Embodiments of the present invention overcome the well-known recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass in an economically viable manner. More specifically, this invention is directed to methods and preparations for providing a powdered beverage formulation capable of sustained carbonation in aqueous solution and to methods for carbonating a beverage that sustainably releases carbon dioxide into the beverage. The measurement involves sampling the RC time constant of leakage current of the terminals.