Your latest batch is ready. You’ve followed the same process, used the same ingredients—but something’s wrong. The beer is cloudy. The soda is flat. Customers are noticing. You double-check everything and discover the issue didn’t start in your production line. It started with your CO₂ supply. If you’re in the business of brewing, bottling, or pouring carbonated drinks, you already know how vital CO₂ is. But here’s what many overlook: not all CO₂ is pure enough for beverages. And without proper CO₂ purity measurements, contaminants can sneak in and affect the very thing your reputation depends on—product quality.
Many companies assume that food-grade CO₂ is clean and safe. But the truth is, it can still contain benzene, sulphur compounds, hydrocarbons, and microbial traces. These aren’t just technical concerns—they can ruin taste, shorten shelf life, and leave you exposed to compliance issues.
In this article, our co2 filtration experts at Sure Purity will show you how to take control. You’ll learn how to measure CO₂ purity, identify hidden contaminants, and put systems in place to keep your drinks consistent, safe, and compliant.
Key Takeaways
- Learn what CO₂ purity measurements actually involve and why they matter in beverage production.
- Discover the most common contaminants found in CO₂ and how they affect drink quality.
- Explore testing methods, from lab analysis to real-time on-site solutions.
- Understand how to protect your brand using filtration systems like Sure Purity’s Carboguard.
Why CO₂ Purity Measurements Matter in Beverage Production
You carefully control every part of your production process—from recipe formulation to packaging. But when Was the Last Time You Measured Your CO₂ Purity? If left unchecked: your CO₂ supply.
If you’re not regularly carrying out CO₂ purity measurements, you may be exposing your drinks to hidden contaminants that impact taste, aroma, mouthfeel, shelf life, and even regulatory compliance. Whether you run a brewery, bottle soft drinks, or serve draught cocktails in bars, poor-quality CO₂ can lead to costly issues you never saw coming.
How CO₂ Impacts Beverage Quality
CO₂ plays a critical role in beverage production. It does far more than just create bubbles. High-purity CO₂:
- Maintains carbonation stability and texture
- Enhances aroma and flavour
- Extends shelf life by controlling microbial activity
- Protects product consistency batch after batch
But if that CO₂ is contaminated—even slightly—your drinks could turn out flat (no one wants a flat beer), foamy, cloudy, or chemically tainted. These issues can lead to customer complaints, returned stock, and damaged trust in your brand.
The Risk of Contaminated CO₂: What You Can’t See Can Hurt You
Contaminants such as benzene, sulphur compounds, acetaldehyde, hydrocarbons, and microbial organisms can easily find their way into your CO₂ supply. Often this happens during production, transport, or storage—and it won’t always be flagged by your supplier.
Without regular CO₂ purity testing, you may not even realise there’s a problem until you’ve already filled your kegs or cans.
Examples of how it can go wrong:
- A brewer notices an unpleasant sulphur aroma in their latest IPA. The cause? Contaminated CO₂ lines.
- A soft drink manufacturer finds that a flagship product has a chemical aftertaste—later traced to benzene in their CO₂ source.
- A bar’s draught system begins producing cloudy cocktails. Microbial growth in CO₂ storage tanks is the hidden cause.
These issues aren’t hypothetical. They happen—often—and they cost businesses thousands in wasted product, lost sales, and reputational damage.
Food-Grade vs Beverage-Grade CO₂: Why Purity Standards Matter
There’s a common assumption in the industry that “food-grade” CO₂ is pure enough for beverages. But in reality, food-grade CO₂ only meets minimum standards for general food processing. It may still contain traces of sulphur compounds, hydrocarbons, and other volatile substances that can taint your drinks.
Let’s compare:
- Food-grade CO₂: Basic purification. Still allows for impurities.
- Beverage-grade CO₂: Further refined to remove odour- and flavour-altering compounds. Meets higher purity specifications suited for drink production.
- Industrial CO₂: Not safe for consumption. Contains high levels of contaminants and must never be used in beverages.
If you want consistent carbonation, clean flavour, and full compliance with safety regulations, beverage-grade CO₂ is the baseline—and testing is your insurance policy.
Regulations You Must Comply With
If you’re producing drinks for sale, your CO₂ supply must meet recognised standards. These include:
- ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management
- EIGA Guidelines – European Industrial Gases Association purity standards
- FDA Title 21 CFR – U.S. regulations for indirect food additives
- ISBT – International Society of Beverage Technologists
Failure to comply could lead to legal liability, production stoppages, or certification issues.
Why Sure Purity Customers Don’t Leave CO₂ Purity to Chance
Sure Purity helps breweries, soft drink manufacturers, and bars take control of their CO₂ quality. With supply chains under pressure and contamination risks rising, more producers are using CO₂ purity testing alongside point-of-use filtration to ensure consistent, high-purity gas.
