A-Z
Citric (from lemons) or malic (from apples) acid may be added to our drinks to achieve the pH level required for preservatives to work and to achieve the right balance between acidity and sweetness.
AdditivesPeople have been flavouring, preserving and colouring food for centuries. Without them bread would rapidly become stale, fatty foods would turn rancid and most tinned fruits and vegetable would lose their firmness and colour.
Many of the substances added to food and drinks during processing are derived from natural constituents, for example vitamin E is added to stop a vegetable oil going rancid.
The use of additives is controlled by law. All have to be approved as safe, effective and necessary before they may be used. If an additive has been approved by all countries across the European Union it is given an E number which must appear on the packaging of products that contain it.
AspartameAspartame is an intense sweetener, which is very low in calories and tastes sweeter than ordinary sugar. It is widely used in a food and drinks. It is often referred to by its 'NutraSweet' brand name, but appears on ingredients lists either as aspartame or E951. As it is intensely sweet, it can be used in minute amounts. Therefore, products sweetened partially or entirely with aspartame deliver fewer calories than if they were sweetened with sugar alone.
Aspartame is a combination of two amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) L-aspartic acid and L-phenylalanine. The same two amino acids are found naturally in a wide range of foods, and even in breast milk.
It has been used in the UK since 1983. Its use is approved by all of the leading regulatory authorities internationally and in more than 100 countries, including the EU.
Aspartame is one of the most thoroughly tested food ingredients in our food supply, having undergone more than 200 scientific studies over a 30-year period.
Further information on sweeteners is available from the International Sweeteners Association at www.sweeteners.org (link) and also about aspartame from the Aspartame Information Bureau at www.aspartame.info
Bio-availableBio-available means that the nutrient is present in the form most suited for uptake and use by the body.
British soft drinks association (BSDA)The BSDA is an independent organisation representing UK producers of soft drinks.
CaffeineCaffeine is a flavour used in the manufacture of a number of food and drink products including soft drinks. It is one of a group of compounds called methylxanthines occurring in various species of plants.
It has a stimulating and vitalising effect, which differs from person to person depending upon factors such as age, time of day and weight.
Caffeine has been used in colas since their invention, and occurs naturally in cola nuts.
The amount of caffeine used in soft drinks varies - there is no statutory limit for caffeine in soft drinks but its use is subject to the general provisions of the Food Safety Act 1990 and the Food Labelling Regulations require levels over 125mg/l to be declared quantitatively.
Pepsi contains caffeine levels within UK guidelines and its presence is noted in the list of ingredients so that consumers who wish to avoid it can do so. Red Devil also contains caffeine, but at a higher level. This is clearly highlighted on pack along with advice that children, pregnant women and those sensitive to caffeine should not consume it in large amounts.
In the UK an average cola drink contains about 7mg of caffeine per 100ml. This compares to about 27mg for 100ml of an average caffeine containing energy drink, 27mg for 100ml of tea and 40mg for 100ml of instant coffee.
CaloriesThe energy a food or drink provides is measured in kilo calories which tend to be shortened and just called calories or Kcals. You cannot see a "calorie" and a calorie is not a nutrient - it is simply the way in which we measure the energy present in our food. It is the protein, carbohydrate, fat and alcohol in our foods and drinks that actually contain calories and therefore provide our body with this energy.
In the metric system energy is measured in kilojoules or Kj for short. One kilo joule is equivalent to 4.2 calories. Also See 'Guideline Daily Amounts.'
CarbohydratesThere are three main groups of carbohydrate but only sugars and starch are energy-providing. The third is indigestible fibre. There are many different types of sugars - they all have the same calorie content but they have varying degrees of sweetness. The sweetest form is fructose (in fruits and honey), sucrose (the main component of sugar cane and sugar beet), glucose (in honey, fruit and vegetables) and maltose (in sprouting grains) and lactose (in milk).
Carbohydrates are an important source of energy. Both sugars and starches provide about four Kcals per gram.
