master-cooks | The Reason Beer Often Comes In Aluminum Cans

Beer is often packaged in aluminum cans due to several practical and economic advantages. Aluminum cans are lightweight, which reduces shipping costs and the carbon footprint associated with transportation. This makes them a more environmentally friendly option compared to glass bottles. The cans are also highly recyclable, with a significant portion of aluminum being reused in new cans, further supporting sustainability efforts. Additionally, aluminum cans provide an excellent barrier against oxygen and light, both of which can degrade beer quality by affecting its taste and freshness. This ensures the beer remains in optimal condition until it is consumed. The durability of aluminum cans is another important factor. They are less likely to break compared to glass, reducing the risk of product loss during transportation and storage. This durability also makes them a convenient option for outdoor activities and events where breakage could be a concern. The production process for aluminum cans is efficient, and they can be filled and sealed quickly, preserving the beer’s carbonation and flavor. Furthermore, cans offer a larger surface area for branding and marketing, allowing for more creative and eye-catching design opportunities. Overall, aluminum cans provide a combination of practicality, sustainability, and marketing advantages that make them a popular choice for beer packaging.

How aluminum cans protect the quality of beer

One of the key advantages of aluminum beer cans is their ability to shield the contents from light and air. Beer can develop a skunky flavor due to hops, which contain iso-alpha acids that break down when exposed to light. This reaction with riboflavin produces a compound known as 3-methyl-3-butene-1-thiol, or prenylthiol, which closely resembles the substance secreted by skunks, (E)-2-butene-1-thiol. Since light is responsible for this undesirable flavor, bottled beer is particularly at risk, especially those in clear glass, which offers no protection. While green and brown bottles provide some defense against light, only aluminum cans can completely block it out.

Additionally, bottles are more prone to oxidation, as air can gradually infiltrate through the cap seal, leading to a deterioration of flavor as the alcohol and aromatic compounds break down. In contrast, properly sealed cans do not face this issue. The only drawback that consumers often mention is a slight metallic taste when drinking beer directly from cans. However, this can be easily resolved by pouring the beer into a glass, as the taste is typically influenced by the proximity of your nose to the can.

The Reason Beer Often Comes In Aluminum Cans

How aluminum cans protect the quality of beer

Recommended

Next up