Many health drinks on supermarket shelves are pasteurised heated to high temperatures to extend shelf life. While pasteurisation offers convenience and safety, it comes with a trade-off: the natural flavour, colour and aroma of ingredients often change in the process.
Understanding how this works can help you choose beverages that taste fresher and align with a more natural lifestyle.
How Pasteurisation Works
Pasteurisation involves heating liquid to a high temperature often 80–95°C then cooling it quickly. This helps prevent spoilage and allows drinks to sit on shelves for months.
However, high heat can affect natural ingredients such as:
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citrus
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herbs
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ginger
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spices
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botanicals
These ingredients are delicate, and their natural compounds can be sensitive to heat.
What Happens to Ingredients When Heated
When drinks are pasteurised, several changes can occur:
1. Flavour softens or becomes muted
Fresh citrus becomes less bright, herbs lose aroma and spices flatten out.
2. Colour can darken
Heat often dulls or browns natural colours.
3. Aroma decreases
The vibrant scent of botanicals fades under high heat.
4. Some drinks require stabilisers afterward
Manufacturers may add gums, emulsifiers or sweeteners to restore texture and taste.
Why Many Consumers Are Looking for Alternatives
Today’s wellness-conscious consumers are choosing drinks made with:
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real ingredients
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clean formulations
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minimal processing
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no added gums or emulsifiers
They want beverages that feel fresh, botanical and closer to their natural state. This shift is driving the rise of functional drinks that rely on alternative methods to maintain quality without relying on heat.
What to Look For When Choosing a Fresh Beverage
When reading labels, look for:
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short, recognisable ingredient lists
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no artificial additives
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no seed oils or emulsifiers
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natural flavour profile
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minimal processing methods
Consumers increasingly prefer drinks crafted to keep ingredients as close to their original form as possible.
A New Standard for Natural Beverages
As awareness grows, more people are seeking drinks that deliver freshness without compromise drinks that retain the aroma, vibrancy and botanical character of their ingredients. Choosing minimally processed options aligns with a cleaner, more whole-food approach and supports a lifestyle centered on better daily choices