Recent applications of mass spectrometry in sweetener analysis

Non-nutritive sweeteners are low-calorie substances used to replace sugar, and are commonly used worldwide in the food industry as single or combined compounds. Determination of these sweeteners in foods and the environment is important to ensure consistency in quality and product safety. The types and amounts of allowed sweeteners vary greatly between countries. Hence, it is important to measure sweetener concentrations effectively and efficiently. This study reviews mass spectrometry-based methods for the detection and quantification of these compounds, as they are the most sensitive and precise analytical techniques now employed in sweeteners analysis. The advantages and disadvantages of each published method, including sample preparation, have been discussed. This review also presents information relating to widely used sweeteners in terms of regulations.