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Stability of Active Compounds in Functional Beers
Functional beers are designed to offer more than just flavour - they include active ingredients like L-Theanine and Ashwagandha to promote relaxation and stress relief. However, ensuring these compounds remain effective requires precise brewing, storage, and packaging techniques. Here's what you need to know:
- Key Ingredients: Functional beers often include botanical extracts, nootropics, and vitamins for specific benefits.
- Stability Challenges: Active compounds can degrade during brewing or storage, requiring careful temperature control and UV-protective packaging.
- Consumer Impact: 71% of users reported enhanced relaxation, and 88% reduced alcohol consumption after trying functional beers.
- UK Regulations: Strict standards ensure safety, quality, and ingredient stability in these products.
Functional beers like those from IMPOSSIBREW® use advanced techniques, such as cryogenic fermentation and amber glass bottles, to maintain the stability of active compounds throughout their shelf life. This ensures consistent benefits and taste for consumers.
Active Compounds in Functional Beer
Main Ingredients
Functional beers are crafted with specific bioactive ingredients designed for targeted effects. For example, IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™ combines L-Theanine, Ashwagandha root, Vitamin B1, and various plant extracts. These ingredients are carefully selected for their stability and effectiveness throughout the brewing and storage process. Maintaining the right balance is key to preserving their properties over time.
Effects and Benefits
The active compounds in functional beer are designed to work together, creating combined effects that deliver noticeable results. For instance, research on IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™ found that 71% of customers experienced enhanced relaxation [1].
"Our Social Blend™ technology isn't an accident. It's the result of questioning everything we thought we knew about social drinking. About working with scientists to understand what we're really seeking in these moments of connection. About daring to imagine something that wasn't possible before." - IMPOSSIBREW® [1]
The development of these blends is backed by scientific research and overseen by experts, such as Dr Paul Chazot, a Bioscience Professor and Chair of Pharmacology at Durham University.
| Active Compound | Function | Observed Effect |
|---|---|---|
| L-Theanine | Relaxation Support | Promotes calmness |
| Ashwagandha Root | Stress Relief | Reduces tension |
| Vitamin B1 | Nutritional Support | Supports metabolism |
| Plant Extracts | Mood Enhancement | Boosts serotonin levels |
UK Safety Standards
In the UK, strict regulations govern the use of functional ingredients in beverages to ensure both safety and innovation. Active compounds must meet rigorous stability requirements and undergo extensive testing during production.
For functional beers, manufacturers must follow precise rules regarding ingredient concentrations and stability. For example, gluten-free varieties like IMPOSSIBREW®'s Enhanced Lager keep gluten levels below 10 parts per million (PPM) [1].
Key regulatory measures include:
- Regular stability testing of active ingredients
- Strict quality control protocols
- Full traceability of all ingredients
- Comprehensive documentation of production processes
- Frequent safety assessments
These regulations ensure that functional beers maintain their benefits and remain safe for consumers throughout their shelf life.
Production Stability Factors
Brewing Process Effects
Maintaining the stability of active compounds during brewing is crucial. IMPOSSIBREW® uses a cryogenic fermentation process that keeps fermentation temperatures low to protect both the flavour and the properties of key ingredients like L-Theanine and Ashwagandha [1]. By managing temperatures carefully in the early stages, this method helps preserve the molecular structure of these delicate compounds, ensuring the desired relaxation effects remain intact.
Production Conditions
Precise production conditions play a key role in maintaining the stability of the functional ingredients used in Social Blend™. IMPOSSIBREW® employs strict environmental controls throughout the manufacturing process to safeguard the integrity of these compounds. This careful management addresses potential challenges tied to ingredient stability.
Compound-Specific Issues
Active compounds can react differently during production, requiring tailored solutions. IMPOSSIBREW®'s proprietary Social Blend™ technology includes specific protocols designed to protect the unique properties of each ingredient [1]. This ensures consistent quality across their products, such as the Enhanced Lager, which is gluten-free and contains less than 10 parts per million of gluten [1].
Storage and Shelf Life
Storage Requirements
Storing functional beers correctly is key to keeping their active compounds stable. Factors like temperature, light, and heat exposure play a big role in preventing the breakdown of these compounds. To tackle this, IMPOSSIBREW® uses amber glass bottles designed to block harmful UV rays. Consistent temperature and humidity levels are also maintained to ensure the ingredients stay effective.
Packaging Methods
The way functional beers are packaged can make a big difference in protecting their quality. By minimising exposure to oxygen, light, and temperature changes, packaging helps keep the active compounds intact. IMPOSSIBREW® employs advanced techniques to create a controlled environment within the bottle, ensuring the ingredients stay in top condition.
