GAS LOSS REDUCING ADDITIVES FOR BEVERAGES, BEVERAGE COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING GAS LOSS REDUCING ADDITIVES, AND METHODS FOR REDUCING GAS LOSS FROM BEVERAGES - Patent application

Abstract

A method of reducing gas loss from a beverage, such as a reduced sugar or no sugar carbonated beverage, by encapsulating at least a portion of the air bubbles present in the beverage to reduce or prevent gas loss from the beverage.A reduced sugar or no sugar carbonated beverage comprising a carbonated beverage base and an additive that encapsulates at least a portion of the air bubbles present in the beverage to reduce or prevent gas loss from the beverage.The use of a glyceride in a reduced sugar or no sugar carbonated beverage to encapsulate at least a portion of the air bubbles present in the beverage, thereby reducing or preventing gas loss from the beverage.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application is a provisional application for patent under 35 U.S.C. §119(e).

[0002] The present disclosure relates to gas loss reducing additives for beverages, methods for reducing gas loss from beverages, and beverages comprising the gas loss reducing additives. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to gas loss reducing additives for carbonated beverages, methods for reducing gas loss from carbonated beverages, and carbonated beverages comprising the gas loss reducing additives. [Background technology]

[0003] background Carbonated beverages contain flavors, sweeteners, water, and carbon dioxide gas dissolved in the beverage's water. Carbon dioxide gas is only slightly soluble in water, so carbonated beverages must be kept under high pressure to maintain the carbon dioxide gas dissolved in the beverage's water medium. When the pressure is removed from the beverage, the carbon dioxide gas is released as tiny bubbles that rise to the surface of the beverage, creating the effervescence or fizz of the beverage.

[0004] Many carbonated beverages contain nutritive sweeteners, such as sucrose or high fructose corn syrup, to give the carbonated beverage a sweet taste and full mouthfeel. However, there is a continuing effort in the beverage industry to replace at least a portion of the nutritive sweetener sucrose with non-nutritive sweeteners to reduce the overall caloric content of the beverage while mimicking the sweet taste and mouthfeel of full sugar beverages. These beverages are often referred to as reduced sugar, low sugar, no sugar, or zero sugar beverages.

[0005] Many non-nutritive sweeteners, such as aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sodium cyclamate, stevia, saccharin and sucralose, have lower solubility in beverage media. When sugar is partially or totally replaced with one or more non-nutritive sweeteners to create a reduced or zero sugar beverage, there is an associated change in the density of the beverage. The density of reduced or zero sugar carbonated beverages results in a greater loss of carbon dioxide gas from the beverage compared to the gas loss from a full sugar carbonated beverage.

[0006] In reduced or zero sugar carbonated beverages, small carbon dioxide bubbles in the beverage are attracted to each other and combine into larger bubbles that rise to the surface of the beverage, causing excessive foaming and loss of carbon dioxide from the beverage compared to full sugar beverages. This results in a loss of effervescence and fizziness from the beverage, making the beverage less palatable for consumption by consumers. Moreover, carbonated beverages must be filled into suitable containers for sale, and the excessive foaming of reduced or zero sugar beverages complicates and delays the filling process.

[0007] Thus, there remains a need in the beverage arts to develop additives for reduced or zero sugar carbonated beverages sweetened with non-nutritive sweeteners to better mimic the sweetness, mouthfeel, and gas retention characteristics of full sugar carbonated beverages. Summary of the Invention

[0008] SUMMARY OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS Provided is a method for reducing gas loss from a carbonated beverage, the method comprising adding at least one gas loss-reducing additive to the carbonated beverage in an amount sufficient to encapsulate at least a portion of the air bubbles present in the carbonated beverage.

[0009] Also provided is a method for reducing gas loss from a reduced sugar carbonated beverage, the method comprising adding at least one gas loss-reducing additive to the reduced sugar carbonated beverage in an amount sufficient to encapsulate at least a portion of the air bubbles present in the reduced sugar carbonated beverage.

[0010] Also provided is a method for reducing gas loss from a zero sugar carbonated beverage, the method comprising adding at least one gas loss reducing additive to the zero sugar carbonated beverage in an amount sufficient to encapsulate at least a portion of the air bubbles present in the zero sugar carbonated beverage.

[0011] Also provided is a method for reducing gas loss from a carbonated beverage, the method comprising adding at least one glyceride to the carbonated beverage in an amount sufficient to encapsulate at least a portion of the air bubbles present in the carbonated beverage.

[0012] Also provided is a method for reducing gas loss from a reduced sugar carbonated beverage, the method comprising adding at least one glyceride to the reduced sugar carbonated beverage in an amount sufficient to encapsulate at least a portion of the air bubbles present in the reduced sugar carbonated beverage.

[0013] Also provided is a method for reducing gas loss from a zero sugar carbonated beverage, the method comprising adding at least one glyceride to the zero sugar carbonated beverage in an amount sufficient to encapsulate at least a portion of the air bubbles present in the zero sugar carbonated beverage.

[0014] Also provided is a carbonated beverage comprising a beverage base and at least one gas loss reducing additive in an amount sufficient to encapsulate at least a portion of the air bubbles present in the carbonated beverage.

[0015] Also provided is a reduced sugar carbonated beverage comprising a beverage base and at least one gas loss reducing additive in an amount sufficient to encapsulate at least a portion of the air bubbles present in the reduced sugar carbonated beverage.

[0016] Also provided is a zero sugar carbonated beverage comprising a beverage base and at least one gas loss reducing additive in an amount sufficient to encapsulate at least a portion of the air bubbles present in the zero sugar carbonated beverage.

[0017] Also provided is a carbonated beverage comprising a beverage base and at least one glyceride in an amount sufficient to encapsulate at least a portion of the air bubbles present in the carbonated beverage.

