The beverage industry is constantly evolving, with consumers increasingly seeking healthier and more customizable options. In response to this trend, PepsiCo's SodaStream and Bubly sparkling water brand have partnered to create Bubly Drops, offering consumers another way to enjoy carbonated water. This collaboration leverages the popularity of both brands to provide a convenient and flavorful experience for at-home beverage creation.
The Rise of Sparkling Water
Sparkling water has transitioned from a niche market to a significant force in the beverage industry. Its growth has outpaced even still water, which has been the most popular beverage category in America since 2016. In 2018, bottled sparkling water volume grew by 26%, while the still water category rose 4.2%, according to data from Beverage Marketing reported by CNBC. This surge in popularity has attracted major players like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, signaling the segment's substantial future growth potential. Even smaller companies are entering the market, further validating the trend.
PepsiCo acquired SodaStream for $3.2 billion. In February 2018, it launched Bubly, its drink with no artificial flavors, calories or sweeteners to take on industry leader LaCroix.
Bubly Drops: A Convenient Solution for Home Carbonation
By bringing Bubly and SodaStream together, PepsiCo is giving consumers another way to enjoy several of its popular canned sparking water flavors in the comfort of their own home. With more people spending time at home, those with a SodaStream are likely using their machines more frequently to avoid sugary drinks. Bubly Drops allow users to make their favorite sparkling water flavors with just a few drops in their SodaStream.
SodaStream already offers a range of flavorings for consumers to create their own sodas, ginger ales, lemonades, fruits, and energy drinks. Adding Bubly as an option expands consumer choice and capitalizes on the popularity of sparkling drinks.
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The Challenge of Maintaining Carbonation with Syrups
While SodaStream provides an excellent platform for creating carbonated water, some users have experienced issues with maintaining carbonation when adding flavoring syrups. Many have tried various techniques, such as stirring syrup into fizzy water, pouring fizzy water over syrup, and pumping syrup into fizzy water without mixing, only to find that their drinks become flat. If the syrup isn't stirred, it settles at the bottom; if it is stirred, the bubbles disappear.
Some users have experimented with refrigerating, warming, and using room temperature syrups. One technique that has shown some success involves adding a small amount of carbonated water, mixing in the syrup, and then adding the remaining carbonated water. The idea is that this "loosens" the syrup, allowing it to mix better with the cold water.
The Science of Carbonation
The solubility of carbon dioxide in water is influenced by several factors, including time, temperature, pressure, and composition. To maximize carbonation, it's crucial to ensure that everything is as cold as possible. High pressure is also essential, as the higher the pressure, the more CO2 will dissolve in the water. For instance, an open bottle of carbonated water will go flat, while a capped bottle will maintain carbonation due to the pressure buildup.
The presence of other gases, such as atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen, can reduce the partial pressure of CO2, hindering carbonation. Pure water is easier to carbonate than water with added substances. It takes time for the system to reach equilibrium, and simply pressurizing a bottle with CO2 may not result in immediate dissolution.
To optimize carbonation with SodaStream and Bubly Drops, consider the following process:
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- Ensure that both the water and syrup are thoroughly chilled.
- Mix the chilled water and syrup together.
- Pressurize the bottle with CO2 using the SodaStream.
- Cap the bottle to maintain pressure and shake it vigorously.
- Purge the pressure to remove any oxygen and nitrogen, then repressurize.
- Close the bottle and shake again, noting the pressure decrease as CO2 dissolves.
- Top off the pressure and continue shaking and squeezing until the pressure remains constant.
Expert Tips for Optimal Carbonation
Here are some expert tips to help you achieve the best carbonation with your SodaStream and Bubly Drops:
- Chill Everything: According to a soda stream expert, chilling your syrups before mixing is crucial. Storing syrups at room temperature can lead to a loss of fizz. Pre-chill both the bottle and syrups overnight for best results.
- The Right Ice: Some users have found that the type of ice used can affect carbonation. Ice from a refrigerator may flatten drinks, while store-bought ice keeps them more carbonated.
- Lemon and Lime Juice: One user recommends adding a teaspoon of lemon juice and lime juice each, along with Torino flavors, after carbonating the water. Cap the bottle and invert it a few times to mix.
- Avoid Additional Sweeteners: Never add additional artificial sweeteners to the bottle, as this can cause it to erupt.
The "Too Fresh" Theory
One theory suggests that SodaStream drinks may suffer from being "too fresh." Most commercially sold soft drinks contain phosphoric acid, in addition to naturally occurring carbonic acid, which takes time to develop from the CO2 injection. This could explain why homemade carbonated drinks sometimes lack the same level of fizz as store-bought ones.
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