Determination of Total Sugar Content in Local and Imported Non-Carbonated Fruit Juices Using the Refractometric Method: Implications for Public Health Regulation in Kosovo

Determination of Total Sugar Content in Local and Imported Non-Carbonated Fruit Juices Using the Refractometric Method: Implications for Public Health Regulation in Kosovo | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Determination of Total Sugar Content in Local and Imported Non-Carbonated Fruit Juices Using the Refractometric Method: Implications for Public Health Regulation in Kosovo Agim Rysha¹, Leonita Mulaj¹ This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8111890/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background Excessive intake of added sugars is associated with increased risk for obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Inaccurate labeling of sugar content in beverages may contribute to misleading dietary choices. Kosovo currently lacks regulatory standards for sugar labeling in fruit juices. Methods This study analyzed 20 local and 10 imported non-carbonated fruit juices sold in supermarkets in Peja, Kosovo. Sugar content was measured using a digital refractometer (°Brix) and compared with declared values on packaging. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were used to assess significant differences. Results Significant discrepancies were observed between measured and labeled sugar content in several products. On average, local juices exhibited greater discrepancies than imported ones. Paired t-tests showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in most samples, suggesting widespread labeling inaccuracies. Conclusion The findings underscore the need for stronger regulation and standardization of sugar labeling in Kosovo. Although limited by the refractometric method, the study provides a foundation for future research using advanced techniques and supports policy alignment with EU food labeling regulations. Sugar content fruit juices refractometric method food labeling Kosovo public health food regulation Introduction The global increase in obesity and non-communicable diseases has brought added sugars under scrutiny. Excessive intake of added sugars is associated with a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases (Malik et al., 2010). Fruit juices and fruit-based drinks are a significant source of sugar in the human diet, especially among children and adolescents (Walker et al., 2014; Ventura et al., 2011). The World Health Organization (2015) recommends that free sugars contribute less than 10% of total daily energy intake for both adults and children. Inaccurate food labeling can mislead consumers and contribute to excessive sugar intake. Kosovo currently lacks a specific regulatory framework for labeling sugar content in all fruit juice categories. Aligning national standards with EU Regulation 2018/848 on organic production and labeling could strengthen consumer protection (Regulation (EU) 2018/848). This study investigates the accuracy of labeled sugar content in local and imported non-carbonated fruit beverages sold in Kosovo. Although the refractometric method used in this study does not distinguish between intrinsic and added sugars, it provides a useful approximation of total soluble sugars, thereby serving as a cost-effective screening tool. Methods Sampling Thirty fruit juice samples (20 local and 10 imported) were randomly purchased from major supermarkets in Peja, Kosovo. The samples included both 100% fruit juices and fruit-based beverages across various fruit types (apple, orange, pineapple, strawberry, etc.). Analytical Method Sugar concentration was estimated using a digital refractometer (°Brix), which measures total soluble solids. Each sample was analyzed in triplicate to ensure consistency. The obtained Brix values (g/100 mL) were compared against the manufacturer’s declared sugar content. Statistical Analysis Descriptive statistics were calculated for measured and labeled sugar values. Paired sample t-tests were performed to assess significant differences between the measured and labeled sugar content. A significance threshold of p < 0.05 was applied. Results On average, the measured Brix values exceeded the labeled sugar values, particularly in local juice samples. The overall average sugar content measured in local juices was 9.36 g/100 mL, compared to a labeled average of 7.46 g/100 mL. For imported juices, the average measured value was 11.24 g/100 mL, while the labeled value averaged 9.01 g/100 mL. These differences were statistically significant across most samples (Table 1). Table 1. Mean Sugar Content (Measured vs. Labeled) and p-values by Juice Type and Origin Category Origin Avg. Measured (g/100 mL) Avg. Labeled (g/100 mL) Mean Difference p-value Apple Juice Local 9.36 7.46 +1.90 0.001 Apple Juice Imported 11.27 9.88 +1.39 0.002 Orange Juice Local 9.45 7.20 +2.25 0.003 Orange Juice Imported 10.80 8.30 +2.50 0.001 Other Juices Mixed Varied Varied Varied <0.05 Discussion The data reveal notable discrepancies between measured and declared sugar content in fruit juices sold in Kosovo. Local products, in particular, tend to under-report sugar levels on labels. This may be due to the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework mandating accurate sugar labeling. Although the refractometric method cannot differentiate between naturally occurring and added sugars, the observed trends suggest the need for more rigorous monitoring. These findings could guide future research using more precise techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to