Grape juice concentrate is a sweet, thick elixir with an intense aroma and flavor that preserves the natural nutrients and organoleptic properties of grapes. It is a natural source of essential vitamins, such as A, C, K and E; key minerals, such as potassium, iron, calcium and phosphorus; and powerful antioxidants, such as resveratrol. In addition, it contains only natural grape sugars, fructose and glucose (no sucrose), no preservatives, no allergens, 100% natural. And, depending on the grape variety, it is possible to obtain everything from a light, bright yellow juice concentrate to a dark cherry or deep purple must. These shades can even be customized according to the customer’s needs. All these combinations of characteristics, properties and sensory and nutritional profiles give concentrated grape juice a versatile and functional character, making it an innovative raw material with strategic applications in various industrial sectors, such as food, beverages, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, vinegar production, etc. But what exactly are these applications?
In this post we analyze the specific properties that make it indispensable in each market and present real cases of innovative products made from grape juice concentrate that have proven to be the most successful.
- Main sectors where concentrated grape juice is used successfully
- Innovative applications of grape must concentrate: real use cases
- JULIÁN SOLER: we provide 100% authentic grape must concentrate.
Main sectors where concentrated grape juice is used successfully
Below we highlight the nutrients, micronutrients, functional compounds and sensory properties that are most valued in grape must concentrate within the food and beverage industry, nutraceutical product formulation, natural cosmetics, premium foods and the wine industry.
Food and beverages
In food and beverage innovation, must concentrate is used mainly for three of its differentiating characteristics:
- High concentration of natural sugars, allowing grape concentrate to be used as a natural sweetener in multiple clean label product formulations, from soft drinks, energy drinks and nectars to bakery products and baby food.
- High anthocyanin content (in the concentrated red grape must). This gives it a high coloring capacity. Especially if the must is obtained from Garnacha Tintorera, a Punic variety that only grows in our Castilla La Mancha.
- Profile rich in phenolic compounds with high antioxidant capacity, such as anthocyanins, flavonols, phenolic acids and, mainly, resveratrol. These are compounds that protect against oxidative damage, so the concentrated must is widely used as a bioactive contribution to add functional value to the product. For example, in the production of fortified foods, functional beverages or even to offer healthy indulgence through soft drinks, cookies, ice cream and other premium treats.
Nutraceutical industry
The enormous value of grape juice in the nutraceutical industry is mainly due to its exceptional phytochemical profile, its high antioxidant capacity and its contribution of bioactive compounds with beneficial health effects.
- Grape juice has a high concentration of polyphenols, which are bioactive compounds that reduce oxidative stress. They benefit the body on several fronts, from protecting against viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases to reducing the likelihood of muscle diseases. In addition, grape concentrate provides vitamin C, manganese, potassium and other essential minerals for cell metabolism.
- The concentrated must is noted for its high level of resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant recognized for its cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
These polyphenols are incorporated in nutraceutical formulations such as capsules, tablets, soluble powders and nutritional supplements of natural, clean label or vegan origin that improve cardiovascular health, strengthen the immune system and prevent cellular aging.
Natural cosmetics
Grape concentrate has also positioned itself in the cosmetic industry as a key natural raw material in different skin care formulations. Its high content of polyphenols, fatty acids, amino acids and vitamins is appreciated, giving it antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, whitening, anti-aging and skin conditioning properties.
- One of the most valued compounds in grape juice is resveratrol. Why? Resveratrol helps slow down the aging of the body, helping to repair DNA. It improves skin texture, tone and elasticity. It also reduces inflammation, redness and blemishes.
- In addition, grape juice contains vitamins C, K and B, which help revitalize the skin and protect it against free radicals.
- The by-products of grape concentrate processing, such as seeds, are recommended as a moisturizer and conditioner for skin and hair.
Premium food
Grape juice concentrate is a high quality ingredient that meets the multiple requirements of food premiumization. First and foremost, it brings naturalness and raises the nutritional profile of products. It is also perfect for incorporating sensory uniqueness, either by providing vibrant and attractive natural colors to enhance the appearance of products, with shades ranging from dark red and violet to deep purple, or by providing deep and comforting natural aromas and flavors, with fruity notes, that offer pleasure to the palate.
Innovative applications of grape must concentrate: real use cases
Nowadays, concentrated grape juice plays a relevant and strategic role in the development and innovation of products in various industries. The following are just some of the real use cases that illustrate the versatility and functional value of must.
Functional and non-alcoholic beverages
A functional beverage is a non-alcoholic beverage that provides additional health benefits, thanks to its bioactive components from a plant, animal or microorganism source. This type of beverage has a wide classification, e.g. functional dairy beverages, sports drinks, probiotic drinks, energy drinks, etc.