Shelf Life Data
When stored under the right conditions, the active compounds in the beer remain stable throughout its shelf life. Ongoing stability tests confirm that the ingredients retain their benefits over time, ensuring a consistent taste and experience. These strict storage and packaging practices align perfectly with the production processes to deliver a reliable product every time.
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What's really in our beer?
Product Development Steps
After ensuring rigorous production and storage protocols, the next step in product development focuses on refining ingredient stability.
Maintaining Effectiveness
Ingredients like L-Theanine and Ashwagandha are chosen for their ability to deliver consistent benefits over time. Using its patent-pending Social Blend™ technology, IMPOSSIBREW® ensures these active compounds stay stable and effective throughout the product's lifecycle.
According to data, 71% of consumers report improved relaxation after using the product [1]. This highlights how carefully developed strategies can preserve the product’s benefits from start to finish.
Testing and Fine-Tuning
Ongoing testing is critical to ensure compound stability. Regular monitoring and adjustments address any challenges that arise, keeping formulations on track. IMPOSSIBREW® collaborates with scientists and expert brewers to refine its blends, ensuring every batch meets high standards of quality [1].
This dedication to testing and improvement has paid off - IMPOSSIBREW®'s Lager & Pale were named the UK's best non-alcoholic beers at the 2023 World Beer Awards [1].
Stability Techniques
Exploring various stability techniques is key to success. For example, IMPOSSIBREW® uses specialised brewing methods like cryogenic fermentation. This process helps protect delicate compounds while maintaining both functionality and flavour [1].
The results speak for themselves: 88% of IMPOSSIBREW® customers have reduced their alcohol intake after discovering the brand [1]. These methods ensure the product remains reliable and consistent as it heads into final quality checks.
Conclusion
Carefully managed production and storage processes ensure that functional beers retain their active compounds, consistently offering the intended effects to consumers. This precision has translated into measurable success for IMPOSSIBREW®, with 71% of customers reporting improved relaxation effects [1].
The 2023 World Beer Awards highlighted IMPOSSIBREW® for its consistent quality and flavour. This recognition underscores their ability to balance compound stability with delivering a high-quality taste experience [1].
With proven methods and continuous research, the brand is set to refine its offerings further. By combining strict quality controls with advanced brewing techniques, functional beers are able to maintain their active properties throughout production and storage. This scientific approach ensures a premium non-alcoholic option that delivers on both benefits and flavour.
FAQs
How are active compounds like L-Theanine and Ashwagandha kept stable in functional beers during production and storage?
The stability of active compounds such as L-Theanine and Ashwagandha in functional beers depends on careful formulation and production techniques. These compounds are typically added at specific stages of brewing to preserve their beneficial properties. Additionally, controlled storage conditions, such as maintaining appropriate temperatures and protecting the beer from excessive light exposure, help ensure their stability over time.
Producers like IMPOSSIBREW® use science-backed methods to craft their enhanced non-alcoholic beers, ensuring that active ingredients remain effective while delivering a satisfying sensory experience. By combining innovation with meticulous quality control, functional beers can retain their active compounds throughout their shelf life.
How are active ingredients in functional beers preserved during brewing and storage?
The stability of active ingredients in functional beers is carefully managed through precise brewing techniques and controlled storage conditions. Key factors include maintaining optimal temperatures, monitoring pH levels, and using specialised brewing processes to protect the integrity of these compounds. Proper packaging also plays a crucial role in shielding the beer from light and oxygen, which can degrade active ingredients over time.
For example, IMPOSSIBREW® incorporates scientifically backed methods to ensure the effectiveness of their proprietary Social Blend™, delivering a consistent and enjoyable experience with every sip. Their commitment to quality ensures that the active components remain stable throughout production and storage, providing the desired sensory and social benefits without compromise.
What are the UK regulations on the safety and stability of active compounds in functional beers, and how do they influence product quality?
In the UK, functional beers must comply with food safety regulations, including those set out by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and relevant EU-derived legislation. These regulations ensure that all ingredients, including active compounds, are safe for consumption and accurately labelled. Stability testing during production and storage is crucial to maintain the quality and effectiveness of these active compounds over time.
For example, producers like IMPOSSIBREW® use science-backed methods to ensure their non-alcoholic beers, such as the Enhanced Lager and Enhanced Pale Ale, retain their functional benefits while meeting regulatory standards. This commitment to safety and quality helps deliver a consistent and enjoyable experience for consumers.
