Color Halo/Horns and Halo-Attribute Dumping Effects within Descriptive Analysis of Carbonated Beverages

ABSTRACT:  Training panelists to focus on and evaluate a specific set of attributes is difficult. While every attempt is made to eliminate bias, such as methodology, panel influence, and product differences, unknown halo/horns effects may still influence the data collected. The objectives of this research were to (1) determine if a halo/horns effect of color exists in evaluating commercial cola and lemon/lime flavored carbonated beverages, and (2) determine if a halo-attribute dumping effect on mouthfeel attributes exists by aroma, aroma-by-mouth, taste, and afterfeel attributes. Ten panelists were trained to describe aroma, aroma-by-mouth, mouthfeel, taste, and afterfeel attributes of carbonated beverages. Each of the 6 carbonated beverages was evaluated by 3 treatments: (1) as is , (2) mix no color , and (3) mix with color . In the 1st set of product evaluations, all products were evaluated for mouthfeel attributes alone. In the 2nd of product evaluations, all products were evaluated for aroma, aroma-by-mouth, mouthfeel, taste, and afterfeel attributes. Color halo/horns effects were shown on mouthfeel intensity scores of lemon/lime carbonated beverages when caramel color was added. Adding caramel color significantly increased (halo effect) perceived body and mouthcoating and significantly decreased (horns effect) bite, burn, numbing, and carbonation attributes. A halo-attribute dumping effect was observed when mouthfeel attributes were rated exclusively compared to when other attributes in the modalities of aroma, aroma-by-mouth, taste, and afterfeel were rated in addition to mouthfeel attributes. Perceived intensities of bite, burn, numbing, and astringent attributes significantly increased (halo-attribute dumping) when rated alone compared to when all attributes were rated.     

Preference Mapping of Lemon Lime Carbonated Beverages with Regular and Diet Beverage Consumers

The drivers of liking of lemon‐lime carbonated beverages were investigated with regular and diet beverage consumers. Ten beverages were selected from a category survey of commercial beverages using a D‐optimal procedure. Beverages were subjected to consumer testing (n = 101 regular beverage consumers, n = 100 diet beverage consumers). Segmentation of consumers was performed on overall liking scores followed by external preference mapping of selected samples. Diet beverage consumers liked 2 diet beverages more than regular beverage consumers. There were no differences in the overall liking scores between diet and regular beverage consumers for other products except for a sparkling beverage sweetened with juice which was more liked by regular beverage consumers. Three subtle but distinct consumer preference clusters were identified. Two segments had evenly distributed diet and regular beverage consumers but one segment had a greater percentage of regular beverage consumers (P < 0.05). The 3 preference segments were named: cluster 1 (C1) sweet taste and carbonation mouthfeel lovers, cluster 2 (C2) carbonation mouthfeel lovers, sweet and bitter taste acceptors, and cluster 3 (C3) bitter taste avoiders, mouthfeel and sweet taste lovers. User status (diet or regular beverage consumers) did not have a large impact on carbonated beverage liking. Instead, mouthfeel attributes were major drivers of liking when these beverages were tested in a blind tasting. Practical Application : Preference mapping of lemon‐lime carbonated beverage with diet and regular beverage consumers allowed the determination of drivers of liking of both populations. The understanding of how mouthfeel attributes, aromatics, and basic tastes impact liking or disliking of products was achieved. Preference drivers established in this study provide product developers of carbonated lemon‐lime beverages with additional information to develop beverages that may be suitable for different groups of consumers.     