Carbon dioxideThis is the gas which gives carbonated drinks their fizz. It has no effect on a drink's nutritional value and no adverse effect on consumers' health or wellbeing.
ColoursThese are used to improve appearance and offset colour loss during a drink's production and shelf life. Fruit juice is not permitted to contain added colours.
Natural colours are extracted from natural sources, eg anthocyanin colour from grapes, and tend to be more expensive, less concentrated and more sensitive than artificial colours.
De-aeratedDe-aeration is the mechanical process of removing the free, dissolved oxygen from water. Any dissolved oxygen is removed because it can impact on the quality of the shelf life - eg: oxygen degrades vitamin C, can degrade flavours and cause some products to brown.
Dental careDental decay is caused by several interconnecting factors: diet, the composition of the teeth, the presence of bacteria, the acidity of the mouth, saliva flow and composition, the time during which sugars are available in the mouth and the presence or absence of fluoride, with no one factor being the single cause.
Opinion varies as to which of these is most important. It is known that it is the frequency with which sugary foods are consumed is associated with dental decay. Poor oral hygiene also plays a key role. Dentists recommend brushing teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste, as well as mouth-washing and flossing.
EnergyThe energy provided by a food or drink is measured in kilo calories (often shortened to calories or Kcals). You cannot see a calorie and a calorie is not a nutrient - it is simply the way in which we measure the energy present in our food. It is the protein, carbohydrate, fat and alcohol in our foods and drinks that actually contain calories and therefore provide our body with this energy.
Every single process in our bodies needs energy, but if we consume more energy in the form of food and drinks than our body actually needs, the excess is converted to fat and stored in our fat cells. See obesity.
Energy (or functional) drinksAny drink which supplies calories may be regarded as an energy drink. However the source of this energy and the amount of energy a drink contains will have a profound effect on how the drink is utilised by the body. To help explain this, drinks may be regarded as isotonic, hypotonic and hypertonic.
Isotonic drinks have the same concentration as your body fluids. They are ideal for meeting fluid and carbohydrate needs simultaneously because they pass quickly through the stomach to the small intestine where they are readily absorbed. They usually contain carbohydrate at a level of 4-8g/100ml. This is sufficient to provide a small amount of carbohydrate for energy during sport but not enough for the carbohydrate to hinder fluid absorption into the body. This makes them useful before during and after sport. Typical isotonic drinks such as Gatorade are 6g CHO/100ml.
Hypotonic drinks have a weaker solution than your body fluid, and help the body speed up water absorption, as required after exercise. They contain less than 4g carbohydrate/100ml. They will assist fluid replacement because they are quickly emptied from the stomach and absorbed. A hypotonic sports drink is ideal for hydration only as it would not provide a significant amount of carbohydrate (typically only 2-3g per CHO /100ml) to boost energy.
Hypertonic drinks are those which contain a stronger solution than your body fluid, ie more than 10g carbohydrate/100ml. At this high level the absorption of fluid will be very slow and therefore they are not appropriate for fluid replacement, however they can maintain energy levels during exercise.
Five a dayThe Five a Day campaign was launched by the Department of Health to promote the public health message to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. A five a day logo and portion indicator for use by the food and drink industry has also been developed.
What is a portion and what counts?
Fresh, frozen, chilled canned,100% juice and dried fruit and vegetables all count. For example:
- Vegetables, raw, cooked, frozen or canned - 3 tablespoonfuls
- Salad - 1 dessert bowlful
- Medium fruit e.g. apple, orange, banana - 1 fruit
- Very large fruit e.g. melon, pineapple - 1 large slice
- Small fruit e.g. plums, apricots, satsumas - 2 fruit
- Raspberries, strawberries, grapes - 1 cupful
- Fresh fruit salad, cooked or canned fruit - 2-3 tablespoonfuls
- Dried fruit - 1 tablespoonful
- Fruit or vegetable juice - 1 glass (150 mls)
NB Fruit juice - 150mls - only counts once per day - however much is drunk. (This is to encourage a varied diet.)
