Beverage compositions having enhanced stability
Beverage compositions having enhanced shelf life are disclosed that contain juice-based compositions, vegetable extracts, ascorbic acid and glutathione. Glutathione at a pH of 4 or less is shown to inhibit browning and color degradation of the beverages without imparting a bad smell and taste that is usually associated with compositions with elevated amounts of glutathione.
1. A beverage composition having enhanced stability and preserved color, comprising:
a plant-based composition comprising about 2% (v/v) or less of a juice-based composition;
a natural colorant from fruit and/or vegetables; and
a concentration of glutathione effective at reducing browning of the beverage composition,
wherein the beverage composition has a pH equal to or less than about 4;
wherein the beverage composition contains no alcohol.
2. The beverage composition of claim 1 , wherein the concentration of glutathione effective at reducing browning is about 65-860 μM.
3. The beverage composition of claim 1 , wherein the concentration of glutathione effective at reducing browning is about 150 μM.
4. The beverage composition of claim 1 , wherein the concentration of glutathione effective at reducing browning is about 350M.
5. The beverage composition of claim 1 , wherein the browning is acid-induced.
6. The beverage composition of claim 1 , wherein the beverage composition does not smell or taste of sulfur.
7. The beverage composition of claim 1 , further comprising an edible acid.
8. The beverage composition of claim 7 , wherein the edible acid comprises at least one of citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid and ascorbic acid.
9. The beverage composition of claim 7 , wherein the edible acid accelerates browning of the beverage composition when the beverage composition does not contain glutathione.
10. The beverage composition of claim 7 , wherein the edible acid is ascorbic acid.
11. The beverage composition of claim 1 , wherein the glutathione is effective at reducing the browning and preserving the color of the beverage composition for at least 3-9 months.
12. The beverage composition of claim 1 , wherein the plant-based composition comprises a Mango Cherimoya, Coconut Jackfruit, Tangerine Prickly Pear and/or Peach Mangosteen flavor.
13. The beverage composition of claim 1 , wherein the plant-based composition further comprises at least one of a green tea extract; a plant-based sugar free sweeteners; a sugar-based sweetener; a plant-based flavor, and/or a plant-based micronutrient.
14. The beverage composition of claim 1 , wherein the beverage composition further comprises at least one of caffeine from natural sources, a vitamin, and electrolytes.
15. A beverage composition having enhanced stability, comprising:
a plant-based composition comprising a green tea extract;
an edible acid;
a concentration of glutathione effective at reducing browning of the beverage composition, wherein the beverage composition does not contain a colorant, and
wherein the beverage composition has a pH equal to or less than about 4;
wherein the beverage composition contains no alcohol.
16. The beverage composition of claim 15 , wherein the plant-based composition further comprises about 2% (v/v) or less of a fruit juice composition.
17. The beverage composition of claim 15 , wherein the edible acid comprises citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, ascorbic acid or any combination thereof.
18. The beverage composition of claim 15 , wherein the concentration of glutathione effective at reducing browning is about 150-350 μM.
19. The beverage composition of claim 15 , wherein the concentration of glutathione effective at reducing browning is less than about 150 μM.
20. A beverage composition having enhanced stability and preserved color, consisting of:
a plant-based composition;
an edible acid;
at least one of sweeteners, a colorant, a flavor and/or caffeine; and
glutathione,
wherein the glutathione is in a concentration effective at reducing browning of the beverage composition for at least about 3-9 months; and
wherein the beverage composition contains no alcohol.