Journal Description
Beverages
Beverages
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on beverage research and development published bimonthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), FSTA, CAPlus / SciFinder, PubAg, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Food Science and Technology) / CiteScore - Q1 (Food Science)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 19.1 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 4.5 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2024).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
3.0 (2023);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.3 (2023)
Latest Articles
Multi-Analytical Characterisation of an Alcoholic Beverage Obtained by Blending of White Wine and Organic Kiwifruit Wine
Beverages 2025, 11(2), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages11020048 - 7 Apr 2025
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While studies on the co-fermentation of fruits and grapes are reported in the literature, blends of wine and fruit wine have never been investigated before. We characterised a blend (80:20 v/v) of Trebbiano Abruzzese white wine, organic kiwifruit wine, and
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While studies on the co-fermentation of fruits and grapes are reported in the literature, blends of wine and fruit wine have never been investigated before. We characterised a blend (80:20 v/v) of Trebbiano Abruzzese white wine, organic kiwifruit wine, and the sparkling beverage obtained by its successive refermentation in a bottle. A persimmon/kiwifruit wine (50:50 v/v), after and before alcoholic fermentation, was also analysed. The buffer capacity, redox potential, concentration of selected polyphenols, total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, and volatile profile were evaluated. The addition of kiwifruit wine to Trebbiano Abruzzese confers, to the final beverage, an appreciable improvement in terms of antioxidant activity, related to the content of polyphenols and ascorbic acid, which is substantially preserved in the sparkling product. Appreciable differences in the aroma of the blend compared to pure wine are mainly associated with the increased content of norisoprenoids, terpenes, methyl esters, and sulphur compounds, arising from the kiwifruit wine. The innovative beverages here proposed exhibit distinctive compositional and sensorial attributes that can be appreciated by consumers.
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Open AccessArticle
Characterization of Commercial Non-Alcoholic Beers in Two Locations, Finland and China
by
Niina Kelanne, Yuxuan Zhu, Tuomas Rysä, Baoru Yang, Baoqing Zhu and Oskar Laaksonen
Beverages 2025, 11(2), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages11020047 - 29 Mar 2025
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Consumption of non-alcoholic beer (NAB) is continuously increasing in many countries. NABs are produced with varying technologies, resulting in different sensory properties. Previous studies have focused on understanding the consumers’ acceptance and preferences among different types of NAB. However, few studies have focused
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Consumption of non-alcoholic beer (NAB) is continuously increasing in many countries. NABs are produced with varying technologies, resulting in different sensory properties. Previous studies have focused on understanding the consumers’ acceptance and preferences among different types of NAB. However, few studies have focused on the sensory characterization of commercial NABs produced with different methods. This study aimed to find key sensory characteristics in lager, Indian pale ale, and pilsner-type NABs with untrained panels by conducting tests in Finland and China. Participants were asked to Check-All-That-Apply for odors and Rate-All-That-Apply for flavors. Additionally, hedonic responses to odor and flavor pleasantness were rated. Chinese participants used more different and more often-used attributes to describe NABs. More varying descriptors were used on the NAB samples chosen as the most pleasant ones, indicating more complex sensory properties. Participants from both locations preferred lager-type beers characterized as ‘fresh’ odor and ‘fruity’, ‘floral’, and ‘sweet’ flavors and less frequently found Indian-pale-ale-type NABs pleasant, describing them as ‘sour’, ‘bitter’, ‘fermented’, and ‘pungent’ flavors. The flavor pleasantness correlated more with the samples frequently chosen as the most pleasant than odor pleasantness. No clear connection was found between the production method of NAB and consumers’ acceptance, demonstrating that all production methods can be used to produce non-alcoholic beers with sensory properties acceptable to consumers.
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Open AccessSystematic Review
Total Water Intake and Total Fluid Intake Worldwide: A Systematic Literature Review in Children and Adolescents
by
Georgios Papaoikonomou, Kyriaki Apergi and Olga Malisova
Beverages 2025, 11(2), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages11020046 - 27 Mar 2025
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Background: Investigating fluid consumption among children and adolescents poses a challenge due to varying dietary behaviors and hydration needs. This systematic review aims to assess total water intake (TWI) and total fluid intake (TFI) in children and adolescents, focusing on gender differences and
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Background: Investigating fluid consumption among children and adolescents poses a challenge due to varying dietary behaviors and hydration needs. This systematic review aims to assess total water intake (TWI) and total fluid intake (TFI) in children and adolescents, focusing on gender differences and adherence to reference values proposed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Institute of Medicine (IOM). Methods: A systematic literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Scholar was conducted to identify studies published between 2004 and 2024 reporting on TWI and TFI for children and adolescents. Studies were included if they reported fluid intake data in healthy populations, provided quantitative measures of TWI or TFI, and aligned with the EFSA or IOM reference values. From 8731 initial articles, 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were synthesized narratively, and compliance with hydration guidelines was assessed. Results: The review included 24 studies, encompassing 16,254 children and 15,367 adolescents. The majority of participants failed to meet the recommended guidelines. Only one study reported compliance with the recommended TWI values, while four studies in children and four in adolescents showed adherence to the recommended TFI values. Conclusions: The results underscore a widespread inadequacy in achieving the hydration guidelines among children and adolescents, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve fluid intake. Public health interventions are needed to promote adequate fluid intake, particularly in populations at risk of dehydration-related health outcomes. Future research should focus on identifying barriers to adequate hydration and developing targeted strategies to improve fluid intake behaviors.