Beans and pulses count - but only once a day.
Fruit and vegetable based dishes do count - as long as they contain a good portion of fruit or vegetables e.g. pizza, curry, fruit crumble.
FlavoursIn response to consumer demand, we use mostly natural flavours. Artificial flavours tend to be less expensive and more concentrated. They are derived from chemicals and developed scientifically in laboratories.
These include Nature Identical Flavours (NIF), which are chemically identical to natural flavours but have been synthesised in a laboratory.
Fruit juiceWe use fruit juice in a number of forms:
- From concentrate (FC) Water is evaporated from the juice to form a concentrate, shipped and rehydrated in the UK
- Not from concentrate (NFC) Squeezed juice is frozen or aseptically packed, stored and shipped to UK for pasteurisation and bottling
- Fresh squeezed (FS) fruit is shipped for squeezing at bottling site
- Puree Pulpy fruits that can be FC, NFC or FS tend to be used in chilled, viscous drinks like smoothies
- Citrus comminutes Whole citrus fruits crushed to a smooth paste. Comminutes are usually used in dilutable drinks
Guideline Daily Amounts (GDAs) were developed by independent nutritionists for the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) and are used to help people understand the level of specific nutrients they are eating compared with recommended levels to maintain health.
GDAs are based on the predicted daily consumption of an average consumer eating a diet conforming to the recommendations of the Government.
GDAs should be regarded as guidelines not targets for individuals and will provide consumers with additional information which they can use to help in understanding their daily consumption of calories, fat and saturates.
A number of food and drink manufacturers including Britvic, already put GDAs (adult values) on their packs. Research to support the use of GDAs on pack showed that there was genuine consumer support for this information.
Guideline Daily Amounts
| Each day | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 2000 kcals | 2500 kcals |
| Fat | 70g | 95g |
| Saturated fat | 20g | 30g |
| *Carbohydrate | 230g | 300g |
| *Protein | 75g | 90g |
| *Total sugars | 90g | 120g |
| *Dietary fibre | 24g | 24g |
| *Salt | 6g | 6g |
A variety of herbal extracts are used in our Ame and Purdey's ranges such as Limeflower, Schisandra, Jasmine, Gentian, Sesame Seed, Sunflower Seed, Tarragon and Damiana.
These natural flavourings and special extracts are derived from a wide range of fruits, vegetables, nuts, bark, leaves, herbs, spices and oils. They provide subtle flavours.
Many of these ingredients have their own special folklore as well as a long history of safe use. As a matter of policy Britvic Soft Drinks only uses fully permitted and approved ingredients in its drinks within the limits specified by UK regulations. All ingredients are listed clearly in the ingredients panel as required by law.
HydrationHydration is a neglected area of health and wellbeing and there are lots of myths and untruths about hydration being perpetuated. Few people understand the real health benefits of adequate hydration and the problems that can occur without it. Fluid affects every part of our bodies right down to a cellular level.
Keeping up a good fluid intake, at least 2 litres per day, would see an improvement in concentration, energy levels, digestive fitness and general wellbeing.
For more information on hydration, click here
JouleThe international unit of energy used to express the energy content of food and energy expenditure. 4.2 kilojoules is equivalent to 1 kilocalorie.
LabellingFood labelling is currently undergoing several changes, both in terms of legislative requirements and voluntarily by the food and drink industry, to help consumers understand more about what is in a food and drink and how they can form part of a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle.
The required format for nutrition labelling is set out in the Food Labelling regulations, which implement the European Food Labelling Directive. This requires that contents be broken down as follows:
- either energy, protein, carbohydrate and fat
- or energy, protein, carbohydrate, sugars, fat saturates, fibre and sodium.
Any nutrients, such as vitamins, which are the subject of a claim also need to be included.
