Abstract: A process for the production of green tea extracts is disclosed comprising the steps of (a) extracting tea materials with an acidified aqueous solution comprising erythorbic acid or ascorbic acid and citric acid and mixtures thereof at specified ratios, (b) separating extract from residual tea material (c) mixing the extract containing solution with gelatin, and (d) separating the precipitates formed under a nitrogen blanket. The resultant tea extracts are stable against precipitation, have reduced bitter and astringent flavors, low levels of polymerized or oxidized flavanols and resist browning. The extracts are especially suitable for use in beverages with added colorant where brown color is not desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to beverage compositions containing calcium and Vitamin C, exhibiting reduced browning. The beverage compositions comprise:a) from about 50 ppm to about 2000 ppm ascorbic acid;b) from about 100 ppm to about 2,000 ppm erythorbic acid;c) From about 0.03% to about 0.19% calcium;d) a pH control system comprising an acidic buffering component, such that the pH of the composition is from about 3.1 to about 4.5;e) from 0% to about 60% of a flavoring system;f) an effective amount of a sweetening component; andg) water.