[0018] Also provided is a reduced sugar carbonated beverage comprising a beverage base and at least one glyceride in an amount sufficient to encapsulate at least a portion of the air bubbles present in the reduced sugar carbonated beverage.

[0019] Also provided is a zero sugar carbonated beverage comprising a beverage base and at least one glyceride in an amount sufficient to encapsulate at least a portion of the air bubbles present in the zero sugar carbonated beverage.

[0020] Further provided is the use of a gas loss reducing additive in a carbonated beverage to reduce gas loss from the carbonated beverage.

[0021] Further provided is the use of a gas loss-reducing additive in a reduced sugar carbonated beverage to reduce gas loss from the reduced sugar carbonated beverage.

[0022] Further provided is the use of a gas loss reducing additive in a zero sugar carbonated beverage to reduce gas loss from the zero sugar carbonated beverage.

[0023] Further provided is the use of glycerides in carbonated beverages to reduce gas loss from the beverage.

[0024] Further provided is the use of glycerides in reduced sugar carbonated beverages to reduce gas loss from the reduced sugar carbonated beverage.

[0025] Further provided is the use of glycerides in zero sugar carbonated beverages to reduce gas loss from the zero sugar carbonated beverage. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS The following text describes an extensive description of many different aspects of the present disclosure. The description should be construed as merely illustrative and does not describe all possible aspects, since describing all possible aspects would be impractical, if not impossible. It will be understood that any feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step, or methodology described herein can be deleted, in whole or in part, or can be combined or substituted with any other feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step, or methodology described herein. Many alternative aspects can be implemented using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent application, and would still fall within the scope of the claims.

[0027] The terms "comprise," "comprising," "comprised of," "have," "having," "include," "including," "contain," "containing," or any other variations are open-ended terms and are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion of elements, features, or steps, such that an article, device, compound, composition, combination, method, or process that "comprises," "has," or "includes" or "contains" a list of recited elements or steps not only includes those elements or steps, but may also include other elements or steps not expressly enumerated, recited, or described in the specification or claims. An element or feature preceded by the words "comprises ... a," "contains ... a," "has ... a," or "includes ... a" does not, without further constraints, preclude the presence or inclusion of additional elements or features in an article, device, compound, composition, combination, method, or process that comprises, contains, has, or includes the element or feature.

[0028] The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more, unless expressly stated otherwise or constrained by other language herein. An element or feature preceded by "a" or "an" may be interpreted as one of the listed elements or features, or more than one of that element or feature.

[0029] The terms "about", "approximately", "essentially", "substantially", any other variations or versions thereof, or other similar related terms, or similar approximation terms, are defined as degrees of approximation as understood by those of skill in the art. As non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the terms "about", "approximately", "essentially", "substantially", any other variations or versions thereof, or other similar relative terms, or similar approximation terms, are defined to be within 20% of the recited value, or to be within 10% of the recited value, or to be within 5% of the recited value, or to be within 4% of the recited value, or to be within 3% of the recited value, or to be within 2% of the recited value, or to be within 1% of the recited value, or to be within 0.5% of the recited value, or to be within 0.25% of the recited value, or to be within 0.1% of the recited value.

[0030] It should be understood that when amounts in weight percent are described in this disclosure, any and all amounts within that range, including the endpoints, are intended to be considered expressly disclosed. For example, a disclosure of "a range of about 1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent" should be read as indicating each and every possible number along a continuum between about 1 and about 10. It should be understood that the inventors understand and understand that any and all data points within the range should be considered disclosed, and that the inventors have the entire range and occupancy of all points within the range.

[0031] When a concentration is expressed as "ppm" in this disclosure, the concentration is parts per million by weight based on the total weight of the beverage. When a range of ppm values ​​is described in this disclosure, it should be understood that any and all values ​​within the range, including the endpoints, should be considered as disclosed. For example, a "range of about 1 ppm to about 1000 ppm" of a component of a composition should be read as indicating each and every possible number along a continuum between 1 and 1000. It should be understood that the inventors understand and understand that any and all values ​​within the range should be considered as specified, and that the inventors have the entire range and the occupancy of all values ​​within the range.

[0032] For the avoidance of doubt, preferences, options, specific features and the like set forth with respect to a given aspect of the present disclosure are to be considered as being disclosed in combination with any or all other preferences, options, specific features and the like as set forth with respect to the same or other aspects, features and parameters of the invention, unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0033] The term "nutritive sweetener" refers to a sweetener that, when used in its typical concentrations, provides caloric content to a beverage.

[0034] The term "non-nutritive sweetener" refers to all sweeteners other than nutritive sweeteners and which do not contribute any caloric content to the beverage.

[0035] The low solubility of non-nutritive sweeteners in carbonated beverages compared to sucrose results in a reduction in surface tension, which favors the migration of large carbon dioxide bubbles to the surface of the carbonated beverage, the formation of foam, the loss of gas from the beverage medium, and a reduction in the sensation of carbonation. An additive for carbonated beverages that can reduce the amount of dissolved carbon dioxide lost from a carbonated beverage. The gas loss reducing additive promotes the retention of dissolved carbon dioxide by encapsulating the carbon dioxide bubbles present in the carbonated beverage. The encapsulation of the carbon dioxide bubbles results in an increase in the surface tension of the carbon dioxide bubbles present in the beverage. The increase in the surface tension of the bubbles reduces the ability of the bubbles to coalesce into larger bubbles that rise to the surface of the beverage and foam. The increase in surface tension reduces effervescence and promotes the retention of carbon dioxide within the beverage. The inclusion of the gas loss reducing additive allows the carbonated beverage to retain the effervescent and effervescent carbonation perception for a longer period of time compared to a reduced or zero sugar carbonated beverage of the same composition but without the inclusion of the gas loss reducing additive.

