Knowing more about beverage ingredients like sweeteners and caffeine can help you make more informed decisions about what you drink and better understand the role of beverages in your diet.

Use this Ingredient Glossary to learn about some popular ingredients used in today's beverages.

Term	Definition

Acacia	Acacia, also referred to as Gum Arabic, comes from acacia trees and is used to suspend ingredients that are not water soluble in water-based foods and beverages, creating an emulsion.
Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K)	Acesulfame K (ace-K) is a low calorie sweetener that was discovered in Germany in 1967 and developed by scientist, Hoechst AG. Acesulfame K is marketed under the brand name Sunett and is 200 times sweeter than sucrose. It is soluble, stable, and has a long shelf life. Learn more
Annatto	Annatto is a natural orange coloring agent derived from a seed.
Antioxidant	Antioxidants are substances that, following absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, participate in physiological, biochemical, or cellular processes that inactivate free radicals or prevent free radical-initiated chemical reactions. Vitamin C and vitamin E have recognized antioxidant activity.
Artificial flavor	An artificial flavor or ingredient is any substance used to impart flavor that is not derived from a natural substance such as a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetables, herbs or dairy products.
Ascorbic acid	Ascorbic acid is another term for vitamin C.
Aspartame	Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener made primarily of two amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Amino acids, including the two amino acids in aspartame, are the building blocks for proteins and are found widely in nature in both plants and animals. Learn more
Benzoic acid	Benzoic acid and its salts, sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate, are used as preservatives.
Beta-carotene	Beta-carotene is a naturally occurring nutrient found in abundance in fruits and vegetables. Once consumed, beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A, an essential nutrient for humans. Many studies have shown that a diet rich in carotenoids may be beneficial for good health.
Blue 1	Blue 1 is used as a coloring agent.
Bromelin	Bromelin is a naturally occurring component (enzyme) found in fresh, unprocessed pineapple. Its primary function is to aid in the breakdown of protein during the digestive process.
Brominated vegetable oil	In some beverages that contain citrus oils, brominated vegetable oils are used as a stabilizer to prevent the flavoring oils from floating to the surface of the beverage.  It is derived from soybean.
Caffeine	Caffeine comes from the leaves, seeds, or fruits of more than 60 plants. It is found in beverages and foods, such as coffee, tea, cola drinks, and chocolate. Learn more
Calcium citrate	Calcium citrate is prepared by neutralizing calcium hydrate with citric acid and provides a tart taste in many beverages.
Calcium disodium EDTA	Calcium disodium EDTA is used as a preservative
Calcium hydrate	Calcium hydrate is also known as "calcium hydroxide". It is manufactured by heating limestone to obtain lime (calcium oxide) and then hydrating it with water.
Calcium lactate	Calcium lactate is the salt of lactic acid and is used as a firming agent.
Caramel color	Caramel color is made commercially by heating corn or cane sugar and other carbohydrates under controlled conditions to achieve the desired color. Caramel color is approved by the FDA and is safe.
Carbohydrates	Carbohydrates are the primary energy source for the body and provide 4 calories per gram. Carbohydrates are classified as simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are further classified as mono- and disaccharides. Monosaccharides consist of a single sugar molecule and examples include glucose, fructose and lactose. Disaccharides consist of two sugar molecules and include sucrose (table sugar), galactose (milk sugar) and maltose. Complex carbohydrates are large molecules, composed of many sugars, called polysaccharides. Starch and dietary fiber are examples of polysaccharides. Learn more about carbohydrates
Carbonated water	Carbonated water, also known as soda water, sparkling water, or seltzer water, is water containing carbon dioxide.
Carbonic acid	Carbonic acid is a weak acid formed by the reaction of carbon dioxide and water. Carbon dioxide is used in carbonated beverages to give sparkle and zest to beverages.
Carnitine	Carnitine plays a role in the conversion of fatty acids into energy. Carnitine is naturally produced and stored in the body.

