Brix dosage

Brix analysis is a reference test for measuring the soluble solids content, primarily composed of sugars, in food and plant products. Expressed in degrees Brix (°Bx), this measurement reflects the concentration of dissolved solids such as sucrose, glucose, fructose, as well as other soluble compounds (organic acids, mineral salts, amino acids).

Performed using refractometry , Brix analysis is an essential quality criterion for food, nutraceutical, and animal nutrition manufacturers. It allows for the evaluation of the maturity, concentration, and standardization of products, from raw materials to finished products.

Understanding Brix measurement

One Brix degree corresponds to 1 gram of sucrose dissolved in 100 grams of solution. The higher the Brix degree, the greater the concentration of sugars and soluble matter.

The Brix measurement is widely used in:

• Juices and drinks : to control sugar content and standardize formulations.
• Fruits and vegetables : as an indicator of maturity and sensory quality.
• Syrups and confectionery : to validate the sugar concentration and consistency of production.
• Nutraceutical products : to check the composition of extracts and enriched solutions.
• Animal nutrition : to assess the quality of forages and liquid feeds.

Analytical method: refractometry

Brix determination relies primarily on refractometry , which measures the refractive index of a solution. This index varies according to the concentration of soluble substances.

• Portable refractometer : convenient for quick on-site checks (fruits, juices).
• Benchtop refractometer : used in the laboratory for precision analyses.
• Automatic refractometry : integrated into production lines for continuous monitoring.

This technique is simple, fast and reliable, making it an indispensable tool for quality control.

Sectors affected by Brix testing

Brix analysis is essential in many industrial sectors:

• Human food : control of fruit juices, drinks, jams, syrups, wines, beers and sugary products.
• Nutraceuticals : evaluation of liquid or concentrated plant extracts.
• Animal nutrition : characterization of fortified forages and liquid feeds.
• Plants and agriculture : estimating the maturity of fruits and vegetables before harvest.

Typically analyzed matrices

The matrices commonly subjected to Brix analysis are varied:

• Fruit juices and nectars
• Syrups and sweet solutions
• Wines, beers and fermented beverages
• Fresh and concentrated fruit
• Liquid plant extracts
• Jams and sweet preparations
• Animal feed based on sugary liquids

Quality and compliance issues

Brix measurement addresses several strategic challenges for manufacturers:

• Standardization : ensuring consistency between production batches.
• Organoleptic quality : guaranteeing a consistent taste and a controlled sensory experience.
• Regulatory compliance : comply with current standards on nutritional labeling (sugar content).
• Process optimization : adjusting formulations and concentration processes.
• Product enhancement : highlighting a specific Brix degree as a quality indicator.

YesWeLab support for your Brix analyses

YesWeLab provides you with a network of partner laboratories specializing in physicochemical and food analyses. Our accredited and certified partners (ISO 17025, COFRAC) use validated methods to deliver reliable, rapid results that comply with international standards.

Thanks to our digital platform, you can:

• Submit your samples online with ease
• Track your analyses in real time
• Receive your results quickly and securely

Our scientific team will assist you in selecting the analytical methods best suited to your matrices and needs.

Related analyses

• Refractometry – measurement of the refractive index
• Determination of titratable acidity
• Sugar analysis
• Dosage of glucose, fructose and sucrose
• Measurement of water content (Karl Fischer)