Commonly Used Analytical Tools and Methods for the Discrimination of Honey Types Based on Volatile Organic Compound Profiles


Khamitova G. Angeloni S. Karasholakova L. Caprioli G.
February 2026Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)

Molecules
2026#31Issue 4

Honey is a complex natural product with nutritional and therapeutic properties that depend on the diversity of its chemical composition, which includes volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs in honey are key indicators of its botanical and geographical origin, as well as its quality and authenticity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the analytical instruments and methods used for the identification and quantification of VOCs in different types of honey. Techniques such as headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) are used for VOC extraction, and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and electronic nose (e-nose) systems for honey analyses, as well as their advantages, limitations, and applications and challenges related to VOC analysis, such as for different types of honeys, their aroma profile, compound variability, and data interpretation, are also discussed. By summarizing recent advancements in analytical methodologies, this review provides an overview of the analysis of VOCs for authentication and research purposes in honey production and processing.

analytical instruments , aroma , GC-MS , honey , VOCs , volatile organic compounds

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Research Institute of Biotechnology and Ecology, Zhetysu University Named After I. Zhansugurov, Zhansugurov Street, 187a, Taldykorgan, 040009, Kazakhstan
Chemistry Interdisciplinary Project (ChIP), School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, Camerino, 62032, Italy

Research Institute of Biotechnology and Ecology
Chemistry Interdisciplinary Project (ChIP)

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