Carob bean gum	Carob bean gum is used as an emulsifier. It assures that oil based flavors are evenly dispersed in a water based drink. Carob bean gum comes from the starchy part of the seed of the carob bean tree.
Casein	Casein is a byproduct of dairy and principle protein in milk.
Cellulose gel	Cellulose gel is a stabilizer derived from natural sources that also functions as a texturizing agent. It is derived from naturally occurring cellulose found in fruits and vegetables.
Cellulose gum	Cellulose gum acts like a thickener, suspending agent and thickening agent. It is derived from naturally occurring cellulose found in fruits and vegetables.
Citric acid	Citric acid is a natural constituent of both animals and plants. Among plant sources, citric acid is most abundantly present in citrus fruits such as lemon, orange, and grapefruit. Citric acid can be produced from many different plant sources including corn. Regardless of the source, its chemical structure will be the same so that citric acid produced from corn will be no different from citric acid produced from an orange. The food laws of industrialized and developing countries around the world permit the use of citric acid in foods.
Coconut oil	Coconut oil helps the flavors mix with the water base of the product. Coconut oil is commonly used because it performs best with the flavor combinations.
Cyanocobalamin	Cyanocobalamin is a form of vitamin B12 that is man-made. It has the same chemical structure of naturally occurring vitamin B12 and thereby reacts in the body the same.
Cyclamate	Cyclamate is a low-calorie sweetener that is 30 times sweeter than sucrose. It is soluble in liquids and because it is stable in heat and cold, it has a long shelf life. Discovered in 1937, cyclamate is approved for use in foods and beverages in more than 50 countries worldwide, including Canada, Australia and Mexico.
Dextrose	Dextrose is another name for glucose.
Dietary Fiber	Dietary fiber is not a single substance, but instead is a mixture of different non-digestible carbohydrates found in foods. Examples of dietary fiber include bran, pectin, cellulose, lignin, and gums. Dietary fibers can be further divided into soluble and insoluble fibers based on whether or not they can dissolve in water. Water-soluble fibers, present to some extent in all plant foods, are more abundant in fruits and legumes, and are present in oat bran. Insoluble fibers include cellulose and wheat bran. Learn more
Diglycerides	Diglycerides are emulsifiers used to allow the mixing of oil in water without separation.
Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate	Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DSS) is a safe food ingredient used to keep essential oils homogeneously dispersed in beverages. If a dispersing agent is not used, the oils will float to the surface of the beverage with a negative impact on the appearance of the beverage.
EDTA	EDTA stands for Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid.  It is a preservative used in some beverages.
Electrolytes	Electrolytes are minerals, including sodium, potassium and chloride, which serve important functions in the body, including the maintenance of water balance.
Emulsifiers	Emulsifies and/or stabilizers are frequently used in beverages that contain citrus oils to prevent the flavoring oils from floating to the surface of the beverage and forming a ring at the neck of the bottle
“E” numbers	The European Union has assigned a number preceded by an “E” to many food additives in order to help the consumer who might be reading a label in a language other than his/her own to recognize common ingredients.
Erythorbic acid	Erythorbic acid is a vegetable-derived food additive produced from sucrose.
Ethyl maltol	Ethyl maltol is a synthetic sweetness enhancer that contributes a brown sugar, caramel-type flavor to certain fruit juices. It enhances the fruit flavor making it smoother, rounder and fuller.
Filtered water	Filtered water is water that has passed through a filtering system to remove impurities.
Flavonoids	Flavonoids are a group of plant pigments that are largely responsible for the colors of many fruits and flowers. Over 4,000 flavonoid compounds have been characterized and classified according to chemical structure. Sources of flavonoids include citrus fruits, berries, onions, parsley, legumes, and green tea.
Fluoride	Fluoride is a mineral that plays a role in bone structure and the hardening of tooth enamel. It is often added to local water supplies.
Folate	Folate is a B vitamin that is naturally occurring in many fruits and vegetables. Adequate folate intake as part of a healthy diet may reduce a woman’s risk of having a child with neural tube defects. Learn more
Folic acid	Folic acid is the man-made or synthetic form of folate. Folic acid is rarely added to beverages, rather naturally occurring folate is found in certain juices.
Food additives	Food additives are any substance that becomes part of a food when added directly or indirectly during any phase of production, processing, storage or packaging. Additives are generally used to provide flavor and color as well as to maintain freshness and retard spoilage. Sodium benzoate (a preservative) and aspartame (a low-calorie sweetener) are examples food additives. Food additives are strictly regulated, and there must be clear evidence that the substances are safe at their level of intended use before they can be added to food products.