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Open AccessArticle
Applications of Machine Learning for Wine Recognition Based on 1H-NMR Spectroscopy
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Ariana Raluca Hategan, Adrian Pirnau and Dana Alina Magdas
Beverages 2025, 11(2), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages11020045 - 27 Mar 2025
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The present study aims to explore the possibility of applying machine learning (ML) algorithms for the development of reliable wine authentication instruments able to encompass the exhaustive performances offered by learning-based methods, and, at the same time, to propose reference practices for improving
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The present study aims to explore the possibility of applying machine learning (ML) algorithms for the development of reliable wine authentication instruments able to encompass the exhaustive performances offered by learning-based methods, and, at the same time, to propose reference practices for improving the recognition ability of the developed models. In this regard, two ML algorithms, namely k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN) and Logistic Regression, have been utilized as supervised learning techniques applied to 1H-NMR spectral data for the development of classification models able to recognize the variety, geographical origin, and vintage of wine samples. Due to the complexity of the experimental data, which was characterized by a high number of variables, special attention was given to the preprocessing phase in order to identify the most relevant input space for each envisaged classification criterion. The obtained results have shown that 1H-NMR spectroscopy in conjunction with Logistic Regression represents a reliable approach for wine traceability, leading, for all investigated classification criteria, to accuracy scores of the developed models greater than 98% in cross-validation and up to 100% in testing.
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Open AccessArticle
Discrimination of Romanian Wines Based on Phenolic Composition and Identification of Potential Phenolic Biomarkers for Wine Authenticity and Traceability
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Corina-Teodora Ciucure, Marius Gheorghe Miricioiu and Elisabeta-Irina Geana
Beverages 2025, 11(2), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages11020044 - 25 Mar 2025
Abstract
Demonstrating the authenticity and traceability of quality wines based on parameters that reflect their composition and provenance contributes to protecting wine authenticity and to increasing consumer confidence in moderate wine consumption, which is associated with numerous health-promoting properties. A wine’s phenolic fingerprint is
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Demonstrating the authenticity and traceability of quality wines based on parameters that reflect their composition and provenance contributes to protecting wine authenticity and to increasing consumer confidence in moderate wine consumption, which is associated with numerous health-promoting properties. A wine’s phenolic fingerprint is increasingly used to assess its authenticity, even though wine phenolic composition is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, as well as vineyard management and enological practices, and storage conditions. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the bioactive characteristics (total polyphenols—TPs, total flavonoids—TFs, antioxidant activity—AA, and total anthocyanins—TAs) by spectrophotometric analysis and phenolic compound profile (by UHPLC-HRMS analysis) of 19 white and 21 red wines with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) from four vineyards located in the wine-growing region of Oltenia, Romania. Multivariate statistical analysis, specifically principal component analysis and heat map analysis, applied to analytical data, enables the discrimination of wines based on grape variety and terroir, and across four consecutive vintages (2019–2022). The phenolic profiles of the wines obtained under standardized winemaking conditions depend on the climatic data specific to each harvest year (temperature, precipitation, duration of sun exposure during grape berry phenological stages, and ripening). The phenolic biomarkers of red wines, such as epicatechin, catechin, gallic, caffeic, t-ferulic acids, t-resveratrol and hesperidin, represent specific biomarkers of warmer and sunnier harvest years with lower precipitation, as observed in the 2021 harvest year. Additionally, our results contribute to the identification of specific phenolic biomarkers for geographical and varietal discrimination, as well as to the promotion of high-quality wines produced in a renowned wine-growing region of Romania.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Characterization of Alcoholic Beverages: Sensory, Chemical and Terroir Insights)
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Open AccessArticle
Impact of Underwater Aging on the Volatile and Phenolic Compounds of Campania Wine-Based Liqueurs “Elixir Falernum”
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Andrea Balivo, Giovanni D’Auria, Pasquale Ferranti, Alessia Cepollaro, Salvatore Velotto, Raffaele Sacchi and Alessandro Genovese
Beverages 2025, 11(2), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages11020043 - 24 Mar 2025
Abstract
Underwater aging of alcoholic beverages has gained growing interest in recent years as a novel strategy for product differentiation. This study investigated the effects of 12 months of underwater aging at 13 m depth on the chemical, volatile, and phenolic profiles of wine-based
