Studies on the Processing Technologies of Some Selected Local Soft Drinks in North-Western Nigeria

On health grounds, experts recommend consuming fresh juices that are freshly and neatly prepared at home, which are free from preservatives and artificial colours than the carbonated ones. Nigeria is richly blessed with abundant sources of fruit juices and other sources of soft drinks, which are yet to be harnessed to satisfy and quench the thirst of the nation in that direction. This study identifies 23 fruit juice that are freshly prepared in the North-western part of the country with the view to laying foundations for developing a scientific and mechanized system(s) for processing the drinks hygienically and amply. Interviews were carried out with some soft drinks’ producers and/or sellers in Birnin Kebbi, Zaria, Kano and Kaduna on the menus involved and the market potentialities of the drinks. The drinks were classified into three – based on their major ingredients and processing technologies; viz. cereals/nuts drinks, fruit juices and other refreshing drinks. One from each of the three categories was selected and their traditional menus were respectively experimented practically in order to understand their units of production and have an informed decision on designing a mechanized system for processing any of them, as well as the ones with common recipes with them. The study succeeded in understanding: the great need for developing a scientific, mechanized and hygienic system for processing the local soft drinks. The marketability of the perceived machines and their beverage products also underscore how to approach the anticipated design of the local soft drinks processing machines in question.