Sugar analysis (total, free, and sugar profile)

The determination of total sugars, free sugars, and sugar profiling are essential analyses for nutritional characterization, quality control, and regulatory compliance of many industrial products. Performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS), this analysis allows for the precise identification and quantification of the main sugars present in simple or complex matrices, whether raw materials, ingredients, extracts, or finished products.

Principle of analysis

The analysis is based on the distinction between free sugars, directly available in the matrix, and total sugars, obtained after acid hydrolysis of more complex carbohydrate structures.
Free sugars are measured without any prior processing to accurately reflect their actual content in the product. Total sugars are quantified after controlled acid hydrolysis, which releases the monosaccharides that make up the polysaccharides and oligosaccharides present.

The separation and quantification of sugars are then carried out by chromatography, which makes it possible to establish a detailed profile including glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose, maltose or other sugars depending on the nature of the matrix analyzed.

Analytical methods used

Depending on the analytical objectives, the complexity of the matrix, and the required detection limits, different techniques can be implemented.
HPLC is commonly used for sugar quantification due to its robustness, reproducibility, and broad compatibility with food, plant, and nutritional matrices.
LC-MS is preferred when lower quantification limits are required or when the matrix exhibits significant analytical interferences.

The choice of method is defined upstream in order to guarantee reliable, usable results that comply with industrial or regulatory requirements.

Measured parameters

The analysis makes it possible in particular to determine the total sugar content, the free sugar content, the qualitative and quantitative profile of individual sugars, the comparison between different batches or formulations, as well as the monitoring of the evolution of sugars during a transformation or storage process.

The results are provided in the form of clear analytical reports, suitable for use in quality control, R&D or in a regulatory framework.

Matrices involved

Sugar analysis is applicable to a wide variety of matrices, including processed foods, beverages and juices, functional ingredients, plant extracts, powders and raw materials, nutraceuticals, and animal feed.
Each type of matrix undergoes specific preparation to minimize interference and ensure accurate and reproducible quantification.

Industrial applications

This analysis is essential in many industrial contexts. It is used for quality control of raw materials and finished products, verification of regulatory compliance and nutritional labeling, development and reformulation of products, particularly those with reduced sugar content, batch comparison, stability monitoring, and investigation of non-conformities or process deviations.

Sugar analysis is also a key tool for nutritional characterization and validation of claims in the food and nutraceutical sectors.

Sectors concerned

This service is aimed in particular at players in human food, nutraceuticals, animal nutrition as well as in the plant and plant-based ingredient sectors.

Regulatory issues and quality

Understanding sugar profiles is essential to meeting regulatory requirements for nutritional labeling and product compliance. Reliable analytical characterization ensures accurate declarations, anticipates audits, and minimizes the risk of non-compliance throughout the product lifecycle.

Other related analyses

• Polysaccharide analysis
• Glucose/fructose assay
• HPLC Analysis
• Starch dosage
• Nutritional analyses

YesWeLab Expertise

YesWeLab relies on a rigorously selected network of partner laboratories, most of which are certified or accredited according to recognized standards such as ISO 17025 and COFRAC. Each project is analyzed by our scientific team to guide samples toward the analytical method best suited to the client's objectives and constraints.

Thanks to its digital platform, YesWeLab enables centralized analysis management, simplified sample tracking, and fast, secure access to results. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, distributors, and research firms have trusted YesWeLab for their physicochemical and nutritional analyses.

For any quote request or to discuss your specific sugar dosage needs, contact our team now.