To ascertain the relative level of antioxidants that were present in the Roselle extract, comparisons were made with other beverages. Fig. 4 gives representative data of antioxidants in a variety of selected drinks. Red wine has previously been shown to have a higher antioxidant capacity than black tea and orange juice (Benzie & Szeto, 1999). In the present study red wine had a substantially higher antioxidant level than other beverages. Green teas were routinely highest in antioxidant activity in all the teas tested. Roselle extract was approximately 16–25% as active as green tea. The high antioxidant activity in the commercial wine and juice sample may partially arise from the presence of metabisulphite or vitamin C. Metabisulphite is routinely used in wine production and many juices are supplemented with vitamin C.