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Underwater aging of alcoholic beverages has gained growing interest in recent years as a novel strategy for product differentiation. This study investigated the effects of 12 months of underwater aging at 13 m depth on the chemical, volatile, and phenolic profiles of wine-based liqueurs, compared to traditional cellar aging. Individual bottles were analysed using an E-nose, achieving 96% correct classification in the cross-validated confusion matrix. Chemical analysis revealed no significant differences in pH, ethanol content, total and volatile acidity. Although total phenolic content did not differ significantly, underwater-aged liquors exhibited higher levels of anthocyanins, suggesting reduced degradation of phenolic compounds in the anaerobic underwater environment. This was supported by higher levels of free alpha-amino nitrogen and total proteins, suggesting slower oxidation. As a result, underwater-aged liquors showed a lower b* index (yellowness), likely due to the reduced oxidation of red colour compounds. Underwater aging induced some changes in the volatile profile, with a significant increase in certain furanones and pyranones, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, 4-hydroxydihydro-2-(3H)-furanone and 3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-pyran-4-one, responsible for strawberry, toasted, and caramel notes. This increased production could be attributed to the unique underwater environment, characterised by oscillating vibrations, blue-green light, lower and more constant temperatures and reduced oxygen levels.
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(This article belongs to the Section Wine, Spirits and Oenological Products)
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Open AccessArticle
Comprehensive Characterization (Chromatography, Spectroscopy, Isotopic, and Digital Color Image) of Tequila 100% Agave Cristalino as Evidence of the Preservation of the Characteristics of Its Aging Process
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Walter M. Warren-Vega, Rocío Fonseca-Aguiñaga, Arantza Villa-González, Camila S. Gómez-Navarro and Luis A. Romero-Cano
Beverages 2025, 11(2), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages11020042 - 20 Mar 2025
Abstract
To obtain fundamental information on the Tequila 100% agave Cristalino commercial samples were characterized in their different classes. For this purpose, 12 samples were chosen, defined as: G1 (aged; n = 3, or extra-aged; n = 3) and G2 (aged-Cristalino; n
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To obtain fundamental information on the Tequila 100% agave Cristalino commercial samples were characterized in their different classes. For this purpose, 12 samples were chosen, defined as: G1 (aged; n = 3, or extra-aged; n = 3) and G2 (aged-Cristalino; n = 3 or extra-aged-Cristalino; n = 3). Analytical characterization was performed on these beverages, consisting of isotope ratio mass spectrometry, gas and liquid chromatography, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and color using digital image processing. The results corroborate that the chromatographic characterization (mg/100 mL A.A.)—higher alcohols (299.53 ± 46.56), methanol (212.02 ± 32.28), esters (26.02 ± 4.60), aldehydes (8.93 ± 4.61), and furfural (1.02 ± 0.56)—and isotopic characterization—δ13CVPDB = −13.02 ± 0.35 ‰ and δ18OVSMOW = 21.31 ± 1.33 ‰—do not present statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between groups. From these techniques, it was possible to reinforce that isotopic ratios can provide information about that the ethanol of these alcoholic beverages come from Agave tequilana Weber blue variety and it is not affected in the filtration process. Based on the UV-Vis analysis, I280 and I365 were obtained, which were related to the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids—expressed as mg quercetin equivalents/L—only found in group 1. Due to the presence of flavonoids in aged beverages, the oxidation process results in the formation of an amber color, which can be measured by an RGB color model; therefore, the analysis shows that there is a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between groups. It can be concluded that Tequila 100% agave Cristalino is a Tequila 100% agave aged or extra-aged without color in which its chromatographic and isotopic profile is not affected.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Characterization of Alcoholic Beverages: Sensory, Chemical and Terroir Insights)
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Open AccessArticle
Exploring the Market for Dealcoholized Wine in Spain: Health Trends, Demographics, and the Role of Emerging Consumer Preferences
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Rosana Fuentes-Fernández and José Luis del Campo-Villares
Beverages 2025, 11(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages11020041 - 18 Mar 2025
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Since 1975, when per capita wine consumption in Spain peaked, the continued decline in domestic consumption has led to significant changes in the wine sector, particularly in production and marketing strategies. By 2005, the industry had shifted towards mass exportation, focusing on bulk
