Core Ingredients of Tango Cherry
At its foundation, Tango Cherry's recipe is built on a few essential components that give it its signature taste and fizz.
Carbonated Water
As with most fizzy soft drinks, carbonated water is the primary ingredient, providing the drink's characteristic bubbles and effervescence.
Fruit Juices from Concentrate
The cherry flavor is derived from fruit juices from concentrate, typically a blend of apple and a smaller percentage of cherry juice. For instance, a common formula might contain 4% apple and 1% cherry juice concentrate.
Acids
Acids are crucial for balancing the sweetness and adding a tart, tangy flavor profile. The primary acids found in Tango Cherry are:
- Citric Acid: A natural organic acid found in citrus fruits, it acts as a flavor enhancer and preservative.
- Malic Acid: A dicarboxylic acid that adds to the pleasantly sour taste of many fruits.
Acidity Regulator
Sodium citrate is used as an acidity regulator to maintain the drink's pH balance, ensuring a consistent taste and a smooth, mellow flavor.
The Sweeteners and Additives
The modern formulations of Tango Cherry, particularly the sugar-free versions, use a combination of different sweeteners and additives.
Artificial Sweeteners
In the sugar-free varieties, sugar is replaced with artificial sweeteners to provide a sweet taste with minimal calories. Common sweeteners include:
- Sucralose (E955): An artificial sweetener derived from sugar that is 320 to 1,000 times sweeter than sucrose.
- Acesulfame K (E950): A calorie-free sugar substitute often used in combination with other sweeteners.
Natural Flavorings
Natural flavorings are added to enhance the fruity taste and aroma of the drink. These are carefully formulated to create the distinctive and memorable Tango cherry flavor.
Colorants
The drink's deep red color is achieved through the use of natural colors, primarily anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments found in many red, purple, and blue fruits and vegetables. A concentrate of carrot and blackcurrant is often used to create the final appearance.
Preservative
To ensure freshness and extend shelf life, a preservative is added. Potassium sorbate (E202) is a common preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and certain bacteria.
Stabilizer
Xanthan gum (E415) is a stabilizer often found in the sugar-free variant. It helps maintain the texture and consistency of the beverage.
Ingredients Comparison: Classic vs. Sugar-Free Tango Cherry
To highlight the differences in formulation, here is a comparison of the key ingredients between the traditional sugar-inclusive version and the sugar-free variant.
| Ingredient | Traditional Tango Cherry | Sugar-Free Tango Cherry |
|---|---|---|
| Sweeteners | Sugar, plus Acesulfame K and Aspartame | Sucralose, Acesulfame K |
| Sugar Content | Contains sugar | Contains negligible amount of sugar |
| Calories | Higher calorie content due to sugar | Low to zero calories |
| Juice Concentrate | Cherry juice from concentrate | Apple and Cherry juices from concentrate |
| Color | Natural Colours (Anthocyanins) | Natural Colours (Anthocyanins from carrot and blackcurrant concentrate) |
| Stabilizer | Not always listed on labels | Xanthan Gum (E415) |
Potential Ingredient Concerns and Consumer Information
While most of the ingredients in Tango Cherry are widely used and approved food additives, some points are worth noting for consumers with specific health needs or dietary preferences.
Aspartame and Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Older or specific formulations of Tango Cherry may contain Aspartame (E951). This is a source of Phenylalanine, an amino acid that individuals with the genetic disorder Phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid. Product labeling will indicate if Aspartame is present and should be checked by those affected.
Vegan and Vegetarian Status
Most modern sugar-free versions of Tango Cherry are explicitly labeled as suitable for both vegetarians and vegans, as confirmed by the Vegetarian Society. This is because all ingredients, including flavorings and colorants, are sourced from non-animal origins.
Conclusion
Understanding what are the ingredients in Tango Cherry reveals a recipe that has been refined over time, with modern, sugar-free versions reflecting a shift towards low-calorie alternatives. The composition relies on carbonated water, fruit juice concentrates, a blend of acids, and a selection of additives to deliver its signature sweet and tangy cherry taste. For the growing market of health-conscious consumers, manufacturers have successfully created a version that maintains flavor while utilizing artificial sweeteners and avoiding artificial colors. Consumers should always check the product's specific label, as formulation can vary slightly between products like the sugar-inclusive and sugar-free versions. More detailed information on food products can be found on resources like the Open Food Facts database, which provides comprehensive ingredient analysis and nutrition information.
