[001] The present disclosure broadly relates to beverage soft-mix composition and particularly relates to a stable beverage soft-mix composition comprising a solid component and a liquid component.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[002] Recent increases in consumption of beverages have substantially increased the number of entrants of soft-mix products into the market. Conventionally, various forms of beverage soft-mix products are available in the market convenient to be used by the users, such as, soluble beverage powders, or ready-to-drink liquid beverages.
[003] The stable soft-mix beverage products generally contain stabilizers or some additional components, such as, glycerine, mono- and diglycerides, carrageenan, pectin, or coffee aroma ingredients to improve the stability of the concentrated product. However, the use of large amounts of these additives results in complexity to the manufacturing process, additional expense to the composition, and also can provide unexpected organoleptic characteristics and textures in the resulting beverage. Another apparent disadvantage is the appearance. The product color is typically limited to the color of the substrate, i.e, tea, coffee, cacao, and hence may be brown, muddy etc. Discoloration and precipitation of these substrate containing beverages are not eye appealing and are associated by some consumers with distasteful and old products.
[004] US6054162 is directed to a liquid coffee product in which the development of acidity has been inhibited and which results in a longer stable product. The method used in making the liquid coffee product includes treating the coffee extract with an alkali, the alkali being present in an amount effective to convert acid precursors present in the coffee extract to their respective acid salts, and thereafter neutralizing the treated coffee extract with an acid, the acid being present in an amount effective to neutralize any excess alkali from the first step and to adjust the final pH of the liquid coffee product to the desired value.

[005] JP10215771 discloses a method of stabilizing liquid coffee by alkali processing. The liquid coffee is stabilized by suppressing the rise of acidity. Acidity in the liquid coffee is suppressed by the process of extracting coffee liquid by alkali. The invention further discloses a method of neutralizing coffee extract processed in the process.
[006] JP5236887 discloses beverages prepared using green tea have a grassy flavor and a characteristic green color. However, these beverages continue to degrade (i.e. become brown, form precipitates or cloud) with time.
[007] Thus, considering the shortcomings as discussed above, a well-established need continues to exist for a packaged beverage soft-mix product having extended storage life at normal temperatures without compromising on the full flavor and color over a period of time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising: (i) at least one substrate having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:9.
[009] In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for preparing a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising: (i) at least one substrate having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:9, the process comprising: obtaining the substrate; (b) obtaining the at least one sugar; (c) obtaining the at least one liquid component; and (d) contacting the substrate, the at least one sugar, and the at least one liquid component, to obtain the beverage soft-mix composition. [0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will be better understood with reference to the following description and

appended claims. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Those skilled in the art will be aware that the present disclosure is subject to
variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be
understood that the present disclosure includes all such variations and modifications.
The disclosure also includes all such steps, features, compositions, and compounds
referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and
all combinations of any or more of such steps or features.
Definitions
[0012] For convenience, before further description of the present disclosure, certain
terms employed in the specification, and examples are delineated here. These
definitions should be read in the light of the remainder of the disclosure and
understood as by a person of skill in the art. The terms used herein have the meanings
recognized and known to those of skill in the art, however, for convenience and
completeness, particular terms and their meanings are set forth below.
[0013] N[X Teg\V_Xf oTp* oTap TaW og[Xp TeX hfXW gb eXYXe gb baX be gb `beX g[Ta baX
(i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.
[0014] N[X gXe`f oVb`ce\fXp TaW oVb`ce\f\aZp TeX hfXW \a g[X \aV_hf\iX* bcXa sense,
meaning that additional elements may be included. It is not intended to be construed
Tf oVbaf\fgf bY ba_lp,
[0015] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise the word
oVb`ce\fXp* TaW iTe\Tg\baf fhV[ Tf oVb`ce\fXfp TaW oVb`ce\f\aZp* j\__ UX
understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of element or
steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of element or steps.
[0016] N[X gXe` o\aV_hW\aZp \f hfXW gb `XTa o\aV_hW\aZ Uhg abg _\`\gXW gbp,
oEaV_hW\aZp TaW o\aV_hW\aZ Uhg abg _\`\gXW gbp TeX hfXW \agXeV[TaZXTU_l,
[0017] Ratios, concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be presented
herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used merely

