Beverage Bottles Selection

It is very important to make sure that both the beverage and the bottle are suitable for each other. There are many factors to consider when selecting a beverage bottle. Among them are color, size, weight, shape and the capability of the beverage bottle to withstand heat, cold and various types of chemical reactions. Plastic Bottles - On a global scale, plastic beverage bottles are the most used common type of bottles used. Most single-serve beverage bottles sold in the U.S. use polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET has become the material of choice for beverage bottles because it is inexpensive, lightweight and shatter resistant. PET bottles must pass strenuous safety testing. Beverage bottles made with PET are widely used for everything from water and fruit juice to soft drinks. Even some beer companies use PET bottles. Plastic bottles are compact and lightweight, making them an ideal choice for storage and transportation purposes. They can be left transparent or be pigmented using solid or diffused colors. Plastic bottles are available in various shapes and sizes, making them suitable for a variety of contents, such as liquids, grains, cereals, etc. They can be easily recycled if handled responsibly. Glass Bottles – Glass beverage bottles convey a premium appeal and are often the packaging that makes the strongest impression on the consumer. The look and feel of a glass beverage bottle is appealing to both the visual and tactile senses by their shape and decorative treatments. In a highly competitive marketplace, only glass provides such a wide array of options to help manufacturers differentiate their products from their competitors. However, all of these positive attributes must outweigh the higher cost of this type of container.

Drink Flavors

Consumer preferences have become increasingly complex. This is especially true in the beverage industry, where there is an ample offering of products, each with differing flavor profiles. Research and development teams work diligently to stay on top of consumer trends. Beverage industry experts have a library of flavors that address cultural preferences. A drink flavor that is very popular in Japan may not successfully penetrate the United States marketplace. Relying strongly on sensory research, the beverage industry employs teams of scientists, food specialists and taste testers who experiment with drink flavors to find those best suited to meet the needs of varying demographics. Taste, smell and texture are some of the more important attributes that testers analyze and rate. All ingredients in drink flavors and formulations must meet FDA guidelines and regulations. Beverage industry experts will be aware of these requirements and will make sure that products meet these guidelines. Qualified beverage experts will also be aware of international regulations and ensure products comply. When working with beverage flavors, modifiers enhance the taste of a beverage while other agents mask unpleasant tastes often associated with vitamins, herbs or other ingredients. By using the right mix of beverage flavors and natural ingredients, developers can balance taste profiles and health benefits. Developers use natural and artificial flavorings together to achieve a desirable flavor profile for a drink. Natural ingredients are those whose flavoring originates from a natural source such as a vegetable, fruit or raw animal materials. A laboratory synthetically produces artificial flavorings. Shelf life affects the formulation of beverage flavors. A shelf-stable beverage may not require refrigeration but its ingredients can affect its shelf life. Some beverage flavors require refrigeration to preserve quality and flavor. Drink flavors can be complex, combining many ingredients to produce a product that delivers a favorable sensory experience.