By combining real-time CO₂ purity measurements with Sure Purity’s Carboguard, Carboguard Mini, and Carbo-Alt filtration systems, you get:
- Continuous contaminant removal—right at the point of use
- Protection against benzene, hydrocarbons, sulphur compounds, and microbes
- Stable carbonation and flavour consistency
- Full compliance with food and beverage CO₂ standards
With Sure Purity, you’re not guessing—you’re measuring, protecting, and improving every pour.
Common CO₂ Contaminants That Impact Beverage Quality
Even if your CO₂ appears clean, it could be carrying invisible contaminants that compromise the quality, stability, and safety of your drinks. These impurities can come from the CO₂ source, storage tanks, delivery systems, or poor handling practices. Without regular CO₂ purity measurements, you may not notice the problem until it reaches your customers.
We have decades of experience in this industry. With that knowledge, here are the most common CO₂ contaminants found in beverage production—and why they matter to you:
1. Benzene & Hydrocarbons – Harmful and Hard to Detect
Where they come from:
- Industrial CO₂ production
- Contaminated gas cylinders
- Residual traces from fossil fuel by-products
Why they matter:
Benzene is a known carcinogen. Hydrocarbons can create chemical or oily off-flavours that ruin the taste of beer, soda, and sparkling water. These compounds are difficult to detect without proper testing and pose a serious risk to consumer safety and compliance.
How Sure Purity helps:
The Carboguard filtration system actively removes benzene and hydrocarbons before they enter your beverage line, ensuring you’re not unknowingly introducing harmful substances into your product.
2. Sulphur Compounds (H₂S, SO₂, Mercaptans) – Rotten Odour, Metallic Taste
Where they come from:
- Natural gas processing
- Contaminated or corroded CO₂ storage tanks
- Low-quality CO₂ cylinders
Why they matter:
Sulphur compounds can make your drink smell like rotten eggs, burnt rubber, or sewage. Even in small quantities, they affect aroma, flavour, and consumer perception. These odours are especially disruptive in light beers, sparkling waters, and citrus sodas, where clean flavours are essential.
How Sure Purity helps:
Sure Purity’s filters are engineered to capture sulphur-based impurities at the point of use, preventing them from making their way into your finished product.
3. Acetaldehyde – Solvent-Like Flavour and Harsh Aroma
Where it comes from:
- Poorly handled CO₂
- Fermentation byproducts carried over through gas lines
Why it matters:
Acetaldehyde gives drinks a harsh, chemical flavour, often described as paint-like or green apple. In beer, it suggests poor conditioning; in sodas, it clashes with sweeteners and fruit flavours. It’s a clear sign of contaminated or poorly filtered CO₂.
How Sure Purity helps: By using Carboguard Mini or our alternative to Parker Dominick Hunter PC02, beverage producers can remove volatile organic compounds like acetaldehyde that affect both flavour and aroma.
4. Oxygen (O₂) & Moisture – Shortened Shelf Life, Oxidation
Where they come from:
- Leaky CO₂ delivery systems
- Poor storage conditions
- Inadequate cylinder or line maintenance
Why they matter:
Even small amounts of oxygen or moisture in your CO₂ can oxidise your product, leading to off-flavours, colour changes, and reduced shelf life. In beer, oxidation produces cardboard-like notes. In soda, it dulls sweetness and carbonation.
How Sure Purity helps:
By monitoring and filtering CO₂ at the point of use, Sure Purity systems remove residual oxygen and moisture, ensuring your product stays fresh, stable, and consistent.
5. Microbial Contaminants – Cloudiness, Sediment, and Spoilage
Where they come from:
- Dirty CO₂ lines and regulators
- Poorly cleaned storage tanks
- Warm or humid storage environments
Why they matter:
CO₂ that isn’t properly handled can carry bacteria, mould, or yeast, which thrive in damp systems. Once introduced into your beverage, they cause cloudiness, sediment, sour flavours, and even fermentation in the bottle or keg.
How Sure Purity helps:
Sure Purity’s multi-barrier filtration blocks microbial contaminants and ensures only clean, sterile gas reaches your carbonation system.
What This Means for You
Each of these contaminants poses a direct threat to your product quality, brand reputation, and bottom line. And they’re not always visible or detectable without proper testing.
With routine CO₂ purity measurements and Sure Purity’s filtration systems, you can catch these problems before they reach your customers. That means fewer complaints, longer shelf life, and more consistent flavour across every batch.
