Selective and sensitive detection of cyclamate in beverages using a portable pressure meter: A specific reaction-based analytical kit

[Display omitted] •A portable analytical kit was established for the selective and sensitive detection of cyclamate.•Cyclamate was selectively detected through a specific reaction with NaNO2.•A gas pressure meter was employed as the portable analytical device.•This analytical kit offers the advantages of low cost, easy-operation, selectivity and sensitivity. The analysis of cyclamate in food samples holds a significant implication for human health, necessitating the development of a selective, sensitive and user-friendly analytical method for analysis of cyclamate. Herein, a pressure meter-based analytical kit was established and applied to selective and sensitive detection of cyclamate. Cyclamate undergoes a selective reaction with NaNO2 within a hermetically sealed reaction vessel. The reaction produces cyclohexene and N2, leading to a discernible pressure change that can be accurately measured using a portable gas pressure meter. Within the concentration range of 20–1000 mg/L, gas pressure values exhibit a proportional relationship with cyclamate concentrations, with a limit of detection of 5.6 mg/L. This analytical kit was further applied to assess cyclamate levels in various beverages and a standard quality control sample (BWQ8791-2016), with recoveries of 93–108 %. It is a simple, easy used, selective and sensitive analytical system for analysis of cyclamate in beverages.