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Find our most commonly asked questions below or ask our AI Brewer for instant answers.
What is IMPOSSIBREW®?
IMPOSSIBREW® is a pioneering non-alcoholic beer brand based in the UK that aims to create the world's most complete alcohol alternative using patent-pending technology.
Founded by Mark Wong in 2021 and working with some of the world's best professors, scientists and expert brewers, IMPOSSIBREW® specialises in expertly crafted non-alcoholic beers designed to match full ABV beers in both taste and feeling.
Product Range
IMPOSSIBREW® offers a range of enhanced non-alcoholic beers, including:
- Enhanced Lager (0.5% ABV)
- Enhanced Pale Ale (0.5% ABV)
- Limited Editions (Seasonal)
Key Benefits
The key feature that sets IMPOSSIBREW® apart is its proprietary "Social Blend™" - a combination of active botanical ingredients and nootropics using patent-pending technology* designed to recreate the relaxing effects of alcohol without the negative side effects.
Along with record-breaking quality flavour that comes from a unique process without removing alcohol.
Social Blend™ Ingredients
Developed with leading scientists in top UK universities, Social Blend™ includes:
- L-Theanine
- Ashwaghanda
- Soluble Plant Fibres
- Vitamin B1
- Various Plant Extracts.
These ingredients are chosen for their potential to boost serotonin, promote relaxation, and create a calming effect similar to the "one or two pint feeling" without hangovers.
See more details on our very own research paper, with over 1,000 participants:
- More than 70% said they felt relaxed after consuming IMPOSSIBREW®.
- 88% have reduced alcohol consumption since discovering IMPOSSIBREW®.
- 95% have told a friend about IMPOSSIBREW® after trying.
- 3/4 say that IMPOSSIBREW® is "the most complete alcohol alternative currently available on the market today".
Recognition
IMPOSSIBREW® has received several notable achievements:
- Featured on BBC's Dragons' Den
- Awarded the first and only Gold Medal in the No/Low beer category from the London Beer Competition
- Received multiple industry Gold awards in categories against Full-ABV beers
- Most followed No/Low Alcohol brand on TikTok globally.
Mission and Vision
IMPOSSIBREW® is on a mission to redefine non-alcoholic drinking by creating better-than-alcohol alternatives for those who love beer but want to avoid the health risks associated with alcohol consumption.
The company aims to become the global leading alcohol alternative brand, focusing on helping people transition to a healthier mode of relaxation without the traditional issues and side effects of alcohol.
Production and Ingredients
IMPOSSIBREW® combines traditional brewing methods with their proprietary Social Blend™ along with patent-pending technology*
The beers are made with traditional brewing ingredients such as water, malted barley, wheat, hops, and yeast, in addition to the Social Blend™ components - leveraging their unique cryogenic fermentation process, which means no alcohol is ever removed from the product - ensuring the most authentic quality taste you've come to expect.
Who is it for?
IMPOSSIBREW® caters to consumers who:
- Are busy professionals and parents who would like to unwind with a drink but don't want the hangovers.
- Enjoy the taste and relaxing experience of beer
- Are looking for healthier alternatives to alcohol, with lower calories, carbs and sugar
- Want to avoid hangovers and other negative effects of alcohol consumption
- Are interested in functional beverages with potential mood-enhancing properties
By offering a unique product that aims to replicate both the taste and feeling of alcoholic beer, IMPOSSIBREW® is positioning itself at the forefront of the growing non-alcoholic beverage market.
Get Started Today
Give it a try today with our Welcome Bundle and get 2 Free Beers with your first purchase. Get it delivered straight to your door, risk-free with our 30-day money-back guarantee.
We hope you enjoy them as much as we do and we can't wait for you to try.
*Patent pending in the UK under application number GB2415685.3
How does 'Social Blend™' work?
Social Blend™ is our proprietary alcohol alternative made from a blend of science-backed ingredients using patent-pending technology*.
Designed to replicate the sensory and social relaxing experience of drinking, minus the headaches (and bad decisions).
Developed with Dr Paul Chazot, Bioscience Professor and Chair of Pharmacology at Durham University.
Key Components and Mechanisms
- L-Theanine:
- Ashwagandha Root:
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):
- Various nootropic herbs:
Benefits
- Relaxation: The blend promotes a state of relaxation without the sedative effects typically associated with alcohol.
- Mental Calm: By boosting alpha brain waves and serotonin levels, it helps maintain a calm and focused mental state.
- Stress Relief: The combination of L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, and Vitamin B1 helps mitigate stress and anxiety.