for convenience and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only
the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include
all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as
if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited.
[0018] For the purposes of the present W\fV_bfheX* g[X gXe` ostablep refers to
packaged beverage soft-mix composition that is stable over a period of 4-6 months
at a temperature of 15 degrees or less with minimal phase separation.
[0019] The phrase oat least one substrate having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to
5% with respect to the substratep refers to the beverage products, such as, tea, coffee,
paste beverages, beverage pre-mixes, and the like.
[0020] N[X gXe` oVbYYXXp Tf hfXW \a g[X ceXfXag W\fV_bfheX `Tl UX fX_XVgXW Yeb`
coffee powder like, reduced density soluble coffee powder, roasted coffee powder
(spray dried coffee, agglomerated coffee, freeze dried coffee), roasted & ground
coffee, coffee decoction, liquid coffee, coffee extract, concentrated coffee extract.
As per the present disclosure, coffee refers to the value-added product which is
commercially available.
[0021] N[X gXe` ofbYg-`\kp Tf hfXW \a g[X ceXfXag W\fV_bfheX eXYXef gb Tal
composition which has semi-solid paste like consistency.
[0022] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have
the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to
which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or
equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the
disclosure, the preferred methods, and materials are now described. All publications
mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference.
[0023] The present disclosure is not to be limited in scope by the specific
embodiments described herein, which are intended for the purposes of
exemplification only. Functionally-equivalent products, compositions, and methods
are clearly within the scope of the disclosure, as described herein.
[0024] To overcome the problems as discussed in the background section, the
present disclosure provides a thickened beverage soft-mix, which can be quickly
mixed into a thickened state with at least liquid component to create the desired

beverage drink. The beverage soft-mix product apart from being stable retains color as well. This has been accomplished by providing a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:9. It is the ratio of the liquid component to the solid component that helps to ensure a consistent product with desired properties to the end user.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:9.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:8.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:7.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component, wherein the at least

one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:6.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:5.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio of 1:4. [0031] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio of 1:2.3. [0032] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition as disclosed herein, wherein the substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition. [0033] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:9.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-10% with

respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:9.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:8.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:7.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:6.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid

component, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:5.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio of 1:4. [0040] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio of 1:2.3. [0041] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition as disclosed herein, wherein the at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition. [0042] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:9.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-10% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 20% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:9.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:8.
[0045] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:7.
[0046] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:6.
[0047] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the

composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:5.
[0048] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio of 1:4. [0049] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio of 1:2.3. [0050] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition as disclosed herein, wherein the at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 25 to 90% with respect to the composition. [0051] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 25 to 90% with respect to the composition; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:9.
[0052] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-10% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range

of 40 to 70% with respect to the composition; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 20% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:9.
[0053] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 25 to 90% with respect to the composition; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:8.
[0054] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 25 to 90% with respect to the composition; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:7.
[0055] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 25 to 90% with respect to the composition; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:6.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 25 to 90% with respect to the composition; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:5.
[0057] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 25 to 90% with respect to the composition; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio of 1:4. [0058] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 25 to 90% with respect to the composition; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio of 1:2.3. [0059] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition as disclosed herein, wherein the solid component optionally comprises milk solids having a weight percentage in a range of 1-25% with respect to the composition.
[0060] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with

respect to the substrate, (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 25 to 90% with respect to the composition, and (iii) milk solids having a weight percentage in a range of 1-25% with respect to the composition; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:9.
[0061] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-10% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 40 to 70% with respect to the composition, and (iii) milk solids having a weight percentage in a range of 1-20% with respect to the composition; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 20% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:9.
[0062] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 25 to 90% with respect to the composition, and (iii) milk solids having a weight percentage in a range of 1-25% with respect to the composition; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:8.
[0063] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of

25 to 90% with respect to the composition, and (iii) milk solids having a weight percentage in a range of 1-25% with respect to the composition; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:7.
[0064] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 25 to 90% with respect to the composition, and (iii) milk solids having a weight percentage in a range of 1-25% with respect to the composition; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:6.
[0065] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 25 to 90% with respect to the composition, and (iii) milk solids having a weight percentage in a range of 1-25% with respect to the composition; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:5.
[0066] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 25 to 90% with respect to the composition, and (iii) milk solids having a weight percentage in a range of 1-25% with respect to the composition; and (b) at least one liquid component has a

weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio of 1:4. [0067] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 25 to 90% with respect to the composition, and (iii) milk solids having a weight percentage in a range of 1-25% with respect to the composition; and (b) at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio of 1:2.3. [0068] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition as disclosed herein, wherein the at least one liquid component is water.
[0069] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 25 to 90% with respect to the composition; and (b) water has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:9.
[0070] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 25 to 90% with respect to the composition, and (iii) milk solids having a weight percentage in a range of 1-25% with respect to the composition; and (b) water has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein

