Food Tests

• Test for Lipids


  1. Add equal volume of ethanol and test solution

  2. Shake

  3. Add mixture to water
• Test for Proteins: Biuret reagent

  1. Add equal volume of test solution and Biuret reagent to test tube

  2. Shake gently
• Test for Starch: Iodine test

  1. Add measured volume of test solution to test tube

  2. Add two drops of iodine

  3. Gently mix
• Test for reducing sugars: Benedict's reagent


  1. Add equal volume of test solution and Benedict's reagent to test tube

  2. Heat in water bath for 5 minutes 3. Gently mix
• Test for non-reducing sugars

  1. Carry out Benedict's test- negative

  2. Add 2 drops of HCl (to hydrolyse solution)

  3. Heat in water bath for 2 minutes

  4. Add sodium hydrogen carbonate (to neutralise)

  5. Repeat Benedict's test
• Positive result in repeated Benedict's test indicates presence of non-reducing sugars