Influence of oat gum, guar gum and carboxymethyl cellulose on the perception of sweetness and flavour

The influence of three pseudoplastic hydrocolloids, oat gum, guar gum and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) on sensory perception of sweetness and flavour was studied in model systems at two viscosity levels. The sweeteners studied were sucrose, fructose and aspartame, the flavour substances ethyl caproate, a-pinene and cinnamic acid. Sweetness was best perceived from oat gum solutions and most weakly from guar gum solutions. The effect of the composition of the thickener on the perception of sweetness was greater than that of viscosity. Reduction of sweetness by hydrocolloids was weaker for aspartame than for fructose or sucrose. In the perception of flavours, both the total length of perception and the time-intensity pattern were more dependent on the model aroma substance than on the thickener. Possible explanations for the differences are discussed.     

Sweetness and aroma perceptions in dairy desserts varying in sucrose and aroma levels and in textural agent

Sweetness–aroma interactions were investigated in model dairy desserts varying in sucrose concentration, aroma concentration and in textural characteristics using different textural agents (κ-, ι-, λ-carrageenans and an equal-mix of the three). Overall intensities of sweetness and aroma perceptions were evaluated by sensory analysis and apparent partition coefficients of aroma compounds were measured by static headspace—GC.Sweetness–aroma interaction was characterised by a non-reciprocal relationship. Concentration of aroma had no impact on sweetness intensity, whatever be the sucrose concentration or textural characteristics of desserts, whereas varying texture or sucrose concentration modified aroma intensity. However, effects on aroma assessment were effective only when aroma concentration was the highest. In this condition, use of λ-carrageenan or increasing sucrose concentration from 25 to 50 g kg⁻¹ enhanced aroma intensity, but no extra enhancement was observed when sucrose concentration was 100 g kg⁻¹. As the air–dessert partition coefficient remained constant, impact of textural characteristics and sweetness variation on aroma perception did not result from physico-chemical interaction.     

Enhanced Sweetness in Sweetener-NaCI-Gum Systems

Enhancement of sweetness in aqueous gum (0.03%, w/v) sweetener systems by added NaCl (0.05%, w/v) was evaluated by a sensory panel. ²³Na NMR spectroscopy was used to determine Na⁺ binding and its relationship to sweetness elicited by glucose, lactose, maltose, sucrose and aspartame. Sweetness intensity differed due to gum (p = 0.0001) and sweetener (p = 0.0001), but was not affected by NaCl (p = 0.0774). Sweetness increased with added NaCl in xanthan, guar and locust bean gum solutions. However, sweetness decreased in k-carrageenan systems possibly due to endogenous cation (Ca²⁺, K⁺ and Na⁺) content, which influences Na⁺ mobility. The sweetest systems containing lactose and/ or xanthan, showed the greatest enhancement by NaCl.     

Psychophysical Relationships Between Perceived Sweetness and Color in Lemon- and Lime-Flavored Drinks

The effect of color, as measured on the Gardner XL-23 calorimeter, on the sweetness perception of a series of lime- and lemon-colored and flavored beverages was quantified by taste panelists using magnitude estimation. The regression lines for each colored series in the lemon drinks were found to differ significantly (p < 0.05) indicating that color had a significant effect on sweetness and the inequality of the slopes of the lines obtained when sweetness was plotted versus log color further confirmed this effect. A sucrose level of 4.4% maximized the effect of color on sweetness perception in both the lime (p < 0.01) and lemon (p < 0.05) drinks.     

