What does fizzy apple juice mean?

Fizzy apple juice refers to apple juice that has carbonation added to it, making it bubbly or effervescent. The fizziness comes from dissolved carbon dioxide gas. Fizzy apple juice may also be called sparkling apple juice, carbonated apple juice, or apple juice soda.

Why Make Apple Juice Fizzy?

There are a few reasons why people choose to carbonate apple juice:

• For a fun, bubbly texture and mouthfeel – the tingling carbonation makes the juice more exciting to drink
• To create a drink that seems more special or festive
• To create an apple juice soda as an alternative to sugary sodas
• As a way to preserve apple juice and extend its shelf life through the antibacterial properties of carbon dioxide
• To increase apple juice sales by offering a unique product

How is Fizzy Apple Juice Made?

Fizzy apple juice is made by injecting pressurized carbon dioxide gas into chilled apple juice. Here is the basic process:

1. Start with chilled, freshly pressed apple juice. The juice must be cold to better absorb the CO2.
2. Place the apple juice in a pressurized container, like a carbonation tank or soda siphon.
3. Hook up a canister or tank of food-grade CO2 and release it into the apple juice under pressure. This pressurization forces the CO2 to fully dissolve and integrate into the juice.
4. After sufficient carbonation, stop the CO2 release and transfer the bubbly apple juice into bottles, kegs, or cans.
5. Cap the containers tightly so the carbonation does not escape.
6. Pasteurize the sealed containers of fizzy juice to stabilize it and extend shelf life.
7. Refrigerate and serve chilled.

The amount of CO2 added will determine the level of fizziness. More carbonation creates a firmer bubble texture. It takes roughly 5 to 6 grams of CO2 per liter of juice to achieve a highly carbonated soda-like fizz.

Taste and Sensory Profile

Fizzy apple juice tastes much like regular apple juice, but with a lively, tingling carbonation. The juicy apple flavor becomes brighter and crisper. The bubbles provide a prickly, effervescent mouthfeel.

Here are some of the main sensory characteristics of fizzy apple juice:

• Appearance: Clear light gold color with continuous streams of bubbles rising up
• Aroma: Fresh, sweet apple aroma with hints of citrus
• Flavor: Tart and sweet bright apple taste, effervescent and zesty from carbonation
• Mouthfeel: Light, crisp, and tingly from dissolved CO2 bubbles
• Aftertaste: Clean, refreshing apple flavor with no cloying sweetness

Nutrition Facts

The nutrition facts for fizzy apple juice are approximately:

Nutrient	Per 8 fl oz
Calories	115
Total Fat	0 g
Sodium	5 mg
Total Carbohydrate	29 g
— Sugar	25 g
Protein	0 g

Fizzy apple juice has around 115 calories per 8 ounce serving. It has 0 grams of fat, 5 milligrams sodium, 29 grams carbohydrates, and 25 grams of natural sugar. There is no protein. The nutrition facts are very similar to regular apple juice since carbonation does not change the basic nutrient composition.

Selection and Storage

When selecting fizzy apple juice, look for:

• Clear, light golden color
• Plentiful small bubbles rising up in the juice
• A production or best by date
• Proper refrigeration in the store
• Tightly sealed bottles without leaks
• No cloudiness or sediment which could indicate spoilage

For best quality and flavor, fizzy apple juice is best stored:

• Refrigerated at 34–40°F
• In a tightly sealed container to prevent CO2 escape
• Away from sunlight to avoid oxidation
• For up to 2 weeks from the production date

The carbonation will dissipate over time, so it’s best to drink fizzy apple juice soon after purchasing.

Serving Tips and Uses

Fizzy apple juice is delightful served directly from the fridge, well chilled. For special occasions, pour it into champagne flutes. Other serving tips include:

• Add a splash of fizzy apple juice to cocktails in place of soda water
• Use as a mixer with rum, vodka, or gin
• Blend with ice cream or yogurt for floats and smoothies
• Drizzle over fruit salads or parfaits
• Mix with oatmeal or granola
• Make popsicles by freezing fizzy juice in molds

Kids will love the excitement of bubbly apple juice. Use it to make fun mocktails for children’s parties. The carbonation makes it seem special.

Where to Buy Fizzy Apple Juice

You can find fizzy apple juice at some grocery stores, specialty drinks shops, farmers markets, and online. Here are some places to buy it:

• Health food stores like Whole Foods or Sprouts
• Specialty soda and drink shops
• Farmers markets from apple cider presses
• Gourmet grocery stores like Dean & DeLuca
• Online stores like Amazon.com
• Direct from orchards and cideries

Major juice brands like Martinelli’s, Welch’s, and Motts may offer sparkling apple juice varieties. Smaller artisanal cider makers are also producing fizzy juices. Prices often range from $3-$6 per 12 ounce bottle.