[0036] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the gas loss reducing additive encapsulates the carbonated bubbles by forming a film on the outer surface of the carbonated bubbles present in the carbonated beverage. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the gas loss reducing additive encapsulates the carbonated bubbles by forming a continuous film on the outer surface of the carbonated bubbles present in the carbonated beverage. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the gas loss reducing additive encapsulates the carbonated bubbles by forming a viscoelastic film on the outer surface of the carbonated bubbles present in the carbonated beverage.

[0037] The gas loss reducing additive comprises at least one monoglyceride, at least one diglyceride, or a combination of at least one monoglyceride and at least one diglyceride. Glycerides (also known as acylglycerols) are esters of fatty acids and glycerol. Glycerides are formed by a covalent bond between a fatty acid group and one, two or three of the hydroxyl groups of the glycerol compound. This covalent bond is referred to as an acylglycerol bond or acylglycerol linkage.

[0038] Glycerides useful in the present disclosure may vary in their chemical structure based on the number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid group, and / or different degrees of unsaturation of the fatty acid group, and / or different configurations of the fatty acid group. Fatty acids useful in the present disclosure include short chain fatty acids having an aliphatic chain with 5 or fewer carbon atoms, medium chain fatty acids having an aliphatic chain with 6-12 carbon atoms, long chain fatty acids having an aliphatic chain with 13-21 carbon atoms, and very long chain fatty acids having an aliphatic chain with 22 or more carbon atoms. The aliphatic chain of the fatty acid may be saturated (no carbon-carbon double bonds in the aliphatic chain) or unsaturated (having one or more carbon-carbon double bonds in the aliphatic chain). Unsaturated fatty acids useful in the present disclosure may include both cis and trans conformations.

[0039] The at least one monoglyceride may be selected from 1-acylglycerols of the following formula: [ka] In the formula, R 1 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms. 1 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having at least 5 carbon atoms. 1 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. 1 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 13 to 21 carbon atoms. 1 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic chain having 22 to 28 carbon atoms.

[0040] The at least one monoglyceride may be selected from 2-acylglycerols of the following formula: [ka] In the formula, R 2 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms. 2 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having at least 5 carbon atoms. 2 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. 2 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 13 to 21 carbon atoms. 2 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic chain having 22 to 28 carbon atoms.

[0041] The at least one monoglyceride may be selected from 3-acylglycerols of the following formula: [ka] In the formula, R 3 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms. 3 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having at least 5 carbon atoms. 3 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. 3 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 13 to 21 carbon atoms. 3 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic chain having 22 to 28 carbon atoms.

[0042] The at least one diglyceride may be selected from 1,2-diacylglycerols of the following formula: [ka] In the formula, R 4 and R 5 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms. 4 and R 5 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having at least 5 carbon atoms. 4 and R 5 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. 4 and R 5 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 13 to 21 carbon atoms. 4 and R 5 Each of is independently a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having from 22 to 28 carbon atoms.

[0043] The at least one diglyceride may be selected from 2,3-diacylglycerols of the following formula: [ka] In the formula, R 6 and R 7 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms. 6 and R 7 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having at least 5 carbon atoms. 6 and R 7 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. 6 and R 7Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 13 to 21 carbon atoms. 6 and R 7 Each of is independently a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having from 22 to 28 carbon atoms.

[0044] The at least one diglyceride may be selected from 1,3-diacylglycerols of the following formula: [ka] In the formula, R 8 and R 9 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms. 8 and R 9 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having at least 5 carbon atoms. 8 and R 9 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. 8 and R 9 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 13 to 21 carbon atoms. 8 and R 9 Each of is independently a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having from 22 to 28 carbon atoms.

[0045] According to one exemplary embodiment, R 1 ~R 9 Each of may be independently substituted with other atoms, such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur atoms, or other hydrocarbon groups.

[0046] According to one exemplary embodiment, a gas loss reducing additive for carbonated beverages comprises a blend of at least one monoglyceride and at least one diglyceride, comprising from about 40 weight percent to about 60 weight percent of the at least one monoglyceride, and from about 60 weight percent to about 40 weight percent of the at least one diglyceride.

[0047] According to certain exemplary embodiments, a gas loss reducing additive for carbonated beverages includes a blend of monoglycerides and diglycerides, comprising from about 40 weight percent to about 60 weight percent monoglycerides, and from about 60 weight percent to about 40 weight percent diglycerides. According to certain exemplary embodiments, a gas loss reducing additive for carbonated beverages includes a blend of monoglycerides and diglycerides, comprising from about 46 weight percent to about 56 weight percent monoglycerides, and from about 54 weight percent to about 44 weight percent diglycerides. According to one exemplary embodiment, a gas loss reducing additive for carbonated beverages includes a blend of monoglycerides and diglycerides including from about 40 weight percent to about 60 weight percent monoglycerides and from about 60 weight percent to about 40 weight percent diglycerides, and including at least one of C14-C18 and C16-C18 unsaturated alkyl (monoglycerides), and at least one of C14-C18 and C16-C18 unsaturated dialkyl glycerides (diglycerides). According to one exemplary embodiment, a gas loss reducing additive for carbonated beverages includes a blend of monoglycerides and diglycerides including from about 46 weight percent to about 56 weight percent monoglyceride and from about 54 weight percent to about 44 weight percent diglyceride, and including at least one of C14-C18 and C16-C18 unsaturated alkyl (monoglycerides), and at least one of C14-C18 and C16-C18 unsaturated dialkyl glycerides (diglycerides).