the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:9.
[0071] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition as disclosed herein, wherein the composition is stable over a period in a range of 4 to 6 months.
[0072] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 25 to 90% with respect to the composition; and (b) water has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:9, wherein the composition is stable over a period in a range of 4 to 6 months. [0073] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 25 to 90% with respect to the composition, and (iii) milk solids having a weight percentage in a range of 1-25% with respect to the composition; and (b) water has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:9, wherein the composition is stable over a period in a range of 4 to 6 months.
[0074] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition as disclosed herein, wherein the at least one sugar is selected from a group consisting of glucose, liquid glucose, sucrose, galactose, xylose, lactose, maltose, trehalose, fructose, sorbitol, mannitol, dextrose, lactitol, glucitol, xylitol, maltitol, sucralose, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, saccharin, stevia, neotame, and combinations thereof.

[0075] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a process for preparing the beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar; and (b) at least one liquid component, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 0.111:1 to 0.428:1, said process comprising: (a) obtaining the substrate; (b) obtaining the at least one sugar; (c) obtaining the at least one liquid component; and (d) contacting the substrate, the at least one sugar, and the at least one liquid component, to obtain the beverage soft-mix composition. [0076] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, and (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 25 to 90% with respect to the composition; and (b) water has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:9, said process comprising: (a) obtaining the substrate; (b) obtaining the at least one sugar; (c) obtaining the at least one liquid component; and (d) contacting the substrate, the at least one sugar, and the at least one liquid component, to obtain the beverage soft-mix composition.
[0077] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a beverage soft-mix composition comprising: (a) a solid component comprising (i) at least one substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition, having caffeine content in a range of 0.1 to 5% with respect to the substrate, (ii) at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 25 to 90% with respect to the composition, and (iii) milk solids having a weight percentage in a range of 1-25% with respect to the composition; and (b) water has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition, wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:9, said process comprising: (a) obtaining the substrate; (b)

obtaining the at least one sugar; (c) obtaining the at least one liquid component; and (d) contacting the substrate, the at least one sugar, and the at least one liquid component, to obtain the beverage soft-mix composition.
[0078] Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain examples and implementations thereof, other implementations are possible.
EXAMPLES
[0079] The disclosure will now be illustrated with working examples, which is intended to illustrate the working of disclosure and not intended to take restrictively to imply any limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the disclosed methods and compositions, the exemplary methods, devices and materials are described herein. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, and experimental conditions described, as such methods and conditions may apply.
[0080] The working and non-working examples as depicted in the forthcoming sections highlight the criticality of the working percentages of different components in achieving beverage soft-mix composition of the present disclosure. It is further specified that the presence of liquid component to the solid component in the weight ratio of 0.111: 1 n 0.450: 1 is critical so as to achieve a beverage soft-mix product having extended storage life at ambient temperatures without compromising on the color over a period of time.
EXAMPLE 1
Beverage soft-mix composition
[0081] Stable beverage soft-mix compositions were formed formulated as per the
weight percentages as mentioned in the Table 1 below. The composition 1 and 2 are
the working examples of the present disclosure, whereas the composition 3 and 4 are
the non-working examples.
Table 1

*Substrate is any product suitable for beverage having a caffeine content in the range of 0.1 n 5 % with respect to the substrate.
EXAMPLE 2
[0082] Further to explore the possibility on what kind of alternatives for sugar can
work in the composition various experiments were conducted. The working
compositions (5-18) with the weight percentage of the ingredients are mentioned in
the Table 2 and Table 3 below.

[0083] It can be inferred from the Table 2 and Table 3 that when the liquid component to the solid component weight ratio was in the range of 1:2.3 to 1:9, the desirable properties were achieved.
EXAMPLE 3
[0084] Process of preparation of the composition The general process of preparation of the composition is as follows. The quantity of the ingredients was as provided in the Table 1 to make different the working compositions (composition 1 and composition 2) and the non-working examples (Composition 3 and composition 4).
Step 1: coffee, milk solid, and sucrose was dissolved in water while heating at a gX`cXeTgheX bY 53 Ë gb bUgT\a T fb_hg\ba,
Step 2: Glucose, and sucrose were added to the water separately and mixed together to form a mixture. Further this `\kgheX jTf [XTgXW Tg T gX`cXeTgheX bY /03 Ë gb obtain a sugar syrup.
The solution from step 1 and sugar syrup from step 2 were mixed to obtain the soft-mix composition of the present disclosure.
Process of preparation of Composition 5 : Step 1: 5 g of coffee, 10 g of milk solid, TaW 0. Z bY fhVebfX jTf W\ffb_iXW \a jTgXe j[\_X [XTg\aZ Tg T gX`cXeTgheX bY 53 Ë to obtain a solution. Step 2: Further 22 g of glucose was added to 10 g of water to form liquid glucose. Step 3: 20 g of sucrose was added to 13 g of water to obtain a solution which was then added to liquid glucose of step 2 and the mixture was heated Tg T gX`cXeTgheX bY /03 Ë gb bUgT\a T fhZTe flehc, N[X fb_hg\ba Yeb` fgep 1 and sugar syrup from step 3 were mixed to obtain the soft-mix composition of the present disclosure.
EXAMPLE 4 Collection of panel data
[0085] The compositions of working examples/non-working examples were further assessed by collecting panel data. The compositions were tested on 3 parameters, viz, product structure, color change, and froth reduction. When no phase separation in

