Understanding the Core Ingredients of Oasis Drinks
While the precise formulation of Oasis drinks can differ between flavours and product lines, there is a core set of ingredients that serves as the foundation for most varieties. These include water, fruit juices from concentrate, sweeteners (both sugar and artificial), acids, flavourings, stabilisers, and preservatives. The manufacturer, Coca-Cola, clearly labels all components on the product packaging.
Water
Water forms the primary base of Oasis drinks, often specified as spring water in many European recipes. It is essential for diluting concentrated flavours and sugars.
Fruit Juices from Concentrate
Oasis contains a percentage of fruit juice derived from concentrates, typically a blend of different fruits to achieve the desired taste. Examples include apple, strawberry, redcurrant, and cherry in Summer Fruits, and orange, mandarin, and lemon in Citrus Punch. Some regions claim up to 12% fruit content.
Sweeteners
Oasis drinks use a combination of sweeteners to balance the fruit's tartness. Regular varieties contain sugar along with artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame K, while 'Zero' versions use only artificial sweeteners. Products containing aspartame may include a warning about phenylalanine.
Acids, Flavourings, and Stabilisers
These ingredients fine-tune the taste and texture. Citric acid provides a tart taste and acts as a preservative. Natural flavourings enhance fruit notes. Stabilisers such as polyphosphates and glycerol esters of wood rosins maintain consistency and prevent ingredient separation. Colouring agents like safflower or blackcurrant concentrate are also used.
Preservatives
Preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are added to extend shelf life and prevent the growth of mould, yeast, and bacteria.
Comparison of Oasis Flavours by Ingredients
For a comparison of ingredients across different Oasis flavours, including Summer Fruits (Regular and Zero), Citrus Punch (Regular), and Exotic Fruits Zero (GB), please refer to the official Oasis page on the {Link: Coca-Cola website https://www.coca-cola.com/gb/en/brands/oasis}. This resource provides detailed tables outlining specific fruit juice concentrates, sweeteners, acids, and colouring agents used in each variety.
A Closer Look at the Additives
The various additives play a crucial role in the product's quality and shelf-life. These include acidity regulators like sodium citrates to control pH and inhibit microbial growth, and stabilisers such as polyphosphates and glycerol esters of wood rosins to maintain consistency. Preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate extend shelf life by preventing spoilage.
Conclusion: A Blend of Fruit, Sweeteners, and Additives
Oasis drinks are a blend of concentrated fruit juices, sugar and artificial sweeteners, and food additives like acids, flavourings, stabilisers, and preservatives. This formulation provides a consistent, refreshing taste with a long shelf life. The specific ingredients vary by flavour and sugar content. Consumers should check the product label for the most accurate information. For a detailed list of ingredients for all current flavours, please visit the official Oasis page on the {Link: Coca-Cola website https://www.coca-cola.com/gb/en/brands/oasis}.