Vol. 13, Issue 2 (2024)

Author(s):
Khushnoor Fatima and K Lakshmi Bala

Abstract:
Powdered drink mixes, also known as instant drink powders, are processed food products in powder form intended to be mixed with water, resulting in a beverage resembling fruit juice or soda in taste. The demand for lemon-flavored drinks increases significantly during the summer season due to their ability to quickly rehydrate and provide a sense of freshness. To meet this demand and offer a high-energy, refreshing, and flavoured drink with added vitamins and minerals, an instant drink powder containing lemon and stevia was developed. The aim of the study was to evaluate its physical, chemical, and sensory properties. To create the instant drink powder, various formulations of lemon, stevia, carom, cumin, and black salt were used. A commercially available drink powder (Tang) served as the control sample (T0). The prepared samples underwent multiple physicochemical and sensory tests to assess their nutritional value and shelf life. After a 90-day period, the proximate analysis of the instant drink powder revealed that it was suitable for human consumption. In terms of sensory properties, sample T13 was found to be as well-liked as the control, based on overall acceptability.