[0048] According to certain exemplary embodiments, a gas loss reducing additive for carbonated beverages comprises a blend of at least one monoglyceride and at least one diglyceride, comprising from about 40 weight percent to about 60 weight percent of at least one monoglyceride, and from about 60 weight percent to about 40 weight percent of at least one diglyceride, and wherein the monoglyceride comprises the following formula: [ka]

[0049] According to an exemplary embodiment, the gas loss reducing additive is provided in the form of a spray-dried particle or powder suitable for addition to liquid carbonated beverages. According to an exemplary embodiment, the gas loss reducing additive may be prepared by forming an oil-in-water emulsion containing at least one glyceride, water and an emulsifier, and drying the emulsion. Without being limited thereto, and merely by way of example, the emulsion may be dried by one of spray drying, spray granulation, or spray coating to obtain a dry emulsion. The emulsifier may be selected from natural and synthetic antioxidants. Synthetic antioxidants include, for example, tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), methylparaben (MP), ethylparaben (EP), propylparaben (PP), butylparaben (BP), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), α-tocopherol (α-t), α-tocopherol acetate (α-ta).

[0050] Also disclosed, according to certain exemplary embodiments, is a beverage comprising a beverage base and an additive for reducing gas loss from the beverage. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the beverage is a carbonated beverage comprising a beverage base, carbon dioxide for imparting carbonation to the beverage, and an additive for reducing gas loss from the carbonated beverage. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the carbonated beverage is selected from a reduced sugar carbonated beverage and a zero sugar carbonated beverage comprising a beverage base, carbon dioxide for imparting carbonation to the beverage, and an additive for reducing gas loss from the reduced sugar or zero sugar carbonated beverage. For exemplary embodiments directed to reduced sugar carbonated beverages, an amount of a nutritive sweetener, such as sucrose, is partially replaced with an amount of a non-nutritive sweetener. For exemplary embodiments directed to zero sugar or no sugar carbonated beverages, an amount of a nutritive sweetener, such as sucrose, is completely replaced with an amount of a non-nutritive sweetener such that the nutritive sweetener is substantially absent in the zero sugar or no sugar carbonated beverage.

[0051] Also disclosed, according to certain exemplary aspects, is a beverage comprising a beverage base and an additive for preventing gas loss from the beverage. According to certain exemplary aspects, the beverage is a carbonated beverage comprising a beverage base, carbon dioxide gas for imparting carbonation to the beverage, and an additive for preventing gas loss from the carbonated beverage. According to certain exemplary aspects, the carbonated beverage is selected from reduced sugar and zero sugar carbonated beverages comprising a beverage base, carbon dioxide gas for imparting carbonation to the beverage, and an additive for preventing gas loss from the reduced sugar or zero sugar carbonated beverage.

[0052] For an exemplary embodiment directed to reduced sugar carbonated beverages, an amount of a nutritive sweetener, such as sucrose, is partially replaced with an amount of a non-nutritive sweetener.

[0053] For exemplary embodiments directed to zero sugar or sugar-free carbonated beverages, an amount of a nutritive sweetener, such as sucrose, is completely replaced with an amount of a non-nutritive sweetener, such that the nutritive sweetener is substantially absent in the zero sugar or sugar-free carbonated beverage.

[0054] A carbonated beverage, whether it is a reduced sugar or sugar-free beverage composition, comprises a beverage base and a gas loss reducing additive in an amount sufficient to reduce or prevent the loss of dissolved carbon dioxide gas from the beverage. As used herein, the term "beverage base" refers to water, flavors, sweeteners, and all other ingredients desired or necessary for a complete beverage, in addition to the gas loss reducing additive. These will of course vary in both nature and proportion depending on the nature and use of the consumable or additive, but they are all well known in the art and may be used in art-recognized proportions. Thus, the formulation of such a beverage base for all conceivable purposes is within the ordinary skill of the art.

[0055] Carbon dioxide gas is dissolved in the beverage base to provide the desired level of carbonation to create a carbonated beverage. Any of the methods and carbonation equipment known in the art for carbonated beverages may be used. According to certain exemplary embodiments, by way of example and without limitation, the beverage may have a carbon dioxide level ranging from about 0.5 to about 5 volumes of carbon dioxide. According to other embodiments, the beverage may have a carbon dioxide level of up to about 1 volume of carbon dioxide, or up to about 2 volumes of carbon dioxide, or up to about 3 volumes of carbon dioxide, or up to about 4 volumes of carbon dioxide. As used herein, one volume of carbon dioxide refers to the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by a given amount of liquid, such as water, at 60° F. and 1 atmosphere pressure. A volume of gas occupies the same space as the liquid in which it is dissolved. The carbon dioxide content can be selected by one of skill in the art based on the level of effervescence desired and the effect of carbon dioxide on the taste or mouthfeel of the beverage.

[0056] The gas loss reducing additive is added to the beverage base of a carbonated beverage to provide the carbonated beverage with the ability to retain a greater amount of dissolved carbon dioxide gas within the beverage for an extended period of time. The gas loss reducing additive may be included in the beverage base in which it dissolves the carbon dioxide gas. According to an alternative exemplary embodiment, the gas loss reducing additive may be added separately to the beverage base at the time the carbonated beverage is prepared.

[0057] The carbonated beverage comprises at least one glyceride. Glycerides may vary in their chemical structure based on the number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid group, and / or different degrees of unsaturation of the fatty acid group, and / or different configurations of the fatty acid group. Fatty acids useful in the present disclosure include short chain fatty acids having an aliphatic chain with 5 or fewer carbon atoms, medium chain fatty acids having an aliphatic chain with 6-12 carbon atoms, long chain fatty acids having an aliphatic chain with 13-21 carbon atoms, and very long chain fatty acids having an aliphatic chain with 22 or more carbon atoms. The aliphatic chain of the fatty acid may be saturated (no carbon-carbon double bonds in the aliphatic chain) or unsaturated (having one or more carbon-carbon double bonds in the aliphatic chain). Unsaturated fatty acids useful in the present disclosure may include both cis and trans conformations.

[0058] According to an exemplary embodiment, the carbonated beverage contains a sufficient amount of at least one monoglyceride selected from 1-acylglycerols of the following formula: [ka] In the formula, R 1 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms. 1 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having at least 5 carbon atoms. 1 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. 1is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 13 to 21 carbon atoms. 1 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic chain having 22 to 28 carbon atoms.

