Glossary

Beverage Formula: List of ingredients, specifications and the process necessary to make the beverage.

Carbonation (CO2 volumes, etc.) : Carbonation occurs when carbon dioxide is dissolved in a beverage. This is normally done during bottling by applying pressurized CO2 to the water either before or after mixing with the other ingredients. The carbonation level is measured in “CO2 volumes”. Typical soft drinks have CO2 levels between 2.5 and 3.5 volumes.

Flavor Formula: List of ingredients, specifications and the process necessary to make the flavor. The flavor formula is generally proprietary property of the flavor supplier and is not disclosed.

Flavor Ingredient: Ingredients used to make a flavor. These ingredients may be individual flavor chemicals such as vanillin, or complex natural products like lemon oil.

Flavors / Flavor System: A beverage flavor system consists of all the flavor ingredients combined and ready to dose into a finished beverage. Carrier solvents such as ethanol or propylene glycol are often used to ease handling. Flavors are usually very concentrated and are generally used at very low levels in a beverage, often < 0.2%. The individual ingredients within a flavor system are NOT required to be listed on the product ingredient statement.

Organic Beverages: Beverages which meet the standards of the USDA National Organic Program, which limits the ingredients used as well as the processing allowed, can be labeled as organic products. There are several different organic classifications including “100% Organic”, “Organic”, and “Made with Organic…” See www.ams.usda.gov/nop for more information.

Organic Flavors: Flavor systems designed for Organic Beverages are referred to as organic flavors. The USDA NOP program details the specific requirements for these flavors.