89-7 |
High intensity sweetener blends yield more stable sensory profiles and extend shelf life of carbonated lemon-lime beverages |
J. TIMKO, Technical Service, Nutrinova, Inc., 285 Davidson Avenue Suite 102, Somerset, NJ 08873, J. Fry, Connect Consulting, 6 Hollands Field, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham RD12 3HQ, United Kingdom, and W. H. Riha, III, Technical Services, Nutrinova, Inc., 285 Davidson Avenue Suite 102, Somerset, NJ 08873. Among the top-ten carbonated drink brands, diet carbonated shares grew 20.4% in the first half of 2001, more than three times the 6.2% increase in sugared soda's market share. Consumers have always wanted their sugar-free products to taste as close to full-sugar products as possible. This need has resulted in sweetener blending; the answer for meeting consumers' needs for reduced calories without sacrificing taste. Blending high intensity sweeteners allows beverage and food manufacturers to fulfill this consumer need while reducing costs and extending product shelf life. The objective of the present study was to evaluate blends of acesulfame-potassium (ACE-K) with aspartame and sucralose in carbonated lemon-lime beverages to compare sensory profiles over a six-month storage period. Eight different sweetening systems (3 single sweeteners, 5 blends) equisweet to 10% sucrose were incorporated in a carbonated lemon-lime beverage and stored at room temperature for up to 6 months. Samples were evaluated at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24 weeks by a trained flavor profile panel. Panelists rated flavor, sweet, chemical, and rounded flavor profile and aftertaste. All sweetening systems were rated similarly at 4 and 8 weeks, but the ACE-K blends proved increasingly advantageous at longer storage times. The APM-only beverage became significantly less sweet and had more artificial sweetener taste and aftertaste after 24 weeks. In contrast, a 30:70 ACE-K/APM beverage maintained its sweetness relative to the sucrose control. The 30:70 blend also had a lower level of artificial sweetener taste over the 24-week storage period. Analytical results showed that about 50% of the aspartame degraded during storage. Overall, ACE-K blends were significantly better than single sweeteners in maintaining a stable sensory profile over six months. Blending sweetener systems can meet consumers increasing demand for a sugar-like tasting product while reducing costs and extending shelf life for the manufacturers.
Session 89, Product Development
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