Popular Brands

Some top brands of commercially made fizzy apple juice include:

• Martinelli’s Sparkling Apple Cider
• Wyder’s Sparkling Apple Juice
• Belvoir Fruit Farms Sparkling Apple Pressé
• Sidra Real Sparkling Apple Juice
• Aurelius Sparkling Apple Juice
• Apfiz Spritzer Sparkling Apple Juice
• Apple & Eve Sparkling Apple Juice

Making it at Home

While less convenient, you can also make fizzy apple juice at home. You’ll need:

• Fresh chilled apple juice or cider
• A carbonating device like a SodaStream or DrinkMate
• CO2 canisters
• Bottles, jars or flutes

The basic process is:

1. Chill juice thoroughly, around 40°F if possible.
2. Pour juice into carbonating device’s bottle.
3. Carbonate with CO2 according to device instructions.
4. Pour into a sealed container to preserve fizz.
5. Refrigerate and drink within 3-4 days.

It may take some trial and error to achieve your preferred level of fizziness. You can also use a whipped cream dispenser charged with CO2 cartridges to make small batches of fizzy juice.

Non-Alcoholic vs Alcoholic

Most fizzy apple juices are non-alcoholic, produced directly from pressed apples. However, fizzy apple cider contains alcohol like beer or wine, around 4-6% ABV. Fizzy apple cider is made by:

• Fermenting apple cider, turning natural sugars into alcohol.
• Bottling the cider, adding some sugar and yeast.
• Sealing the bottles, allowing a second fermentation that naturally carbonates the cider.

This natural carbonation method produces the bubbly, effervescent texture. Fizzy apple cider has an alcohol taste and should only be enjoyed by adults.

Health Benefits

Fizzy apple juice provides the same nutrition as regular apple juice. It makes a healthier soda alternative, with these benefits:

• Contains antioxidants like vitamin C and polyphenols
• May boost heart and gut health from pectin fiber
• Hydrating electrolyte source from natural fruit sugars
• No artificial sweeteners or preservatives
• Naturally gluten-free and vegan

The carbonation also adds possible benefits. The bubbles may boost digestion and nutrient absorption. And the acidity from carbonic acid could provide antimicrobial properties.

Potential Downsides

Fizzy apple juice is generally healthy in moderation, but a few potential downsides exist:

• High in natural sugar like regular apple juice; not good for diabetics or low sugar diets
• Carbonation can temporarily damage tooth enamel if swished around
• Acidic nature could aggravate digestive issues like GERD or ulcers
• Carbonation can cause bloating in some people
• Not a whole food; fiber is removed during juicing

Enjoy fizzy apple juice in reasonable amounts and pay attention to how your body responds. Avoid guzzling it quickly so the acidity isn’t too harsh.

Comparisons to Other Drinks

Drink	Calories	Sugar	Carbonation
Fizzy apple juice	115 per 8 oz	29g per 8 oz	Yes
Regular apple juice	115 per 8 oz	29g per 8 oz	No
Soda	100 per 8 oz	27g per 8 oz	Yes
Pure apple cider	117 per 8 oz	28g per 8 oz	Sometimes

Fizzy apple juice has a very similar nutrition profile to regular apple juice. It also compares closely to soda, but it does not contain artificial ingredients. Unfiltered apple cider may have more fiber and nutrients but generally has around the same calories and sugar as fizzy apple juice.

Interesting Facts

• The smallest bubbles in sparkling juice are only 1/100 of an inch wide.
• It takes about 5 to 6 grams of CO2 to fully carbonate 1 liter of juice.
• The CO2 bubbles add acidity, lowering juice pH from around 3.4 to 3.0, helping preservation.
• The first sparkling apple juices were made by monasteries in Europe hundreds of years ago.
• Sparkling juice was originally created as an alcohol-free option for religious groups.
• Carbonation causes juice to foam, so foam inhibitors are added to prevent overflow.
• Fizzy apple juice only keeps its bubbles for 1-2 weeks after production.

Conclusion

Fizzy apple juice provides a fun twist on regular apple juice. The bubbly carbonation makes it seem celebratory and special. It delivers fresh apple flavor along with a light, tingling mouthfeel.

Making apple juice fizzy expands product selection for brands. And creating your own bubbles at home can be an easy kitchen experiment. While not necessarily better than regular juice, the effervescence adds novelty. Fizzy apple juice quenches thirst in a uniquely sparkling way.

So next time you see a bottle of fizzy apple juice, why not give it a try? The joyful bubbles will make your day a little brighter.