Beer Foam Stability


Industry:

Food

Attributes measured:

initial height

end height

stability

Background

The stability of beer foam is a high-profile attribute which is of significant interest to both brewers and consumers alike. The quality of the head atop a freshly poured glass of beer can influence perceptions of a beer’s overall quality and taste. Understanding the factors that contribute to foam stability is essential for breweries seeking to deliver consistent and satisfying products. In this study, beer foam was evaluated by examining a few brands of ale and lager. The TA.XTPlus Analyzer, Exponent software and a custom 3D printed fixture were used to examine the stability of beer foam. The instrument was programmed to apply a very light force (5 g) on the surface of the foam and to hunt to maintain that force throughout the target test time.