Multi-Element Characterization and Sustainability Assessment of Traditional Turkish Red Sugar Using Deep Eutectic Solvent Extraction and ICP-MS

Traditional Turkish red sugar is a culturally significant food product; however, information on its elemental composition and the sustainability of analytical approaches used for its characterization remains limited. In this study, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction (UA-DES-E) were comparatively evaluated for multi-element determination by ICP-MS. The analytical performance of both methods was validated in terms of linearity, limits of detection and quantification (LOD/LOQ), recovery, accuracy, and precision (RSD (%)). Complementary characterization was performed using FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopy, while moisture content and antioxidant activity were also determined. In addition, the relationship between element concentrations and antioxidant capacity was statistically evaluated. Validation results showed linear correlation coefficients (R2) higher than 0.99. LOD values ranged between 0.172 and 2.288 µg kg−1, and recovery values were obtained between 96.2% and 105.1%. Relative standard deviation (RSD) values were below 10% for all elements. DPPH free radical scavenging activity ranged from 19.5% to 23.5%. The sustainability of the MAE and UA-DES-E methods was comparatively evaluated using NEMI, AGREE, ComplexGAPI, AGSA, BAGI, CACI, VIGI, and RAPI metrics. Overall, UA-DES-E provided a better balance between analytical performance and environmental sustainability. Based on five independent commercial samples, this study provides an exploratory analytical characterization of traditional Turkish red sugar while integrating multi-element analysis with a multidimensional assessment of analytical sustainability, applicability, innovation, and performance.