Beverages Applications Notebook - Fruit Juice

Importance of the Topic

High‐performance beverage analysis is critical for ensuring ingredient quality, detecting adulteration, and meeting regulatory requirements. From routine compositional testing of sugars and organic acids to the detection of toxins such as azide or melamine, robust analytical workflows protect consumer safety and product integrity.

Objectives and Study Overview

This compendium brings together advanced liquid chromatography (LC), ion chromatography (IC), mass spectrometry (MS), sample preparation, and data management solutions for beverage analysis. It includes system overviews (UHPLC, IC/RFIC, LC/MS, Chromeleon™ CDS), automated sample prep approaches (ASE, SPE), and application notes on fruit juice adulteration, sugar alcohols, organic acids, azide, anthocyanins, and a comprehensive column selection guide.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• UHPLC Systems – UltiMate™ 3000 UHPLC+ (20 nL–10 mL/min; up to 1000 bar) with nano, analytical, and rapid separation options.
• Ion Chromatography – ICS-900 to ICS-5000 and RFIC™ systems for anions and cations; eluent generators (EG50) and self-regenerating suppressors (ASRS ULTRA).
• LC/MS and IC/MS – MSQ Plus single-quadrupole MS with automated source cleaning and Chromeleon™ LC/MS control.
• Chromatography Data System – Chromeleon™ 7 with eWorkflows, MiniPlots, audit trails, and database queries.
• On‐Line Process Analytics – Integral™ on-line IC/HPLC with autosamplers and process software for real-time monitoring.
• Automated Sample Preparation – ASE™ accelerated solvent extraction and AutoTrace™ SPE for organic contaminant isolation.

Main Results and Discussion

• Fruit juice adulteration – CarboPac™ MA1 anion‐exchange and PAD allowed baseline separation of sorbitol and mannitol from sugars at elevated NaOH, quantifying dietetic candy and apple juice sugar profiles.
• Organic acids – IonPac AS11-HC with EG50 KOH gradients and suppressed conductivity detected 30 inorganic and organic acids in juices (e.g., malate, citrate, tartrate, succinate) with low µg/L detection limits.
• Azide in aqueous matrices – RFIC with AS18 column, 42 mM KOH eluent generated on-line, and ASRS suppressor achieved ~50 µg/L MDL for azide in water, tea, juice, urine, and plasma, free from common anion interferences.
• Anthocyanins in pomegranate juice – 2.2 µm Acclaim RSLC C18, 2.1×150 mm column with DAD at 540 nm separated six signature anthocyanins in <5 min. LODs of 0.12–0.37 µg/mL allowed rapid authenticity screening and detection of grape juice adulteration.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High throughput and sensitivity support QA/QC in beverage production and testing laboratories.
• Comprehensive workflows cover sugars, sugar alcohols, organic acids, organic and inorganic anions, toxins, and colorants.
• Integrated systems minimize manual steps, reduce solvent use, and ensure data integrity via advanced software.

Future Trends and Possibilities

Continued integration of chromatography with mass spectrometry, on-line process analytics, microflow and nanoLC, and AI-driven data analysis will further streamline beverage testing. Sustainable, low-solvent methods and expanded application of high-resolution columns will address emerging contaminants and novel adulterants.

Conclusion

Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Dionex-based portfolio offers a unified solution for beverage analysis, combining UHPLC, IC, MS, sample prep, and software to deliver rapid, sensitive, and reliable results across a broad range of compounds and applications.

References

1. Thermo Fisher Scientific Dionex Application Note 82, “Analysis of Fruit Juice Adulterated with Medium Invert Sugar from Beets.”
2. Thermo Fisher Scientific Dionex Application Note 143, “Determination of Organic Acids in Fruit Juices.”
3. Thermo Fisher Scientific Dionex Application Note 172, “Determination of Azide in Aqueous Samples by Ion Chromatography.”
4. Thermo Fisher Scientific Dionex Application Note 264, “Fast Determination of Anthocyanins in Pomegranate Juice.”
5. U.S. EPA Methods 300.0, 555, and 8330; FDA draft guidance on economically motivated adulteration.