At present if no nutrition claim is being made it is voluntary to include nutritional data on the label, but this is likely to change to become mandatory.
The Food Labelling Directive is to be replaced by the European Food Information Regulation. The exact requirements of this are being developed, however this regulation is some way off being agreed.
The "Big 4"
| Typical values | PER 100g/100ml |
|---|---|
| Energy | Kj and Kcal |
| Protein | g |
| Carbohydrates | g |
| Fat | g |
The "Full 8"
| Typical values | PER 100g/100ml |
|---|---|
| Energy | Kj and Kcal |
| Protein | g |
| Carbohydrates | g |
| Of which sugars | g |
| Fat | g |
| Of which saturates | g |
| Fibre | g |
| Sodium | g |
Low-calorie sweeteners are non-sugar substances that can be added to food and drink products instead of sugar. They have a sweetness many times greater than conventional sugar. This means that much lower quantities are needed to give a product the desired sweet taste. Their development has led to the production of a wide range of low-calorie drinks and so they are commonly referred to as low-calorie sweeteners.
Low calorie sweeteners have a valuable role to play in the manufacture of soft drinks. They can be used on their own, in combination with other sweeteners or in combination with sugar to provide the optimum taste for an individual product. They also provide a low calorie alternative for those consumers looking to limit their daily calorie intake or for those wishing to limit sugar consumption.
As a matter of policy Britvic Soft Drinks only uses fully permitted and approved ingredients in its drinks within the limits specified by UK regulations. All ingredients are listed clearly in the ingredients panel as required by law.
Aspartame, the most common sweetener, is one of the most thoroughly tested ingredients in our food supply. Extensive scientific studies conducted over a period of thirty years have conclusively shown that aspartame is safe.
Saccharin has been safely used for more than 100 years. In addition to the UK, it is permitted for use in soft drinks by the EU and by more than 90 countries worldwide.
Britvic also uses Acesulfame K which is approved for use in more than 90 countries worldwide.
Further information on sweeteners is available from the International Sweeteners Association at www.sweeteners.org and also about aspartame from the Aspartame Information Bureau on 020 7630 1418 or at www.aspartame.info
NutrasweetA brand name for aspartame.
Nutritionists in industryThe Nutritionists in Industry Group is a UK organisation which enables its members to share information and discuss ideas. It aims to raise the profile of nutritionists and dietitians working in the food industry to the benefit of the industry and ultimately the consumer.
ObesityObesity is the most common nutritional disorder in the western world and the number of people regarded as obese is steadily increasing.
In the United Kingdom fewer than 20% of people are classified as underweight, over 40% of men and 30% of women are overweight and over 15% of men and 20% of women are classed as clinically obese. Around 20% of children in the UK are overweight, of whom 5% are obese (2008).
In most cases obesity is caused by a lack of regular physical activity and/or overeating, which results in a person consuming more calories than they burn off during daily activity. The surplus calories are stored as fat.
Should we avoid soft drinks?
All soft drinks can be enjoyed as part of a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle, and by helping to maintain adequate hydration they can make a real contribution to our health and wellbeing. Many people mistake their feeling of thirst for hunger and eat when in fact it is hydration they need.
Britvic offers a wide choice of drinks, including full sugar and no added sugar variants, so there's something for all needs and occasions - the key is balance and moderation.
Preservatives- Preservatives may be natural or synthetic and are used to prevent spoilage from microbial growth or chemical changes.
- If used, they are present in tiny amounts less than 0.04% (you could refer to the levels in terms of being less than the legal limits: eg less than 0.03% for potassium sorbate in RTD products).
- In response to consumer demand for more natural products, many new products are preservative-free, relying on aseptic processing and/or in-pack pasteurisation to provide an extended shelf life.
Salt is composed of sodium and chloride (to calculate the salt equivalent from sodium multiply by 2.5). Research has identified sodium as being linked to hypertension (raised blood pressure) which is a risk factor for coronary thrombosis and stroke.
