Sugars and organic acids as drivers of drying-induced interactions in Lonicera caerulea L. powders

Loniceracaerulea L. is rich in polyphenols but also contains high levels of sugars and organic acids, which complicates its processing into stable powders. This study introduces novel approach combining juice matrix purification using adsorption resins with the selection of functional carriers to track alterations in sugars and organic acids, both originally present in the juice-based products and introduced via carriers, during freeze- and spray drying. Juice purification by XAD resin treatment resulted in a 96.5 % reduction in sugar content and complete removal of organic acids. In powders containing carriers, use of inulin led to a 15 % reduction in solubility compared to other carriers. FTIR analysis indicated interactions between carriers and bioactives, while DSC showed carrier-dependent differences in thermal transitions. Low-molecular-weight carriers (palatinose and trehalose) promoted stronger molecular interactions with bioactives. These findings provide new insights into how matrix purification and carrier selection jointly influence composition and structure of haskap berry powders.