Sweetness–texture interactions in model dairy desserts: effect of sucrose concentration and the carrageenan type

Sweetness–texture interactions were investigated in model dairy desserts varying in both sucrose concentration and carrageenan composition (κ-, ι-, λ-carrageenans or an equal-weight mixture of the three). Nineteen panellists evaluated sweetness and five oral texture attributes while instrumental texture was characterised by penetrometry. For each carrageenan composition, sweetness significantly increased with sucrose. Rheological profiles or oral texture attributes allowed to distinguish four matrices. Sweetness–texture interactions were observed but no common rule was applied. On the one hand, firmness of κ-carrageenan desserts, springiness and firmness of ι-carrageenan desserts, unctuousness of λ-carrageenan desserts and brittleness and unctuousness of mix-carrageenan ones increased with sucrose concentration. These changes can be partly attributed to changes in the mechanical profiles. On the other hand, variation of carrageenan composition modified sweetness assessment at higher concentrations, λ-carrageenan desserts being the sweetest and ι-carrageenan desserts the least sweet. A model, which considered carrageenan composition, sucrose concentration and their interactions, was established to relate sweetness and composition of the desserts.     

THE EFFECT OF COLOR ON THIRST QUENCHING, SWEETNESS, ACCEPTABILITY AND FLAVOR INTENSITY IN FRUIT PUNCH FLAVORED BEVERAGES

The effect of color on sweetness perception, flavor intensity, acceptability and thirst quenching was evaluated. The various studies included the development and administration of a questionnaire, preliminary sensory panel studies, three sensory panels of 20 subjects each and finally 3 consumer type taste panels of from 59–121 subjects each. The questionnaire indicated that consumers thought the sweetest beverages and those colored brown, red and orange would satisfy thirst the most. The association of sweetness with thirst quenching ability was an unexpected result but one that was validated in several of the panel studies which followed. The preliminary study done with a full factorial design showed that the samples with the lowest levels of acid and sugar as well as a combination of those with the lowest color and lowest sugar provided the greatest perception of thirst quenching. A series of small sensory panel studies of 20 subjects each allowed the further definition of the most appropriate color space. Samples were then reformulated to achieve this spacing and 3 larger consumer type panels were conducted. Sweetness and perceived ability to quench thirst were found to be significantly affected by color in two of the three panels while flavor intensity and acceptability were found to be significantly affected in only one panel. These results indicate that color is related to quality characteristics other than appearance and should be considered in decisions affecting such characteristics.     

L-ASPARTYL-L-PHENYLALANINE METHYL ESTER (ASPARTAME) AS A SWEETENER

In aqueous solutions, L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester (aspartame) was 182 times sweeter than 2% sucrose but only 43 times sweeter than 30% sucrose according to rank analyses of scores from 20 judges. In buffer solutions (pH 3.2), pH was elevated by 0.025% and 0.12% aspartame and not by 4% or 12% sucrose, but no effect on sweetness equivalents or sourness was detected. Sweetness of 0.025% aspartame was enhanced by gelatin (1.5%) and methocel (1%). Enhancement also occurred when gelatin was combined with 0.12% aspartame. Sweetness ranks were not significantly affected by 1% carboxymethylcellulose or gum arabic. Viscosity was not a reliable indicator of differences in sensory response for thickness.     

Whey protein concentrate gels with different sucrose content: Instrumental texture measurements and sensory perception

Correlations between instrumental texture, sensory texture and sweetness perception were studied in whey protein concentrate (WPC) gels at different pH (4 and 7), sucrose (0–40%, w/w) and whey protein (10–20% w/w) content. The presence of sucrose modified the structure of WPC gels, mainly at pH 4, making the gel structure more homogeneous and with smaller pores. Sucrose also increased the solid behaviour of gels, their water holding capacity, hardness and adhesiveness. Sweetness perception decreased as protein concentration increased, and was higher in gels at pH 4 than in gels at pH 7. A good correlation was obtained between the instrumental and sensory attributes hardness, cohesiveness and elasticity.     

