Efficient method for producing compositions enriched in total phenols

A method of preparing a composition enriched in total phenols, comprising:

• a) providing a crude extract of one or more plant materials that contain phenolic compounds, said extract comprising proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, and non-phenolic compounds;
• b) filtering said crude extract;
• c) contacting said filtered extract with a brominated polystyrene resin, wherein said resin releasably adsorbs said phenols but does not retain said non-phenolic compounds;
• d) washing said resin with a wash eluent to elute said non-phenolic compounds;
• e) eluting the resin with a first eluent and collecting a first fraction containing phenols;
• f) eluting the resin with a second eluent and collecting a second fraction containing phenols;
• and
• g) isolating the fraction from step e) or step f) or combining said fractions from steps e) and f) to obtain a composition enriched in total phenols, wherein said composition has substantially depleted levels of said non-phenolic compounds.