Soft Drink Analysis on an ACQUITY Arc System

Significance of the Topic

Accurate quantification of preservatives, non-nutritive sweeteners and stimulants in soft drinks is essential for quality control and regulatory compliance in the beverage industry. Fast, reliable methods support product safety, consistency and process efficiency.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study demonstrates a rapid liquid chromatography method on the Waters ACQUITY Arc System for simultaneous analysis of key soft-drink additives—acesulfame K, saccharin, benzoate, sorbate, caffeine and aspartame—using both single- and multi-point calibration strategies.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Samples from a range of carbonated and functional beverages were degassed by sonication and filtered through a 0.2 µm PVDF membrane. Chromatographic separation was achieved in under 10 minutes on an XBridge Phenyl XP column (2.5 µm, 4.6×50 mm) at 35 °C with Waters Beverage Mobile Phase at 1.0 mL/min. Dual-wavelength UV detection at 214 nm and 247 nm was employed, and mass confirmation was performed using the ACQUITY QDa detector.

Used Instrumentation

• ACQUITY Arc System
• XBridge Phenyl XP Column (2.5 µm, 4.6×50 mm)
• Waters Beverage Mobile Phase (ethanol-based)
• 2489 UV/Visible Detector (dual-wavelength)
• ACQUITY QDa Mass Detector

Main Results and Discussion

The method provided baseline separation of all target analytes in under 10 minutes. Calibration curves for acesulfame K, benzoate, sorbate and caffeine showed R2>0.999. Retention time reproducibility (%RSD) was below 0.2% and quantitation precision below 0.3% in real samples. Single-point calibration proved adequate for typical concentration ranges, while multi-point calibration extended linearity for higher caffeine levels in energy drinks. Dual-wavelength monitoring minimized co-elution bias: vitamin B6 interference with acesulfame K at 214 nm was effectively removed by monitoring at 247 nm, as confirmed by mass detection.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

• Flexible calibration options tailored to analyte levels.
• Eco-friendly, ethanol-based mobile phase simplifies waste disposal.
• Minimal sample preparation—only sonication and filtration.
• High throughput with run times under 10 minutes.
• Dual detection modes ensure specificity and accuracy.

Future Trends and Applications

Integration of advanced detectors (e.g., high-resolution mass spectrometry) could expand the analyte panel to vitamins and botanical extracts. Further optimization for UHPLC pressures and smaller particle sizes may reduce analysis time and solvent consumption. Automated sample preparation and inline filtration will enhance laboratory efficiency.

Conclusion

The ACQUITY Arc System combined with XBridge Phenyl chemistry offers a robust, rapid and flexible solution for routine soft-drink additive analysis. Its adaptability and precision make it well suited for quality control in beverage manufacturing.

References

• Benvenuti M., Burgess J. Soft Drink Analysis on an ACQUITY Arc System, Waters Corporation, 2017, Application Note 720005474EN.