Food Tests (Cambridge International IGCSE Science)

Food Tests

Test for glucose (a reducing sugar)

• Add Benedict's solution into sample solution in test tube
• Heat at 60 - 70 °c in water bath for 5 minutes
• Take test tube out of water bath and observe the colour
• A positive test will show a colour change from blue to orange or brick red

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The Benedict's test for glucose

Test for starch using iodine

• We can use iodine to test for the presence or absence of starch in a food sample.

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The iodine test for starch

• Add drops of iodine solution to the food sample
• A positive test will show a colour change from orange-brown to blue-black

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Testing a potato to prove the presence of starch

Test for protein

• Add drops of Biuret solution to the food sample
• A positive test will show a colour change from blue to violet / purple

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The Biuret test for protein

Test for lipids

• Food sample is mixed with 2cm³of ethanol and shaken
• The ethanol is added to an equal volume of cold water
• A positive test will show a cloudy emulsion forming Use this image The ethanol test for lipids

Test for vitamin C

• Add 1cm³of DCPIP solution to a test tube
• Add a small amount of food sample (as a solution)
• A positive test will show the blue colour of the dye disappearing

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The DCPIP test for vitamin C

Exam Hint When describing food tests in exam answers, make sure you give the starting colour of the solution and the colour it changes to for a positive result.