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Since 1975, when per capita wine consumption in Spain peaked, the continued decline in domestic consumption has led to significant changes in the wine sector, particularly in production and marketing strategies. By 2005, the industry had shifted towards mass exportation, focusing on bulk wine, as domestic demand fell. Since then, Spain has become the leading global producer of bulk wine by volume. However, emerging consumer trends, prioritizing health, sustainability, and low-alcohol beverages, present both challenges and opportunities for the sector. This study explores the potential for Spain’s bulk wine industry to adapt by transitioning to dealcoholized wines, leveraging recent technological advancements and aligning with shifting consumer preferences. In this context, we examined what additional factors might influence the transition of Spanish wine producers to dealcoholized wine production and how consumer acceptance of these products in Spain compares to other international markets. In this context, it is crucial to examine what additional factors might influence the transition of Spanish wine producers to dealcoholized wine production and how consumer acceptance of these products in Spain compares to other international markets. Data collection was conducted through dual surveys targeting both consumers and producers, administered in December 2024 via the Sobrelias.com platform, with a total of 602 responses (387 from consumers and 215 from producers). Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and PERMANOVA, were performed to assess the influence of variables such as health-conscious consumption habits, demographic segmentation (age groups), and gender on market dynamics. To date, no prior academic research has addressed this specific intersection of bulk wine exports and consumer trends, highlighting the novelty of this study. A multiple linear regression model quantified the potential for market growth based on these factors.
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Open AccessReview
Composition, Properties, and Beneficial Effects of Functional Beverages on Human Health
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Andreas Panou and Ioannis Konstantinos Karabagias
Beverages 2025, 11(2), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages11020040 - 14 Mar 2025
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Functional beverages comprise a special category of drinks free of alcohol that contain bioactive components from plant, animal, marine, or microorganism sources that contribute to the reinforcement of human health. Functional beverages are mainly divided into the following basic categories: (i) dairy-based beverages
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Functional beverages comprise a special category of drinks free of alcohol that contain bioactive components from plant, animal, marine, or microorganism sources that contribute to the reinforcement of human health. Functional beverages are mainly divided into the following basic categories: (i) dairy-based beverages and (ii) non-dairy-based beverages. Functional beverages have several positive functional properties such as the rehydration of the body, recovery of lost energy, the increase of athletic performance, the prevention of pain in joints, the improvement of heart health, the improvement of immunity and the digestive system, and the creation of the feeling of satiety and boosting mood. However, according to health experts, there are also functional beverages that induce obesity and heart diseases because of their high content of sugars, sweeteners, and other components such as caffeine, taurine, taurine combined with caffeine, creatinine, etc. The scope of this review was to highlight the main components and the functional properties of energy drinks along with the effects of functional beverages on human health. Limited review articles address this overall hypothesis in the recent literature, thus comprising the significance of the current study.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports and Functional Drinks)
Open AccessArticle
Quantification of Caffeine in Energy and Cola Drinks via Rapid High Performance Liquid Chromatography Assays with Ultra Violet Diode Array Detection
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Christopher E. Karlsen, Jake A. Cravino, Arianne Soliven, Peter J. Mahon, Feng Li and R. Andrew Shalliker
Beverages 2025, 11(2), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages11020039 - 13 Mar 2025
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There is currently a lack of regulation of the caffeine found in cola and energy drinks by the FDA, which fails to protect the consumers of these products. Due to this lack of regulation, cola and energy drinks can have noticeable differences in
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There is currently a lack of regulation of the caffeine found in cola and energy drinks by the FDA, which fails to protect the consumers of these products. Due to this lack of regulation, cola and energy drinks can have noticeable differences in their caffeine content when compared to the average amount per serving labelled on the product. In this study, we demonstrate the ability to analyse caffeine rapidly in under 20 s, and with HPLC pressures under 3500 psi (241 bar). To facilitate a high-throughput routine HPLC analysis of the caffeine content found in energy and cola drinks, two HPLC column technologies are studied, a conventional run HPLC column, and a newly commercialised Radial Flow Splitting end fitted HPLC column. The Radial Flow Splitting fitted column demonstrated the following benefits: a 37% reduction in pressure, an increased signal intensity sensitivity of 35%, a reduced analysis time by 20%, and improved metrics in assay precision based on triplicate injections associated with retention time, peak area, and peak height precision %RSD values. Both rapid HPLC methods offer greater opportunity for expanded beverage testing, which can ultimately help protect the consumer. The quantified energy drinks that were tested had a higher caffeine content, on average, than the labelled caffeine content, with an approximately ±16 mg difference per serving size for the energy drinks. In the case of the cola drinks, which did not include caffeine levels on the food label, we compared the levels to the USDA guidance and found up to double the recommended amount of caffeine in one serving for the samples studied. This highlights the need to have stricter regulations for caffeinated beverages to protect consumers and provide transparency regarding the caffeine content.