Gluten	Gluten is a protein found in wheat products. People with celiac disease are not able to process gluten and thus should avoid products with gluten.
Glycerol ester of wood rosin	Glycerol ester of wood rosin is used in some beverages that contain citrus oils. The ester gum is used to prevent the flavoring oils from floating to the surface of the beverage. This ingredient is derived from the sap of a tree and purified by suppliers to meet FDA and company standards.
Guar gum	Guar gum is a thickening agent derived from seeds of the guar tree and is a natural ingredient. In liquids, it absorbs water and thickens the products.
Guarana	Guaraná is a shrub native to South America. The extract from its seeds is used as a flavor ingredient.
High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)	High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a nutritive (calorie-containing) sweetener found in many carbonated soft drinks, juice drinks and sports drinks, as well as other snacks, syrups, jellies and other sweetened products. HFCS is similar to table sugar (sucrose) in that it is composed of two simple sugars, glucose and fructose. The FDA has approved HFCS as a safe ingredient for use in food. Learn more
Lactic acid	Lactic acid is derived from the fermentation of sugars or starches. It is used as a flavoring and/or preservative.
Limonene	Limonene is an oil removed from orange rinds during the processing of juice. It is be added to certain beverages as a flavor.
Malic acid	Naturally found in apples, malic acid is added to food and beverages for its tartness, flavor-blending characteristics, and sour/sweet balance that complement fruity flavors.
Maltodextrin	Maltodextrin is a complex carbohydrate that adds body to a beverage. It is a bulking agent that is less sweet than sugar or HFCS.
Minerals	Minerals are nutrients needed by the body in small amounts to help it function properly and stay strong.
Modified food starch	Modified food starch has many uses including providing texture, thickening, stability, and emulsifying.
Monoglycerides	Monoglycerides are a type of emulsifier used to allow the mixing of oil in water without separation.
Natural flavors	Natural flavor means the essential oil or extract which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit, vegetable, herb, dairy product, or other foods, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.
Niacinamide	Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that is man-made. It has the same chemical structure of naturally occurring vitamin B3 and therefore acts the same in the body.
Phosphoric acid	Phosphoric acid is used to add a pleasant tartness to certain beverages. Phosphoric acid contains phosphorous, an essential nutrient and one of the basic elements of nature.
Phosphorus	Phosphorus is a mineral found widely in nature and is an essential nutrient in the diet for all living things. Phosphorus plays an important role in energy metabolism in the body and is a major component of bones and teeth. Learn more
Phosphorus citrate	Phosphorus citrate serves as a buffering agent for pH control.
Potassium	Potassium is a mineral that plays a role in maintaining normal blood pressure and helping your muscles contract. Potassium is also an electrolyte that helps regulate fluids in and out of the body cells. Learn more
Potassium benzoate	Potassium benzoate is a preservative used in some sodas as an alternative to sodium benzoate.
Potassium salts	Potassium salts are used instead of sodium salt to reduce the sodium content of certain beverages.
Potassium sorbate	Potassium sorbate is used as a preservative in some non- carbonated and juice-containing soft drinks.
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride	Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a form of vitamin B6 that is man-made. It has the same chemical structure as naturally occurring vitamin B6 and therefore acts the same in the body.
Quinine	Quinine is used as a flavoring agent and is obtained from the cinchona tree.
Red 40	Red 40 is used as a coloring agent.
Riboflavin	Riboflavin is a B-vitamin that plays a role in the production of energy. It is naturally found in dairy products, meats, poultry, and fish.

Saccharin	Saccharin is used as a low-calorie sweetener for foods and beverages. Saccharin has been approved in more than 100 countries around the world. Learn more
Salt	Sodium chloride, or table salt, is used for taste enhancement and serves as an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance in the body.
Sodium	Sodium is a mineral that plays a role in maintaining blood pressure. Sodium is also an electrolyte that helps regulate fluids in and out of the body cells. Learn more
Sodium benzoate	Sodium benzoate is used as an antimicrobial agent and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Sodium chloride	Sodium chloride is better known as table salt and is used for taste enhancement.
Sodium citrate	Sodium citrate is used as a flavor and/or preservative in certain beverages.
Sucralose	Sucralose is a non-nutritive (low-calorie) sweetener derived from sugar. Sucralose is approximately 600 times sweeter than table sugar and is sold under the brand name Splenda. Learn more
Sucrose	Sucrose is also known as table sugar. It is comprised of glucose and fructose and has 4 calories per gram and approximately 50 calories per tablespoon.
Sucrose acetate isobutyrate	Sucrose acetate isobutyrate is a synthetic compound derived from cane sugar. Sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB) is used in citrus beverages to prevent separation of citrus oils, and as a stabilizer for emulsions of flavoring oils.
Sugar	Sugar is a form of carbohydrate that is used in foods and beverages. Most often, sugar refers to table sugar, which is comprised of 50% glucose and 50% fructose.
Tartaric acid	Tartaric acid is a natural constituent in many fruits, such as grapes, and has a tart taste. It is an approved food ingredient by the FDA and is sometimes used in grape-flavored soft drinks.
Tartrazine	Tartrazine is an FDA approved food colorant also known as Yellow 5. Tartrazine is used widely in foods, beverages and pharmaceuticals.
Taurine	Taurine is an amino acid that is used to neutralize toxins. It is necessary in the diet of infants for normal retinal and brain development.
Turmeric	Turmeric is a product of a dried root from the ginger family. It is a naturally occurring ingredient used for flavor and/or color.
Vanilla	Vanilla is a plant native to Mexico. The extract is used as a flavoring agent.
Vitamin C	Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that helps promote healthy gums and teeth, aids in mineral absorption, and heal wounds. Vitamin C is naturally found in citrus fruits and certain vegetables including peppers, potatoes and green leafy vegetables. Learn more
Vitamin D	Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D can be made in the body with exposure to sunlight. Fortified foods and beverages such as milk, breakfast cereals and certain juices also contain vitamin D. Learn more
Vitamins	Nutrients needed by the body to function and metabolize energy. Vitamins, other than vitamin D, cannot be manufactured by the body and must be obtained through diet or supplements.
Yellow 5	Yellow 5 is used as a coloring agent.
Yellow 6	Yellow 6 is used as a coloring agent.