A liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method for the analysis of sucralose and five glycoside sweeteners

Abstract The present study describes sensitive liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry methods for the analysis of sucralose, mogroside V, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, rebaudioside A, stevioside, and glycyrrhizic acid. All these compounds are used as sugar substitutes in food, beverages, and dietary supplements, and can be present in environmental and biological samples. The method describes the quantitation at levels as low as 10 ng/ml with a signal‐to‐noise significantly higher than 10 for the lowest standard, indicating a very low limit of quantification for all analytes. The method uses positive ionization liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry with the molecular ion [M + Cs] + and Cs + fragment ion (M is the analyte). The molecular ion [M + Cs] + is generated by adding a low level of Cs + in the mobile phase of high‐performance liquid chromatography separation. The advantages obtained using [M + Cs] + as molecular ions are related to the high sensitivity and simplicity of the method compared to other liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry procedures. As proof of functionality, the method was utilized for the analysis of sweeteners in several energy drinks. The high sensitivity of the liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method was not needed for this type of analysis but for samples with low levels of sweeteners, the method can be highly beneficial.