Abstract:Objective: To systematically compare the differences in flavor composition of commercially available Pueraria lobata beverages, identify key flavor markers, and comprehensively characterize their odor profiles. Methods: Eight commercially available Pueraria lobata beverages were selected as research materials, and multi-dimensional flavor analysis was performed by integrating sensory evaluation, electronic nose (E-nose), gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS), and chemometric methods. Results: Significant differences were detected in the sensory acceptability of the eight Pueraria lobata beverages; E-nose analysis demonstrated that S9 was the critical sensor for differentiating the volatile components of various Pueraria lobata beverages. A total of 65 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) belonging to 11 chemical classes were identified via GC-IMS, among which alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones accounted for more than 60% in total, serving as the core aroma components of Pueraria lobata beverages. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) screened 27 key flavor markers with variable importance in projection (VIP) > 1. Cluster analysis revealed that the flavor characteristics of different Pueraria lobata beverages were closely associated with their production regions and raw & auxiliary materials. Pearson correlation analysis showed that roasted-flavor VOCs generated by the Maillard reaction were significantly positively correlated with sensory evaluation; conversely, excessive contents of fruity and grassy VOCs accompanied by prominent bitter and astringent notes were unfavorable to the overall flavor of Pueraria lobata beverages. Conclusion: This study provided a scientific basis for the flavor quality evaluation, process optimization, and product development of Pueraria lobata beverages.