Introduction

Powdered soft drink mixes hold a significant (about 13%) share of the total soft drink market . Powdered Soft Drink Market was estimated at USD 10.4 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at the rate of 2.8% each year. Powdered drinks are produced by several large manufacturers in their own facilities or by co-packers. In addition, there are a number of companies who produce smaller volumes of products for private labels.

Use of Citric Acid

A large variety of flavors is offered by the powdered drink industry. These are fruit and berry flavors based upon natural or artificial flavors or a combination of both. Citric Acid is a usual component of powdered drinks because it is a natural component of all fruits and berries.

Citric Acid is the preferred acidulant in the soft drink industry because its pleasant sour taste is characteristic of citrus beverages. Citric Acid has excellent flavor-blending properties when used to complement the natural and artificial flavors of non-citrus-based beverages as well.

The quality of the water the consumer uses to prepare powdered soft drinks have a profound effect upon the quality of the finished beverage. The ability of citric acid to sequester a variety of metal ions considered damaging to the quality of the finished drink is an advantage unique to Citric Acid. Without the presence of citric acid, these metal ions can lead to cloudiness in the finished beverage as well as sedimentation in the drink and the formation of scum rings at the surface of the drink. The formulator of powdered beverages in effect treats the consumers’ water supply by incorporating Citric Acid into his powdered drink formulation. Including Sodium Citrate as a buffer in the formulation will minimize the effect of the pH variations found in drinking water throughout the country.

The early powdered soft drinks had simple formulations, often no more than flavor, Citric Acid and color. Todays formulations reflect the skills of the food scientist utilizing the latest developments in the field of food technology.

Powdered soft drinks are formulated in either sweetened or unsweetened forms. Sweetened formulations are based upon sucrose, combination of sucrose and dextrose, or alternate sweeteners. In the case of unsweetened products, the consumer is provided directions for the proper amounts of sweetener, usually sucrose, to be added to prepare the drink.

Powdered Soft Drink Formulation

Following is a typical formulation of sweetened soft drink powder.

Storage Conditions

Citric Acid, FCC, USP, anhydrous, can be stored in dry form at room temperature. Conditions of high humidity and elevated temperatures should be avoided to prevent caking. Store in tight containers.