[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment, the carbonated beverage contains a sufficient amount of at least one monoglyceride selected from 2-acylglycerols of the following formula: [ka] In the formula, R 2 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms. 2 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having at least 5 carbon atoms. 2 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. 2 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 13 to 21 carbon atoms. 2 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic chain having 22 to 28 carbon atoms.

[0060] According to an exemplary embodiment, the carbonated beverage contains a sufficient amount of at least one monoglyceride selected from 3-acylglycerols of the following formula: [ka] In the formula, R 3 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms. 3 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having at least 5 carbon atoms. 3is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. 3 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 13 to 21 carbon atoms. 3 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic chain having 22 to 28 carbon atoms.

[0061] According to an exemplary embodiment, the carbonated beverage contains a sufficient amount of at least one diglyceride selected from 1,2-diacylglycerols of the following formula: [ka] In the formula, R 4 and R 5 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms. 4 and R 5 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having at least 5 carbon atoms. 4 and R 5 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. 4 and R 5 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 13 to 21 carbon atoms. 4 and R 5 Each of is independently a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having from 22 to 28 carbon atoms.

[0062] According to an exemplary embodiment, the carbonated beverage contains a sufficient amount of at least one diglyceride selected from 2,3-diacylglycerols of the following formula: [ka] In the formula, R 6 and R 7 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms. 6 and R 7 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having at least 5 carbon atoms. 6 and R 7 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. 6 and R 7 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 13 to 21 carbon atoms. 6 and R 7 Each of is independently a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having from 22 to 28 carbon atoms.

[0063] According to an exemplary embodiment, the carbonated beverage contains a sufficient amount of at least one diglyceride selected from 1,3-diacylglycerols of the following formula: [ka] In the formula, R 8 and R 9 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms. 8 and R 9 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having at least 5 carbon atoms. 8 and R 9 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. 8 and R9 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 13 to 21 carbon atoms. 8 and R 9 Each of is independently a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having from 22 to 28 carbon atoms.

[0064] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the amount of gas-reducing additive included in the reduced sugar carbonated beverage composition is from about 0.1 ppm to about 20 ppm, or from about 0.2 ppm to about 20 ppm, or from about 0.3 ppm to about 20 ppm, or from about 0.4 ppm to about 20 ppm, or from about 0.5 ppm to about 20 ppm, or from about 0.6 ppm to about 20 ppm, or from about 0.7 ppm to about 20 ppm, or from about 0.8 ppm to about 20 ppm. m to about 20 ppm, or about 0.9 ppm to about 20 ppm, or about 1 ppm to about 20 ppm, or about 2 ppm to about 20 ppm, or about 3 ppm to about 20 ppm, or about 4 ppm to about 20 ppm, or about 5 ppm to about 20 ppm, or about 10 ppm to about 20 ppm, or about 15 ppm to about 20 ppm, about 0.5 ppm to about 20 ppm, or about 0.5 ppm m to about 19 ppm, or about 0.5 ppm to about 18 ppm, or about 0.5 ppm to about 16 ppm, or about 0.5 ppm to about 15 ppm, or about 0.5 ppm to about 14 ppm, or about 0.5 ppm to about 13 ppm, or about 0.5 ppm to about 12 ppm, or about 0.5 ppm to about 11 ppm, or about 0.5 ppm to about 10 ppm, or about 0.5 ppm to about 9 ppm, or from about 0.5 ppm to about 8 ppm, or from about 0.5 ppm to about 7 ppm, or from about 0.5 ppm to about 6 ppm, or from about 0.5 ppm to about 5 ppm, or from about 0.5 ppm to about 4 ppm, or any other amount within the range of from about 0.4 ppm to about 3 ppm, from about 0.5 ppm to about 2 ppm, from about 0.5 ppm to about 1 ppm, or from about 0.1 ppm to about 20 ppm.

[0065] The beverage composition comprises at least one flavor. Without limitation, and merely by way of example, suitable flavors include cola flavors, tea flavors, caramel flavors, coffee flavors, citrus flavors (e.g., lemon flavors, lime flavors, orange flavors, grapefruit flavors, mandarin orange flavors, tangerine flavors, or any combination of the foregoing), herbal flavors, berry flavorings (e.g., Barbados cherry, bearberry, blackberry, blueberry, boysenberry, cherry, chokecherry, cloudberry, cranberry, currant, date, dewberry, elderberry, grape, gooseberry, huckleberry, loganberry, olallieberry, mulberry, raisin, plainsberry, rasp ... flavors derived from one or more of berry, prairie berry, raspberry, saskatoon berry, salmonberry, sea buckthorn berry, sloe berry, strawberry, thimbleberry, thornberry, wineberry, whortleberry, or a combination of any of the foregoing); botanical flavors (e.g., one or more flavors derived from parts of a plant other than the fruit (including essential oils, and flavors derived from extracts of nuts, bark, roots and leaves, as well as synthetically prepared flavors made to simulate botanical flavors derived from natural sources)); and mixtures thereof.

[0066] The full sugar or reduced sugar carbonated beverages of the present disclosure may include at least one nutritive sweetener. Without limitation, and by way of example only, suitable nutritive sweeteners include sucrose, fructose, glucose, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, xylose, arabinose, rhamnose, erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, isomaltulose, inositol, allulose, tagalose, trehalose, and combinations thereof.

[0067] The reduced sugar and zero sugar carbonated beverages of the present disclosure contain at least one non-nutritive sweetener that partially (reduced sugar beverages) or completely (zero sugar beverages) replaces a nutritive sweetener in the carbonated beverage composition.

