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Food Testing >> Nutritional Analysis >> Carbohydrates Dietary Fibre

Carbohydrates and Dietary Fibre Testing

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Accurate carbohydrate and dietary fibre data underpin nutrition labels, claims and energy values. With competence centres and ISO 17025 accredited laboratories across the UK and Europe, Eurofins Food Testing UK provides method‑appropriate analysis for simple and complex matrices, helping you avoid over‑ or under‑reporting and ensuring label‑ready outputs for UK and EU markets.

 

Why test

  • Meet UK/EU nutrition labelling rules and support “source of fibre”/“high fibre” claims

  • Select methods that capture all relevant fibre fractions (HMWDF, LMWDF, resistant starch) to avoid overstated carbohydrate‑by‑difference and energy

  • Generate data for specifications, reformulation and due‑diligence verification

What we test

Carbohydrates

  • Sugars & profiles (e.g., glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose; basic/expanded; sugar alcohols/polyols)

  • Starch (including resistant starch where requested)

  • Total carbohydrate by calculation (aligned to EU/GB label formats)

Dietary fibre

  • High molecular weight (HMWDF): total, soluble and insoluble

  • Low molecular weight (LMWDF) / prebiotics: inulin/FOS, GOS, polydextrose, resistant maltodextrins

  • Resistant starch (RS1–RS5); β‑glucans (cereal/yeast)

Typical matrices include: bakery & cereals, beverages, infant/FSMP, plant‑based, snacks & bars, sauces, supplements, pet food/feed.

 

Methods & reporting

  • AOAC 985.29 / 991.43; classical total dietary fibre (HMWDF only; 991.43 also splits soluble/insoluble)

  • AOAC 2009.01 / 2011.25; modern total dietary fibre including LMWDF and resistant starch (2011.25 adds iHMWDF, sHMWDF and LMWDF fractions)

  • Dedicated methods: Resistant starch (AOAC 2002.02), Inulin/FOS (AOAC 997.08/999.03), GOS (AOAC 2001.02), Polydextrose (AOAC 2000.11), β‑glucans (AOAC 995.16)

  • AOAC 2017.16 capability within the Eurofins network of laboratories (Codex‑nominated modern DF method)

  • Results can be provided in label-ready formats suitable for UK and EU nutrition labelling

Why method choice matters; EU/Codex fibre definitions (DP≥3) mean certain DP2 prebiotics are not quantified in 2009.01/2011.25 total DF and require dedicated methods. We offer a decision‑tree approach from our Carbohydrates Competence Centres to ensure the right test for your label and claim intent.

 

Regulatory alignment*

  • Great Britain (GB): Nutrition declaration and presentation per Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 / GB retained law; fibre energy factor 8 kJ (2 kcal) per g

  • EU and Northern Ireland (NI): Claim conditions per Regulation (EC) 1924/2006; significant‑amount rules apply for “source”/“high” fibre claims

  • Values reported per 100 g or per 100 ml; per‑portion optional; rounding and tolerances available on request

*This information is provided for general guidance only and may not reflect the latest legal requirements. Eurofins accepts no liability for its accuracy. Our specialists provide tailored support through our horizon scanning and food safety consultancy services.

 

Why work with us

  • ISO 17025 accredited expertise delivering accurate results

  • Complete nutritional testing coverage with extensive portfolio for carbohydrate and dietary fibre analysis

  • Regulatory alignment; methods developed to reflect current UK and EU standards and industry best practice

  • Practical consultancy support; label checks; claims review; tolerances and rounding guidance

  • Flexible turnaround with priority options and refrigerated logistics, where applicable

  • Single point of contact through your local Eurofins Food Testing UK laboratory provides access to specialist competence centres across the Eurofins network

To access all of our nutritional supplement testing and consultancy services through your local Eurofins food Testing UK Ltd laboratory, please call +44 (0) 845 604 6740 or make an enquiry.