香气增甜的作用机制及评价方法研究进展

食品减糖比较常见的方法是使用非营养性甜味剂,但非营养性甜味剂会带来不受欢迎的苦味或金属味及安全风险。研究表明,在某些食物中加入香气物质可以增强人体对食品的甜味感知,即利用香气增甜作用达到食品减糖效果。从气味物质种类、甜味剂浓度2个方面总结了对香气增甜作用有重要影响的因素;从正鼻途径和后鼻途径的嗅觉感受机制、脑神经及味觉感受机制、心理感受机制3个方面阐述了香气增甜的作用机制,总结了分子模拟在分析甜味剂与味觉受体结合、释放过程的应用;归纳了评价香气增甜作用大小的感官分析方法,并比较描述性感官分析法、时间强度法和感觉时间支配分析法3种感官分析方法的差异性;对香气增甜作用在食品工业中的应用现状进行了汇总;对香气增甜研究方向以及分析气味增强味觉作用机制的方法提出展望,以期为香气减糖的研究提供新思路。     

Mouthfeel Detection Threshold and Instrumental Viscosity of Sucrose and High Fructose Corn Syrup Solutions

ABSTRACT:  Significant mouthfeel differences between diet and regular cola carbonated beverages have been reported; however, the underlying cause of those differences is not well understood. One avenue explored here is the connection between mouthfeel differences and mouthfeel thresholds of model solutions containing sweeteners used in regular carbonated beverages. The objectives of this research were to (1) determine individual and group mouthfeel detection thresholds of sucrose and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) solutions while suppressing sweet taste; (2) relate individual and group thresholds to viscosity and number of sweetener molecules in solution; and (3) measure and compare the viscosities of commercial carbonated beverages to the viscosities of sucrose and HFCS solutions formulated to the concentrations of individual and group thresholds. The R-index measure by the rating method was used by 21 panelists to evaluate the thickness difference of sucrose and HFCS solutions compared to water using Gymnema sylvestre tea to supress sweet taste. The group mouthfeel detection threshold for sucrose was 16.78%± 8.72% (g/100 mL) and for HFCS was 11.48%± 8.67% (g/100 mL). The average viscosity of regular carbonated beverages is within the viscosity range associated with the group mouthfeel threshold concentrations of sucrose and HFCS solutions, but the average viscosity of diet carbonated beverages is lower than the viscosity range associated with the group mouthfeel detection threshold concentrations of sucrose and HFCS solutions. This research implies that consumers are sensitive enough to detect mouthfeel differences between diet and regular carbonated beverages, albeit the instrumental viscosity difference being small (0.527 mPa ⋅ s).     

PERCEIVED TEXTURAL DIMENSIONS OF FRUIT-BASED BEVERAGES

The major sensory dimensions of the mouthfeel of fruit based beverages were determined by principal components analysis and the degree of correlation between mouthfeel characteristics and the taste and pleasantness of beverages was assessed. Untrained college students rated 35 different beverages on 16 different 10-point scales containing mouthfeel, taste and hedonic terms. Two major mouthfeel dimensions emerged with this set of beverages and they were termed density/thickness and chemical irritant effect. An interdependence between mouthfeel and taste ratings was also found. Sweetness ratings were negatively correlated and sour, salty and bitter tastes were positively correlated with mouthfeel terms describing oral mucosal irritation.     

A Protocol for Measurement of In Vivo Aroma Release from Beverages

The quality of in vivo aroma release measurements of beverages can be improved when a strict protocol is used to control variation in aroma release due to human factors. A trained panel was able to significantly discriminate between aqueous aroma solutions with a concentration difference as low as 17%. This protocol and headspace measurements have been applied to a lemon‐lime type beverage with either bulk or lowcalorie intense sweeteners. The ingredients examined did not influence aroma release at concentrations relevant to the beverage industry. Aroma release was only affected by very high concentrations of sucrose.     

A COMPARISON OF ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS' STABILITY IN A LIME-LEMON FLAVORED CARBONATED BEVERAGE

Three intense sweeteners, aspartame, acesulfame‐K and sucralose, were incorporated singly in lime‐lemon flavored carbonated beverage in optimized concentrations on a sucrose equivalence basis at controlled pH conditions. The beverages were stored for 60 days at 4, 27 and 37C and the sweetener concentration determined by HPLC. The loss of aspartame was maximum (29.5%) while that of sucralose was minimum (1.9%) at the end of 60 days' storage at 37C. In the case of acesulfame‐K, the loss was 6.1%. Sucralose was more stable than the other sweeteners.     

