Soft drink
History
The history of soft drinks can be traced back to the mineral water found in natural springs. Bathing in natural springs has long been considered a healthy thing to do; and mineral water was said to have curative powers. Scientists soon discovered that gas carbonium or carbon dioxide was behind the bubbles in natural mineral water.
The first marketed soft drinks appeared in the 17th century as a mixture of water and lemon juice sweetened with honey. In 1676, the Compagnie de Limonadiers of Paris was granted a monopoly for the sale of lemonade soft drinks. Vendors would carry tanks of lemonade on their backs and dispensed cups of the soft drink to thirsty Parisians.
In the late 18th century, scientists made important progress in replicating naturally carbonated mineral waters. In 1767, Englishman Joseph Priestley first discovered a method of infusing water with carbon dioxide to make carbonated water when he suspended a bowl of distilled water above a beer vat at a local brewery in Leeds, England. His invention of carbonated water (also known as soda water) is the major and defining component of most soft drinks.
Ingredients
Soft drinks are made up of a vast array of ingredients which include sweeteners, preservatives, colorings, and many others. These ingredients vary widely based on the type of soft drink being produced.
Sweeteners
Sweeteners are an essential part of any soft drink. They provide the sweetness that is characteristic of most soft drinks and also contribute to the overall flavor of the drink. The most commonly used sweeteners are sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose.
Preservatives
Preservatives are used in soft drinks to extend their shelf life and prevent the growth of microorganisms. The most commonly used preservatives in soft drinks are sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate.
Colorings
Colorings are used in soft drinks to give them their distinctive colors. These colors can range from the caramel color of cola drinks to the bright red color of many fruit-flavored soft drinks. The most commonly used colorings in soft drinks are caramel color, Red 40, and Yellow 5.
Other Ingredients
Other ingredients that are commonly found in soft drinks include acidulants like citric acid and phosphoric acid, which give soft drinks their tartness, and flavorings like natural and artificial fruit flavors.
Production
The production of soft drinks involves several key steps. First, the water used in the soft drink is purified through a process of filtration, reverse osmosis, and carbonation. Next, the sweeteners, preservatives, colorings, and other ingredients are mixed together in a large vat to create the soft drink syrup.
This syrup is then mixed with the purified water to create the soft drink. The soft drink is then carbonated by adding carbon dioxide under pressure. The carbonated soft drink is then filled into cans or bottles, which are then sealed and labeled.
The final step in the production process is the packaging of the soft drinks, which involves placing the cans or bottles into boxes or plastic shrink-wrap for distribution.
Health Effects
The consumption of soft drinks has been linked to a number of health issues, including obesity, dental cavities, and type 2 diabetes. The high sugar content in most soft drinks contributes to these health issues.
Obesity
The consumption of soft drinks, particularly those with high sugar content, has been linked to obesity. This is due to the high calorie content of these drinks, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.
Dental Cavities
The high sugar content in soft drinks can also contribute to dental cavities. The sugar in these drinks provides a food source for bacteria in the mouth, which produce acid that can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities.
Type 2 Diabetes
Regular consumption of sugary soft drinks has also been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. This is due to the high sugar content of these drinks, which can lead to insulin resistance and ultimately type 2 diabetes.
Environmental Impact
The production and consumption of soft drinks also have a significant environmental impact. This includes the use of water in production, the energy used in manufacturing, and the waste generated by discarded cans and bottles.
Water Use
The production of soft drinks requires a significant amount of water. This includes the water used in the drink itself, as well as the water used in the production process.
Energy Use
The production of soft drinks also requires a significant amount of energy. This includes the energy used in the manufacturing process, as well as the energy used to transport the drinks to market.
Waste Generation
The consumption of soft drinks also generates a significant amount of waste. This includes the cans and bottles that are discarded after use, as well as the waste generated in the production process.