Carbon dioxide is non-toxic, inert gas that is virtually tasteless. It is soluble in liquids, the degree of solubility increasing as the liquid temperature decreases, and can exist as gas or a solid.
When carbon dioxide dissolves in water it imparts an acidic and biting taste, which gives the drink a refreshing quality by stimulating the mouth’s mucous membranes.
Carbon dioxide is responsible for bubbles in soft drinks and contributes to their slightly sour taste.
The escape of the carbon dioxide gas during consumption enhances the aroma since the carbon dioxide bubbles drag the aromatic components as the move up to the surface of the soft drinks.
Carbon dioxide gas is heavier than air, having a density of 1.98 kg/ m3 at 298 K at some 1.5 times that of air.
Carbon dioxide requirements for soft drinks range from about 2.5 volumes percent of gas per volume of beverage to 4.5 volumes of gas per volume of liquid for highly carbonated beverages such as ginger ale.
Carbon dioxide in soft drinks