On the other hand, consumers are increasingly looking for ways to drink less alcohol without sacrificing the social experience and enjoyment. To satisfy this market, non-alcoholic beverages are an alternative that either contain no alcohol or a negligible amount of alcohol, but offer similar palate experiences to the more popular traditional cocktails or spirits.
| Type of innovation | Cases and real applications of grape must concentrate |
| New types of sodas | Olipop Casic Grape, a carbonated soft drink based on Concord grape juice concentrate, grape tartaric acid, lime and apple juices, roots and other natural ingredients. |
| Non-alcoholic sparkling beverages. | Shloer Pink, made from a blend of Bobal and Airén grape juice from the vineyards of Castilla-La Mancha. |
| Natural soft drinks with probiotics | Viver Qué Frutas, made with JULIÁN SOLER’s ECO white grape concentrate. |
| Low alcohol beverages | Chisposa with 6.8% vol. made with concentrated white grape juice JULIÁN SOLER. |
| Functional gel-type energy drinks, caffeine-free | Chargel. Functional drink in gel format. Made from white grape juice, carbohydrates and vitamins. Provides instant energy for training. Designed for consumption on the go. Free of caffeine, gluten and allergens, no artificial flavors, no artificial colors, no artificial sweeteners. |
Indulgent and healthy foods
Grape juice concentrate is successfully applied in the formulation of frozen desserts, confectionery, bakery products, chocolates and snacks, providing natural sweetness and color, antioxidants and different aromatic nuances that reduce the use of refined sugars and other artificial additives. For example:
| Type of innovation | Cases and real applications of grape must concentrate |
| Sugar free ice cream | Bio Ice. Made from grape juice concentrate, elderberry juice concentrate, natural aromas of orange, strawberry and lemon, among other ingredients, all from organic farming. The grape concentrate adds the sweet touch characteristic of ice cream. |
| Healthy chocolates | Trek Power – chocolate with orange. It is a plant-based energy bar, covered with a natural chocolate alternative (cocoa paste, dates, tiger nuts, etc.). Among all its natural plant-based ingredients, there is concentrated grape juice, orange oil and nuts. |
Nutraceuticals and supplements
Let’s take a look at some innovative products to improve skin health:
| Type of innovation | Cases and real applications of grape must concentrate |
| Oxygenating and antioxidant solution for the skin | Oxygenation, by Evolueum. It is a drinkable nutricosmetic formula to even skin tone and eliminate imperfections. Its natural ingredients include grape seed polyphenols. |
| Anti-aging nutricosmetic treatment | Longévité. A formula that improves skin elasticity and firmness and reduces the depth of wrinkles. Its ingredients of natural origin include red grape, cherry and raspberry juice. |
Cosmetics
Among the cosmetics created based on grape juice or its by-products are spot correctors, anti-aging creams, eye contour serums, illuminating serums, firming creams, moisturizing creams, shower gels, etc. For example:
| Type of innovation | Cases and real applications of grape must concentrate |
| Eye contour cream | Premier Cru, by Caudalie. Instant anti-aging and illuminating cream for the eye and lip contour. Its natural ingredients include avocado oil, olive oil and grape seed extract. |
| Anti-aging creams | Anti-wrinkle night cream with ceramides, by Juice Beauty. It is an antioxidant-rich product that combines grape juice and other fruits to fight free radicals. |
| Facial cleansers | Organic facial cleansing gel. Combines grape juice, carrot root, seed oils and other botanical extracts. |
Vinegars
High quality grape concentrate is an essential ingredient in the production of premium vinegars, balancing sweetness, providing aromatic complexity, improving texture… enhancing the sensory value of the final product.
| Type of innovation | Cases and real applications of grape must concentrate |
| Fruity vinegars | Honey and ginger white vinegar. Exotic dressing made from grape must, honey and ginger, wine vinegar and honey vinegar. Pomegranate vinegar. It is a vinegar rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. It is made from concentrated grape must, pomegranate juice concentrate and red wine vinegar. |
| Balsamic vinegar creams | Yuca’s balsamic vinegar cream. Made with JULIÁN SOLER organic concentrated must, reduced in Castilla La Mancha. |
JULIÁN SOLER: we provide 100% authentic grape must concentrate.
Innovation is one of the pillars of our philosophy. Creating clean label products that are functional and adapted to the demands of the global market is also part of our work. For this reason, we have our own R&D&I laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art technology, both to control the high quality of our white and red must concentrate and to support the development of our customers’ formulations.
Behind every brand there must be quality ingredients and a partner that guarantees a stable and continuous supply. We provide 100% authentic grape must concentrate, as well as all our know-how. We maintain year-round availability of our grape concentrate, thanks to our advanced cold and frozen storage capacity. In addition, we export our products to more than 60 countries on 5 continents.
Request a sample. We are your Global Grape Solution Supplier.
by