How are you validating long-term potency in your infused beverages?
One of the most overlooked challenges infused beverage brands face isn’t always the formulation. Oftentimes, it’s what happens after the can is filled that can be the true crux.
Shelf stability and potency retention are where many infused drinks quietly fail. Over time, cannabinoids such as THC, CBD and other minors can adhere to aluminum can liners, degrade under heat and light, or fall out of suspension altogether. The result? Infused products that test differently at day one than they do at day 90.
At Monarch, shelf stability wasn’t an afterthought. That’s why we spent 2025 performing various shelf life tests with accredited third party testing labs to ensure optimal performance.
Our emulsions are designed to remain stable in real-world beverage conditions (including the dreaded “scalping” caused by contact with can liners). Without potency degradation, separation, or flavor impact, the dose with which you formulate is the dose your consumer actually experiences, whether they crack open the can next week or in three months.
Why does this matter? Because consistency builds trust; keeps your beverage compliant; and encourages repeat purchases when products perform the same way every time.
Breaking Down Monarch’s Shelf Stability Test:
In a third-party shelf life stability study conducted by Analytics Labs, LLC, our hemp D9 infused beverage was tested under accelerated conditions (40°C, 3× acceleration) across 548 days, which simulates well over a year of real-world shelf life.
The results:
- *<10% variance to label claim across all time points
- *PASS at 548 days accelerated
- *Stable particle size throughout testing (≈178–237 nm)
- *No evidence of meaningful potency loss due to can liner interaction
What does that actually mean for brands?
- *It means the dose you formulate is the dose consumers get months later and not just on launch day.
- *It means fewer surprises at re-testing.
- *It means confidence when scaling into increased distribution.
Check out our full stability test here.
Curious how others are testing for stability or potency loss in infused beverages. What challenges have you encountered once products leave the co-pack facility?
Need an emulsion sample? Reach out and we’ll ship you one free of charge!
Have Questions? We have answers. Drop us a line.
