloring agents, natural or artificial sweeteners, salts, vitamins or emulsifiers.
14. Microbiologically shelf-stable still water-based beverage according to any one of claim 12 and 13, wherein the preservative is selected from the group comprising sorbic acid and its salts, benzoic acid and its salts, cinnamic acid and its salts, vanillin, dimethyl dicarbonate, or a mixture thereof.
15. Microbiologically shelf-stable still water-based beverage according to any one of claim 12 to 14, wherein said beverage is in plastic bottles.
PCT/EP2013/075574 2012-12-18 2013-12-04 Method of improving microbiological stability in a still water-based beverage and microbiologically shelf-stable still water-based beverages WO2014095377A1 (en)

Priority Applications (9)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BR112015012638A BR112015012638A2 (en) 2012-12-18 2013-12-04 method for improving microbiological stability in a still water-based beverage and microbiologically stable shelf-free water-based beverage
MX2015007687A MX2015007687A (en) 2012-12-18 2013-12-04 Method of improving microbiological stability in a still water-based beverage and microbiologically shelf-stable still water-based beverages.
CA2894929A CA2894929C (en) 2012-12-18 2013-12-04 Method of improving microbiological stability in a still water-based beverage and microbiologically shelf-stable still water-based beverages
EP13799563.5A EP2934192A1 (en) 2012-12-18 2013-12-04 Method of improving microbiological stability in a still water-based beverage and microbiologically shelf-stable still water-based beverages
US14/652,914 US9687014B2 (en) 2012-12-18 2013-12-04 Method of improving microbiological stability in a still water-based beverage and microbiologically shelf-stable still water-based beverages
RU2015129580A RU2015129580A (en) 2012-12-18 2013-12-04 METHOD FOR IMPROVING MICROBIOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY OF A DRINK BASED ON still water AND MICROBIOLOGICAL STABILITY WHEN STORING A DRINK BASED ON still water
CN201380064451.5A CN104853623A (en) 2012-12-18 2013-12-04 Method of improving microbiological stability in a still water-based beverage and microbiologically shelf-stable still water-based beverages
JP2015546948A JP2015536683A (en) 2012-12-18 2013-12-04 Method for improving microbiological stability in non-foaming aqueous beverages and microbiological storage-stable non-foaming aqueous beverages
PH12015501380A PH12015501380A1 (en) 2012-12-18 2015-06-17 Method of improving microbiological stability in a still water-based beverage and microbiologically shelf-stable still water-based beverages

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12197699 2012-12-18
EP12197699.7 2012-12-18

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2014095377A1 true WO2014095377A1 (en) 2014-06-26

Family

ID=47504698

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2013/075574 WO2014095377A1 (en) 2012-12-18 2013-12-04 Method of improving microbiological stability in a still water-based beverage and microbiologically shelf-stable still water-based beverages

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (1) US9687014B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2934192A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2015536683A (en)
CN (1) CN104853623A (en)
BR (1) BR112015012638A2 (en)
CA (1) CA2894929C (en)
MX (1) MX2015007687A (en)
PH (1) PH12015501380A1 (en)
RU (1) RU2015129580A (en)
WO (1) WO2014095377A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105454969A (en) * 2014-09-29 2016-04-06 朗盛德国有限责任公司 Method for sterilizing drinks contaminated with acetic acid bacteria

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP6788700B2 (en) * 2018-03-26 2020-11-25 三栄源エフ・エフ・アイ株式会社 Heat-deteriorated odor masking agent for fruit juice-containing products

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2799137A1 (en) 1999-10-05 2001-04-06 Air Liquide Carbonation of beverage includes filling container with liquid at atmospheric pressure and carbonating it using solid carbon dioxide
US20020127317A1 (en) * 2000-07-24 2002-09-12 Hotchkiss Joseph H. Carbon dioxide as an aid in pasteurization
US20030113408A1 (en) * 1998-12-29 2003-06-19 Clark George H. Carbonated fortified milk-based beverage and method for suppressing bacterial growth in the beverage
US20070154614A1 (en) * 2004-10-07 2007-07-05 Shawn Sherwood Protein beverage and method of making the same

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2575952B2 (en) * 1990-12-28 1997-01-29 アサヒ飲料株式会社 Production method of oxygen-containing mineral water in closed container
WO1994015489A1 (en) * 1993-01-18 1994-07-21 Unilever Plc Improvements in or relating to carbonation
JPH07170951A (en) * 1993-12-20 1995-07-11 Morinaga & Co Ltd Production of new beverage
TR200001149T2 (en) * 1997-10-28 2000-08-21 Unilever N.V. A beverage that does not deteriorate in quality and is based on tea at room temperature.
US7205018B2 (en) * 2004-10-07 2007-04-17 Next Proteins, Inc. Carbonated protein drink and method of making
DK2001312T3 (en) * 2006-03-10 2014-09-01 Next Proteins Inc Process for preparing a protein drink
US20080044530A1 (en) * 2006-08-21 2008-02-21 Mccormick Casey Shelf-stable, non-alcoholic, haze-free malt beverage and methods
US8029846B2 (en) * 2007-03-14 2011-10-04 The Concentrate Manufacturing Company Of Ireland Beverage products

