Tag: Beverage chemistry

An estimated 50-60% of carbonated soft drinks on the market contain phosphoric acid, an additive that contributes to the signature tart flavor and acts as a preservative. This ingredient is most famously associated with cola-style beverages, where it plays a critical role in balancing the drink's sweetness.

Less than half of sodas contain phosphoric acid, mainly in dark colas for flavor and preservation. Many clear or fruit-flavored sodas use different acids.

Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, is the intoxicating substance in every type of alcoholic beverage, from wine and beer to spirits. Though different drinks vary significantly in alcohol content and flavor, the core psychoactive ingredient is always ethanol, which is produced through the process of fermentation.

The pH of most carbonated soft drinks typically ranges between 2.5 and 3.5, making them highly acidic. This surprising fact reveals the powerful chemical processes behind your favorite beverages, from the effervescence of carbonation to the tartness from added acids like phosphoric and citric acid. Understanding this acidity is key to grasping its broader health implications.

A study on popular commercial non-alcoholic malt drinks, such as Malta Guinness and Maltina, found them to have an acidic pH ranging from 4.4 to 4.6. This low pH is a fundamental characteristic of these beverages, and understanding the science behind it is crucial for consumers, especially those monitoring their dietary acidity.

The average can of cola has a pH level similar to that of stomach acid, a fact that highlights the significant acidity of these beverages. This acidic nature is not by accident, as specific acids are deliberately used in their formulation, prompting a common question: which acid is present in soft drinks?

With a typical pH range of **2.8 to 3.5**, Coca-Cola Zero is indeed a highly acidic beverage. Understanding what contributes to the acidity of Coca-Cola Zero is essential for assessing its potential impact on health.

According to studies, many citrus-flavored and diet sodas, such as 7Up, Sprite, and Fresca, contain notable levels of citrate, while dark colas have very little or none. Understanding what sodas have citrate can help consumers make informed choices based on dietary preferences or health considerations, such as managing kidney stone risk.