Britvic does not add salt (sodium chloride) to any of its drinks, with the single exception of tomato juice cocktail where a very small amount is used as part of the traditional flavouring of this drink. Where sodium (which is one part of salt) is added to other drinks it is usually so minimal that it is labelled as trace. Sodium is sometimes present because it is part of an ingredient which has been added eg sodium citrate.
Sports drinksThere are a wide variety of sports drinks designed to help replace glycogen stores lost during exercise. They deliver carbohydrates and fluids to the blood stream at different speeds depending on the amounts of carbohydrates and salt they contain. The addition of carbohydrate (CHO) eg glucose, sucrose, fructose etc to a drink provides a source of energy for the working muscles. Where rehydration is a priority the CHO content should be low, where provision of energy is paramount more CHO can be used (see Energy drinks).
SugarSugars occur naturally in foods such as fruit, vegetables, milk and fruit juice. These sugars (sucrose, fructose and glucose) are carbohydrates used by the body for energy. They all supply four calories per gram, irrespective of their origin.
Sugar is a natural and safe ingredient. It is an excellent source of energy and is useful for active children with high energy needs. Children also have high fluid requirements and sugar can make liquids more palatable and enjoyable and so encourage improved fluid intake levels. It should be remembered that a balanced diet is the key.
Sugar is used in soft drinks as a traditional and natural sweetener which enhances fruit flavours, balances acidity, provides "body" to the drink and provides a source of readily available energy.
As a guide a typical full sugar (sweetened) soft drink contains about 10% sugar.
It is not possible to produce "sugar free juice drinks" because natural sugars are present in the fruit itself. However most of our product lines are now available in no-added sugar, diet or sugar-free versions to give consumers the widest choice possible.
Low sugar - this means less than 5g sugar per 100g or less than 2.5g per 100ml.
No added sugar - no added sugars or foods used for their sweetening properties.
Sugar free - less than 0.5 g of sugar per 100ml or 100g.
SweetenersWe use a number of ingredients to sweeten our drinks:
- Sugar (sucrose) is the traditional sweetener, used in granule or syrup form
- Fructose or glucose syrups
- Low calorie artificial sweeteners - Aspartame (E951), Acesulfame K (E950) or Saccharin.
A derivative from the amino acid, cysteine. Britvic includes a small amount of this substance to Red Devil energy drink. This is perfectly safe and is commonly included, as a very mild stimulant like caffeine, to many energy drinks on sale.
VitaminsThe body is unable to manufacture most vitamins for itself so they are an essential part of the diet. Each vitamin has several specific roles and a deficiency can lead to serious illness.
WaterIt is the main ingredient in all soft drinks, and accounts for at least 86% of carbonated drinks and 90% of fruit juice.
All bottled water has to meet the Natural Mineral Water, Spring Water and Bottled Drinking Water (England) Regulations 2007.
Spring water, such as drench
- Originates in an underground water source (spring or bore hole) and which has a specific name. The name and the place where the water is extracted must be stated on the label.
- Is bottled at source and protected from all risk of pollution
- Bottling should involve limited approved treatments
Natural mineral water, such as Pennine Spring
- Must come from an officially recognised spring or borehole, which has been externally evaluated and proved to be supplying a water with a consistent composition
- Must be microbiologically safe and protected from all risk of pollution
- Must be bottled at source
- Is characterised by its consistent chemical composition and may only be treated by in a way that will not change these properties - externally tested to meet standards
With the exception of our water products such as drench and Pennine Spring, Britvic buys most of the water it uses from the local authority.
As quality and consistency are of prime importance, all the water we use is passed through carbon filters and UV treated to ensure that it is neutral in taste and colour, and free of any harmful constituents that may cause our drinks to deteriorate when stored. (Pennine Spring is not UV treated as this is not permitted for a natural mineral water.)
Water to be used in carbonated drinks is also de-aerated