Cola Flavor Concentrate

A one-part, cola flavor concentrate contains the following typical ingredients: 20% to 60% Water 30% to 70% Caramel Color Class IV (normally contains 53% to 66% solids) 5 to 10% of the following Phosphoric acid Kola nut extract Caffeine Gum Arabic or other gum One or more of Grapefruit oil Lemon oil Lime oil Orange oil One or more of: Casia oil Cinnamon oil Clove oil Coriander oil Neroli oil Nutmeg oil Ginger oil Cola product developers usually select double-strength (such as DDW #050 or DDW #055) caramel for its high color intensity and economy. Some believe single-strength (such as DDW #105 or DDW # 108) higher specific gravity contributes " body" to the mouth feel of the cola beverage. Double-strength caramel meets the low caloric value requirements of "diet" or "light" cola formulations.

Caramel Dosage Rates in Finished Soft drinks

	Single Strength	Double Strength
Cola	0.35 to 0.45%	0.15. to 0.20%
Root Beer or Sarsaparilla	0.25 to 0.35	0.10 to 0.15
Guarana	0.025 to 0.035	0.01 to 0.015
Malta	0.02 to 0.08	not applicable
Cream soda	0.02 to 0.03	0.01 to 0.015
Apple	0.02 to 0.03	0.01 to 0.015
Ginger Ale	0.005 to 0.015	0.002 to 0.007

Although the task of caramel color in the finished beverage is primarily color, its impact on taste can be significant. Because of the high cost of concentrate ingredients and possible negative interactions if the caramel is not of consistent quality, it does not make economic send to sacrifice quality for cost. Problems can cost many times the cost of the caramel color.

D. D. Williamson, 1901 Payne Street, Louisville, KY 40206. Tel: 502-895-2438; Fax: 502-895-7381.