the product was observed along with the maintenance of consistency the rating of 2 was given by the panel, on the contrary if the desirable properties (product structure: no separation and product structure consistency; color change: light medium dark brown to dark color; froth level in end cup: < 7mm in final prepared end cup with/without Milk) were not observed a rating of 1 was given by the panel. From the observations of the panelist (Table 2) it was inferred that the composition 1 and 2, wherein the liquid component to the solid component weight ratio was in the range of 1:2.3 to 1:9, the desirable properties were achieved, i.e., no product separation (physical change/change in color was observed over a period of 6 months. Thus, the composition 1 and composition 2 were stable.

[0086] Particularly it was observed seen that when the liquid component to the solid component weight ratio was beyond the range of 1:2.3 to 1:9, i.e., composition 3, the beverage soft-mix underwent phase separation, change in color (color turns dark), and reduction in froth level was also observed (froth level reduced to 4mm). Thus, it can be inferred that composition 3 was not stable over a period of 6 months. [0087] Similar to the composition 3, the non-working example, i.e., composition 4 was also not stable. Moreover, the liquid component being less than 10 weight percentage led to a product with thick consistency which was not amenable for further processing.
EXAMPLE 5
Microbial load
[0088] The prepared compositions (Composition 1 to 18) were also tested for the
microbial load. The results of the study are tabulated in the Table 1.
[0089] The ability of the stable beverage soft-mix composition to inhibit the
proliferation of various micro-organisms (coliforms, yeast and mold) were studied.
The protocol followed to conduct these experiments are mentioned in the Table 4
below. It was observed that no microbial count was seen in the composition 1 and
composition 2, 5-18.

[0090] Overall, the combination of liquid component to the solid component in the in the disclosed weight ranges is essential to have a stable beverage soft-mix composition with desired results.
Advantages of the present disclosure
[0091] The present disclosure provides a beverage soft-mix, which can be quickly mixed into a thickened state to create the desired beverage drink. The beverage soft-mix product apart from being stable retains color as well. Moreover, it is the ratio of the liquid component to the solid component that helps to ensure a consistent product with desired properties to the end user without the addition of stabilizers and other similar additive compounds. Further, it was observed that the product could be preserved without microbial growth with no added preservatives. [0092] Although the subject matter has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the subject matter, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the subject matter. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present subject matter as defined.

1. A beverage soft-mix composition comprising:
a) a solid component comprising
I. at least one substrate having caffeine content in a range of 0.1
to 5% with respect to the substrate, and II. at least one sugar; and
b) at least one liquid component,
wherein the at least one liquid component and the solid component has a weight ratio in a range of 1:2.3 to 1:9.
2. The beverage soft-mix composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the substrate is in form of a powder with a weight percentage in a range of 0.1-20% with respect to the composition.
3. The beverage soft-mix composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one liquid component has a weight percentage in a range of 10 to 30% with respect to the composition.
4. The beverage soft-mix composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sugar has a weight percentage in a range of 25 to 90% with respect to the composition.
5. The beverage soft-mix composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the solid component optionally comprises milk solids having a weight percentage in a range of 1-25% with respect to the beverage soft-mix composition.
6. The beverage soft-mix composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one liquid component is water.
7. The beverage soft-mix composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition is stable over a period in a range of 4 to 6 months.
8. The beverage soft-mix composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sugar is selected from a group consisting of glucose, sucrose, sucrose, galactose, xylose, lactose, maltose, trehalose, fructose, sorbitol, mannitol, dextrose, lactitol, glucitol, xylitol, maltitol, sucralose, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, saccharin, stevia, neotame, and combinations thereof.

9. A process for preparing the beverage soft-mix composition as claimed in claim 1, said process comprising:
a) obtaining the substrate;
b) obtaining the at least one sugar;
c) obtaining the at least one liquid component; and
d) contacting the substrate, the at least one sugar, and the at least one liquid component, to obtain the beverage soft-mix composition.