Perception of taste intensity in solutions of random-coil polysaccharides above and below c

Sensory paired comparison tests were used to study differences in taste intensity in solutions of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) at concentrations above (1.0% w/w) and below (0.2% w/w) c^*, the coil-overlap concentration (the point at which viscosity changes abruptly with increasing thickener). The sweetness intensities of aspartame (250 ppm), sucrose (5% w/w), fructose (4.5% w/w) and neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (39 ppm) and the saltiness of sodium chloride (0.35%) were all found to be significantly reduced in the more viscous HPMC solution. There was no significant effect of HPMC concentration on the acidity of citric acid (600 ppm) or the bitterness of quinine hydrochloride (26 ppm). The sweetness intensities of sucrose and aspartame were likewise investigated in two further hydrocolloid solutions, guar gum and λ-carrageenan. Experiments were designed so that the ratios of the thickener concentrations (above and below c^*) to their measured c^* values remained constant. The sweetness of sucrose was found to be significantly reduced in the more viscous guar gum solution (P<0.05) and that of aspartame was reduced in the λ-carrageenan above c^* (P<0.001). A multiple paired comparison design was used to show that the perceived sweetness of 6.5% sucrose in 1.0% HPMC did not differ significantly from that of 5% sucrose in 0.2% HPMC. The magnitude of effect with aspartame was broadly analogous.     

Sweetening power of aspartame in hydrocolloids gels: Influence of texture

Equivalent sweetness of aspartame relative to two sucrose concentrations (10% and 20% w/w) were determined in water and in hydrocolloids gels. The influence of the texture of three hydrocolloids gelled systems—gellan gum, κ-carrageenan, and κ-carrageenan/locust bean gum (LBG)—at two gums concentrations (0.3% and 1.2% w/w) on the equivalent sweetness of aspartame were then studied. For the three gelled systems, the increase in hydrocolloid concentration produced a significant increase in the true rupture stress and in the deformability modulus values. For both κ-carrageenan and mixed gels the true rupture strain values increased when increasing hydrocolloid concentration while for gellan gels, decreased. For the same hydrocolloid concentrations the κ-carrageenan/LBG gels showed the largest strain at rupture and gellan gels the smallest (most brittle). For both soft (0.3% gum) and hard (1.2% gum) gellan gels and κ-carrageenan gels, the concentrations of aspartame needed to deliver a sweetness intensity equivalent to that of gels with 10% sucrose (0.079–0.087% w/w) were similar to those obtained for aqueous solutions (0.084% w/v). For hard κ-carrageenan/LBG gels the corresponding concentration of aspartame was slightly lower. For all gelled systems the concentrations of aspartame needed to deliver a sweetness intensity equivalent to that of gels with 20% sucrose were higher for soft gels than for hard gels.     

SWEETNESS EQUIVALENCE OF DIFFERENT SWEETENERS IN STRAWBERRY‐FLAVORED YOGURT

ABSTRACT

To successfully substitute sucrose for sweeteners, further studies must be carried out based on previous knowledge of sweetener concentration to determine the equivalent sweetness of such compounds. In this work, sweetness equivalence of strawberry‐flavored yogurt with different sweeteners and/or their combinations (aspartame, acesulfame‐K, cyclamate, saccharin, stevia and sucralose) and yogurt sweetened with 11.5% w/w sucrose was measured using the sensory magnitude estimation method. The sweetness concentrations equivalent to strawberry yogurt sweetened with 11.5% w/w sucrose in the tested sweeteners were 0.072% w/w for aspartame, 0.042% w/w for aspartame/acesulfame‐K (2:1), 0.064% w/w for cyclamate/saccharin, 0.043% w/w for cyclamate/saccharin (2:1)/stevia (1.8:1) and 0.30% w/w for sucralose. These results can promote the use of different sweetener combinations in strawberry‐flavored yogurt, specially acesulfame‐K and stevia, once they produce more pleasing in this product.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study provides some useful information, since there is no data in the literature about sweetness equivalence of sweeteners in yogurt, but only in simpler matrices such as pure water, juices, coffee and teas. The use of stevia blend presented several advantages such as increased sweetening power, demonstrating the potential of this natural sweetener. The magnitude estimation method has been successful in this study, being an important tool for development of new low‐calorie products. It may be noted that when evaluating different types of food using the same kinds of sweeteners, these promote distinct characteristics and that reflect directly on the sensory quality of the final product. Thus, such studies generate important information for the food industries working with dietetic food.     