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030113408A1 (en) * 1998-12-29 2003-06-19 Clark George H. Carbonated fortified milk-based beverage and method for suppressing bacterial growth in the beverage
FR2799137A1 (en) 1999-10-05 2001-04-06 Air Liquide Carbonation of beverage includes filling container with liquid at atmospheric pressure and carbonating it using solid carbon dioxide
US20020127317A1 (en) * 2000-07-24 2002-09-12 Hotchkiss Joseph H. Carbon dioxide as an aid in pasteurization
US20070154614A1 (en) * 2004-10-07 2007-07-05 Shawn Sherwood Protein beverage and method of making the same

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
J. A. PERGIO ET AL: "The Effect of Carbonation, Benzoic Acid and pH on the Growth Rate of a Soft Drink Spoilage Yeast as determined by a Turbidostatic Continuous Culture Apparatus", JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, vol. 27, no. 2, August 1964 (1964-08-01), pages 315 - 332, XP055061816, ISSN: 1364-5072, DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.1964.tb04918.x *
J. YUSTE ET AL: "Combination of Carbon Dioxide and Cinnamon to Inactivate Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Apple Juice", JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, vol. 67, no. 8, October 2002 (2002-10-01), pages 3087 - 3090, XP055061926, ISSN: 0022-1147, DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2621.2002.tb08863.x *

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105454969A (en) * 2014-09-29 2016-04-06 朗盛德国有限责任公司 Method for sterilizing drinks contaminated with acetic acid bacteria
CN105454969B (en) * 2014-09-29 2018-07-06 朗盛德国有限责任公司 For the method for the sterilizing of beverage polluted by acetic acid bacteria
RU2702156C2 (en) * 2014-09-29 2019-10-04 ЛЕНКСЕСС Дойчланд ГмбХ Composition and method for sterilization of beverages infected with acetic acid bacteria

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2934192A1 (en) 2015-10-28
CN104853623A (en) 2015-08-19
PH12015501380A1 (en) 2015-09-02
CA2894929A1 (en) 2014-06-26
US9687014B2 (en) 2017-06-27
BR112015012638A2 (en) 2017-07-11
MX2015007687A (en) 2015-09-07
US20150335057A1 (en) 2015-11-26
JP2015536683A (en) 2015-12-24
CA2894929C (en) 2021-10-26
RU2015129580A (en) 2017-02-02

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN101460068B (en) Beverage compositions comprising a preservative system
CN1090008C (en) Preparation of noncarbonated beverage products with improved microbial stability
US20080193616A1 (en) Beverage compositions comprising polylysine and at least one weak acid
US20080138490A1 (en) Shelf-stable liquid beverage concentrate
US5866182A (en) Preservative, method of use thereof to preserve drinks and drinks preserved thereby
AU2005200966A1 (en) Antimicrobial effect of chitosan in beverages
MX2008013495A (en) Preservative.
CN106982960A (en) Purposes of the anticorrosive composite in diet product
US20140295041A1 (en) Composition
CN116507218A (en) Method for sterilizing and preserving beverages
US9687014B2 (en) Method of improving microbiological stability in a still water-based beverage and microbiologically shelf-stable still water-based beverages
EP3785545B1 (en) Product with a non-alcohol drink and method for preserving said drink
ICMSF Soft drinks, fruit juices, concentrates and fruit preserves
MX2011003092A (en) Method for preserving drinks.
US12035732B1 (en) Composition of matter and method of use for wine health mixtures
JP7498187B2 (en) Preserved Tea Products
US20100215816A1 (en) Antimicrobial Composition And Its Use In Ready-To-Drink Beverages
Shah et al. HURDLE TECHNOLOGY IN MANGO JUICE PROCESSING: A PREVENTIVE MEASURE AGAINST ALICYCLOBACILLUS SPP.
CN115530239A (en) Milk tea beverage and preparation method thereof
JP2019180287A (en) Method for filling packed beverage
CN106509108A (en) Recipe and processing technology of milk drink containing gelidium amansii and sodium alginate in raw materials
EP2769627A1 (en) Method for producing a concentrated juice-containing beverage on the basis of liquid pectin
WO2008044248A1 (en) Soft drink

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 13799563

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2015546948

Country of ref document: JP

Kind code of ref document: A

REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: BR

Ref legal event code: B01A

Ref document number: 112015012638

Country of ref document: BR

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2894929

Country of ref document: CA

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: IDP00201503579

Country of ref document: ID

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: MX/A/2015/007687

Country of ref document: MX

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 14652914

Country of ref document: US

Ref document number: 12015501380

Country of ref document: PH

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

REEP Request for entry into the european phase

Ref document number: 2013799563

Country of ref document: EP

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2013799563

Country of ref document: EP

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2015129580

Country of ref document: RU

Kind code of ref document: A

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 112015012638

Country of ref document: BR

Kind code of ref document: A2

Effective date: 20150529