HPLC-Mass spectrometry analysis of phenolics comparing traditional bilberry and blueberry liqueurs

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences between the phenolics compositions of bilberry and blueberry liqueurs, to determine whether these are comparable. Both bilberry and blueberry liqueurs have the same name on the market, however they differ in phenolic composition and content. A total of 43 compounds were identified, 36 in the bilberry liqueur, and 21 in the blueberry liqueur. High performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) was used to identify and quantify these compounds, where they were fragmented to the MS⁴ fragments. Anthocyanins were the major phenolics group detected in the bilberry liqueurs, but only the second most abundant phenolics group in the blueberry liqueurs. The most abundant phenolics group in the blueberry liqueurs was hydroxycinnamic acids. The lowest content of individual phenolic compounds was for blueberry liqueur made from whole fruit. This study will provide valuable data to consumers in their choice of a more expensive bilberry liqueur or a cheaper blueberry liqueur.