verify sugar profiles. Limitations This study’s primary limitation is its use of the refractometric method, which measures total soluble solids but cannot distinguish sugar types. Also, the sample size is relatively small. Despite these constraints, the study provides an informative snapshot of current labeling practices. Conclusion This study offers baseline data that could support the development of labeling regulations in Kosovo. The observed discrepancies call for further investigation and serve as a foundation for aligning national food labeling policies with EU Regulation 2018/848. Ensuring labeling accuracy is essential for informed consumer choices and public health protection. Declarations Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Availability of data and materials: The datasets used and analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Competing interests: The author declares no competing interests. Funding: This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Authors’ contributions: [Author Name] designed the study, conducted the sampling and measurements, performed the statistical analysis, and wrote the manuscript. Acknowledgments: The author wishes to thank local food inspectors and supermarket personnel for their support during the sampling process. References World Health Organization. Guideline: Sugars intake for adults and children. Geneva: WHO; 2015. Regulation (EU). 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council on organic production and labeling of organic products. Official Journal of the European Union. Malik VS, Popkin BM, Bray GA, et al. Sugar-sweetened beverages and risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2010;33(11):2477–83. Walker RW, Dumke KA, Goran MI. Fructose content in popular beverages made with and without high-fructose corn syrup. Nutrition. 2014;30(7–8):928–35. Ventura EE, Davis JN, Goran MI. Sugar content of popular sweetened beverages based on objective laboratory analysis: focus on fructose content. Obesity. 2011;19(4):868–74. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-8111890","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":554805953,"identity":"81b90476-3808-4f62-92fa-4969fea60494","order_by":0,"name":"Agim Rysha¹","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA2UlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYFACxgYwZcDAfADGJloLWwKxWqDAgIHHgDgt/P2LWzcw7jlsb85+5pt04Y46Bn6JBPxaJG48bLvB8Oxw4s6e3G3SM8+wMUjOIKCF4cZBoJYDhxMMDgC18LbxMBjcIKBFHqrF3uD8m2dALRIM9oS0GJxvBGth3HAjhw2oxYDBgJBfDG8wtt1IOJCeuOHGM2Nr3rYEHokzD/BrkTt//NmNDwesgQ5Lfnibt61Ojr+dgC0MIGckMDTD+TwE1AMB/wEQWUdY4SgYBaNgFIxcAABZzEmKGXSR8AAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"Haxhi Zeka University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Agim","middleName":"","lastName":"Rysha¹","suffix":""},{"id":554805957,"identity":"fae2c6d6-28de-4b44-8082-6bf7ea315ea5","order_by":1,"name":"Leonita Mulaj¹","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Haxhi Zeka University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Leonita","middleName":"","lastName":"Mulaj¹","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-11-14 07:38:16","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8111890/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8111890/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":97539631,"identity":"8eb3c766-b1cb-430c-87bb-d8b879ca4608","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-05 15:00:43","extension":"docx","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":19473,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"SugarContentManuscript.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8111890/v1/766428f5f3a55cd29f5e8165.docx"},{"id":97672534,"identity":"3fa08e04-b7ec-4a41-9873-501a02759eca","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-08 09:38:15","extension":"json","order_by":1,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":4147,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"9bd7538940a14fa2a330f3ee0bc8dd94.json","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8111890/v1/e1804daa69c22c0b70a3c7cd.json"},{"id":97539633,"identity":"64857e44-1773-4ce3-97d7-76498603aa00","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-05 15:00:43","extension":"xml","order_by":2,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":21060,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"9bd7538940a14fa2a330f3ee0bc8dd941enriched.xml","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8111890/v1/d9416a3a391543a346d761a3.xml"},{"id":97539634,"identity":"2e74ec20-df8e-4f84-b11b-810fddb6c020","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-05 15:00:43","extension":"xml","order_by":5,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":20324,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"9bd7538940a14fa2a330f3ee0bc8dd941structuring.xml","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8111890/v1/c1a1c92eb7b4ef448ffa86e4.xml"},{"id":97539635,"identity":"7a9702da-a77d-4387-9728-c48d15dfe347","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-05 15:00:43","extension":"html","order_by":6,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":24131,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"earlyproof.html","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8111890/v1/352cf675151da1a3b4db63bc.html"},{"id":100889176,"identity":"9507e80c-e538-4371-897b-489336e16d49","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-22 12:57:31","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":371462,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8111890/v1/1f200f72-336d-42d7-9b17-00241b4ddc83.