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Open AccessArticle
Optimization of Beverage Formulation with Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution
by
Taraneh Javanbakht
Beverages 2025, 11(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages11020038 - 12 Mar 2025
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This paper presents a new optimization approach for beverage formulation using the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The comparison and ranking of candidates would be the essential steps for the evaluation of beverage production, which in turn
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This paper presents a new optimization approach for beverage formulation using the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The comparison and ranking of candidates would be the essential steps for the evaluation of beverage production, which in turn requires the quality control of beverage ingredients. The quality of the beverage depends on the type and amount of the ingredients used for their preparation. This emphasizes the importance of the optimization of beverage formulation, which is addressed in this paper using the TOPSIS method. The results of this investigation show that ingredients with more impact on human health (having bigger weights) could affect the rank of drinks. The second, fourth, third and first candidates ranked first, second, third and fourth before and after the changes of criterion types and weight values. Moreover, the change of the criterion type accompanied with the increase in its concentration in the beverage had a significant impact on the candidates’ ranks. The similarity coefficient of the fourth candidate for which this ingredient concentration changed showed a decrease from 0.625 to 0.500. The optimization of beverage formulation with the modified TOPSIS algorithm showed the efficiency of the automated decision-making process with the obtainment of the same ranks in comparison with those of the analyses without the consideration of the candidates’ colors as they were used in beverages and could not determine their quality. The results in this research paper could be used for the quality improvement of drinks in the beverage industry.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Analysis of Food and Beverages)
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Open AccessArticle
A Novel Selective and Sensitive HPLC-ESI-Tandem MS/MS Method for Indole Structure-Retaining Metabolites of Tryptophan: Application in Beverages
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Paola Di Matteo and Rita Petrucci
Beverages 2025, 11(2), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages11020037 - 11 Mar 2025
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The essential amino acid tryptophan yields a plethora of secondary metabolites with key roles in plants and animals. Its fate in different living organisms is crucial for their own health, and metabolic profiling is a valuable tool for investigating it. Among the various
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The essential amino acid tryptophan yields a plethora of secondary metabolites with key roles in plants and animals. Its fate in different living organisms is crucial for their own health, and metabolic profiling is a valuable tool for investigating it. Among the various metabolites, those retaining the indole structure were examined for qualitative and quantitative profiling. Liquid chromatography coupled with a tandem mass spectrometry detector with an electrospray ionization source (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS), acquiring in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, was used to develop a selective and sensitive method for the simultaneous analysis of tryptophan and 10 indole structure-retaining metabolites of it. Satisfactory values were obtained for linearity (R2 ≥ 0.99 for all compounds except two), sensitivity (LOD, within 6–31 ng/mL, and LOQ, within 17–94 ng/mL, where minimum and maximum values were relative to serotonin and 5-methoxytryptamin, respectively), reproducibility (interday and intraday precision and accuracy), and effect of the matrix (recovery and matrix effect). The method was then successfully applied to the analysis of different types of beverage, such as herbal products, like Eschscholzia californica and a sleep herbal tea marketed with added melatonin (consumed to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality), and fermented beverages, like beer and kefir. High amounts of tryptophan (from 77 ng/mL in kefir to 26,974 ng/g in the sleep herbal tea) followed by lower contents of serotonin (from 29 ng/mL in kefir to 2207 ng/g in the sleep herbal tea), were found in all samples along with the serotonin pathway-related compounds 5-hydroxytryptophan and tryptamine. Melatonin was detected in the plant matrix Eschscholzia c. for the first time to our knowledge (446 ng/g) and in the fermented beverages (96 ng/mL in beer and 39 ng/mL in kefir), regardless of their vegetable or animal origin, along with the melatonin route metabolites 5-methoxytryptamine and tryptophan ethyl ester. The amount of melatonin in the sleep herbal tea (556,464 ng/g) was in strong agreement with the declared content. Suggested applications include the search for biomarkers in phytochemical characterization, mechanistic studies of tryptophan’s chemistry, valorization of foods, beverages, and tryptophan-rich agro-food by-products and waste for nutraceutical and pharmacological purposes.
