You soft drinks are enjoyed in almost all parts of the world and have the most diverse flavors. This drink was created in 1772 when the English chemist Joseph Priestley developed a way to carbonate mineral water. The first industry dedicated to the manufacture of this product itself appeared in the United States, in 1871. In Brazil, the first industry started operating in 1905.
Several scientists contributed to the changes made in the formulations of different types of soft drinks and also in the packaging of these products. The first glass bottles used, for example, were amber in color (dark), then they were changed to colorless bottles.
It is common knowledge that this liquid has been appreciated for a long time, but what is, in fact, a soda? What is yours chemical composition?
It is a carbonated beverage (presence of carbonates) and non-alcoholic. The differential of soda in relation to other non-alcoholic beverages is the presence of carbon dioxide in its composition, which it is important because this gas enhances the flavor and the refreshing and bacteriostatic action (it preserves the original characteristics). For this, carbon dioxide must be well dissolved in the liquid, which occurs at lower temperatures.
The colder the soda is, the more carbon dioxide will be dissolved
THE chemical composition of soft drinks it's quite wide. This product has, in addition to carbon dioxide, the following substances:
Water: it is the substance in the largest quantity in the soft drink formula, something around 88%. It must have a high degree of purity to be used;
Concentrates: are mixtures of fruit or vegetable extracts, oils and spirits. It's the famous soda syrup;
Carbonates (CO3) and bicarbonates (HCO3): they are substances that, when they come into contact with the acids present in the soda, regulate its pH, not allowing extreme acidity;
Sulphates (SO4) and phenols (C6H6O): substances that have the role of amplifying the taste of the soda;
Sugar (sucrose/C12H22O11): it is the second largest component in the soft drink formula, around 11%, and has the function of sweetening and thickening the product. In diet or low-calorie soft drinks, sugar is replaced by sweeteners, which sweeten and enhance flavor, such as saccharin (C7H5NSO3) and aspartame (C14H18N2O5);
Acidulant: it is a substance that, in addition to enhancing the flavor, works by reducing the pH of the soda, making it more acidic and preventing the proliferation of microorganisms. Citric acid (C6H8O7) is an example of an acidulant. In cola-flavored soft drinks, the acidulant used is phosphoric acid (H3DUST4).
Antioxidant: it is a substance that prevents the oxygen gas from interacting with substances present in the soda and impairing the odor and taste. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a widely used antioxidant. The presence of light and heat favors the oxidation of some components of the refrigerant.
preservative: how there are bacteria and fungi that are resistant to the acidity of the soda and that, when present, can change the color, odor and aroma, some preservatives are used, such as benzoate. sodium (C7H5O2Na), to prevent the proliferation of acid-resistant microorganisms.
Note that the composition of a soft drink is quite complex, but what matters is that it is a very pleasant drink on the palate. If you want keep the taste of your soda nice for longer, follow the tips below:
Keep it as cold as possible;
Prefer glass containers or aluminum cans (plastic containers allow part of the gas to pass through them over time);
If you buy a large bottle and don't drink it all, pour the rest into a smaller container and cap tightly. The more free space in the bottle, the more easily the gas will come out of the liquid.
Does not leave the refrigerant exposed to light and heat.
The aluminum packaging does not allow gas to escape through its walls
By Me. Diogo Lopes Dias
