Concentrate

A concentrate is a liquid or powder in which most of the diluting agent has been removed, resulting in a substance that must be diluted with water before consumption.

Why Concentrate?

In beverage production, concentrates enable efficient shipping and storage. By removing most of the water, a manufacturer reduces weight and volume, which lowers cost and environmental impact. In sports drinks, concentrates are syrups or powders containing high concentrations of sugar, electrolytes, flavorings and sometimes vitamins. They are intended to be diluted with water to the desired strength before drinking. Commercial bottlers often use concentrated syrups that are mixed with carbonated or still water at the point of bottling. For home use, concentrates can be purchased as liquid syrups or powders and allow individuals to customize the drink’s sweetness and electrolyte levels. Because concentrates are highly osmotic, they should not be consumed undiluted; drinking undiluted concentrate can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and may pull water into the gut rather than hydrating the body.

Concentrated Options

Concentrates come in various formats. Liquid syrups are sold in bottles that instruct the user to add a specific amount to water to create a sports drink. Powdered concentrates are similar to powdered mixes but are intended to make multiple litres of beverage rather than a single serving. Some concentrates are designed for soda fountains and include flavoring, sugar and acids to be mixed with carbonated water. Others are high-carbohydrate gels used by endurance athletes to mix with water on demand. Fruit juice concentrates can also serve as a natural base for homemade sports drinks when diluted and combined with salt and water.

Concentrates offer cost efficiency and reduced packaging but require accurate dilution to achieve the proper balance of water, carbohydrates and electrolytes. Users should follow the recommended mixing ratios to avoid creating a drink that is too strong or too weak for hydration.

Related Terms: Powdered mix, Ready‑to‑drink (RTD), Osmolality, Osmolarity, % w/v