Sweet/sour balance in champagne wine and dependence on taste/odour interactions

Effects of sucrose and tartaric acid on the sweetness, sourness and total taste intensity of champagne wine were studied through a full factorial design including 15 samples, varying in sucrose (0g/l–20.5g/l) and tartaric acid (2.50g/l–4.22g/l). Two experiments, involving 10 selected and trained subjects, were performed. Samples and procedures were the same, except that subjects had their nostrils closed with nose-clips in experiment 2. The suppressive effect of sucrose on the sourness of tartaric acid was stronger in experiment 2. The suppressive effect of tartaric acid on the sweetness of sucrose was very low in both experiments. Applying the vector addition model on total taste intensity scores indicated that sucrose and tartaric acid partially suppressed each other in both experiments. Sweetness contributed to a greater extent in the judgement of total taste intensity, particularaly in the nose-clip condition.     

Comparison of Temporal Perception of Fruitiness in Model Systems Sweetened with Aspartame, an Aspartame + Acesulfame K Blend, or Sucrose

Sweetness and fruitiness of equisweet solutions of aspartame (APM), an aspartame + acesulfame-K blend (APM/AK) or sucrose were evaluated in binary (BIN) (sweetener and orange flavor) and tertiary (TER) (BIN and citric acid) systems by time-intensity (TI) methodology. Sweetener solutions adjusted to the viscosity of sucrose (APM* and APM/AK*) showed small inconsistent differences from their unthickened counterparts. In BIN systems, APM and APM* had the longest duration (DUR) of sweetness and fruitiness. In TER systems, APM* increased maximum intensity (MAX) and DUR of fruitness and S decreased sourness MAX and DUR relative to APM and APM/AK blends. Fruitiness MAX was perceived later than sweetness, whereas sweetness DUR persisted longer than fruitiness.     

The Influence of the Rebaudioside A Content of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) on the Determination of Sweetness Equivalence in Bittersweet Chocolates,Using the Time‐Intensity Analysis

The consumption of diet products has increased greatly in recent years. The objectives of the study were to develop a bittersweet chocolate added inulin and stevias with different rebaudioside A contents (60%, 80%, and 97%). Five chocolate samples were formulated with different sucrose concentrations to determine the ideal sucrose concentration for bittersweet chocolate. The use of just‐about‐right scale identified an ideal sucrose concentration of 47.5% (w/w). The sweetness equivalence in sugar‐free bittersweet chocolates was determined by the time–intensity method by 14 selected and trained judges. The data collected during each session of sensory evaluation furnished the following parameters in relation to the sweet stimulus: Imax (maximum intensity recorded), Timax (time at which the maximum intensity was recorded), Area (area of time × intensity curve), and Ttot (total duration time of the stimulus). The time–intensity analysis indicated that the percentages of rebaudioside A did not interfere with the sweetness intensity of the sweetener stevia in bittersweet chocolate and there was no significant difference in the concentrations tested (0.16%, 0.22%, 0.27%) of each stevia, in relation to the parameters evaluated. In addition, the reduction in fat content did not alter the perception of the sweetness intensity of the samples. These results showed important information to research and development of chocolate products. Therefore, the use of the lowest stevia concentration tested (0.16%) is the most indicated for use, since this quantity was sufficient to reach the ideal sweetness of the product, so there was no point in adding more.     

Modulation of sweetness perception in confectionary applications

The development of sugar-reduced food products is a strategy to reduce the high sugar intake, which is a leading cause of global health concerns. Replacement and/or reduction of sucrose often leads to reduced sweetness perception with the consequence of decreased consumer acceptance. The aim of this work is to implement sensory modulation principles in a model confectionery system with the goal of enhancing sweetness perception. By using 3D-printing, confectionary samples were meso-structured by inhomogenous distribution of sucrose concentrations and assessed with a trained panel regarding sweetness. All samples were made up of a high and low sucrose phase and compared to a homogeneous reference sample. The overall sugar content was kept constant at 22.8% in all samples and sweetness perception was compared. A significant increase of sweetness perception by over 30% was found for samples consisting of a sweet outer shell and an inner less sweet core with a high sucrose gradient between the two phases. Whilst textural effects on sweetness perception could not be fully excluded, results can be seen as a strong indication that sweetness modulation by inhomogenious distribution has a potential to be applied directly in solid food products.     

