This work is part of the Strategic Research Programme 2011-2016 and is funded by the Scottish Government's Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division (RESAS). | Peer reviewed

The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of three different food‐grade emulsifiers to form and stabilise an orange oil‐in‐water emulsion. The emulsifier type and concentration had a profound effect on the initial particle size of the oil droplets with Tween 80 being the most effective in reducing the particle size (1% w/w, 1.88 ± 0.01 μm) followed by sodium caseinate (10% w/w, 2.14 ± 0.03 μm) and gum arabic (10% w/w, 4.10 ± 0.24 μm). The long‐term stability of the concentrated beverages was monitored using Turbiscan analysis. The Turbiscan stability indices after 4 weeks of storage followed the order: Tween 80 (1.70 ± 0.08) < gum arabic (4.83 ± 0.53) < sodium caseinate (6.20 ± 1.56). The protein emulsifier was more capable to control the oxidation process, and this was attributed to the excess amount of emulsifier present in the aqueous phase. This study provides useful insights into the formulation of flavour emulsions by the beverage industry.