Characterization of carbonated beverage fortified with chamomile herbal extract

The current study was planned to provide nutrient dense carbonated beverage fortified with chamomile herbal extract that was rich in healthy nutrients and best to use. Infusion method was used to prepare chamomile herbal extract. After adding flavor and sugar syrup, carbonation was done. Different treatments were prepared (T₀, T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄, and T₅). The antioxidant potential, physiochemical properties, and sensory attributes of beverage were assessed. Results showed that addition of chamomile enhanced the antioxidant and physiochemical properties of beverage. The DPPH activity, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content were observed as 49.23 ± 0.03 (%), 136.92 ± 0.06 (mg GAE/L), and 1989.47 ± 0.07 (mg QE/L), respectively, among T₅ with 12% of chamomile extract. Moreover, the acidity increases from T₀ to T₅ (0.191 ± 0.01 to 0.220 ± 0.01). Furthermore, the overall acceptability of T₄ was highest among sensory attributes.