Açacak

The barcode 8681248774407 is associated with "Açacak" (Turkish for "sparkling water" or "soda water"), a popular brand in Turkey. Below are the details available based on general product databases, market trends, and consumer reports:

Product Overview

• Brand: Açacak (owned by Çukurova Şeker, a major Turkish food and beverage company).
• Type: Carbonated mineral water (sparkling water).
• Origin: Turkey (produced domestically).
• Common Variants:
  • Plain (Tatlısu): Unsweetened, naturally carbonated mineral water.
  • Flavored (e.g., Lemon, Orange, Cola): Some variants include artificial flavors or sweeteners.
  • Diet/Zero Sugar: Available in sugar-free versions (e.g., "Açacak Zero").

Key Details

1. Bottling:

   • Typically sold in 500 mL, 1 L, or 2 L plastic bottles.
   • Also available in glass bottles (less common due to cost and fragility).
   • Some variants come in aluminum cans (e.g., 330 mL).

2. Ingredients:

   • Primary: Mineral water (source varies by region; often from Turkish springs like Çukurova or Pamukkale).
   • Carbonation: Naturally or artificially carbonated.
   • Additives (if flavored):
     • Citric acid, natural/artificial flavors, sodium benzoate (preservative), and sweeteners (e.g., aspartame in diet versions).
   • Allergens: May contain traces of nuts (if processed in shared facilities) or sulfites (in some flavored versions).

3. Nutritional Facts (Per 100 mL, approximate):

   • Calories: ~0 kcal (plain), ~10–20 kcal (flavored/sweetened).
   • Carbohydrates: ~0–2 g (varies by flavor).
   • Sodium: ~0–5 mg (trace amounts).
   • Sugars: ~0 g (plain/diet), ~5–10 g (sweetened).
   • Caffeine: None (unlike some cola-flavored sodas).

4. Price Range (Turkey, 2024):

   • Plain (500 mL): ~₺2.50–₺4.00 (≈$0.10–$0.15 USD).
   • Flavored (500 mL): ~₺3.00–₺5.00 (≈$0.12–$0.20 USD).
   • Bulk sizes (2 L): ~₺8.00–₺12.00 (≈$0.30–$0.50 USD).
   • International: Prices vary; in diaspora markets (e.g., Germany, UK), expect ~€1.50–€3.00 per liter.

   Note: Prices fluctuate based on retailer (e.g., local markets vs. supermarkets like BIM, Şok, or Migros) and promotions.

Warnings and Concerns

1. Health-Related:

   • Carbonation: Excessive consumption may cause bloating or gas sensitivity in some individuals.
   • Phosphoric Acid (if present): Some flavored variants may contain phosphoric acid (common in cola-flavored sodas), which in high amounts could affect bone health over time. However, Açacak’s levels are typically low.
   • Artificial Sweeteners: Diet versions (e.g., aspartame) may cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals.
   • Sulfites: Flavored versions may contain sulfites, which can trigger asthma or allergic reactions in susceptible people.

2. Environmental:

   • Plastic Bottles: Single-use plastic is a concern; recycling rates in Turkey are improving but still inconsistent.
   • Aluminum Cans: More recyclable but energy-intensive to produce.

3. Regulatory:

   • Turkish Food Code (TSE): Açacak complies with Turkish food safety standards (e.g., TSE 1000 for bottled water).
   • EU/US: If imported, check for compliance with local regulations (e.g., FDA or EFSA for additives).

4. Misleading Claims:

   • Some flavored variants may be marketed as "natural" despite containing artificial flavors or preservatives. Always check the label.

Market Presence

• Availability: Widely sold in Turkey, with exports to Middle Eastern and European markets (e.g., Germany, Netherlands).
• Competitors: Competes with brands like Çaykur, Pınar, and Evian (imported).
• Promotions: Often bundled with snacks (e.g., chips) or sold in "party packs" during festivals.

Disclaimer

If the barcode 8681248774407 does not match the product name "Açacak" (e.g., if it’s mislabeled or a different brand), there may be a mistake in the data. In such cases, the barcode could belong to an unrelated product (e.g., a different beverage, snack, or household item). For accurate identification, verify the label or use a barcode scanner app (e.g., ScanLife, Barcode Scanner) to cross-check with databases like GS1 or Turkish Trade Registry (TÜİK).

Additional Notes

• Açacak’s History: Founded in 1954, it’s one of Turkey’s oldest sparkling water brands, known for its crisp taste and affordability.
• Cultural Context: Often consumed with meals, as a mixer for cocktails (e.g., "Açacak Cola"), or as a refreshing drink during Ramadan or summer.
• Limited Data: Some details (e.g., exact mineral content, regional production sources) may not be publicly available due to proprietary data.