Analysis of non-alcoholic beverages
The market offers a diverse range of non-alcoholic beverages. Whether water, soft drinks (including fruit juice drinks, fruit spritzers, lemonades), caffeinated beverages (including cola, matcha, energy drinks) or substitute products - legal regulations apply to the marketing of non-alcoholic beverages.
In addition to the legally assured qualitative criteria, other aspects (e.g. certain sugar substitutes, nutritional values), which are demanded by NGOs as well as consumers, must also be taken into account. When it comes to fruit juices and smoothies, the authenticity of the varieties and geographical origin of the fruit is also an important issue.
The accredited laboratories of the Tentamus Group have many years of experience in the analysis of non-alcoholic beverages. We will be happy to advise you on the applicable legal regulations and the analyses required for the marketability of your beverages.
Challenges for
producers & suppliers of non-alcoholic beverages
Non-alcoholic beverages can have a decisive influence on our health. Producers as well as suppliers of non-alcoholic beverages must therefore pay attention to high quality and have it tested to offer a safe and high-quality product on the market. In doing so, the legal framework conditions for the respective beverage segment must be adhered to.
In addition to perishability, correct labeling is extremely important, especially for juices and smoothies. It must be ensured that fruit and vegetable varieties are correctly identified and that no undeclared adulteration has been carried out through dilution or the addition of sugar (food fraud).
No matter how high the hurdles seem, we advise and support you in the examination of your non-alcoholic beverages. Benefit from our many years of expertise in the analysis of beverages as well as from our high-quality equipped laboratories.
Authenticity of fruit juices and smoothies
Authenticity plays a particularly important role for fruit juices, fruit juice beverages and smoothies. In the case of fruit drinks, the possibility of adulteration exists, for example, through
- the addition of unauthorized additives (water, sugar, acids, etc.)
- the "blending" with cheaper foreign juices
- false indications of origin
- falsely declared or unauthorized addition of flavors and vitamines
The detection of such adulterations succeeds with a detailed examination of the beverages.
Labeling of non-alcoholic beverages
Another important point is the correct labeling of the beverages. The list of ingredients of many beverages contains various additives and allergens. To protect consumers, these must be indicated on the label in accordance with the Food Information Regulation.
There are also special requirements regarding the amount and declaration of various secondary plant substances in the beverage and on the packaging.
We are happy to help you in the jungle of regulations and check your beverage for correct declaration.
Necessary tests
for the analysis of non-alcoholic beverages
Which tests are necessary depends on the beverage in question. We will be happy to advise you individually.
Pesticides/residue analysis
Fruit juices and smoothies, as well as other fruit-based drinks such as fruit teas, can be contaminated with pesticides. Pesticides are often used in fruit, vegetable, as well as tea cultivation to protect the plants from infestation with harmful organisms. As a result, the pesticides can get into the finished beverage. The maximum residue levels for pesticides in food of plant origin are regulated in Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005. We perform residue analysis for pesticides using LC and GC (plus various detection modules).
In addition, non-alcoholic beverages may also be contaminated with other pollutants, such as heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, etc.), organic pollutants or mycotoxins.
Microbiological analysis
Non-alcoholic beverages can be contaminated with microorganisms (bacteria, fermentable yeasts and molds), which can lead to various diseases. Fruit juices and smoothies in particular can be affected by quality losses and premature spoilage due to hygiene deficiencies in production. Among other things, the total bacterial count, coliform germs (Salmonella, EHEC, etc.), heat-resistant mold spores, and bacteria (Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, acetic acid bacteria, Alicyclobacillus, etc.) are examined. The contaminants can enter the final product through fermentation, through already contaminated raw materials or along the entire production chain. They are often an indicator of poor hygienic conditions in the manufacturing and production facilities. If there are problems here, we are happy to help to develop a safe production chain.
Chemical analysis
In the chemical analysis of soft drinks, nutritional values, types of sugar and sweeteners as well as other additives (secondary plant substances, minerals, colorants, preservatives, vitamins, caffeine, etc.) are examined. These chemical-physical tests form the basis for the correct labeling of the beverage and also serve to protect consumers. Beverages that are harmful to health, adulterations or incorrect labeling can be detected with an examination of the ingredients.
Verification of origin
Isotope analysis can be used to make a statement about the authenticity of the ingredients of juices and smoothies. The stable isotopes of a product do not change during processing and thus form a kind of individual fingerprint. Particularly in the case of fruit juices as well as smoothies, an origin check can, under certain circumstances, provide information about the origin and authenticity of the food product. However, the determination of the origin depends on the available comparative data from the region, which are available from the corresponding fruits from the corresponding harvest year.
Sensory analysis and labeling verification
Your non-alcoholic beverage tastes weird and you can't figure out where the problem is? We can find it out with the help of a sensory analysis. Trained experts check the taste, appearance, texture and odor of your non-alcoholic beverages and compare them with the ingredient information on the product label. We will also be happy to check the label for you in accordance with current legal requirements.
Sample shipment
for the analysis
of non-alcoholic beverages
You can send us your non-alcoholic beverages with a shipping company of your choice or bring them personally to the laboratory. Within Germany we also pick up your samples, please make an appointment with us.
logistics@tentamus.com
Relevant legal
bases & directives
- Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council
- Fruit juice and soft drinks regulation (Germany)
- AIJN guidelines
- Guidelines for soft drinks (Germany)
- Mineral and table water ordinance (Germany)
Then contact us at +49 30 206 038 230 or food@tentamus.com
Overview of our laboratories
offering analysis of
non-alcoholic beverages
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