Gut Health Drink: Prebiotic Ginger Lemon Beverage
                     Developing a Prebiotic 
Carbonated Beverage for Gut 
HGeaIlNth  GER 
LEMON 
FLAVOR
An Academic presentation by
Dr. Nancy Agnes, Head, Technical Operations, 
FoodResearchLab
Group: www.foodresearchlab.com
Email: [email protected]
A beverage company approached us with the goal of developing a 
unique carbonated drink that supports gut health while offering a 
complex flavor profile. 
The drink was to combine prebiotic ingredients and both 
Caribbean and European mulling spices for a ginger-lemon taste. 
The company wanted the beverage to cater to health-conscious 
consumers looking for natural, gut-healthy alternatives. 
The challenge was to balance the drink’s functionality as a 
prebiotic beverage while ensuring a delightful, balanced flavor that 
would appeal to a broad market.
Objective:
The primary objective was to develop a carbonated, prebiotic 
beverage that:
1.Combines Caribbean and European mulling spices with a sweet-tart ginger 
lemon flavor.
2.Promotes gut health through the inclusion of prebiotic fibers and natural 
ingredients.
3.Is free from artificial preservatives and sugars, catering to health-conscious 
consumers.
4.Has a shelf life of at least 6 months while maintaining flavor stability in a 
carbonated format.
Challenges:
• Prebiotic Ingredients: Identifying the right prebiotic fibers that would not affect the 
taste or texture of the beverage while providing gut health benefits.
• Flavor Balance: Ensuring that the ginger and lemon flavors were balanced, with the 
mulling spices providing complexity without overpowering the drink.
• Carbonation Stability: Maintaining the carbonation levels over time without 
impacting the efficacy of the prebiotics.
• Natural Preservation: Achieving a stable shelf life without using artificial 
preservatives.
Solution & Strategy by Global 
Contract Food Research Lab & Pilot 
Manufacturing Unit:
Prebiotic 
We selected a combination of Cassava RootI nFgibreer,d Ciheincotrsy: Root Inulin, Jerusalem Artichoke Inulin, and 
Nopal Cactus for their prebiotic properties. These fibers promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, 
which supports digestive health.
Each fiber was chosen for its ability to blend seamlessly into a beverage format without altering the 
flavor or texture.
Nopal Cactus also contributes to hydration, adding another functional health benefit.
Flavor Profile 
Development:
• The base flavors of ginger and lemon were enhanced using fresh 
ginger juice and lemon juice. Apple juice concentrate was added 
to round out the sweetness and provide a more natural taste.
• The drink included a Natural Mulling Spice Flavor that combined 
cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and star anise. This spice mix added a 
warm, spiced undertone that complemented the zing of the ginger 
and the tartness of the lemon.
• Calendula Flower, Kudzu Root, Marshmallow Root, and Stevia 
Leaf were included for their functional benefits and mild flavors. 
These botanicals, in particular, helped soften the boldness of the 
ginger and provided anti-inflammatory and digestive support.
Carbonation and 
Mouthfeel:
• Carbonated Water was used as the base, offering a refreshing 
mouthfeel. The carbonation levels were carefully controlled to ensure 
they enhanced the drinking experience without overpowering the subtle 
flavors of the prebiotics and spices.
• A balance between moderate carbonation and the drink’s texture was 
achieved by ensuring the prebiotic fibers dissolved effectively in the 
beverage, maintaining a smooth, crisp mouthfeel without graininess.
Natural Sweeteners:
• To cater to consumers avoiding added sugars, we used Stevia Leaf as 
the natural sweetener. This provided the necessary sweetness to 
balance the tartness of the lemon and the spice of the ginger without 
adding calories or affecting blood sugar levels.
• Cassava Root Syrup was used sparingly to enhance the mouthfeel and 
offer a hint of natural sweetness.
Preservation and Shelf 
St•aHbiimliatlya:yan Pink Salt and the natural acidity from lemon juice and apple 
juice concentrate helped act as natural preservatives. This allowed us to 
maintain a clean label without artificial preservatives.
• Calendula Flower, Kudzu Root, and Marshmallow Root also contributed 
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting shelf stability.
Nutritional and Functional 
Po• sTihtieo ninicnlugs:ion of Cassava Root Fiber, Inulin from Chicory Root and 
Jerusalem Artichoke, and Nopal Cactus positioned the beverage as a 
functional prebiotic drink that supports gut health. These prebiotic fibers 
are known for promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improving 
digestion, and enhancing overall gut health.
• The natural botanicals provided anti-inflammatory benefits and further 
supported digestive health, creating a holistic wellness beverage.

Implementat
i•oThe nformu:lation underwent multiple rounds of testing to ensure that the carbonation levels, flavor profile, and prebiotic functionality were 
optimized.
 
• Stability testing was conducted to ensure the drink maintained its 
flavor, carbonation, and health benefits over a shelf life of 6 months. 
• Additionally, sensory panels were used to fine-tune the flavor profile to 
appeal to a wide range of consumers, balancing the sweet, tart, and 
spiced elements.
Outcome:
• Balanced Flavor: The final product delivered a balanced combination of 
sweet and tart flavors, with a kick of ginger followed by the tang of lemon. 
The mulling spices added depth, creating a refreshing yet complex taste 
profile that appealed to health-conscious consumers.
• Prebiotic Functionality: The prebiotic ingredients were effective in 
promoting gut health without altering the flavor or texture of the beverage. 
Consumers reported feeling lighter and more comfortable after drinking it, 
supporting the functional claim of improved digestion.
• Carbonation Stability: The carbonation levels remained stable over the 6-
month shelf life, and the drink retained its refreshing, effervescent quality 
without affecting the prebiotic fibers.
• Shelf Stability: The natural preservation methods proved 
effective, allowing the beverage to remain fresh and flavorful for 
up to 6 months without the need for artificial preservatives.
• Market Reception: The beverage was well-received in the 
market, particularly among consumers looking for gut health 
benefits in a tasty, refreshing format. Its clean label, with 
ingredients like ginger juice, lemon juice, and natural mulling 
spice, appealed to the growing demand for functional, natural 
beverages.
Conclusio
n• By: carefully balancing prebiotic functionality with natural flavors and carbonation, we were able to create a Ginger Lemon 
Prebiotic Carbonated Beverage that supports gut health while 
delivering a refreshing and complex flavor. 
• The final product successfully met the client’s goals of providing 
a gut-healthy drink that would stand out in the crowded 
functional beverage market.