Texture Analysis of Beverages

The word “beverage” does not conjure up images of Texture Analysis, which is best suited to samples with properties ranging from viscous liquids to solids. However, with raw ingredients and packaging to consider, beverage manufacturers have just as much need for Texture Analysers as any other industry.

With a worldwide drive to reduce plastic consumption, paper straws have made an appearance in many bars and restaurants. They are an excellent alternative and a blast from the past for some consumers, coming in a wider range of patterns than we are used to seeing on plastic straws. However, a drawback of paper straws is their lack of structural integrity once they have spent some time soaking in a drink. The softened end not only has an unpleasant mouthfeel; it also reduces the straw’s effectiveness. 
For elongated samples such as this, a bend test is usually the simplest, most reliable technique for physical assessment. Bend tests of a dry sample followed by different soaking times in suitable beverages will show the time taken for the breakdown in properties to occur.

Powder Flow Analyser PFA/PL; Ring Pull Rig A/RPR; Three Point Bend Rig A/3PB

Manufacturers of bubble tea containing popping boba must monitor the bursting force of their products. The bubbles serve as an exciting new texture that surprises the consumer the first time they bite one and provide anticipation each time they come back for more. Their properties are easily assessed with the use of a compression test, moving the probe to a high strain to ensure breakage. For a dramatic pop, a high force and low strain at the breaking point are ideal. This can be confirmed with the addition of the Video Capture & Synchronisation System, which allows the user to video the burst event and measure the distance the contents travel during expulsion. In general, the further they travel, the more exciting the popping event.

In many coffee shops, syrups are provided as an optional addition to a hot or cold drink. Baristas are often in a rush to make a large number of drinks in a short space of time, and so need a reliable method of syrup dispensation. The pump’s actuation force can be measured using a domical probe, and an Integrated Balance (attached to the Texture Analyser) used to measure the mass that leaves the container on each pump. This serves the dual purpose of monitoring the pump force and portion control in one test.

Hot chocolate is generally sold in powder form. Anyone who has made a mug of hot chocolate at home will know that caking and clumping in the jar can cause annoyance, but it can come at great cost to the manufacturer before it reaches the jar, with pipeline blockages and product wastage in the factory. The tendency of a powder to cake can be tested simply using a Powder Flow Analyser. With an automated test method and data analysis, this is a quick and simple measurement to include in the quality control process.

Drinks packaging can be of as much interest to the R&D team as the products themselves. For example, ring pull cans made by top manufacturers are fine tuned to break at a very specific force and give off a characteristic ‘crack and fizz’ sound. The Ring Pull Rig can be used along with both audio and visual measurements (with the Acoustic Envelope Detector and Video Capture & Synchronisation System) to build up a full picture of the user’s physical and audible experience when opening a can.

To find out more about any aspect of Texture Analysis, contact Stable Micro Systems today.

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We can design and manufacture probes or fixtures for the TA.XTplus texture analyser that are bespoke to your sample and its specific measurement.

Once your measurement is performed, our expertise in its graphical interpretation is unparalleled. Not only can we develop the most suitable and accurate method for the testing of your sample, but we can also prepare analysis procedures that obtain the desired parameters from your curve and drop them into a spreadsheet or report designed around your requirements.

For more information on how to measure texture, please visit the Texture Analysis Properties section on our website.

The TA.XTplus texture analyser is part of a family of texture analysis instruments and equipment from Stable Micro Systems. An extensive portfolio of specialist attachments is available to measure and analyse the textural properties of a huge range of food products. Our technical experts can also custom design instrument fixtures according to individual specifications.

No-one understands texture analysis like we do!

To discuss your specific test requirements click here...