Time-Intensity Evaluation of Sweetness and Fruitiness and Their Interaction in a Model Solution

Sweetness and fruitness were evaluated by time-intensity (TI) procedures in solutions varying in concentrations of glucose and peach essence at two temperatures. Of the eleven TI parameters quatified to characterize the TI curves, ten parameters varied significantly across samples for sweetness, whereas only seven varied significantly for fruitiness. Maximum sweetness intensity increased as glucose or peach essence concentration or solution temperature was raised. In contrast, maximum fruitiness intensity increased only with an increase in peach flavor concentration. Although the total persistence of aftertaste did not differ significantly between the two attributes, the mean time to maximum intensity for sweetness (6.6 sec) was 3.8 sec shorter than that found for fruitiness.     

Consumer Age Affects Response to Sensory Characteristics of a Cherry Flavored Beverage

The sensory responses of a young adult population were compared to one over age 60. Using a central composite design, sweetness and flavor intensity, flavor quality, overall acceptability, perceived thirst quenching and flavor identification were evaluated using an artificially flavored cherry beverage varying in sucrose, flavor, and color. The mean data were modeled to a response surface as a function of sucrose, color, and flavor. In both populations the measures were responsive to factors manipulated in the design. Color had specific unique effects on overall acceptance, flavor quality, and intensity in each of the populations. The older population was more sensitive to visual cues and less sensitive to changes in flavor concentration.     

Sweetness of α-, β-, and Equilibrium Lactose Relative to Sucrose

The sweetness of α-, β-, and equilibrium lactose, measured by a trained panel using paired comparison with standard reference solutions of sucrose of concentrations from 0.50–6.50%, ranged from 30–35% that of sucrose. The sweetness of β-lactose was 105–122% that of α-lactose. The predicted swweetness of lactose at mutarotation equilibrium, calculated from sweetness values for α- and β-lactose and from the relative amounts present as determined by polarimetry, i.e., 38%α and 62%β, did not differ significantly from the experimentally determined sweetness value, indicating an absence of synergism for sweetness in mixtures of α- and β-lactose. Isosweet sucrose concentrations for three different concentrations of β- and equilibrium lactose and two concentrations of α-lactose are reported.     

High‐intensity sweeteners in espresso coffee: ideal and equivalent sweetness and time–intensity analysis

The efficient substitution of sucrose by a sweetener in beverages requires the application of some sensory techniques. First, one must determine the concentrations of the sweeteners under study, equivalent in sweetness to the ideal sucrose concentration. In addition, it is fundamental to determine which is most similar to sucrose. The objectives of this study were to determine the ideal sweetness for espresso coffee and the equivalent concentrations in sweetness of different sweeteners, as well as characterise the time–intensity profile of each sweetener in relation to sweetness. The sweeteners evaluated were sucralose, aspartame, neotame, a cyclamate/saccharin mixture (2:1) and stevia. The sucrose concentration considered ideal by consumers was 12.5% (w/v), and the equivalent concentrations of the sweeteners were 0.0159% for sucralose, 0.0549% for aspartame, 0.0016% for neotame, 0.0359% for the cyclamate/saccharin mixture and 0.0998% for stevia. The time–intensity analysis indicated that possibly the sweeteners neotame, aspartame and sucralose would be the best substitutes for sucrose.     

