Journal of Innovative Science

Abstract: The global market for ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages made with non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) has significantly increased due to rising consumer demand for low-calorie and sugar-free options. However, the discovery of emerging contaminants (ECs) such as Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol S (BPS), Furan, and acrylamide in these drinks has highlighted the pressing need for very sensitive and reliable analytical methods for safety evaluation and regulatory compliance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques used for the analysis of NNS and emerging contaminants in RTD beverage matrices. The choice of analytical techniques primarily relies on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) due to their exceptional sensitivity, selectivity, and multi-residue detection capability. Spectroscopic methods, such as Raman, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), near-infrared (NIR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), offer a rapid and non-destructive alternative for qualitative screening. Recent studies in high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) have enabled non-targeted screening and metabolite profiling, while the integration of chemometric tools such as principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) has improved data interpretation and classification. The continuous improvement in quantitative NMR (qNMR) and hybrid chromatographic-spectroscopic systems has greatly refined analytical reliability and precision. However, there remain challenges of matrix interferences, detection of trace-level contaminants, and comprehensive evaluation of sweetener mixtures in complex beverage matrices despite the progress made. Future research should target integrated chromatographic-spectroscopic platforms, real-time monitoring, and greener analytical procedures to protect environmental and consumer health. This overview provides vital insights and directions to advance analytical chemistry in food safety monitoring.