Let’s Find Out How Pepsi Is Manufactured

Introduced in 1893 in the markets, this cold drink is still in trend and has become a part of our routine life. Though water constitute a large amount of this cold drink, still there are several other things that make this beverage a hit among all others. One may say that the taste is somewhat similar due to the presence of carbonated water; there is something which has made it a common name and is known to everyone. Let’s have a look at the main ingredients of Pepsi to know more about its manufacturing processes. In August 2012, the PepsiCo signed a deal of $30 million with Senomyx, for the artificial high potency sweeteners for the company’s beverages. Let’s take a look at How is Pepsi Manufactured?

The Ingredients in the Bottle

Following are the main ingredients which are used in the making process of Pepsi:

Carbonated water
High fructose corn syrup
Caramel color
Sugar
Phosphoric acid
Caffeine
Citric acid
Natural flavors

Phosphoric acid avoids molds and bacterial growth by delaying and gives the beverage a unique flavor. A natural preservative, citric acid is used for enhancing the beverage flavor and it also maintains the balance of sweetness. More than 95% of the content is just carbonated water. It is carbon dioxide, which gives the beverage its sparkling flavor. The reason for using carbon dioxide that it is most suitable for making soft drinks because carbon dioxide is a non – toxic and inert gas and most importantly it is less expensive and can be liquefied easily.
Then comes the sugar. It is the second most abundant component found in the beverage. Used both as dry and liquid, it makes the beverage taste sweet and is an essential component of the beverage as if there is no sugar, there is no taste.
The perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, carbonation, and tartness makes a perfect cold drink. There are a variety of flavoring elements used which can be natural, chemically synthesized natural identical or even artificial. Emulsions are also used.

The Manufacturing of Pepsi in Mega Factory

PepsiCo owns several manufacturing plants all over the world and the manufacturing of the beverage takes place every day in these units. Most of the beverages are processed and manufactured at local canning and bottling companies.

Water Processing: Cleaning and Clarifying
Water is the most important component and it has to be taken care of very crucially. The water quality makes a great beverage. Water contains several types of impurities, microbes, organic matter, suspended particles which may affect the color and the taste of the beverage. A traditional technical is approach to get rid of all such impurities which include the sequence of coagulation, filtration, and the chlorination of the water. The process of coagulation includes the mixing of the precipitate of a gelatinous substance into the water, the floc which can be aluminum sulfate or ferric sulfate. All the suspended particles in the water are absorbed by the floc and thus become larger in size. The filters easily trap them.

Water Filtration, Sterilization, and Dechlorination
For the removal of fine floc particles, the water is poured through the sand filter. Water is sterilized so that all the microbes can be removed, which can spoil the color and taste of water. The water is collected in a tank and is treated with chlorine. In a couple of hours, the reaction finishes. The water is then dechlorinated with help of activated carbon filter. This removes any left organic material. Before the water is passed to the dosing station, it is de-aerated with a vacuum pump.

Ingredient Mixing
As per the compatibility, the dosing station is filled with flavor concentrates and the dissolved sugar in a predefined series. Then all the ingredients are transferred to the batch tanks. There, these ingredients are mixed carefully under a controlled condition. The agitation is kept under control else it will lead to unwanted aeration. Flash pasteurization or UV radiations are used to sterilize the syrups stored in the tanks. Several proportions are used to combine the syrup and water with each other carefully and this also regulates the ratios of the liquids. To avoid the mixture to get aerated, carbon dioxide is pressurized into the vessels.

Beverage Carbonation
Carbonation is a process where the liquid is dissolved with carbon dioxide, which is also known as Fizz. This is basically done under very high pressure. Carbon dioxide releases out of the drink on reducing the pressure. This creates the effervescent in the liquid. This makes the carbonated water. The temperature of the liquid has to be maintained under controlled conditions. Carbonators are nowadays equipped with automatic cooling systems.

Filling and Packaging
The prepared beverage is then transferred to the cans or bottles at a very high rate of flow. The cans and bottles are filled to the neck and are then sealed immediately with pressure-resistant closures. After the containers are filled with the cold drink, they are kept coming to room temperature which is very necessary. Containers are then packed and kept into the cartons and are then loaded to the trucks. Now, these are ready to make your day. Enjoy your drink.

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