How Are Soft Drinks Made Fizzy?
Right after the taste, the best part about soft drinks is their satisfying fizz. Any soda fan will agree that a flat soda isn’t the same as a fizzy one — but what gives a soda its fizz?
The Science Behind Soda Fizz
The satisfying pop you hear when opening a can or bottle of soda comes from the carbonation inside. Soft drinks manufacturers combine carbon dioxide gas with water to the soda at very high pressures. When they add carbon dioxide to the soda, the liquid does not have the bubbles you see after you’ve opened the container.
Even after adding the carbon dioxide, the drink would still look like a flat soda until you’ve opened the bottle or can. There may be some bubbles, but not many. The carbon dioxide stays dissolved in the liquid until you relieve the pressure.
The bubbles that come to the surface of your soft drink are caused by the carbon dioxide escaping from its liquidy prison. The longer the container of your soda is opened, the more carbon dioxide escapes. That’s why you don’t want to leave your drink open very long.
Even an opened soft drink isn’t safe forever from becoming flat — it may take several months, but even an unopened bottle or can of soda will become flat. An opened bottle will get flat in just a few days — maybe a few more if you’re lucky.
The temperature of your soda will also affect how long it stays fizzy. If it’s cold, the carbon dioxide gas will escape less quickly than a soda that’s at room temperature.
Opening a soft drink’s container releases the pressure between the water and carbon dioxide, giving it the bubbles you love. One way to add bubbles to a soft drink before opening is to shake it up — but we don’t recommend doing that unless you want a sticky soda shower and a big mess.
Originally, yeast was used to give soft drinks their fizz. Today, soft drink manufacturers have big machines that add the carbon dioxide gas.
Why Add the Fizz?
You may be asking yourself if adding the carbon dioxide is necessary — simply put, yes it is, unless you like flat soda. But does anyone actually enjoy flat soda?
Without the carbon dioxide, you’ll still get the same flavor of the soda. But, the best part about cracking open your favorite soda is the bubbles! The carbon dioxide gas gives the soft drink a bit of an acidic taste and their satisfying mouthfeel.
Now, when you’re on your next date and buy a soda at the movies or are drinking a Coke at a family party, you can share this interesting trivia with your friends and family.
Shop for Carbonated Drinks at Beverage Universe
Pick up all of your favorite soft drinks, sodas and other beverages at Beverage Universe. We’re a one-stop shop, which makes us the best place to get all of your favorite drinks at one easy location.
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