Quantitative NMR analysis of sugars in natural sweeteners: Profiling in honey, jaggery, date syrup, and coconut sugar

Due to the high demand for natural sweeteners and their perceived health benefits, it is crucial to use analytical techniques for accurately profiling natural sweeteners. The present study describes a simple and fast approach for the analysis of sweeteners using 1D - ¹H NMR spectroscopy. This method is based on the direct detection of protons in sugar molecules with an internal standard, without the need for complex derivatization steps. The presented approach offers a faster and more convenient way of quantifying mono-saccharides mainly glucose and fructose and di-saccharides like sucrose in various selected sweeteners. These includes honey, jaggery, coconut sugar, and date syrup. The direct 1D - ¹H NMR method with an internal standard yields accurate and precise quantification results with good reproducibility and minute analysis times. This information is of increasing importance to both consumers and the food industry, as it provides a reliable and accurate method for characterizing and verifying natural sweeteners. Overall, 1D - ¹H NMR spectroscopy can be a valuable tool for the rapid and easy analysis of sugar content in food products, and it may have potential applications in the food industry.