Dosage of sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, galactose)

Sugar analysis is essential for the nutritional characterization and quality of food, plant-based, and nutraceutical products . This service allows for the precise quantification of the main monosaccharides and disaccharides —glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, and galactose—in order to assess their contribution to the sweetness profile, energy content, and compliance of nutritional labeling.

Sugars play a crucial role in the texture, flavor and preservation of food, but their dosage also presents a major health and regulatory challenge in the food and nutraceutical industry.

Principle and importance of sugar analysis

This analysis aims to determine the individual or total content of simple and compound sugars present in a product. It allows, in particular, for:

• Ensure compliance of nutritional labelling, in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011;
• Control the quality of raw materials and detect any alterations or fraud;
• Characterize the sweetness profile of plant extracts, drinks, processed products or food supplements;
• Optimize product formulation according to their simple or complex carbohydrate content;
• Evaluate digestibility and nutritional value in the context of animal or human nutrition research.

The targeted sugars are identified by their CAS numbers:

• Glucose (50-99-7)
• Fructose (57-48-7)
• Sucrose (57-50-1)
• Lactose (63-42-3)
• Maltose (69-79-4)
• Galactose (59-23-4)

Analytical methods used

The analysis is generally performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with differential refractometry detection (HPLC-RI). This method allows for the precise separation and quantification of each sugar present in a complex sample, whether it be plant, food, or nutraceutical matrices.

In some cases, an enzymatic method can be used as a complement, particularly for analyses targeted at one or more specific sugars (e.g., glucose or fructose).

Analytical steps include:

• Preparation and aqueous extraction of sugars;
• Filtration and purification of samples;
• Chromatographic separation and quantification by comparison to certified standards.

Affected matrices and areas of application

Sugar dosage is suitable for a wide range of matrices:

• Food products : confectionery, dairy products, juices, cereals, bakery products, functional drinks;
• Plant extracts : syrups, infusions, extracts of fruits, roots or leaves;
• Food supplements : powders, capsules, liquids or tablets made from plants or natural sweetener mixtures;
• Animal feed : energy formulations, milk replacers, nutritional supplements;
• Agricultural and fermented products : control of residual sugar levels and monitoring of fermentation processes.

The analysis makes it possible to establish the complete carbohydrate profile of a product and to assess its suitability with the expected specifications (labeling, regulations, specifications).

Technical characteristics and reliability of results

Results are expressed in g/100 g or as a percentage of dry matter, depending on the client's needs. The use of internal standards and calibration curves ensures optimal accuracy. Analyses are performed by partner laboratories accredited to ISO 17025 and compliant with COFRAC requirements , guaranteeing the traceability and reproducibility of the data obtained.

In the case of complex matrices (plants rich in polyphenols, fermented products, concentrated extracts), specific treatments are applied to avoid any analytical interference.

YesWeLab Expertise and Support

YesWeLab provides access to its network of partner laboratories specializing in physicochemical and nutritional analyses to meet the needs of manufacturers, formulators, and distributors. Our digital platform simplifies the management of your analyses: sample submission, real-time tracking, and receipt of certified results.

Our scientific team guides you in choosing the most suitable method (HPLC-RI or enzymatic) according to the nature of your products and your regulatory requirements.

Further analyses recommended 

To complete the nutritional profile and chemical characterization of your products, YesWeLab also offers:

• Total starch content
• Cellulose and dietary fiber content
• Analysis of the polyphenolic profile by HPLC
• Organic acid assay

These additional services allow you to create a complete nutritional profile and optimize the overall quality control of your agri-food, nutraceutical or plant products.

Contact YesWeLab to schedule your analysis or get a personalized quote. Our experts will guide you through every step, from choosing the right method to interpreting the analytical results.