- Dextrose equivalent
- DE by Lane-Eynon titration or an equivalent reducing-sugar method, against the grade range.
- Carbohydrate profile
- Glucose, maltose and higher sugars by HPLC, which predicts sweetness and browning.
- Moisture or total solids
- Loss on drying or Karl Fischer; the US standard of identity sets minimum total solids.
- Sulfated ash and sulfur dioxide
- Both are limited in the glucose syrup standard of identity.
- Heavy metals
- Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS against the supplier specification or the buyer's own limits.
- Microbiology
- Total plate count, yeast and mold, coliforms or E. coli, and Salmonella, which matter most when the ingredient goes uncooked into powders, capsules or tablets.