Comparative Study of the Safety and Chemical Composition of Commercially Available Fruit Juices and Soft Drinks in Southwest Nigeria

Aims: Fruits juices and soft drinks are among the most important and convenient foods which are commonly consumed to quench thirst, and as sources of micronutrients. However, most fruit juices commercially sold in Nigeria are not pure juice but contain additives which may affect the safety and quality attributes of the product. This study therefore, evaluated the chemical composition and microbiological safety of some commercially sold fruit juices and drinks and compared their quality with pure fruit juices.

Methodology: Twenty commercially sold fruit juices and soft drinks were analyzed for physicochemical properties, vitamins and minerals composition, and microbiological quality using standard analytical procedures.

Results: Pure fruit juices contain similar pH, total titratable acidity, and specific gravity as the commercial fruit juices and soft drinks, but significantly higher total solid contents. The total soluble solid recorded for the pure pineapple (22 g/100ml) and watermelon juice (25.9 g/100ml) were significantly higher than the values (11.1 – 15.5g/100ml) recorded for the commercial fruit juices. The vitamin C content of the commercial soft drink ranged from 22.94 to 26.14 μg/100g, and that of commercial fruit juices and pure fruit juices ranged from 14.89 to 22.81μg/100g with pure fruit juice having the lowest value.

Conclusion: The physicochemical properties of the pure fruit juices and commercial fruit and soft drinks were similar except for total solids and Brix level. Commercial fruit juices and soft drinks contain higher vitamins and minerals than pure fruit juices due to addition of synthetic vitamins and minerals. All the commercial fruit juice samples and soft drinks were free of microbial loads and would not cause any health problems if properly handled after purchase. The study however, recommends the consumption of hygienically prepared pure fruit juices because they are free from synthetic additives.