- Mood Enhancement: The inclusion these ingredients and other botanicals supports mood regulation and overall positive outlook.
IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™ is a carefully crafted combination of nootropic and adaptogenic ingredients designed to offer a relaxing and mood-enhancing experience without the drawbacks of alcohol. It leverages the natural properties of its components to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mood, making it a unique alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.
(Read our latest research paper here)
*Patent pending in the UK under application number GB2415685.3
Do you ship overseas?
We ship to the UK Mainland for free when you spend over £35
We aim to expand internationally soon - stay tuned!
If you have any queries, feel free to email: hello(@)impossibrew.co.uk
How long will it take to get my orders?
For UK mainland deliveries, normal orders processed here will take 1-3 business days to arrive, with an optional upgrade to Next Day Delivery available (12pm cut-off).
Delivery details will be provided in your confirmation email.
How is 0.5% ABV alcohol-free?
Yes, we know it's confusing. Isn't 0.5% ABV still alcoholic? Officially, 0.5% ABV is classified as Dealcoholised.
- In fact, most things we consume daily have more than 0.5% ABV
- Burger Rolls - 1.2% ABV
- Orange Juice - 0.5% ABV
- Ripe Banana - 0.5% ABV
After more than 2 years of research, we've found that the 0.5% ABV from our natural brewing process significantly increases both flavour and mouthfeel - without spiking your blood alcohol level (BAC).
Is it really gluten-free?
Yes, IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager is gluten-free. Even though it contains wheat and barley, our beers have been third-party tested to contain less than 10 parts per million (PPM) of gluten, which meets the criteria to be listed as, and labeled gluten-free.
Does it have alcohol tax?
No. While it is true that our beers don't contain alcohol, and thus don't incur UK alcohol duty, we'd like to highlight some factors here that might be helpful in reflecting the value we provide.
- One-to-One Brewing Process: At IMPOSSIBREW, we take pride in our unique brewing techniques. Unlike other non-alcoholic beers, our products are never diluted, watered-down, or have their alcohol content removed - and some even dilute their alcoholic beers up to 5x. This means that our brewing process involves the same level of craftsmanship, time, and resources as a traditional craft beer, resulting in comparable production costs.
- Effective Nootropics: In our commitment to creating the most relaxing non-alcoholic beers, we utilise only the highest quality nootropics as our active ingredients, in safe and effectives dosages. At current alcohol tax rates for a 5% ABV beer, the cost of our nootropics more than double that. Instead of contributing the amounts as tax, why not have it contribute to the product quality itself?
- Small Scale Brewing: Currently, we operate on a smaller scale, which makes us less competitive than large, commercial brewers (often +10,000x our brewing size). As a growing business, we are passionate about our mission to create unique, high-quality non-alcoholic experiences, and we truly appreciate your support. As we continue to grow and expand our production capabilities, we look forward to passing on even more savings to our valued community!
At IMPOSSIBREW, we prioritise offering our customers an enhanced, premium, non-alcoholic beer experience by combining innovative brewing techniques, quality active nootropic ingredients, and award-winning taste. While our pricing may differ from other non-alcoholic competitors, we believe that the value proposition and unique experience our beers provide are well worth it.
At the end of the day, tasting is believing. So give it a try and let us know what you think - risk-free with our IMPOSSIBREW® Guarantee.
Who shouldn't drink IMPOSSIBREW®?
It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with certain medical conditions like GI disorders or hypertension, or individuals taking specific medications such as antidepressants or blood thinners. If you fall into any of these categories, it's best to consult with your doctor first.
Ashwagandha can lead to overstimulation (i.e. restlessness) if taken alongside thyroid medication.
What is your philosophy?
For thousands of years, we had only one way to unwind together. One way to let our guards down. One way to bridge the gap between who we are and who we are with others.
Not because it was perfect. But because it was all we had.
We decided that wasn't good enough.
We exist because we believe in a world where social connection doesn't demand compromise.
Where being present with others doesn't mean being absent from yourself. Where letting go doesn't mean losing control.This isn't about removing alcohol. This is about something better.
Our Social Blend™ technology isn't an accident. It's the result of questioning everything we thought we knew about social drinking. About working with scientists to understand what we're really seeking in these moments of connection. About daring to imagine something that wasn't possible before.
We believe the greatest innovations don't just solve problems - they change how we live. They make us question why we ever settled for less.
That's what we're building. Not just a drink, but a new way forward. A future where social connection comes without compromise. Where tradition meets innovation. Where science meets ritual.
This is the future of social drinking.
Got more questions?
Our customer support is available Monday to Friday: 9am - 5:30pm.
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