Non-Alcoholic Beverages

The geographical origin of the fruit juices is reflected on the stable oxygen and hydrogen isotope ratios of the water or the juice water which are connected to the climatic conditions of the source area. The combination of oxygen and hydrogen isotopic values gives the fingerprint of the local water which is imprinted into e.g. fruit juice’s water isotopic composition. To achieve high geographical resolution and reliable results, Imprint Analytics uses its expertise and know-how to provide advanced customized origin testing based on the individualized needs of the costumer. The analytical method comprises the oxygen and the hydrogen isotopic analysis of the water or the water contained in fruit juice or coconut water, using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS).

Imprint Analytics determines the stable carbon isotope ratio of CO₂ in mineral water. Natural CO₂ emerges from the inner earth and the carbon isotope ratio reflects the conditions of the point of exploitation of the water. Addition of exogenous CO₂ is not forbidden but must be declared. The carbon isotope ratios provide clear proof of added CO₂ in mineral waters. The analytical method comprises the carbon isotopic analysis of CO₂ in mineral water by Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS).

Imprint Analytics determines the isotopic values of oxygen and hydrogen, of the water from natural fruit juices. The method differentiates the natural from the concentrated juices. The interpretation of the results is based on the different isotopic signature of the water derived from the fruit and the local meteoric water. The analytical method comprises the oxygen and the hydrogen isotopic analysis of the fruit juice water, using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS).

Imprint Analytics determines the stable carbon isotope ratio of sugars and pulp of fruit juices. Plants such as sugar cane belong to the C4 metabolic pathway. Measuring the stable carbon isotope ratio of sugars from a fruit juice or coconut water and comparing the values to the stable carbon isotope ratio of the juice pulp enables the detection of added C4-sugars. The analytical method comprises the carbon isotopic analysis of the juice sugars and pulp using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS).

Imprint Analytics determines the deuterium distribution in ethanol produced after fermentation of fruit juice sugars. Plants such as sugar beet belong to the C3 metabolic pathway, similar to many fruits. Measuring the deuterium distribution enables the detection of C3 origin of sugars which are added to fruit juices or coconut waters. The method enables measurement of the site-specific deuterium isotope ratios in ethanol obtained by fermentation of the fruit juice sugars, by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (SNIF-NMR©).

Addition of exogenous citric and malic acids to fruit juices is a common adulteration practice. Imprint Analytics determines the stable carbon isotope ratio of the fruit juices’ organic acids and sugars. This approach is based on the isotopic composition differences of acids and sugars, which provide an internal calibration avoiding the absolute values. The analytical method comprises the carbon isotopic analysis of the fruit juice organic acids and sugars, using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS). 

The AIJN Reference Guidelines include authenticity criteria for a wide range of fruit juices and pulps. Our testing methods follow these Reference Guidelines and we assess authenticity with those criteria as well.

Norm	Test
ENV 12141	Stable oxygen isotope ratio (18O/16O) of water from fruits juices by IRMS
ENV 12142	Stable hydrogen isotope ratio (2H/1H) of water from fruits juices by IRMS
ENV 12140	Stable carbon isotope ratio (13C/12C) of sugars from fruits juices by IRMS