In recent years, brewing – both craft and industrial – has undergone a dynamic transformation. Consumers are increasingly turning to beers with fruit additives or non-alcoholic flavoured beers. This trend is not only changing brewers’ portfolios, but also forcing a new approach to raw materials. Concentrated fruit juices are at the heart of this change, as they combine convenience, control over the process and great freedom of use. Read the article and find out if concentrated juices are the future of brewing and why it is worth concentrating beer juice.
Can concentrated fruit juice be mixed with beer?
The answer is yes, and with great success! Concentrated fruit juice is currently one of the most versatile raw materials in modern brewing. Thanks to its concentrated formula and smooth consistency, it mixes perfectly with both classic and non-alcoholic beers.
What’s more, these juices can be added to beers:
- cold, without risk of contamination,
- at various stages of production – from the brewhouse to the serving tank,
- both in pure form and with flavourings or other additives.
It is also worth mentioning that well-prepared concentrated juice does not cause beer separation or have a negative effect on foam, which is very common with NFC juices or pulps, especially those with a high pectin content.
Practical advice
If you want to use concentrates in the final stage of fermentation or lagering, choose those with a low pH, which will further prevent possible contamination. Tried and tested fruit concentrates for beer can be found at reputable manufacturers who provide analytical documentation (Brix, acidity, microbiology).
Why is it worth concentrating juice for beer?
You already know whether you can mix concentrated fruit juice with beer, but have you ever wondered why it is worth concentrating juices that will be added to flavoured beers? Concentration is a process that allows up to 60-70% of water to be removed from fruit juice. This process leaves a thick concentrate with a high extract content and intense aroma.
Why else is it worth using juice concentration in a brewery?
- Stability and durability
When comparing classic juices and concentrated juices, concentrated fruit juices are much more durable than fresh NFC juices. They can last for months or even years in refrigerated conditions without the risk of fermentation or spoilage.
- Lower microbiological risk
The process of thickening the juice for beer, combined with pasteurisation and filtration, virtually eliminates the risk of spores or undesirable bacteria.
- Cost effectiveness
You transport and store less volume – you pay less for logistics, energy and warehouse space.
- Repeatability
Unlike fresh juices, concentrated juices for beer are standardised – they have a consistent extract level, pH, aroma and colour. They can be used to create exactly repeatable recipes throughout the year.
- Ability to adapt to different styles
From one concentrated juice for beer, you can create:
- a summer radler,
- a Berliner,
- a tropical non-alcoholic IPA.
What are the advantages of concentrated juices for beer?
It is not without reason that concentrated juices for beer are becoming increasingly popular among manufacturers and consumers who are looking for new taste sensations. However, before reaching for the fruity version of your favourite drink, it is worth considering whether concentrated fruit juices are healthy and what benefits they can offer in the context of brewing.
Consistent quality and control over raw materials
The brewer knows exactly what goes into the tank. Laboratory analysis of the concentrate allows us to predict its impact on the taste, colour, foaminess and pH of the finished beer. This is a significant technological advantage, especially in contract manufacturing and export.
Savings in logistics and warehousing
Fruit concentrates take up to 6 times less space than NFC juices or pulps. They also do not need to be transported in a refrigerated vehicle. For the brewery, this translates into real savings – especially during the season when the production of flavoured beers is in full swing.
Better use of the harvest season
Instead of buying fresh fruit throughout the year and risking variable quality, simply stock up on good quality concentrate produced at the peak of the season. The result? Better taste and no risks associated with a product that is difficult to reproduce.
Economy and margin
From a cost perspective, concentrate is a more cost-effective raw material than pulp or NFC. In addition, it facilitates production scaling and reduces the risk of losses, which translates into higher beer margins.
Freedom in designing the flavour profile
You can use 2% concentrate for a subtle accent or 12% or even more to achieve an intense, fruity profile. You can also combine concentrates with other ingredients, such as herbs, spices and lactose, to create unique product lines and original flavour combinations.
Concentrated juices as the future of brewing!
More and more breweries – from small craft brewers to large brewing groups – are opting for fruit concentrates for beer. Why?
- Concentrate technology is already at a very high level – many of them retain the aroma, colour and taste similar to fresh juices.
- They give an advantage in year-round production – recipes are repeatable and the availability of raw materials does not depend on the weather or the market.
- They facilitate export – less volume, better labels, less risk of problems with phytosanitary customs requirements.
- Concentrated juices are scalable – they work great in microbreweries as well as large regional breweries.
Concentrates have become an integral part of the modern approach to beer. Breweries that know how to use them win in terms of quality, efficiency and market response time. Concentrated fruit juices open up completely new possibilities for the brewing industry – from unique flavour combinations to greater control over product quality. Their growing popularity is not just a trend, but a real change in the approach to beer production. That is why it is worth thickening beer juice – to create modern, diverse and attractive beverages for contemporary consumers, whose demands are constantly growing!