Consumer perception of astringency in clear acidic whey protein beverages

Acidic whey protein beverages are a growing component of the functional food and beverage market. These beverages are also astringent, but astringency is an expected and desirable attribute of many beverages (red wine, tea, coffee) and may not necessarily be a negative attribute of acidic whey protein beverages. The goal of this study was to define the consumer perception of astringency in clear acidic whey protein beverages. Six focus groups (n=49) were held to gain understanding of consumer knowledge of astringency. Consumers were presented with beverages and asked to map them based on astringent mouthfeel and liking. Orthonasal thresholds for whey protein isolate (WPI) in water and flavored model beverages were determined using a 7-series ascending forced choice method. Mouthfeel/basic taste thresholds were determined for WPI in water. Acceptance tests on model beverages were conducted using consumers (n=120) with and without wearing nose clips. Consumers in focus groups were able to identify astringency in beverages. Astringency intensity was not directly related to dislike. The orthonasal threshold for WPI in water was lower (P < 0.05) than the mouthfeel/basic taste threshold of WPI in water. Consumer acceptance of beverages containing WPI was lower (P < 0.05) when consumers were not wearing nose clips compared to acceptance scores of beverages when consumers were wearing nose clips. These results suggest that flavors contributed by WPI in acidic beverages are more objectionable than the astringent mouthfeel and that both flavor and astringency should be the focus of ongoing studies to improve the palatability of these products.     

Alcohol,Tannins, and Mannoprotein and their Interactions Influence the Sensory Properties of Selected Commercial Merlot Wines: A Preliminary Study

The objective of this study was to assess the influence of the interaction among alcohol, tannins, and mannoproteins on the aroma, flavor, taste, and mouthfeel characteristics of selected commercial Merlot wines. Merlot wines (n = 61) were characterized for wine chemistry parameters, including pH, titratable acidity, alcohol, glucose, fructose, tannin profile, total proteins, and mannoprotein content. Agglomerative clustering of these physicochemical characteristics revealed 6 groups of wines. Two wines were selected from each group (n = 12) and profiled by a trained sensory evaluation panel. One wine from each group was evaluated using the electronic tongue (e‐tongue). Sensory evaluation results showed complex effects among tannins, alcohol, and mannoproteins on the perception of most aromas, flavors, tastes, and mouthfeel attributes (P < 0.05). The e‐tongue showed distinct differences among the taste attributes of the 6 groups of wines as indicated by a high discrimination index (DI = 95). Strong correlations (r² > 0.930) were reported between the e‐tongue and sensory perception of sweet, sour, bitter, burning, astringent, and metallic. This study showed that interactions among wine matrix components influence the resulting sensory perceptions. The strong correlation between the e‐tongue and trained panel evaluations indicated the e‐tongue can complement sensory evaluations to improve wine quality assessment.     

The influence of beverages on the stimulation and viscoelasticity of saliva: Relationship to mouthfeel?

The viscoelasticity and secretion rate of stimulated saliva depends on food and beverage related stimuli, and it is demonstrated that this may subsequently influence the sensory properties and particularly the mouthfeel and afterfeel associated with the product being consumed. Using saliva donated by twelve volunteers, it is shown that acidic beverages such as peach flavoured iced tea and a fizzy cola stimulate significantly higher flow rates of whole mouth saliva that has greater elasticity in comparison to that generated following stimulation by water. In comparison, mechanical action from chewing flavourless gum and the stimulation from sucking a mint also stimulate high flow rates of saliva, although it is significantly less elastic than that from acid-based stimuli. However, the viscosity of human whole mouth saliva is relatively insensitive to beverage type, chewing, or mint. It is speculated that the stimulation of highly elastic saliva in response to acidic beverages is a defence mechanism for protecting the teeth from acid erosion. A separate sensory panel was used to identify key mouthfeel attributes that are likely to be related to the response of saliva, including: tongue dryness, mouth moistness, amount of saliva, tongue sensation, and throat drying. These results indicate that saliva viscoelasticity and flow rate alter dramatically in response to what a consumer eats and drinks, and that this in turn may affect mouthfeel and other organoleptic properties.     

