Evaluation of Physicochemical Characteristics of Marketed Fruit Juices in Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Fruit juices are commonly consumed in Côte d’Ivoire for their nutritional benefits and pleasant flavor profile, serving as significant sources of vitamins and essential micronutrients. However, the extent of their health benefits largely depends on their physicochemical integrity. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical parameters of fruit juices produced by a single commercial brand available on the Ivorian market. A total of 21 distinct flavors were analyzed for characteristics, including density, electrical conductivity, pH, titratable acidity, formalin index, dry matter content, Brix value, and protein concentration. The obtained results were compared against established international standards to determine regulatory compliance. Notably, 17 out of the 21 samples failed to meet at least one of the referenced quality benchmarks, with titratable acidity and formalin index being the most frequent points of non-conformity. Among the non-compliant products were blended and nectar varieties such as Apple-Grape Mix, Pineapple-Ginger Mix, Coconut-Pineapple Mix, and 100% Grape Juice. These findings highlight a concerning gap in quality assurance and suggest that several of the analyzed juices should either be reclassified or removed from the market due to failure to meet legal labeling requirements.