[0068] According to certain exemplary embodiments, non-nutritive sweeteners that may be used in reduced sugar and / or zero sugar carbonated beverages are selected from natural non-nutritive sweeteners, synthetic non-nutritive sweeteners, and combinations thereof.

[0069] Without limitation, and by way of example only, suitable synthetic non-nutritive sweeteners that may be included in reduced or zero sugar carbonated beverages may be selected from acesulfame K, advantame, aspartame, cyclamate, neotame, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, saccharin, sucrose, and combinations thereof.

[0070] Without limitation, and by way of example only, suitable natural non-nutritive sweeteners include those selected from stevioside, rebaudioside A, rebaudioside B, rebaudioside C, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside E, rebaudioside F, rebaudioside G, rebaudioside H, rebaudioside I, rebaudioside J, rebaudioside K, rebaudioside L, rebaudioside M, rebaudioside N, rebaudioside O, dulcoside A, dulcoside B, rubusoside, and combinations thereof. and combinations thereof.

[0071] According to one exemplary embodiment, the non-nutritive sweetener present in the reduced sugar carbonated beverage is aspartame, and the amount of gas-reducing additive present in the reduced sugar carbonated beverage ranges from about 0.5 ppm to about 5 ppm.

[0072] According to one exemplary embodiment, the non-nutritive sweetener present in the reduced sugar carbonated beverage is acesulfame K, and the amount of gas-reducing additive present in the reduced sugar carbonated beverage ranges from about 0.5 ppm to about 7 ppm.

[0073] According to one exemplary embodiment, the non-nutritive sweetener present in the reduced sugar carbonated beverage is stevia, and the amount of gas-reducing additive present in the reduced sugar carbonated beverage ranges from about 0.5 ppm to about 16 ppm.

[0074] According to one exemplary embodiment, the non-nutritive sweetener present in the reduced sugar carbonated beverage is sucralose, and the amount of gas-reducing additive present in the reduced sugar carbonated beverage ranges from about 0.5 ppm to about 8 ppm.

[0075] According to one exemplary embodiment, the non-nutritive sweeteners present in the reduced sugar carbonated beverage are a combination of aspartame and acesulfame K, and the amount of gas-reducing additives present in the reduced sugar carbonated beverage ranges from about 0.5 ppm to about 10 ppm.

[0076] According to one exemplary embodiment, the non-nutritive sweetener present in the reduced sugar carbonated beverage is a combination of acesulfame K and sucralose, and the amount of gas-reducing additive present in the reduced sugar carbonated beverage ranges from about 0.5 ppm to about 12 ppm.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the beverage comprises a carbonated beverage, which includes all beverages and drinks that contain carbon dioxide dissolved in a liquid, such as water. Without limitation, carbonated beverages include aerated water, fizzy water, champagne, carbonated soda, carbonated soft drinks (e.g., Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, Sprite, 7-Up, ginger ale, root beer, etc.), carbonated fruit drinks, carbonated fruit juices, carbonated vegetable juices, carbonated fruit / vegetable juices, carbonated coffee, carbonated dairy drinks, carbonated dairy alternative beverages (i.e., plant-based dairy alternative beverages), carbonated energy drinks, carbonated sports drinks, flavored sparkling waters (e.g., blackberry, blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, black raspberry, lemon-lime, orange, grape, cherry, strawberry, watermelon, coconut, guava, kiwi, mango, papaya, passion fruit, pineapple, etc.), flavored seltzer water, carbonated mineral water, sparkling tea, sparkling tonic, and sparkling wine.

[0078] Additionally disclosed are methods for reducing gas loss from beverages. According to one exemplary embodiment, the method is directed to reducing gas loss from carbonated beverages. According to a further exemplary embodiment, the method is directed to reducing gas loss from reduced or zero sugar carbonated beverages.

[0079] According to certain exemplary embodiments, a method is directed to preventing gas loss from a beverage. According to certain exemplary embodiments, a method is directed to preventing gas loss from a reduced or zero sugar carbonated beverage.

[0080] A method for reducing or preventing gas loss from reduced or zero sugar carbonated beverages includes adding a gas loss-reducing additive to a beverage base or carbonated beverage in an amount sufficient to reduce the loss of dissolved carbon dioxide from the aqueous medium of the carbonated beverage.

[0081] The encapsulation of the carbon dioxide bubbles present within the carbonated beverage medium prevents the bubbles from agglomerating into larger bubbles. The encapsulated bubbles are separated from one another and therefore have a longer residence time in the beverage medium. This reduces the amount of foam formation typically associated with reduced sugar carbonated beverages. The reduction in foam formation and increased residence time of the carbon dioxide in the beverage also increases the mouthfeel and perception of overall carbonation.

[0082] The gas-reducing additive may be used in a carbonated beverage composition in any amount sufficient to result in a reduction in carbon dioxide loss from the carbonated beverage composition compared to the amount of carbon dioxide loss from another carbonated beverage having the same carbonated beverage composition but not containing the gas-reducing additive under the same experimental, production and / or consumption conditions.

[0083] The carbonated beverage of the present disclosure may be a ready-to-drink beverage that can be consumed directly without any dilution. The carbonated beverage is filled in a suitable container, such as a bottle, a can, or a pack. According to an embodiment, the carbonated beverage is filled in a bottle with a resealable cap. Non-limiting examples of bottles with resealable caps include molded bottles containing polyethylene terephthalate as a main component, aluminum, steel, and similar metal bottle cans.

[0084] Further disclosed is a method of beverage production and bottling of the disclosed carbonated beverage. The carbonated beverage is prepared by mixing water, at least one sweetener component and at least one flavor together to prepare a beverage base. Additional components such as acidifiers, antioxidants, colorants, preservatives, etc. are added to the beverage base. Carbonation gas is then injected into the beverage base by conventional techniques and using carbonation equipment known in the art to provide a carbonated beverage with a desired gas pressure. The gas loss reducing additive may be added to the beverage base prior to the injection of carbonation gas, or it may be added to the carbonated beverage.