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Open AccessArticle
Polyphenolic, Anthocyanin, and Volatile Profile of Barrel-Aged Industrial Red Wines Made from Vitis vinifera Cv Maratheftiko
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Kosmas Roufas, Theodoros Chatzimitakos, Vassilis Athanasiadis, Stavros I. Lalas, Artemis Toulaki and Dimitris P. Makris
Beverages 2025, 11(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages11020036 - 10 Mar 2025
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Maratheftiko (Vitis vinifera sp.) is a prestigious grape variety native to Cyprus, but wines originating from this variety have not been examined with respect to the effect of aging on major quality determinants, such as their aromatic and polyphenolic composition. Following a
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Maratheftiko (Vitis vinifera sp.) is a prestigious grape variety native to Cyprus, but wines originating from this variety have not been examined with respect to the effect of aging on major quality determinants, such as their aromatic and polyphenolic composition. Following a previous work on the impact of prefermentation treatments on Maratheftiko wines, this work was carried out with the objective of studying the effect of barrel aging on Maratheftiko wines, produced on industrial scale with different prefermentation technologies. These technologies includes combinations of the saigneé process, cold maceration, and enzyme and tannin addition. The influence of these treatments was illustrated by determining the pigment, non-pigment polyphenols, and volatiles from two consecutive harvests. The predominant non-pigment polyphenol for the 2021 vintage was quercetin 3-O-glucuronide, accompanied by a ferulate derivative, but for the 2022 vintage, quercetin 3-O-glucuronide predominated along with caftaric acid. The principal anthocyanin in all samples examined was malvidin 3-O-glucoside, followed by its p-coumarate derivative. The primary aromatic substances determined were isoamyl alcohol, followed by 2-phenylethanol. Principal component analysis showed that there was discrimination based on prefermentation treatments; however, distinction was more pronounced based on vintage. This investigation provided heretofore unreported data and revealed novel insights into the effect of aging on Maratheftiko wines.
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Open AccessArticle
A Freshly Prepared Guava and Mamey Beverage Induces Subjective Satiety in Healthy Adults, Similar to a Commercial Control
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Beatriz Haydee Belmonte-Herrera, J. Abraham Domínguez-Avila, Jesús Fernando Ayala-Zavala, Abraham Wall-Medrano, Marcelino Montiel-Herrera and Gustavo A. González-Aguilar
Beverages 2025, 11(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages11020035 - 10 Mar 2025
Abstract
Freshly made, fruit-based beverages may be healthy alternatives to traditional sugar-rich soft drinks due to their reported health benefits. Fruits in general have been reported to promote satiety, but the effects of guava and mamey are yet to be thoroughly studied. The aim
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Freshly made, fruit-based beverages may be healthy alternatives to traditional sugar-rich soft drinks due to their reported health benefits. Fruits in general have been reported to promote satiety, but the effects of guava and mamey are yet to be thoroughly studied. The aim of the present work was to document changes in the subjective satiety exerted by a freshly prepared beverage made from guava and mamey pulps in healthy adults, and to compare them with those of a commercial beverage. Eighteen apparently healthy, normoweight, 25–30-year-old individuals (nine men, nine women) participated in this study; their subjective hunger/satiety profile was assessed using 10 cm visual analogue scales. Hunger and prospective food consumption decreased in response to consuming both beverages, while fullness and satisfaction increased. There were no significant differences in any variable analyzed, when comparing the guava and mamey beverage with the control during 120 min following their intake. Likewise, when individually analyzing the responses of men and women, the aforementioned variables remained similar. The participants’ body composition (body fat in particular) appears to be the main anthropometric variable that was significantly associated with their various hunger/satiety responses when consuming both beverages, for both men and women. Our findings therefore suggest that the subjective satiety responses of consuming a freshly prepared guava and mamey beverage are significantly associated with the consumers’ body composition, mainly body fat percentage. More research is needed to determine the precise mechanism by which guava, mamey, and/or their combination can alter satiety in healthy human subjects.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Opportunities and Challenges for Functional and Medicinal Beverages)
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Open AccessArticle
Sensory Evaluation of Sweet Wines Produced by Stopping Fermentation with Octanoic and Decanoic Acids
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George Adrian Cojocaru and Arina Oana Antoce
Beverages 2025, 11(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages11020034 - 3 Mar 2025
Abstract
The use of saturated medium-chain fatty acids for arresting fermentation and producing sweet wines was investigated at an industrial level. Doses of 10 mg/L of octanoic or decanoic acid and a combination of 5 + 5 mg/L octanoic and decanoic acid were used
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The use of saturated medium-chain fatty acids for arresting fermentation and producing sweet wines was investigated at an industrial level. Doses of 10 mg/L of octanoic or decanoic acid and a combination of 5 + 5 mg/L octanoic and decanoic acid were used to produce sweet wines of the Tămâioasă românească variety in volumes of 3000 L. As using these acids also leads to the production of some corresponding ethyl-esters, with potential impact on the aromatic profile, it is important to have the wines evaluated by consumers. The resulting wines were evaluated through a systematic approach by both novice consumers and professional tasters. Consumers appreciated the wines treated with 10 mg/L decanoic acid and the control wines equally, while professionals assigned significantly higher scores to the wines treated with 10 mg/L of either octanoic or decanoic acid, compared to the controls. The samples treated with the combined dose of 5 + 5 mg/L octanoic and decanoic acid were not preferred by either consumers or professional tasters. Thus, the variant with decanoic acid appears to be the one most preferred by both consumers and professionals. Sensory profiles of the experimental wines are also presented and discussed.
