Alcohol can affect flavor and color, posing the challenge of maintaining the original flavor and color during the entire shelf life. Developing compounds that fit the beverage formulation in its entirety, including spirits, water, flavor profiles and sweetening solutions.
Product
Euphoria, relaxation & enjoyment drink based on a proprietary blend of natural terpenes
category
Functional, non-alcoholic beverage
Key elements
- Co-development
- Defining a new category of non-alcoholic drinks
- Beverage formulation development
- Quality & shelf life tests
- Consumer functional perception tests
Scale up production
Background
As millennials and Gen Z seek more uplifting, de-stressing alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages, CBC Group’s GAT Foods partnered with terpene-based technology start-up Eybna through the CORE to develop a groundbreaking solution, BUUZ— a first-of-its-kind, ease drinks based on a proprietary functional terpene blend.
For centuries, terpenes were used in traditional botanical medicine and aromatherapy for their tastes and smells. Today, research has proven their functionality on different body systems, affecting mood, energy, stress response, muscle control, and more.
Eybna’s research went one step further with computational and biological studies, screening and pinpointing the most relevant terpenes affecting the body’s GABA and Serotonin receptors, known for providing nootropic and adaptogenic properties to help the body adapt to stress and improve cognitive function.
challenge
solution
Emulsification We developed a specific emulsion designed to integrate the terpene’s insoluble molecules in water-based beverages, maintaining the terpene’s functionality and taste throughout the beverage’s shelf life.
Functionality We conducted two consumer perception tests to evaluate the impact of BUUZ’s formulation on consumers’ mood and sensory perceptions. 1st study: The BUUZ functional 5 mg terpene blend drink reduced negative feelings and elevated mood. 2nd study: The BUUZ functional 2.5 mg terpene blend drink demonstrated an increased feeling of relaxation. For more details, get the whitepaper.
Taste Botanical terpenes produce a unique herbal flavor profile, different from what we are typically accustomed to in beverages. In order to preserve the unique terpene flavor profile, we balanced the functional blend with additional aromas, ensuring the drink is both functional and delicious. Some variants include sophisticated cocktail flavors like ginger ale and mojito as well as refreshing, fruity flavors like watermelon-cucumber, blueberry-basil, peach-cherry, and grapefruit-mint.
Shelf life As terpenes are volatile molecules and difficult to quantify, the CORE developed a unique method to test terpene quantity in order to ensure the desired amount is maintained during the beverage’s entire shelf life.
Regulation As a part of our regulation assurance, the CORE screened all ingredients to adhere to US and European regulations in terms of purity, quantity, and safety.
Scale-up To assure large-scale manufacturing, the CORE scaled up BUUZ’s still and carbonated drinks manufacturing in cans and dark glass.
results
The product offer includes ready-to-use water-soluble terpene blend emulsions and compounds with formulations tailored to beverage manufacturers' needs and different categories (non-alcoholic beer, water, juice, tea, mocktails, carbonates). Applications can be tailored to different calorie counts and specific flavors crafted with premium ingredients.