Determining Antioxidant Activity

Food and beverage companies are touting the presence of antioxidants in their products in response to consumer interest in the potential health benefits of antioxidants in the diet.

For example, Lipton teas carry a logo, "AOX, Naturally Protective Antioxidants," POM Wonderful pomegranate juice says it’s "the real Antioxidant Superpower™," and Hershey’s Nuggets Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate bears a logo stating "Natural Source of Flavonol Antioxidants."

A variety of in-vitro chemical methods …