Addition of Honey to an Apple and Passion Fruit Mixed Beverage Improves Its Phenolic Compound Profile

The addition of honey to mixed beverages is interesting due to its contribution to the sweet taste, as well as because it is a dietary source of bioactive compounds. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition and sensory acceptance of an apple and passion fruit mixed beverage with added honey. The addition of honey did not produce a noticeable change in instrumental color but led to an increase in total soluble solids contents, and FRAP (20%), TEAC (72%), and DPPH (62%) values. The honey mixed beverages exhibited a better phenolic compound profile with an increase in catechin contents and an enrichment of quercetin when compared to the control mixed beverage, as well presenting good sensory acceptance. In conclusion, our results show that the addition of honey can be an alternative for improving the nutritional and sensorial characteristics of an apple and passion fruit mixed beverage.