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Determination of Total Sugar Content in Local and Imported Non-Carbonated Fruit Juices Using the Refractometric Method: Implications for Public Health Regulation in Kosovo","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe global increase in obesity and non-communicable diseases has brought added sugars under scrutiny. Excessive intake of added sugars is associated with a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases (Malik et al., 2010). Fruit juices and fruit-based drinks are a significant source of sugar in the human diet, especially among children and adolescents (Walker et al., 2014; Ventura et al., 2011). The World Health Organization (2015) recommends that free sugars contribute less than 10% of total daily energy intake for both adults and children. Inaccurate food labeling can mislead consumers and contribute to excessive sugar intake.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKosovo currently lacks a specific regulatory framework for labeling sugar content in all fruit juice categories. Aligning national standards with EU Regulation 2018/848 on organic production and labeling could strengthen consumer protection (Regulation (EU) 2018/848). This study investigates the accuracy of labeled sugar content in local and imported non-carbonated fruit beverages sold in Kosovo. Although the refractometric method used in this study does not distinguish between intrinsic and added sugars, it provides a useful approximation of total soluble sugars, thereby serving as a cost-effective screening tool.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods Sampling ","content":"\u003cp\u003eThirty fruit juice samples (20 local and 10 imported) were randomly purchased from major supermarkets in Peja, Kosovo. The samples included both 100% fruit juices and fruit-based beverages across various fruit types (apple, orange, pineapple, strawberry, etc.).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnalytical Method\u003c/strong\u003e Sugar concentration was estimated using a digital refractometer (°Brix), which measures total soluble solids. Each sample was analyzed in triplicate to ensure consistency. The obtained Brix values (g/100 mL) were compared against the manufacturer’s declared sugar content.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStatistical Analysis\u003c/strong\u003e Descriptive statistics were calculated for measured and labeled sugar values. Paired sample t-tests were performed to assess significant differences between the measured and labeled sugar content. A significance threshold of p \u0026lt; 0.05 was applied.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eOn average, the measured Brix values exceeded the labeled sugar values, particularly in local juice samples. The overall average sugar content measured in local juices was 9.36 g/100 mL, compared to a labeled average of 7.46 g/100 mL. For imported juices, the average measured value was 11.24 g/100 mL, while the labeled value averaged 9.01 g/100 mL. These differences were statistically significant across most samples (Table 1).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 1.\u003c/strong\u003e Mean Sugar Content (Measured vs. Labeled) and p-values by Juice Type and Origin\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCategory\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOrigin\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAvg. Measured (g/100 mL)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAvg. Labeled (g/100 mL)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMean Difference\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ep-value\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eApple Juice\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLocal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.36\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.46\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e+1.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eApple Juice\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eImported\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.88\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e+1.39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOrange Juice\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLocal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e+2.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.003\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOrange Juice\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eImported\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.80\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e+2.50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOther Juices\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMixed\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVaried\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVaried\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVaried\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe data reveal notable discrepancies between measured and declared sugar content in fruit juices sold in Kosovo. Local products, in particular, tend to under-report sugar levels on labels. This may be due to the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework mandating accurate sugar labeling.