KEY FINDINGS

Based on the overall test findings, Cremica is the topper. Cremica is our choice for ‘value for money’ on the basis of its performance and cost (Rs 99/90 [MRP/ retail price] per 480 gm).

Cremica scored highest on the carbohydrate parameter. Cremica was found to have the lowest amount of total sugar (45.5 gm/100 gm) and this was close to the declared value of 45 gm.

Highest fructose was found in Mapro and lowest in Kissan. Safal was found to have the highest amount of sucrose (41.53 gm/100 gm). The lowest levels were in Mum’s, Sil, Tops, Easy Maxx, Mapro and Mrs Food Rite. The highest total soluble solids (TSS) was found in Sil and Reliance, and the lowest in Mrs Food Rite.

Mala’s topped in the overall sensory scores, followed by Cremica and Safal. It is clearly revealed from products’ claims that they contain the maximum amount of sugar. Consumers are advised to consume jam in limited quantity depending upon their age.

Mould count and yeast and spores count were within the specified limit in all the brands. Toxic metals such as lead and arsenic were not detected in any of the tested brands. There were slight traces of copper and zinc in all the brands. Tin was detected in negligible amount.

No pesticide residue was detected in the tested brands. added in combining form. All of these make the ‘total soluble contents’ of a jam. High total soluble contents do not necessarily denote high fruit pulp since sugar, pectin and other preservatives also increase the amount of total soluble contents.

Indian Standard specifies that the total soluble solids (TSS) should be at least 68 per cent of the total weight. FSS Rules, 2011, specifies a requirement of not less than 65 per cent. Fruit content should not be less than 45 per cent. Basically, it is the fruit content and the quality of the fruit that determines the quality of the jam. It is not just fruit content that goes on to make a bottle of jam.