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(This article belongs to the Section Sensory Analysis of Beverages)
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Open AccessArticle
Revealing the Unique Characteristics of Greek White Wine Made from Indigenous Varieties Through Volatile Composition and Sensory Properties
by
Evangelia Nanou, Maria Metafa, Susan E. P. Bastian and Yorgos Kotseridis
Beverages 2025, 11(2), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages11020033 - 27 Feb 2025
Abstract
Greek wines made from the indigenous grape varieties Assyrtiko, Malagousia, Moschofilero and Roditis are attracting the interest of wine producers and consumers due to their aromatic characteristics. However, there are few studies that focus on the unique wine characteristics of each variety and
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Greek wines made from the indigenous grape varieties Assyrtiko, Malagousia, Moschofilero and Roditis are attracting the interest of wine producers and consumers due to their aromatic characteristics. However, there are few studies that focus on the unique wine characteristics of each variety and the relationship between the composition of volatile compounds and sensory properties. Monovarietal white wines (2018 vintage) were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to quantify 34 volatile compounds. Multivariate statistical analyses were used to investigate correlations between volatiles and sensory attributes identified by a trained panel. The results showed that the strongest aroma compounds were a group of terpenes, isoamyl acetate and phenylethyl acetate. Terpenes such as geraniol, α-terpineol, linalool and cis-rose oxide correlated with floral notes, especially in Moschofilero wines. In addition, isoamyl acetate contributed to the aroma of tropical fruits, especially banana, in the Roditis wines, while phenylethyl acetate correlated with rose, vanilla and fruity notes in both the Moschofilero and Roditis samples. The Assyrtiko wines and the Malagousia wines were mainly associated with compounds such as cis-3-hexen-1-ol and cis- and trans-furan linalool oxides, which may enhance fresh fruit and citrus aromas through synergistic effects. The common background aroma of the studied wines was mainly determined by higher alcohols, fatty acids and ethyl esters. This study provides a basis for understanding the typical aroma of white wines from indigenous Greek grape varieties, which will help producers develop targeted wine styles and will be useful for consumer promotion.
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(This article belongs to the Section Wine, Spirits and Oenological Products)
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Open AccessArticle
Chemometric Validation of a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Method to Detect Ochratoxin A in Green Coffee
by
Andrea Mancusi, Serenella Seccia, Alessandra Izzi, Daniele Coppola, Mario Tessieri, Antonello Santini and Irene Dini
Beverages 2025, 11(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages11020032 - 24 Feb 2025
Abstract
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Green coffee beans and their derivatives are employed in dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic formulations owing to their antioxidant properties and secondary metabolites, which may play a role in preventing metabolic syndrome. Mycotoxins, particularly ochratoxin A (OTA), present a considerable contamination risk and
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Green coffee beans and their derivatives are employed in dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic formulations owing to their antioxidant properties and secondary metabolites, which may play a role in preventing metabolic syndrome. Mycotoxins, particularly ochratoxin A (OTA), present a considerable contamination risk and are regulated under strict guidelines established by the European Union and various food safety authorities. This study validates a reverse-phase HPLC method with a fluorimetric detector for quantifying OTA in green coffee beans, following the ISO 17025:2018 standard. The OTA recovery rate (≥70%) met European Union (EU) Regulation No. 2023/2782. The calibration curve showed perfect linearity (r-value = 1). As EU legislation requires, the application field detected OTA levels between 3 µg/kg and 5 µg/kg. Precision (sr = 0.0073) and accuracy (±0.76 µg/kg) were statistically acceptable, with a 95% confidence level indicating reliable results.
