Alternative method for the quantification by gas chromatography triacylglycerol class analysis of cocoa butter equivalent added to chocolate bars

J Agric Food Chem. 2004 May 19;52(10):2770-5. doi: 10.1021/jf0351523.

Abstract

Directive 2000/36/EC allows chocolate makers to add up to 5% of only six specific cocoa butter equivalents (CBEs) to cocoa butter (CB). A quantification method based on triacylglycerol (TAG) class analysis by gas chromatography with an unpolar column was set up for routine control purposes of chocolate bars. Mixtures of CBEs/CB were elaborated according to a Placket-Burman experiment design and analyzed by gas chromatography. A matrix was built with the normalized values of TAG classes (C50, C52, C54, and C56) of pure CBs of various origins, homemade CB/CBE mixtures (1 CB type), and mixtures containing CBE with CBs of various origins. A multivariate calibration equation was computed from this matrix using a partial least-squares regression technique. CBE addition can be detected at a minimum level of 2%, and the mathematical model allows its quantification with an uncertainty of 2% with respect to the cocoa butter fats. The model has also been applied for deconvolution and quantification of each CBE of a CBE mixture in chocolate bars.

MeSH terms

  • Cacao / chemistry*
  • Candy / analysis*
  • Chromatography, Gas / methods*
  • Dietary Fats / analysis*
  • Triglycerides / analysis*

Substances

  • Dietary Fats
  • Triglycerides
  • cocoa butter