The pH differential method and HPLC are commonly used methods by researchers and the food industry
for quantifying anthocyanins in a sample. This study was conducted to establish a relationship between
the two analytical methods. Seven juice samples containing an array of different individual anthocyanins
were analyzed by pH differential and HPLC (two different columns and mobile phase conditions). In general,
total anthocyanins were greater when expressed as malvidin-glucoside than as cyanidin-glucoside,
despite the method used. This paper demonstrates the high correlation (R P 0.925, p 6 0.05) between the
pH differential method and HPLC (both systems) when determining the amount of anthocyanins found in
samples. For laboratories that do not have the capability for HPLC analysis, the pH differential is a simple
and economical method to determine total anthocyanins. This study also demonstrates the importance of
reporting the standard used to express the values. There is still a need for both methods and certified
anthocyanin standards.