Could cider aroma modify cider mouthfeel properties?

The objective of this work was to evaluate whether aroma–taste interactions could occur in cider due to cognitive interactions such as a dumping effect or a congruency phenomenon. Sixteen French ciders were selected with different organoleptic characteristics. Three different tasting conditions were compared in order to evaluate the presence of aroma interactions with taste. A trained panel was first asked to assess ciders, with and without a nose clip, on four attributes: sweetness, sourness, bitterness and astringency. Secondly, they had to score the same four attributes with seven aroma attributes added. It was shown that the perception of sweetness and astringency was modified in the presence of aroma. Ciders with fruity and caramel aromatic notes were perceived sweeter contrary to ciders with hay, animal and earthy notes, which were perceived less sweet. Moreover, the aroma interaction with sweetness was sugar concentration-dependent. It occurred only in cider containing around 40 g/L of sugar. Finally, ciders were perceived more astringent when tasted without wearing a nose clip.     

Older US adults like sweetened colas,but not other chemesthetic beverages

Many older adults suffer from difficulty swallowing thin beverages like water or coffee. To improve swallowing safety, beverages are typically thickened. This creates a new problem: the thickened beverages can be disgusting. New research suggests chemesthesis, particularly spiciness, carbonation, or intense sourness, could improve swallowing without the need for thickeners. Yet, whether such beverages would be liked by older adults is unknown. We thus conducted this experiment to establish older adults' sensory perception and liking/disliking of commercially available chemesthetic beverages. We recruited participants to rate sweetness, sourness, fizziness, stinging, and liking/disliking of unsweetened carbonated waters (1 plain, 5 flavored), sour orange juice, spicy ginger beer, and colas (sugar or aspartame-sweetened). Initial tests (N = 30 older adults) indicated sour orange juice, spicy ginger beer, and two of the flavored waters were not well-liked, so other beverages were selected for a second test (N = 94, 30 younger adults, 64 older adults). Sweetened, carbonated colas were the best-liked of the beverages. The unsweetened, flavored carbonated waters were in general not liked. Regarding comparisons of sensory ratings between older and younger adults, only sweetness differed between age groups. In particular, intensity ratings for the chemesthetic aspects of the beverages (stinging/burning/spiciness, fizziness) and the sour taste did not differ by age. As the chemesthetic properties are the most likely reason the beverages could aid in swallowing safety, observing no suppression of these sensations in older adults is encouraging for the potential of these products as a treatment option.     

蔗糖对绿茶饮料理化成分及其风味稳定性的影响

绿茶饮料的风味稳定性一直是制约高品质绿茶饮料货架期的技术瓶颈。为了提高绿茶饮料的风味稳定性,分析比较了绿茶加工过程中不同蔗糖添加量(0,1%,2%,4%和8%)对绿茶饮料灭菌(135℃,15 s)、贮藏(4,25,38℃;0~60 d)过程中感官品质以及理化成分的影响。结果表明,与对照(未加蔗糖处理)相比,添加蔗糖使绿茶饮料滋味更鲜爽甜醇,香气浓度增加;灭菌后,添加蔗糖使得绿茶饮料的香气和滋味品质提高,总儿茶素和表型儿茶素含量增加,非表型儿茶素下降;在不同贮藏条件下,相比对照,添加蔗糖后的绿茶饮料风味品质有明显改善,包括汤色亮度增加,香气和滋味增强,茶多酚、氨基酸、咖啡碱以及儿茶素含量均有所增加,在贮藏42 d内添加蔗糖对绿茶饮料风味品质稳定性的提高更为明显,且2%和4%蔗糖添加量对绿茶饮料的风味品质有更好的改善作用。研究结果表明在一定的贮藏条件下,绿茶加工过程中添加蔗糖可以较好地改善绿茶饮料的风味品质并保持其稳定性。