Objective A method of identification of Acanthopanax senticosus illegal addition in beverage and processed wine based on the diagnostic ratios of trace components was developed.Methods The high-performance liquid chromatography conditions to determine the characteristic components of Acanthopanax senticosus were optimized. Samples of Acanthopanax senticosus from different growing areas were tested and analyzed. The peak area ratios of protocatechuic acid， chlorogenic acid， Acanthopanax senticosus B and Acanthopanax senticosus E were compared and analyzed.Results The peak area ratios of Acanthopanax senticosus E and Acanthopanax senticosus B in the 3 matrix samples were constant and stable in a certain range， and it had good reproducibility. The diagnostic ratio was analyzed by box plots. It was determined that the diagnostic ratio discrimination interval of Acanthopanax senticosus was 1.19-2.71. The diagnostic ratio of health food containing Acanthopanax senticosus was consistent with this method.Conclusion The method is simple and efficient， which can be used to identify Acanthopanax senticosus illegally added in beverage and processed wine.