How to Measure CO₂ Purity in Beverage Production
When it comes to producing consistent, high-quality drinks, measuring CO₂ purity isn’t a “nice-to-have”. It’s essential. Even when you buy CO₂ from a trusted supplier, contamination can still occur in storage tanks, pipelines, or during dispensing. Regular testing helps you detect problems early, avoid batch failures, and keep your beverages compliant with safety regulations.
We support beverage producers by combining advanced point-of-use CO₂ filtration with a practical understanding of purity testing methods. Here’s how you can stay in control of your gas supply.
1. Lab Testing vs. On-Site CO₂ Analysis
Laboratory Testing
Lab-based testing methods like Gas Chromatography (GC) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) are highly accurate and capable of detecting trace levels of contaminants. These methods are excellent for:
- Benchmarking the quality of new CO₂ suppliers
- Investigating unexplained product issues
- Periodic validation of in-house gas quality
But there’s a catch. Lab testing is expensive, time-consuming, and not suitable for routine monitoring.
On-Site CO₂ Purity Testing
For day-to-day control, on-site testing gives you real-time feedback. This includes:
- CO₂ purity meters – Provide instant readings of gas purity levels
- Electrochemical sensors – Detect specific contaminants like benzene, hydrocarbons, and sulphur compounds
- Portable CO₂ purity analysers – Ideal for breweries, bars, and soft drink plants needing quick and mobile testing options
Sure Purity’s customers use these tools alongside Carboguard systems to monitor CO₂ conditions at the point of use. We’ll verify filtration performance and ensure peace of mind.
2. Key CO₂ Testing Metrics to Track
To know whether your CO₂ is fit for beverage use, focus on these critical measurements:
- Purity Level (%) – Beverage co2 purity grade should be 99.9% pure or higher
- Contaminant Thresholds – Acceptable limits for oxygen, moisture, sulphur compounds, benzene, hydrocarbons, and other volatile substances
- Odour & Flavour Testing – Use sensory checks to identify chemical or sulphurous off-notes that indicate contamination
- Microbial Load – Periodically inspect storage lines and filters for microbial activity
3. Recognising the Signs of CO₂ Quality Issues
You may already be experiencing CO₂ problems without realising it. Watch for these red flags during production or service:
- Flat beer or soda – Contaminated CO₂ affects carbonation retention and mouthfeel
- Off-flavours – Tastes described as burnt, metallic, chemical, or rotten may indicate the presence of sulphur compounds or hydrocarbons
- Cloudy or foamy beer – Often caused by moisture or microbial contamination in your gas line
- Sudden changes in product performance – If your drink behaves differently despite no recipe changes, your CO₂ supply may be compromised
Sure Purity’s Carboguard, Carboguard Mini are built to eliminate these problems by providing multi-stage filtration at the point of use, ensuring the CO₂ entering your beverage is as clean as it should be. Measuring CO₂ purity and pairing that testing with effective filtration is the most reliable way to protect your products – and reputation.
How to Ensure the Highest CO₂ Purity for Your Beverages
Once you understand the risks, the next step is taking control. Measuring CO₂ purity is essential—but it’s only effective if paired with the right suppliers, proper storage, and reliable filtration at the point of use. Here’s how to ensure the CO₂ entering your drinks is as clean and consistent as it should be.
1. Choosing the Right CO₂ Supplier
It starts with who you buy from. Not all CO₂ suppliers meet the standards required for beverage production. Some may sell food-grade gas that still contains unwanted contaminants—putting your drinks and reputation at risk.
When evaluating suppliers, make sure they:
- Comply with EIGA beverage-grade CO₂ standards
- Are certified to ISO 22000 for food safety management
- Follow FDA Title 21 CFR regulations for beverage gases
- Provide full purity certificates and recent contaminant test results with each delivery
These documents give you transparency and proof that the gas meets strict thresholds for benzene, hydrocarbons, sulphur compounds, moisture, and microbial content. If a supplier can’t offer this level of assurance, it’s worth reconsidering.
2. CO₂ Filtration: The Final Line of Defence
Even the best CO₂ can pick up contaminants during transport, storage, or dispensing. Pipes can corrode, tanks can collect moisture, and gas lines can carry over residues from previous use. That’s why filtration at the point of use is vital.
Our Carboguard system solves this. Installed between your CO₂ tank and your carbonation system, it:
- Provides multi-stage filtration to remove benzene, hydrocarbons, sulphur compounds, acetaldehyde, and microbes
- Acts as a continuous safeguard against unexpected contamination
- Integrates easily into existing brewery, bottling, or bar systems
- Requires minimal maintenance, with long filter life and reliable performance
Real-World Example
One UK brewery partnered with Sure Purity after repeated off-flavour issues in its flagship pale ale. Despite using beverage-grade CO₂, they discovered trace hydrocarbons and sulphur compounds were entering the product via their existing gas line. After installing Carboguard, the issue disappeared completely—eliminating customer complaints and restoring product consistency.