[0085] A method for filling a bottle with a desired amount of a carbonated beverage composition comprising a beverage base and a gas reducing additive includes filling the desired amount of the beverage composition into the bottle and sealing the bottle with a resealable closure, such as a cap.

[0086] In addition to increasing the retention of dissolved carbon dioxide within the beverage, the inclusion of the gas loss reducing additive also improves the mouthfeel of the reduced or zero sugar carbonated beverage such that the mouthfeel approximates or closely mimics that of a full sugar carbonated beverage. The term "mouthfeel" or "mouth feel" refers to the complex sensory or physical sensations experienced or felt in the mouth that are caused or influenced by foods and beverages, or compositions added to foods or beverages. Mouthfeel may refer to the tactile sensations that contact the cheeks, lips, tongue, palate, teeth, gums, or throat. Mouthfeel is considered distinct from taste / flavor, but is considered to have an equal or even greater impact on a person's enjoyment and liking of a particular food over another.Typical mouthfeel descriptors used to describe the perceived sensations include: acidity (metallic, citrus, bright), astringency, burning, cold, cooling, hot, warm, warming, carbonation (effervescent, effervescent), cohesiveness, density (close, airy), dryness (dry, burnt), fracturability, graininess (grittiness, particulate, powdery, dusty, grainy, chalky, sandy), viscosity, viscosity (viscous, smooth ... gumminess (chewy, tough), hardness (crunchy, soft, spongy), weight (full, weighty, thick), pungency (biting, numbing, prickly, stinging, tingling, lingering), juiciness, mouth-coating (oily, buttery), roughness (abrasive, textured), slipperiness (mucilaginous, stringy), smoothness (satin, velvety), adhesion, uniformity (uniform, uneven), and viscosity (full-bodied, light-bodied).

[0087] According to certain exemplary aspects, disclosed is the use of an additive to reduce gas loss from a beverage.

[0088] According to one exemplary embodiment, disclosed is the use of an additive to reduce gas loss from a carbonated beverage.

[0089] According to one exemplary embodiment, disclosed is the use of an additive to reduce gas loss from reduced or zero sugar carbonated beverages.

[0090] The use of at least one glyceride in a carbonated beverage to reduce carbon dioxide loss from the beverage may include one or more glycerides that differ in chemical structure based on the number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid group, various degrees of unsaturation of the fatty acid group, and various configurations of the fatty acid group. Useful fatty acids include short chain fatty acids having an aliphatic chain with 5 or fewer carbon atoms, medium chain fatty acids having an aliphatic chain with 6-12 carbon atoms, long chain fatty acids having an aliphatic chain with 13-21 carbon atoms, and very long chain fatty acids having an aliphatic chain with 22 or more carbon atoms. The aliphatic chain of the fatty acid may be saturated (no carbon-carbon double bonds in the aliphatic chain) or unsaturated (having one or more carbon-carbon double bonds in the aliphatic chain). Unsaturated fatty acids useful in the present disclosure may include both cis and trans conformations.

[0091] According to an exemplary embodiment, the use of at least one glyceride in a carbonated beverage to reduce carbon dioxide loss from the beverage includes the use of a sufficient amount of at least one monoglyceride selected from 1-acylglycerols of the following formula: [ka] In the formula, R 1 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms. 1 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having at least 5 carbon atoms. 1 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. 1 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 13 to 21 carbon atoms. 1 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic chain having 22 to 28 carbon atoms.

[0092] According to an exemplary embodiment, the use of at least one glyceride in a carbonated beverage to reduce carbon dioxide loss from the beverage includes the use of a sufficient amount of at least one monoglyceride selected from 2-acylglycerols of the following formula: [ka] In the formula, R 2 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms. 2 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having at least 5 carbon atoms. 2 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. 2 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 13 to 21 carbon atoms. 2 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic chain having 22 to 28 carbon atoms.

[0093] According to an exemplary embodiment, the use of at least one glyceride in a carbonated beverage to reduce carbon dioxide loss from the beverage includes the use of a sufficient amount of at least one monoglyceride selected from 3-acylglycerols of the following formula: [ka] In the formula, R 3 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms. 3 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having at least 5 carbon atoms. 3 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 6 to 12 carbon atoms.3 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 13 to 21 carbon atoms. 3 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic chain having 22 to 28 carbon atoms.

[0094] According to an exemplary embodiment, the use of at least one glyceride in a carbonated beverage to reduce carbon dioxide loss from the beverage includes the use of a sufficient amount of at least one diglyceride selected from 1,2-diacylglycerols of the following formula: [ka] In the formula, R 4 and R 5 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms. 4 and R 5 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having at least 5 carbon atoms. 4 and R 5 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. 4 and R 5 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 13 to 21 carbon atoms. 4 and R 5 Each of is independently a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having from 22 to 28 carbon atoms.

[0095] According to an exemplary embodiment, the use of at least one glyceride in a carbonated beverage to reduce carbon dioxide loss from the beverage includes the use of a sufficient amount of at least one diglyceride selected from 2,3-diacylglycerols of the following formula: [ka] In the formula, R 6 and R 7 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms. 6 and R 7 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having at least 5 carbon atoms. 6 and R 7 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. 6 and R 7 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 13 to 21 carbon atoms. 6 and R 7 Each of is independently a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having from 22 to 28 carbon atoms.

[0096] According to an exemplary embodiment, the use of at least one glyceride in a carbonated beverage to reduce carbon dioxide loss from the beverage includes the use of a sufficient amount of at least one diglyceride selected from 1,3-diacylglycerols of the following formula: [ka] In the formula, R 8 and R 9 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms. 8 and R 9 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having at least 5 carbon atoms. 8 and R 9Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. 8 and R 9 Each of R is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having 13 to 21 carbon atoms. 8 and R 9 Each of is independently a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic chain having from 22 to 28 carbon atoms.

