noncarbonated

Noncarbonated beverages are drinks that do not contain dissolved carbon dioxide. In contrast with carbonated beverages, they lack fizz and typically have a smoother mouthfeel. The term applies widely to drinks in consumer markets, including still water, juices, tea, coffee, dairy and plant-based milks, and many ready-to-drink beverages. Some products offer both still and sparkling variants.

Carbonation is produced by dissolving CO2 under pressure. Noncarbonated products are produced without that step, or the gas is removed during processing. The presence or absence of CO2 can affect acidity, taste perception, and mouthfeel because dissolved carbon dioxide forms carbonic acid. Noncarbonated beverages may have longer stability in non-pressurized packaging.

Examples include still water, 100% fruit juices, brewed tea and coffee, milk and dairy beverages, and many plant-based drinks. Some brands market both still and carbonated versions of the same product. In labeling, terms such as still or non-carbonated distinguish these products from their carbonated counterparts.

The noncarbonated category serves consumer preferences for flavor clarity, digestibility, or situations where effervescence is undesirable. It encompasses a broad range of beverages and is defined by the absence of dissolved carbon dioxide rather than by a specific ingredient list.