Sugar Alcohol Screen Test (Gas Chromatograph)

Method description

Samples are extracted, components are converted to oximes, derivatized, and analyzed using gas chromatography. Calculations are based on response factors of known standards.

Acceptable matrices

Food and food ingredients

Equipment

Gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector

Method reference

Internally-developed method

Reportable unit

%

Sample size requirements

20 grams

Additional information

This method is recommended to be used for all samples containing sugar alcohols and will quantify the following: Sorbitol, Maltitol, Erythritol, Xylitol, Mannitol, Isomalt, and Lactitol.

Simple sugars (fructose, galactose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, and lactose) can be reported along with the sugar alcohols upon special request. To request simple sugars reported along with sugar alcohols, please write it into the special instructions section of the order form.

If testing for package labeling, we recommend using the sugar values reported through the ISO Accredited Sugar Profile by HPLC Test.

The following table shows the caloric value of each sugar alcohol in our screen used in the guidance published in the FDA CFR for the 2020 Nutritional Reform Labeling Calories by Calculation Test.