11/01/2025
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The rate at which vendors add chemical preservatives like sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate to natural drinks now is alarming. You think you have escaped carbonated drinks but unknowingly you're taking more untested and unregulated ones from zobo and tigernut milk.
I attended a meeting some weeks ago where we were served bottles of zobo drink. I couldn't take it there because I was on a fast so I took it home. Right from that meeting, I observed that the top of the zobo was foamy or had lots of bubbles and the colour also looked too bright. I felt probably they just bottled it hence the reason for the bubbles. The meeting lasted for hours still the bubbles did not go down. I got home, kept it on the table because there was no power supply till the next day, still the bubbles did not dissolve or diffuse.
So, the afternoon of the next day, I opened it, put a little in the cover and tasted it. Hmmm it tasted very different in my mouth. The sweetness was there though but there was something odd about it. I asked hubby to taste it too, he also confirmed it. I started paying attention to most zobo drinks online and I noticed the same trend but when I see the ones without preservation they are definitely different. They look like the zobo we all know. I did some research and it confirmed my doubts.
For those with sweet tooth, you may not notice anything wrong, you'll think it's sweetness.
Now somebody will argue that those are approved preservatives by NAFDAC for foods and drinks. Yes, we know. They are approved in measured and regulated quantities, they are also for long term preservation of foods. If you claim your product is natural then make it completely natural. Some people donโt want preservatives in their foods for health reasons. Please stop the deception in order to maximize profit. If it has preservatives, state it in your label and marketing to let consumers know what they are consuming.
So, how do you Identify if a Zobo drink contains chemical preservatives without tasting? It can be challenging I know, but here are some indicators to watch out for:
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If the seller claims the zobo can last for weeks or months without refrigeration, it likely contains chemical preservatives. The maximum time that naturally preserved zobo with full refrigeration should last is 2 weeks.
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Zobo drinks made naturally usually settle over time, forming a layer of sediments/ settlements at the bottom and that is why we shake it before drinking or pouring it in a cup.
If the drink appears too clear or has no sediment even after standing for hours, it may contain chemical stabilizers.
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A very bright or unnatural red color could indicate the use of artificial coloring or chemical additives. Natural zobo has a deep rich burgundy colour.
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Over time, natural zobo might slightly ferment and produce mild fizzing, but excessive foam or bubbles or fizz could indicate added chemicals or carbonation.
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If the zobo is sold in non-refrigerated conditions but sealed in commercial-grade packaging, it's more likely to contain preservatives to extend shelf life i.e it is not in the fridge but packed and kept like the regular drinks.
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*Buy from trusted vendors who prepare their zobo fresh daily.
*Observe the drink over time (color changes, sediments, etc.).
*Choose vendors who are transparent about their ingredients.
To learn more about how to make yours or as a vendor, you want to learn natural methods of preservation, then click the link to learn more https://www.rdwellness.online/healthydrinks
All you need is the right knowledge and you'll have it at our healthy drinks and snacks training.
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ยฉ๏ธ Wunmi Seun-Akintunde