3. Best Practices for CO₂ Storage & Handling
Good gas management doesn’t end with delivery. Keeping your CO₂ system clean and dry is just as important as filtration.
Follow these best practices:
- Inspect tanks, cylinders, and pipework regularly for corrosion, leaks, or microbial growth
- Store CO₂ cylinders upright in cool, dry areas, away from heat and sunlight
- Use a CO₂ monitoring system to track purity in real time—particularly useful when working with different suppliers or variable stock
- Keep records of testing results, filter changes, and supplier batch numbers for traceability
We support all of our customers with ongoing advice, system checks, and training, helping beverage producers maintain high CO₂ standards across every stage of production.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you measure CO₂ purity in beverages?
CO₂ purity is measured using gas chromatography (GC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and on-site CO₂ analysers. These methods detect contaminants like benzene, hydrocarbons, sulphur compounds, and moisture.
What’s the difference between food-grade and beverage-grade CO₂?
Food-grade CO₂ meets basic safety standards but may contain impurities. Beverage-grade CO₂ undergoes stricter purification to remove compounds that affect flavour, aroma, and carbonation stability.
Can CO₂ contamination affect drink taste?
Yes. Contaminants such as sulphur compounds, hydrocarbons, and acetaldehyde cause off-flavours, bad aromas, and an unpleasant drinking experience.
How do I know if my CO₂ supply is contaminated?
Watch for signs like flat carbonation, foamy pours, cloudy beer, or chemical smells. These may indicate the presence of impurities in your CO₂.
What’s the best way to prevent CO₂ contamination?
Use point-of-use filtration like Sure Purity’s Carboguard system. It removes contaminants before CO₂ enters your drink, ensuring product consistency and safety.
What are acceptable CO₂ purity levels for beverages?
Beverage-grade CO₂ should be 99.9% pure or higher. Contaminant thresholds for oxygen, moisture, hydrocarbons, and sulphur compounds must remain below industry limits.
What testing equipment is used in beverage CO₂ analysis?
Common tools include portable CO₂ purity analysers, electrochemical sensors, and infrared gas detectors. These provide quick, real-time contamination detection on-site.
Can I rely on my CO₂ supplier’s purity certificate alone?
Not entirely. Even certified CO₂ can become contaminated during transport or storage. Always combine certificates with on-site testing and filtration.
Is industrial CO₂ ever safe for drinks?
No. Industrial-grade CO₂ contains high levels of impurities and is not safe for human consumption. Only use beverage-grade CO₂ in drink production.
Can poor CO₂ shorten product shelf life?
Yes. Impurities like oxygen and moisture cause oxidation and microbial spoilage, reducing shelf stability and product quality.
How often should I test my CO₂ purity?
Test every new batch, and conduct routine checks during production. Use continuous monitoring if you’re producing at scale.
Does Sure Purity offer solutions for small beverage businesses?
Yes. Carboguard Mini is designed for smaller setups like bars and craft breweries, offering reliable CO₂ filtration in a compact unit.
Can I use Sure Purity systems with my current setup?
Absolutely. Carboguard filters integrate easily into existing CO₂ lines, making them suitable for breweries, bottling plants, and hospitality venues. Contact us to see exactly how we can help you.
Final Thoughts: Why Beverage CO₂ Purity Should Never Be Overlooked
You wouldn’t compromise on ingredients. So why take risks with your CO₂?
Whether you’re brewing beer, bottling soft drinks, or serving carbonated beverages on tap, high-purity CO₂ is essential to product quality, safety, and compliance. It affects everything from carbonation and flavour to shelf life and consumer trust.
The challenge is that many CO₂ contaminants, like benzene, sulphur compounds, and moisture, are invisible and undetectable without proper testing. You might not notice them until it’s too late: when your drink tastes off, your customers complain, or your product gets recalled.
That’s why routine CO₂ purity measurements, on-site testing, and point-of-use filtration are no longer optional. They’re a core part of beverage quality control.
Sure Purity’s Carboguard filtration systems give you the final layer of protection, removing harmful compounds before they enter your drinks. Whether you’re a large-scale bottling plant or a small bar with a draught system, Carboguard, Carboguard Mini, and our alternative for Parker Domnick Hunter PC02 ensure that only clean, stable, compliant CO₂ reaches your product line.
When you control your gas quality, you control your customer experience. Don’t let unseen contaminants affect the drinks you’ve worked so hard to perfect.
With Sure Purity, you’re not just filtering CO₂. You’re protecting your brand.