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.     

Carbonation Interactions with Sweetness and Sourness

The effects of CO₂ level on sweetness and of sweetener level on carbonation perception were measured in two sweetened systems. The effects of CO₂ level on sourness and of acid level on carbonation perception were measured in two acidulated systems. The effects were measured at concentrations in ranges of 2-16% (w/v) sucrose, 0.015-0.12% (w/v) aspartame, 0.02-0.29% (w/v) citric acid, and 0.015-0.06% (v/v) phosphoric acid. Little effect of carbonation on sweetness was found in either sweetened system. Sucrose at 16% (w/v) reduced carbonation perception. Carbonation enhanced sourness ratings at the lower acid levels and had no effect at higher acid levels for either acid. No effect of acid level on carbonation perception was found.     

Has Aspartame an Aftertaste?

Consumer evaluation of the sweetness of aspartame and sucrose solutions at 4°C was undertaken using the “just right” scale. In addition, consumers were asked to comment on the presence or absence of any aftertaste. No significant differences in sweetness ratings were found between the aspartame and sucrose solutions. Both aspartame and sucrose were found to have an aftertaste (perceived by 30% and 60% women and 50% men tested) but the quality of the aftertaste appeared to differ.     

Interactions between aspartame, glucose and xylitol in aqueous systems containing potassium sorbate

The interaction between aspartame, glucose and xylitol in aqueous model systems of pH 3.00 and containing potassium sorbate was studied. Potassium sorbate degradation diminished with the increment of aspartame level from 0.050 to 0.500 g/100 g of system. Xylitol was the humectant that minimized aspartame degradation and non-enzymatic browning development. In general, as expected, presence of aspartame, xylitol or glucose and their mixtures increased the sweetness and they also diminished the sourness of the systems. The addition of 0.050 g of aspartame/100 g of system to the system containing xylitol produced a synergistic effect on sweetness intensity. Based on that trend, it could be concluded that the use of more than one sweetener might allow diminishing the amount of each one of them to assure a specific sweet level.These results stand out the advantage of the use of xylitol as well as the importance of an appropriate choice of the additives and food ingredients to use in the formulation of modified products with lower sugar content to optimize their quality.     

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.     

EFFECTS OF HYDROCOLLOIDS AND ASPARTAME ON SENSORY VISCOSITY AND SWEETNESS OF LOW CALORIE PEACH NECTARS

Effects were studied of interactions between each of three hydrocolloids-xanthan gum, guar gum and methylcellulose- and aspartame on sweetness intensity and sensory viscosity of low-calorie peach nectars (60% fruit purée with no sucrose added). The flows of the nectars were characterized as near Newtonian without hydrocolloids, as Bingham plastic at lower hydrocolloids concentrations and as pseudoplastic at higher concentrations (Ostwald flow for guar and methylcellulose, and Herschel-Bulkley for xanthan). Hydrocolloids concentrations were selected to cover viscosity range of commercial whole nectars: 0.10 and 0.20% xanthan or guar, and 0.15 and 0.30% methylcellulose. Aspartame concentrations tested were derived from the calculation of equisweet concentration as referred to a control nectar sample with sucrose (14°Brix) and of the upper and lower limen value: 0.216, 0.360 (equisweet), 0.502, and 0.644 g/L. Addition of either guar or methylcellulose did not alter the perceived sweetness in aspartame-sweetened peach nectars. Xanthan addition, even at 0.10%, significantly lowered sweetness of samples sweetened with the highest aspartame concentration (0.644 g/L). Addition of aspartame did not modify the perceived viscosity in samples thickened with either xanthan or guar gums. At all methylcellulose concentrations tested, samples with the lowest aspartame concentration (0.216 g/L) were perceived as less viscous.     

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.     

