Total fructose, total glucose and benzoic acid contents in commercially available fruit nectars in Anuradhapura town area, Sri Lanka

High intake of total fructose, total glucose and benzoic acid can cause many adverse health effects. Most commercially available fruit juice and nectar brands in Sri Lanka are not claimed on the label about the levels of fructose, glucose and benzoic acid in the products. Available brands of fruit juices [Mixed Fruit Juice (MFJ) and Mango Juice (MJ)] and fruit nectars [Mixed Fruit Nectar (MFN) and Mango Nectar (MN)] were selected through a pre-validated questionnaire. Seven brands of MN and MFN were identified as mostly consumed and there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the total fructose and total glucose levels among the brands. Total fructose of MN and MFN was in the range of 28.54 ± 3.03 gl-1 to 60.28 ± 5.04 gl-1 and 30.46 ± 8.56 gl-1 to 62.47 ± 9.27 gl-1 respectively. Total glucose content of MN was in the range of 17.49 ± 5.39 gl-1 to 41.87 ± 2.11 gl-1 and for MFN from 29.29 ± 4.34 gl-1 to 85.71 ± 5.64 gl-1. Total fructose in MJ and MFJ was in the range of 32.28 ± 0.86 gl-1 to 37.66 ± 0.55 gl-1 and 33.14 ± 0.87 gl-1 to 36.81 ± 1.81 gl-1 respectively. Three, out of the four brands of MN and MFN contained benzoic acid. One brand of MN and one brand of MFN had exceeded the permitted level (120 mg/l) of benzoic acid. Benzoic acid was present in two, out of three brands of MJ and MFJ. It can be concluded that there is a variation in total fructose, total glucose and benzoic acid contents in fruit nectars and juices available for sale in Anuradhapura town area. However, some brands have violated the Sri Lanka food regulations.