TESTING FOOD FOR CARBOHYDRATE

Background of study
We can test for the presence of these important compounds in food by using chemical
reagents that react in predictable ways in the presence of these nutrients. In this experiment,
we will test the presence of carbohydrates and protein in Maggie noodle, milk, coke and
crackers and we will test the presence of fat in chocolate drink and coke.
Benedict’s solution is used to test for simple sugars, such as glucose. It is a clear blue solution
of sodium and copper slats. In the presence of simple sugars, the blue solution changes colour
to green or yellow or brick red, depending on the amount of sugar.
Iodine solution is used to identify the presence of starch. Iodine solution is a yellowish solution
that, when it detects the presence of starch, will change colour from yellowish to blue-black.
Biuret reagent is used to identify the presence of protein. Biuret reagent is a blue solution
that, when it reacts with protein, will change color to pink-purple.
Ethanol is used to identify the present of fat. An emulsion will form in the presence of fats
and oil in food.

Apparatus/ Materials Maggie noodles, milk, coke, cracker, test tubes, pestle and
mortar, dropper, syringe, distilled water, Iodine solution,
Benedict solution, Biuret reagent, ethanol, white tile, tongs,
beaker, Bunsen burner, wire gauze, gas lighter.

Procedure Test each food with Iodine Solution:

1. Put a small amount of Maggie noodles, milk, coke and
crackers on a white tile.
2. Add two drops of iodine solution on each food.
3. Observe any colour change. Record your observation in
your result table.

Test each food with Ethanol (only applicable to chocolate

drink and coke):
1. Add 4ml of liquid food into test tube
2. Add few drops of ethanol and leave for 5-10 min.
3. Record your observation.

Test each food with Benedict’s solution:

1. Mash some Maggie noodles by using pestle and mortar.
2. Add a little distilled water and continue mash it.
3. Transfer the noodles solution (4ml) into a test tube by
using a dropper.
4. Add 15 drops of Benedict solution.
 5. Carefully put the test tube in a water bath (80 degree
Celsius) for about 5 minutes.
6. Observe any colour change. Record the observation.
7. Repeat step 1-5 with another solid food. Liquid food
may directly transfer into test tube.

Test each food with Biuret’s reagent:

1. Repeat step 1- 3 above.
2. Add 3-5 drops of Biuret reagent into the test tube.
3. Shake gently to mix.
4. Observe any color change. Record your observation in
your result table.

PRECAUTION STEPS;
1. Please place all the glassware on the centre of the table
to avoid any fall.
2. Place put all the used glassware in the sink provided at
each table before proceeding to the next step.
3. Please wash off your glassware after finish doing
experiment.

Result Food Iodine Benedict Biuret Ethanol

Test Test Test Test
Maggie
noodles
Coke

Milk

Cracker

Chocolate
drink