Contents 6/2023

The article describes the level and changes in the production of concentrated juices and drinking juices in Poland in the years 2015- 2022. It also presents trends in the consumption of these products in the country as well as changes in the level of export and export prices of concentrated and drinking apple juice, which dominate the production and consumption of juices in Poland. Moreover, the position of the Polish juice and beverage sector among the EU countries was assessed. The analysis shows that the production of concentrated juices does not show an upward trend. On the other hand, the production of drinking juices, mainly direct-pressed apple juice, mainly intended for export, is growing dynamically. In the years 2015- 2022, the total consumption of fruit juices increased, and the consumption of vegetable and fruit and vegetable juices was relatively stable. At the same time, Poland was constantly strengthening its position as one of the most important producers and consumers of juices in the EU. In terms of the value of juice production, it was ranked third in the EU, and in terms of per capita juice consumption, it was ranked fifth in the EU. The financial results of producers, despite a slight deterioration in 2022, ensured the safety of operations for companies.

KEYWORDS: juices, production, consumption, export, economic-financial situation, Poland, European Union

Beer is the fifth most consumed beverage in the world, and the brewing industry is an important economic segment in many countries of the world. The production process consumes large amounts of water and generates up to 10 liters of wastewater per liter of beer produced. Brewery wastewater contains high levels of organic carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen, but compared to municipal wastewater, it does not contain nuisance pollutants such as pharmaceuticals or enteric pathogens. the richness of organic compounds in brewery wastewater makes it a high-quality nutrients medium for the cultivation of microorganisms. According to specialists, brewery wastewater should be recycled, taking into account the decreasing water resources and the strong trend of the circular economy. this article aims to provide a synthetic review of the most important methods of brewing wastewater treatment.

KEYWORDS: water recycling, brewing, pollution, wastewater

The paper analyzes the impact of the type of packaging (cardboard, plastic, glass) on selected characteristics of the commodity evaluation of fruit juices (acidity, extract, sensory features: color, clarity, smell and taste, and desirability). It has been shown that the best properties had juices in carton packs, which were characterized by the most intense taste and smell (in the case of apple juices) and the best clarity (in the case of orange juices). The type of used packaging technology did not affect the pH of the juices, but it had a small effect on the level of the extract.

KEYWORDS: juices, commodity evaluation, extract, acidity, packaging

With the growth of the world’s population, the demand for food as a basic component of human existence also increases. This situation not only becomes a challenge for modern food chain systems, but also affects the availability of food products around the world. Food waste is expected to be one of the main concerns of the food industry and the application of the coating process as a mild treatment method can significantly counteract this phenomenon. Protective coatings can reduce food waste as well as make production more sustainable. The article presents coating technology as a promising method that reduces food waste.

KEYWORDS: food coating, protective coatings, food waste

Consumer preferences are one of the main, and sometimes the only, decision-making factor when choosing food products . The aim of the study was to determine consumer preferences among students regarding the consumption of coffee with different degrees of roasting. This paper is a continuation of our team’s research on determining the effect of coffee roasting on the sensory characteristics of its infusions. The research results indicate that both ground and instant coffee have their supporters among students, and they usually prepare it by pouring hot water over it. Most of the respondents declare a preference for coffee infusions made of medium roasted raw material, especially with the addition of milk and/or sugar, which undoubtedly affects the perceived organoleptic characteristics. The low desirability of infusions made of lightly roasted coffee seeds, as defined in this study, is probably due to the rather strongly perceptible sour notes, which disappear as the roasting parameters intensify.

KEYWORDS: coffee, roasting, consumer preferences, organoleptic features

The article analyzes the suitability for consumption of selected fermented milk drinks (yoghurt, kefir, buttermilk) in two mutually complementary aspects – nutritional, in terms of their nutritional value, and health, related to their impact on the human body as part of the prevention or treatment of modern civilization diseases. On the basis of references concerning the composition of these products, the nutritional quality (density) (inQ) for protein, fat, vitamins and minerals was determined. In addition, for the considered dairy products, the level of effective protein (BE), the value of the protein-energy index (nDPcal%), and the limiting amino acid (cS) were calculated. Based on the fatty acid profile of yoghurt and kefir, general indicators of lipid quality were presented and atherogenic parameters (AI, IT) were calculated. the results of the calculations confirmed that fermented milk drinks are a good source of protein with high nutritional value, a rich source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and zinc, and vitamins B12,B2,B1,B6 and B9 (folates). The beneficial effect of yoghurt, kefir and buttermilk consumption in the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes, in the prevention of atherosclerosis and hypertension, osteoporosis was emphasized, and the anti-cancer properties of this group of dairy products were indicated.

KEYWORDS: nutritional value, health, yoghurt, kefir, buttermilk

The challenges of the food industry are to reduce energy and material consumption and minimize environmental impact. The article presents issues concerning the carbon footprint of food packaging. Types of packaging, their impact on climate change and directions for reducing the environmental footprint are characterized. The legal requirements that manufacturers are obligated in terms of carbon footprint are also discussed. In every case of food and packaging production, a detailed analysis of cF is necessary and only then decisions can be made on its reduction. Research should identify the carbon footprint of unit steps (depending on production conditions) and confirm that a CF analysis related to packaging will identify the areas with the highest contribution. Many activities affect the final carbon footprint of a packaged product, including: raw materials obtaining, packaging production, transportation of the package, production of the packaged assortment, and distribution.

KEYWORDS: carbon footprint, food packaging, legislative regulations, CO₂ emissions