The Hidden Dangers of Pasteurised Health Drinks and What to Look For Instead

Pasteurisation has been a go-to process in the beverage industry for decades. It involves heating liquids to high temperatures to kill harmful bacteria and extend shelf life. While it works for safety, it can also strip away delicate nutrients, alter flavour profiles, and diminish the natural benefits that make a drink healthy in the first place.

Many pasteurised health drinks start with promising ingredients like herbs, fruits, and adaptogens, but the high heat can reduce the potency of vitamins, antioxidants, and active plant compounds. For example, vitamin C is particularly sensitive to heat, meaning your immune support drink might not be delivering the benefits you expect.

The taste can also be affected. Heat changes the natural profile of ingredients like ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass, resulting in a flat or cooked flavour rather than the bright, fresh taste you get from cold-filled or non-pasteurised beverages. This is why more wellness brands are shifting toward alternative preservation methods that maintain both safety and nutrition.

When you choose a functional drink made without pasteurisation, you are getting a product that retains the vibrant colour, aroma, and full spectrum of natural plant compounds. Mrs Toddy’s Tonics use fresh ingredients, clean label processes, and no artificial preservatives, offering a shelf stable beverage that still delivers on taste and potential benefits for metabolic health and blood sugar regulation.

Look for drinks that are made with real ingredients you can recognise and pronounce. Check the label for adaptogens like ginseng, gingko biloba, and ginger. These botanicals can support circulation, digestion, and energy without the crash you get from sugar-loaded options. Pairing these with your daily wellness routine can help maintain hormone balance, support recovery, and keep your hydration game strong.

If you want a drink that works as hard as you do, skip the pasteurised aisle and reach for a tonic that keeps ingredients as close to nature as possible. Your taste buds and your body will thank you.