Sweetness intensity perception and pleasantness ratings of sucrose, aspartame solutions and cola among multi-ethnic Malaysian subjects

As the sugar intake of Malaysians is one of the highest in the Asia Pacific region, we wanted to investigate how this high prevalence of ‘sweet tooth’ is influenced by biological determinants like age, gender, ethnicity and Body Mass Index (BMI). This study therefore sought to use the generalized Labeled Magnitude Scale to evaluate the sweetness intensity perception and pleasantness ratings of not only three increasing suprathreshold concentrations of sucrose and a popular naturally-sweetened carbonated beverage - Coca-Cola®, but also their non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) counterparts - aspartame and Coca-Cola Light®. Taken together, the overall intensity of NNS solutions and beverage was perceived as significantly higher, but not for their pleasantness. The intensity perception and pleasantness of most sweet solutions were not significantly associated with gender and BMI. Overall, Malays had a lower perceived intensity of sweet stimuli compared to other ethnicities, but a conclusion of the influence of ethnicity on sweetness pleasantness could not be met. Lastly, sweetness intensity perception and pleasantness ratings for both colas decreased significantly with age.     

Patterns of sweet liking in sucrose solutions and beverages

While preferred levels of sweetness are known to differ across individuals, investigations of hedonic responses to sweetness across multiple concentrations in both model system and beverage are limited. The objective of this study was to classify people according to their preferred sweetness in sucrose solutions and beverages. The stimuli were water and flavored beverages, each containing five levels of sucrose. A total of 200 female subjects rated liking and intensity of sweetness for sucrose solutions, and they conducted paired preference tests using the Monell forced-choice, paired-comparison, tracking procedure. These tests were replicated for the beverage. These evaluations were conducted on two separate occasions, once while the subjects were hungry and once relatively sated. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed three distinct clusters based on the hedonic ratings. Cluster 1 showed positive hedonic ratings with increased sucrose concentration in both systems. Cluster 2 showed positive ratings to sucrose increases in the beverage, but not in the sucrose solution. Cluster 3 showed an inverted-U shaped pattern. These patterns were confirmed by the result of the Monell test. Similar trends were observed when the subjects were asked to rate liking of chocolates and in ratings of preferences for commonly consumed sweet and savory food items.     

Determination of equi-sweet concentrations of nine sweeteners using a relative rating technique

The sweetness intensity of a 5% sucrose standard was compared with that of selected concentrations of aqueous solutions of sucrose, fructose, glucose, sorbitol, lactitol, aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K and a mixed extract of the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. Differences in sweetness were rated using a 150 mm continuous line scale, anchored at the extremities with 'Much less sweet' and 'Much more sweet' and at the mid-point with 'Standard'. Analysis of variance was used to examine the effects of assessors, sessions, replicates, samples and interactions. Regression lines were fitted and equi-sweet concentrations determined for each sweetener. Although the results indicated that it is more appropriate to consider an equi-sweet range for each sweetener, practical considerations necessitated the use of a single consensus concentration. Variation in the data was sweetener dependent; the more complex the total perception associated with a sweetener, the more variable the results.     

Analysis of various sweeteners in low‐sugar mixed fruit jam: equivalent sweetness,time‐intensity analysis and acceptance test

For a sweetener to successfully replace sucrose in food formulations, studies must first be conducted to determine the concentrations of the sweeteners to be used and their equivalent sweetness compared with sucrose. After establishing the optimal concentration of each sweetener, it is necessary to determine which is more similar to sucrose. The objective of this study was to determine the equivalent amount of different sweeteners, necessary to promote the same degree of ideal sweetness in mixed fruit (marolo, sweet passion fruit and soursop) jam and to characterise the time–intensity profile and consumer acceptance. With respect to the mixed fruit jam containing 40% (w/w) of sucrose, sucralose presented the highest sweetening power, being 1033.59 times sweeter than sucrose, followed by sucralose/acesulfame‐K/neotame 5:3:0.1 (982.80), sucralose/steviol glycoside 2:1 (862.67), sucralose/acesulfame‐K 3:1 (847.45) and sucralose/thaumatin 1:0.6 (284.29). The sweeteners had a time–intensity sweetness profile similar to sucrose and a time–intensity bitterness profile different from sucrose but similar among themselves. In relation to sensory acceptance, a significant difference between the low‐sugar jam and the traditional jam was not observed.