Tang (drink mix)

Tang is a fruit-flavored drink mix that was formulated by General Foods Corporation food scientist William A. Mitchell in 1957. It is a product of the U.S. food company Kraft Foods.

History

Tang was used by early NASA manned space flights. In 1962, when John Glenn conducted eating experiments in orbit, Tang was selected for the menu, and it has been associated with U.S. astronauts ever since. However, it was not invented for the space program, as is often believed.

Composition

Tang is available in a variety of flavors, the most common of which is orange. The main ingredients are sugar, fructose, and citric acid. It also contains less than 2% of natural flavor, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), maltodextrin, calcium phosphate, guar and xanthan gums, sodium acid pyrophosphate, artificial color, yellow 5, yellow 6, BHA (to help protect flavor).

Popularity

Tang is sold in many countries, and different flavors are available depending on the region. In the United States, it is sold in powdered form, while in some countries it is sold as a concentrate for use in drink dispensers.

Criticism

Tang has been criticized for its high sugar content and its promotion as a healthy drink when it is not. It has also been criticized for its use of artificial colors and flavors.

See also

• List of drink mixes
• List of Kraft brands