Chromatographic measurement of the carbohydrate content of some commonly used soft drinks

The composition of soluble carbohydrates has been determined in some frequently consumed soft drinks. Qualitative analysis was carried out by thin layer and gas liquid chromatography. Quantitative determination was done by column chromatography and spectrophotometry, as well as by gas liquid chromatography. The results obtained by both methods were similar. In most of the soft drinks analyzed, the fructose and glucose contents ranged between 0.5 and 1.5 g/100 ml, and that of sucrose between 7 and 10 g/100 ml which, in total sugar content, is equal to 10 to 12 g/100 ml. This value may represent an important energy supplement in the diet, considering the high consumption of these drinks by the Spanish population.