Matrix dependent impact of sugar and ascorbic acid addition on color and anthocyanin stability of black carrot, elderberry and strawberry single strength and from concentrate juices upon thermal treatment

Heat stability of strawberry, elderberry and black carrot juices prepared from concentrate and fresh plant material was investigated at pH 3.5 by heating at 95 °C for 2 and 4 h, respectively. The impact of added saccharides (glucose, fructose, sucrose) and ascorbic acid on 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) formation, browning together with the stability of anthocyanins and their color properties were assessed using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometry. Thermal degradation products of anthocyanins and saccharides were identified using liquid chromatography coupled to multistage mass spectrometry (LC–MSn). Pigment stability and color changes depended on anthocyanin structure and juice matrix. Whereas a slight but insignificant stabilizing effect of added sugars and ascorbic acid was observed in juice prepared from black carrot concentrate, obvious color differences were detected in strawberry and elderberry juices when ascorbic acid was added. Manually squeezed juices from fresh plant material showed higher color stability compared to juices prepared from concentrate which might be due to the retention of polymeric matrix compounds in the former. The data presented may contribute to the development of advanced technological processes for the production of coloring foodstuff and food with improved color stability.