Monday 27th September, 2021.

Science

Food Tests
There are specific chemical tests for all the major nutrients.

Table showing chemical tests for nutrients.

Nutrient Test Procedure Positive result

Sugar (Carbohydrate) Benedict’s test 1) Add Benedict’s Change of colour from

e.g. glucose solution of the food in blue to orange-red.
a test tube.

2) Place the test tube

into a beaker of
boiling water for about
5 minutes.

Starch Iodine test 1) Add a few drops of Change of colour from

iodine solution to the straw-coloured to
solid or liquid food. blue-black.

Protein Biüret test 1) Add food (e.g. A purple colour shows

milk) in a test tube. the presence of
protein.
2) Add of dilute
sodium hydroxide
solution.

3) Add dropwise 1%
copper sulfate solution
to the same test tube
and shake.

Lipids (Fats) Emulsion test 1) Add food to If lipid/fat is present, a

ethanol. milky/cloudy will
form (drops of fats)
2) Place your thumb will form as the liquids
or a cover over the top mix.
of the test tube and
shake thoroughly.

3) Add the mixture to

a test tube with water.