Different sweeteners in peach nectar: Ideal and equivalent sweetness

Many articles have been published with negative visions related to sugar, because people believe that its intake is related to obesity. For this reason, artificial sweeteners have received special attention. In order to substitute sucrose successfully, it is necessary to know previously sweetener concentrations that would be used and their sweetness equivalency related to sucrose. Hence, the objectives of this study were to determine the ideal sweetness in a peach nectar sweetened with sucrose, using a just-about-right scale, and the equivalent sweetness of samples sweetened with aspartame; cyclamate/saccharin blend 2:1; stevia; sucralose and acesulfame-K, using Magnitude Estimation. The concentration of sucrose considered as ideal by the consumers was 10%, with sweeteners’ equivalent concentrations of 0.054% for aspartame; 0.036% for cyclamate/saccharin blend 2:1; 0.10% for stevia; 0.016% for sucralose and 0.053% for acesulfame-K.     

AGAR AND GELATIN GEL FLAVOR RELEASE

The taste suppression and rupture properties of 0.8-2.0% w/w agar gel and 3.0-6.5% w/w gelatin gel were studied by sensory evaluation and objective measurement. Flavor compound concentrations were determined to equalize the intensity of aspartame sweetness (0.02% w/w for both agar and gelatin gels), sodium chloride saltiness (0.9% w/w for agar gel and 0.2% w/w for gelatin gel), and caffeine bitterness (0.08% w/w for agar gel and 0.07% w/w for gelatin gel) in 1% w/w agar gel and 4.5% w/w gelatin gel. The coefficient of taste intensity = (concentration of flavor compound in the aqueous solution of equiintense taste in gel)/(concentration of flavor compound in gel) was used to compare the difference in gel taste suppression. The coefficient of saltiness intensity of 3.0% w/w gelatin gel exceeded 1.0, and those of other gels were below 1.0. The suppressed variation of the coefficient of saltiness intensity in agar gel was significantly (P<0.01) smaller than that of bitterness depending on agar concentration. No significant differences (P>0.05) in taste suppression between gelatin gels containing the 3 flavor compounds due to changes in gelatin concentration were observed. Rupture energy, which is related to mastication and is a common scale for agar and gelatin gels, was used to evaluate changes in suppression of the coefficient of taste intensities of the 2 gels. The coefficient of bitterness intensity of agar gels was more significantly (P<0.01) suppressed than sweetness and saltiness intensities of gelatin gels. The coefficient of sweetness intensity of gelatin gels was suppressed significantly less than bitterness (P < 0.05) of gelatin gels and sweetness (P < 0.05) and bitterness (P < 0.01) of agar gels.     

Influence of texture on the temporal perception of sweetness of gelled systems

The aim of this work was to study how the texture of two hydrocolloid gelled systems with different mechanical properties – κ-carrageenan and gellan gum – sweetened with two sweeteners with different sweetening power – sucrose and aspartame – influence the temporal perception of sweetness using a time–intensity test. The results show that the different aspects of temporal perception of sweetness of hydrocolloid gels were related to their mechanical properties in different ways. Maximum sweetness intensity was closely related to the amount of deformation required to break the network and with its resistance to deformation. Meanwhile resistance to rupture was also an important factor influencing the variation in the rate of intensity decrease. The time needed to reach maximum sweetness intensity was only dependent on sweetener concentration.     

Textural and sensory properties of Lal peda manufactured with artificial sweeteners and bulking agents

Lal peda is an Indian heat desiccated dairy food. High sugar content in Lal peda poses severe restriction in its consumption. Sugar was replaced with artificial sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame‐k and sucralose) with the addition of bulking agents (Litesse and inulin) to provide a characteristic texture. Lal peda prepared using 25% Litesse and 0.17% aspartame gave an optimum product. HPLC analysis of artificially sweetened Lal peda samples revealed that aspartame in Lal peda was stable up to 6 days when stored at 20 and 37 °C. The acidic pH of Lal peda stabilised the aspartame and slowed down its degradation until 6 days. Neither inulin nor Litesse significantly altered the colour or sensory characteristics of Lal peda.     

Optimisation of sweetener blends for the preparation of lassi

Sucrose was successfully replaced with sweetener blends for the preparation of lassi. Optimisation of the levels of sweeteners added individually or in blends, viz. binary, tertiary and quaternary and finally selection of the best blend among them was based on organoleptic assessment. Binary blend aspartame × acesulfame‐k scored the highest when compared with the best optimised single sweetener aspartame, tertiary and quaternary blend in lassi and had nonsignificant differences with control in all sensory attributes. It showed maximum synergy in sweetness intensity in comparison to tertiary and quaternary blends. Use of binary blend resulted in 38% reduction of usage level when compared with single sweetener aspartame.     