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Open AccessArticle
Sustainable Wine Fining: Evaluating Grape Pomace as a Natural Alternative to Commercial Agents
by
Evangelos Kokkinomagoulos and Panagiotis Kandylis
Beverages 2025, 11(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages11020031 - 24 Feb 2025
Abstract
Winemaking generates significant amounts of byproducts, mainly grape pomace, which is composed of skins, seeds, and stems. Rich in phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties, grape pomace is often underutilized in low-value applications such as compost or animal feed. Recent research highlights its potential
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Winemaking generates significant amounts of byproducts, mainly grape pomace, which is composed of skins, seeds, and stems. Rich in phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties, grape pomace is often underutilized in low-value applications such as compost or animal feed. Recent research highlights its potential as a sustainable alternative to conventional fining agents, such as bentonite, commonly used to improve wine clarity, stability, and sensory attributes. However, previous studies have been limited in scope, focusing on selected wine parameters or narrow experimental conditions. This study explored the use of red and white grape pomace as fining agents for Mavrodaphne red wine, evaluating their effects on anthocyanin level, tannin content, total polyphenol index, chromatic properties, and aromatic profile across varied dosages and contact times. The results indicated that grape pomace, either from red or white grapes, achieved comparable or superior tannin and anthocyanin removal and chromatic enhancement relative to commercial fining agents, without significantly altering aromatic complexity. The findings underscore grape pomace’s suitability as a natural, vegan-friendly, and sustainable fining option, aligning with consumer preferences for cleaner-label wines. This study promotes the adoption of grape pomace in winemaking, supporting waste valorization and advancing sustainable practices within the industry.
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(This article belongs to the Section Wine, Spirits and Oenological Products)
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Open AccessReview
Nanostrategy for Selective Ethyl Carbamate Removal from Fermented Alcoholic Beverages via Molecular Imprinting Technology
by
Rosa Perestrelo
Beverages 2025, 11(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages11020030 - 20 Feb 2025
Abstract
Ethyl carbamate (EC), known as urethane, is a naturally occurring potentially carcinogenic metabolite that is widely found in alcoholic beverages and other food-related fermented products. The concern related to the presence of the EC and its toxicity in regularly consumed fermented alcoholic beverages
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Ethyl carbamate (EC), known as urethane, is a naturally occurring potentially carcinogenic metabolite that is widely found in alcoholic beverages and other food-related fermented products. The concern related to the presence of the EC and its toxicity in regularly consumed fermented alcoholic beverages raises global interest in assessing the possible risks to human health. EC mitigation approaches, such as molecular imprinting technology (MIT), have been proposed to target EC while preserving the sensory quality of fermented alcoholic beverages. This review explores the principles of MIT, the advantages and disadvantages of the most common polymerisation approach for molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) synthesis, the analytical techniques used for MIP characterisation, and the strategies used to mitigate EC in fermented alcoholic beverages, with studies reporting removal efficiencies of up to 84%. Additionally, it highlights the novelty and potential of MIPs, offering practical insights into their integration within the production of fermented alcoholic beverages, highlighting their scalability and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional EC mitigation strategies.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoscience: New Strategies to Enhance Beverage Quality)
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Open AccessArticle
Metabolomic Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Insights into Wine and Grape Ale Maturation
by
Dessislava Gerginova, Plamen Chorbadzhiev and Svetlana Simova
Beverages 2025, 11(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages11010029 - 18 Feb 2025
Abstract
The chemical profiles of young and mature wines produced from three grape varieties Merlot, Mavrud, and Sauvignon blanc were analyzed using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and advanced statistical methods. Furthermore, grape ales―a hybrid of beer and wine—were subjected to analysis
[...] Read more.
The chemical profiles of young and mature wines produced from three grape varieties Merlot, Mavrud, and Sauvignon blanc were analyzed using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and advanced statistical methods. Furthermore, grape ales―a hybrid of beer and wine—were subjected to analysis to facilitate a comparison of their composition with that of traditional wines. The analysis yielded a total of 37 compounds, which were identified and quantified. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) models were employed to distinguish the chemical profiles of young and mature wines, as well as those of grape ales. The findings demonstrate that the fermentation and aging processes result in the formation of distinctive chemical signatures in wines, with key compounds such as shikimic acid and fructose contributing to this differentiation. The identified compounds comprise seven alcohols (2,3-butanediol, glycerol, 2-methylpropan-1-ol, 3-methyl-butan-1-ol, myo-inositol, 1-propanol, 2-phenylethanol), six organic acids (galacturonic, citric, lactic, malic, shikimic, succinic), three amino acids (alanine, proline, tyrosine), four sugars (arabinose, fructose, galactose, glucose), coutaric acid, and acetoin. The levels of these 22 components enabled the successful differentiation of young and mature wines among the three grape varieties. These findings underscore the substantial chemical distinctions between grape ales and wines, thereby emphasizing the potential of grape ales as an innovative fermented beverage.
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(This article belongs to the Section Quality, Nutrition, and Chemistry of Beverages)
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