As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed answer to the question: What does natural flavors mean in AHA Sparkling Water?
When it comes to food and beverage products, including AHA Sparkling Water, the term “natural flavors” is used to describe the additives that provide the taste and aroma of a particular ingredient. The FDA defines natural flavors as substances that are derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable, or other edible materials.
To give you a better understanding, let's break down the different components and processes involved in natural flavors:
1. Essential oils, oleoresins, essences, and extractives: These are concentrated forms of the flavors obtained from natural sources. They are extracted through various methods such as steam distillation or solvent extraction. For example, essential oils from citrus fruits like orange or lemon can be used to provide a citrus flavor in AHA Sparkling Water.
2. Protein hydrolysates: These are products obtained by breaking down proteins into smaller components through enzymatic or acidic processes. They are often used to enhance the savory or umami flavors in food and beverages.
3. Distillates: Distillation is a process that involves heating a liquid and then collecting the condensed vapors. In the context of natural flavors, distillates can be obtained from fruits, herbs, or spices. They can provide concentrated flavors that are used in small amounts to enhance the taste of a product.
4. Roasting, heating, or enzymolysis: These are additional methods used to extract and develop flavors from natural sources. Roasting or heating can enhance the flavors of ingredients like coffee beans or cocoa, while enzymolysis involves using enzymes to break down complex molecules into simpler compounds, thereby releasing flavors.
It is worth noting that natural flavors can be a combination of these different processes and components. For example, a natural flavor in AHA Sparkling Water might be a blend of essential oils, distillates, and protein hydrolysates to create a specific taste profile.
When it comes to AHA Sparkling Water specifically, the natural flavors used can vary depending on the specific flavor variant. For example, if it is a citrus-flavored sparkling water, natural flavors derived from citrus fruits like orange or grapefruit might be used. If it is a berry-flavored variant, natural flavors from berries like strawberry or raspberry could be included.
The term “natural flavors” in AHA Sparkling Water refers to the use of additives derived from natural sources to provide specific taste and aroma profiles. These natural flavors can be obtained through various processes such as distillation, extraction, or enzymolysis. The specific combination of natural flavors used in AHA Sparkling Water will depend on the desired flavor profile of each variant.