Chemical stability of encapsulated aspartame in cakes without added sugar

Encapsulated aspartame (APM), developed to protect the APM molecule during baking, has not been evaluated for stability during baking and subsequent product storage. Thus, the objectives of this project were to determine the APM recovery in various cake formulations after baking and to evaluate APM degradation kinetics during product storage. The recovery of encapsulated APM after baking was 33–34% while that of non-encapsulated APM was 22%. The addition of the acidulant glucono-delta lactone (GDL) to the formulation increased the recovery of encapsulated APM to 58%. The rate constants of APM degradation in the cakes with and without GDL at 22 °C were 0.0085 and 0.035 day⁻¹, respectively. By using 2.5% encapsulated APM in cupcake mixes for home preparation, enough APM should remain to provide adequate sweetness during typical product shelf life.     

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.     

Chocolate Milk with Chia Oil: Ideal Sweetness,Sweeteners Equivalence,and Dynamic Sensory Evaluation Using a Time‐Intensity Methodology

The ideal sucrose concentration and equivalent concentrations of the stevia, sucralose, aspartame, and neotame in chocolate milk with chia oil as well as the dynamic behavior of certain sensory attributes were investigated using a time‐intensity methodology. The use of just‐about‐right (JAR) identified an ideal sucrose concentration of 9% (w/w). In addition, the magnitude estimation method showed that stevia had the lowest sweetness power whereas neotame presented the highest. Furthermore, the time‐intensity analysis indicated that there was no significant change between the maximum intensities of the sweetness for any evaluated sweeteners. In general, the desired sensory profile and some economic considerations are decisive on the choice of which sweetener is better to be used in chocolate milk formulation added with chia oil.     

STUDIES ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND STORAGE STABILITY OF GROUNDNUT (ARACHIS HYPOGEA) BURFI

ABSTRACT

Groundnut burfi with or without sorbic acid (0.3%) based on roasted groundnut, sugar, milk powder, condensed milk and flavoring materials was developed. The changes in quality of groundnut burfi packed in polypropylene (PP, 75 µ) and metallized polyester (12 µ) low density/linear low density (MP, 75 µ) were monitored during storage in order to assess the shelf life. The sample without sorbic acid spoiled within 30 days of storage due to mold growth and fermented odor. Groundnut burfi containing sorbic acid did not support any microbial growth during storage of up to 8 months. Groundnut burfi remained stable and acceptable up to 6 months and 8 months under ambient temperatures (15–34C) in PP and MP pouches, respectively. Peroxide and thiobarbituric acid values were higher for the product packed in PP than for the one packed in MP pouches. Oleic acid was the major fatty acid present in fat extracted from groundnut burfi followed by linoleic and palmitic acids. Sorbic acid degraded during storage of groundnut burfi and the rate of degradation was higher for samples packed in PP than those packed in MP pouches.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Groundnut is a rich and economic source of protein and other micronutrients. Products based on groundnut, such as burfi, may be highly useful in alleviating protein malnutrition in underdeveloped countries. As sweet items are highly relished by children, products like groundnut burfi will go a long way to provide nutritious, calorie dense and highly palatable products to the consumers.     

Formulation optimisation of a whey lemon beverage using a blend of the sweeteners aspartame and saccharin

Product formulations based on combinations of two sweeteners were optimised in a sweetened paneer whey lemon beverage (WLB) by organoleptic panels. The binary sweetener blend aspartame/saccharin (70:30, 0.0425%) scored the highest based upon comparison with the best‐optimised single sweetener aspartame (0.07%) in WLB and had nonsignificant differences with the control WLB sweetened with sucrose in all sensory attributes. This best binary blend showed maximum synergy in sweetness intensity (14.4%) and overall acceptability (7.5%) in respect of a single sweetener aspartame. The multiple‐sweetener approach involving use of binary blend (0.0425%) resulted in 39% reduction of usage level when compared with single sweetener aspartame (0.07%).