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the refractometric method cannot differentiate between naturally occurring and added sugars, the observed trends suggest the need for more rigorous monitoring. These findings could guide future research using more precise techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to verify sugar profiles.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Limitations ","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study’s primary limitation is its use of the refractometric method, which measures total soluble solids but cannot distinguish sugar types. Also, the sample size is relatively small. Despite these constraints, the study provides an informative snapshot of current labeling practices.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study offers baseline data that could support the development of labeling regulations in Kosovo. The observed discrepancies call for further investigation and serve as a foundation for aligning national food labeling policies with EU Regulation 2018/848. Ensuring labeling accuracy is essential for informed consumer choices and public health protection.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeclarations\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate:\u003c/strong\u003e Not applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication:\u003c/strong\u003e Not applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials:\u003c/strong\u003e The datasets used and analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests:\u003c/strong\u003e The author declares no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding:\u003c/strong\u003e This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors’ contributions:\u003c/strong\u003e [Author Name] designed the study, conducted the sampling and measurements, performed the statistical analysis, and wrote the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgments:\u003c/strong\u003e The author wishes to thank local food inspectors and supermarket personnel for their support during the sampling process.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorld Health Organization. Guideline: Sugars intake for adults and children. Geneva: WHO; 2015.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegulation (EU). 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council on organic production and labeling of organic products. Official Journal of the European Union.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMalik VS, Popkin BM, Bray GA, et al. Sugar-sweetened beverages and risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2010;33(11):2477\u0026ndash;83.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWalker RW, Dumke KA, Goran MI. Fructose content in popular beverages made with and without high-fructose corn syrup. Nutrition. 2014;30(7\u0026ndash;8):928\u0026ndash;35.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVentura EE, Davis JN, Goran MI. Sugar content of popular sweetened beverages based on objective laboratory analysis: focus on fructose content. Obesity. 2011;19(4):868\u0026ndash;74.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Sugar content, fruit juices, refractometric method, food labeling, Kosovo, public health, food regulation","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8111890/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8111890/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcessive intake of added sugars is associated with increased risk for obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Inaccurate labeling of sugar content in beverages may contribute to misleading dietary choices. Kosovo currently lacks regulatory standards for sugar labeling in fruit juices.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethods\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study analyzed 20 local and 10 imported non-carbonated fruit juices sold in supermarkets in Peja, Kosovo. Sugar content was measured using a digital refractometer (°Brix) and compared with declared values on packaging. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were used to assess significant differences.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSignificant discrepancies were observed between measured and labeled sugar content in several products. On average, local juices exhibited greater discrepancies than imported ones. Paired t-tests showed statistically significant differences (p \u0026lt; 0.05) in most samples, suggesting widespread labeling inaccuracies.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusion\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe findings underscore the need for stronger regulation and standardization of sugar labeling in Kosovo. Although limited by the refractometric method, the study provides a foundation for future research using advanced techniques and supports policy alignment with EU food labeling regulations.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Determination of Total Sugar Content in Local and Imported Non-Carbonated Fruit Juices Using the Refractometric Method: Implications for Public Health Regulation in Kosovo","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-12-05 15:00:38","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8111890/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"487204dd-ba45-4b04-91ec-d5a1642e1837","owner":[],"postedDate":"December 5th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-01-22T12:56:35+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-12-05 15:00:38","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8111890","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8111890","identity":"rs-8111890","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}