Antioxidant-loaded nanocarriers for drinks

Recent years have seen an increase in consumer’s search for a healthier lifestyle and potentially health-promoting foodstuffs, as a healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, is an important step in maintaining one’s health. These foodstuffs are rich in bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and vitamins, which are known to possess antioxidative capacity and have been linked to health-promoting properties. Additionally, antioxidant compounds are also used as food preservatives, contributing to longer shelf life and a good quality profile. Nanocarriers are an emerging technology that, despite being mostly used for controlled drug delivery, have found its way into foodstuffs’ applications. This chapter will explore the potential benefits of antioxidant-loaded nanocarriers in beverages, not only through the possible impact these compounds may exert upon health but also through the effect they may have on the product itself, namely, on shelf life and product functionalization.