[0097] example Example 1 - Preparation of Gas Loss Reduction Additive [Table 1]

[0098] Exemplary gas loss reducing additives were prepared that included blends of C14-C18 and C16-C18 unsaturated alkyl (monoglycerides) and C14-C18 and C16-C18 unsaturated dialkyl glycerides (diglycerides).

[0099] The emulsion was prepared by combining water, corn-derived maltodextrin and sodium octenyl succinate starch. Monodiglycerides, antioxidants (tocopherols), and salt flavor were added to the emulsion and mixed until the ingredients were dissolved. The emulsion was spray dried to produce particles of the gas loss reducing additive.

[0100] Comparative Example C2 and Examples 3-5 Table 2 shows the formulation of a reduced sugar cola beverage having a 50% sugar reduction compared to a 100% sugar cola beverage. The reduced sugar beverage formulation includes non-nutritive sweeteners aspartame, acesulfame K, sucralose, and steviol glycosides as replacements for sugar in the beverage formulation, as well as various amounts of gas loss reducing additives. [Table 2]

[0101] Examples 6-9 Table 3 shows the formulation of a reduced sugar cola beverage having a 60% sugar reduction compared to a 100% sugar cola beverage. The reduced sugar beverage formulation includes non-nutritive sweeteners aspartame, acesulfame K, sucralose, and steviol glycosides as replacements for sugar in the beverage formulation, as well as various amounts of gas loss reducing additives. [Table 3]

[0102] Examples 10-12 Table 4 shows the formulation of a reduced sugar cola beverage having a 70% sugar reduction compared to a 100% sugar cola beverage. The reduced sugar beverage formulation includes non-nutritive sweeteners aspartame, acesulfame K, sucralose, and steviol glycosides as replacements for sugar in the beverage formulation, as well as various amounts of gas loss reducing additives. [Table 4]

[0103] Examples 13-15 Table 5 shows the formulation of a reduced sugar cola beverage having an 80% sugar reduction compared to a 100% sugar cola beverage. The reduced sugar beverage formulation includes non-nutritive sweeteners aspartame, acesulfame K, sucralose, and steviol glycosides as replacements for sugar in the beverage formulation, as well as various amounts of gas loss reducing additives. [Table 5]

[0104] Examples 16-18 Table 6 shows the formulation of a reduced sugar cola beverage having a 90% sugar reduction compared to a 100% sugar cola beverage. The reduced sugar beverage formulation includes non-nutritive sweeteners aspartame, acesulfame K, sucralose, and steviol glycosides as replacements for sugar in the beverage formulation, as well as various amounts of gas loss reducing additives. [Table 6]

[0105] Examples 19-21 Table 7 shows the formulation of a reduced sugar cola beverage having a 50% sugar reduction compared to a 100% sugar cola beverage. The reduced sugar beverage formulation includes non-nutritive sweeteners aspartame, acesulfame K, sucralose, and steviol glycosides as replacements for sugar in the beverage formulation, as well as various amounts of gas loss reducing additives. [Table 7]

[0106] While the gas loss reducing additive, beverages containing the gas loss reducing additive, and methods for reducing gas loss from carbonated beverages have been described in connection with various exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that other similar embodiments may be used, or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments to perform the same function. Furthermore, various exemplary embodiments may be combined to produce a desired result. Thus, the gas loss reducing additive, beverages containing the gas loss reducing additive, and methods for reducing gas loss from carbonated beverages should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather should be interpreted in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitation of the appended claims. It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary, and that those skilled in the art may make variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention, as described herein above. Furthermore, all disclosed embodiments are not necessarily alternatives, and various embodiments of the present invention may be combined to provide a desired result.

Claims

1. 1. A method for reducing gas loss from a carbonated beverage, comprising adding at least one glyceride to the carbonated beverage in an amount sufficient to encapsulate air bubbles present in the carbonated beverage.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the encapsulation of the gas bubbles results in an increase in the surface tension of the gas bubbles.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the carbonated beverage is a reduced sugar or zero sugar carbonated beverage.

4. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one glyceride is selected from the group consisting of monoglycerides, diglycerides, and mixtures thereof.

5. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one glyceride is a mixture of at least one monoglyceride and at least one diglyceride.

6. At least one monoglyceride has the formula: 【Chemistry 1】 is selected from the 1-acylglycerols In the formula, R １ are independently linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon chains having at least 3 carbon atoms; The method according to claim 4.

7. At least one monoglyceride has the formula: 【Chemistry 2】 is selected from the 2-acylglycerols In the formula, R ２ is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms; The method according to claim 4.

8. At least one monoglyceride has the formula: 【Chemistry 3】 is selected from the 3-acylglycerols In the formula, R ３ is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms; The method according to claim 4.

9. At least one diglyceride has the formula: 【Chemistry 4】 is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-diacylglycerols In the formula, R ４ and R ５ each is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms; The method according to claim 4.

10. At least one diglyceride has the formula: 【Chemistry 5】 is selected from the 2,3-diacylglycerols In the formula, R ６ and R ７ each is independently a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having at least 3 carbon atoms; The method according to claim 4.

11. A carbonated beverage comprising a beverage base and at least one glyceride in an amount sufficient to encapsulate air bubbles present in the carbonated beverage.

12. The carbonated beverage of claim 11, wherein the carbonated beverage is a reduced sugar beverage.

13. 12. The carbonated beverage of claim 11, wherein the carbonated beverage is a zero sugar beverage.

14. 12. The carbonated beverage of claim 11, wherein the at least one glyceride is selected from the group consisting of monoglycerides, diglycerides, and mixtures thereof.

15. 15. The carbonated beverage of claim 14, wherein the at least one glyceride is a mixture of at least one monoglyceride and at least one diglyceride.

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