Consumer perception of smoked Cheddar cheese

Consumer perception of smoked cheese was evaluated through focus groups, surveys, and central location testing. Three focus groups (n = 29) were conducted with consumers of smoked cheese. Subsequently, 2 online surveys were conducted. The purpose of the first survey (n = 1,195) was to understand types of smoked cheeses consumed and if consumers associated specific wood smokes with smoked cheese. Next, an adaptive choice-based conjoint (n = 367) was designed to evaluate consumer perception of different attributes of smoked cheese. Maximum difference scaling and familiarity questions were also included in the adaptive choice-based conjoint survey. Following the surveys, a central location test (n = 135) was conducted with cheeses smoked with 3 different woods at a low and high intensity (6 cheeses total). Hierarchical Bayesian estimation, 1-way ANOVA, agglomerative hierarchical clustering, and 2-way ANOVA (smoke type × intensity level) were used to interpret the collected data. Results from the focus groups indicated that smoked cheese was perceived as an artisan, high-end product and that appearance and price were strong purchase factors. In general, consumers were not aware of how smoked flavor was imparted to cheese, but when informed of the processes, they preferred cold-smoked cheese to the addition of liquid smoke flavor. Results from both surveys confirmed focus group observations. Consumers perceived flavor differences among different wood smokes and smoked products. Method of smoking, smoke intensity, type of wood, and type of cheese were the most important attributes for purchase of smoked cheese. When tasting, consumers differentiated smoke aroma and flavor among cheeses and preferred cherry wood smoked cheeses over apple wood or hickory smoked cheeses. Understanding consumer perceptions of smoked cheese will give insight into the desired experience that consumers expect when purchasing smoked cheese.     

Consumer insights on prepackaged Cheddar cheese shreds using focus groups,conjoint analysis,and qualitative multivariate analysis

This study established attractive attributes and drivers of purchase for prepackaged Cheddar cheese shreds. Seven focus groups of Cheddar cheese shred consumers (n = 61) were conducted to probe consumer beliefs regarding packaging, ingredients, label claims, and applications of prepackaged Cheddar cheese shreds. Subsequently, an online survey was developed utilizing the key attributes from the focus groups. The survey (n = 1,288) included maximum difference scaling, Kano questions, and adaptive choice-based conjoint analysis. Additionally, 9 different commercial Cheddar cheese shreds varying in color, shred thickness, brand, and price were selected for a follow-up qualitative multivariate analysis to gain further consumer insight on attribute importance. Consumers (n = 13) were provided with commercial packages of shreds to evaluate over a 4-week period. Consumers journaled their likes and dislikes after use of each cheese shred and subsequently participated in a final 2.5-h focus group and projective mapping exercise. Consumers placed highest importance on price, followed by nutrition claims, color, sharpness, thickness, and label claims. Four consumer clusters were identified from conjoint utility scores. One consumer cluster exhibited preference for value-added features such as nutrition claims and brand, and another consumer cluster placed importance on shred color, whereas the other 2 groups were driven primarily by price. The qualitative multivariate analysis results confirmed the focus group and survey results: meltability, orange color, lack of clumps, ability to reseal the bag, and desirable “Cheddar” flavor were also preferred Cheddar shred qualities.     

Preference Mapping of Soymilk with Different U.S. Consumers

This study determined and compared drivers of liking for unflavored soymilk with different U.S. consumer groups. A highly trained panel documented appearance, mouthfeel and flavor attributes of 26 commercial soymilks. Twelve representative soymilks were then selected for evaluation by consumers from 3 age/cultural categories (n = 75 each category; Caucasian/African American females aged 18 to 30 y; Asian females aged 18 to 30 y; Caucasian/African American females aged 40 to 64 y). Consumers evaluated overall liking and liking and intensity of specific attributes. Results were evaluated by analysis of variance, followed by internal and external preference mapping. Age had no effect on overall liking, while ethnicity did (Caucasian/African American compared with Asian; P < 0.05). Caucasians/African Americans differentiated soymilks more than Asians and assigned a wider range of liking scores than Asians (2.1 to 7.2 compared with 4.0 to 6.1). Three consumer clusters were identified. Sweet taste with vanilla/vanillin and sweet aromatic flavors and higher viscosity were preferred by most consumers and differences between consumer clusters were primarily in drivers of dislike. Drivers of dislike were not identified for Cluster 1 consumers while Clusters 2 and 3 consumers (n = 84, n = 80) disliked beany, green/grassy and meaty/brothy flavors and astringency. Cluster 3 (n = 80) consumers scored all soymilks higher in liking (P < 0.05) than Cluster 2 consumers, and were willing to overlook disliked attributes with the addition of sweet taste, whereas the Cluster 2 consumers were not. These findings can be utilized to produce soymilks with attributes that are well liked by target consumers and to tailor attributes for segments of the population that have not yet been accommodated.     

不同产地辣椒挥发性成分的对比研究

为探究火锅常用干辣椒及其籽、皮的品质及香气的差异,采用理化分析结合气相色谱-质谱联用的方法,对6个不同品种干辣椒及其皮、籽的品质及挥发性成分进行比较分析。结果表明,脂肪（14.50%~24.50%）和蛋白质（12.20%~17.10%）在辣椒籽中含量更高,而辣椒皮的水分（9.80%~16.50%）和总糖（7.87%~16.70%）含量更高;在色泽方面,‘子弹头’、‘艳椒’和‘新一代’的颜色较为鲜红,‘艳椒’的色价（15.12）最高;在辣度方面,‘印度椒’辣度（892度）最高,‘灯笼椒’辣度（43度）最低,辣椒皮的辣度高于辣椒籽。在6个品种干辣椒及其皮、籽中共检测到80种挥发性成分,不同品种干辣椒的挥发性成分具有一定差异,包括D-柠檬烯、4-甲基-1-戊醇、苯乙醛、乙酸、川芎嗪等;干辣椒皮与籽对其整体香气的贡献也不同,D-柠檬烯、芳樟醇、苯乙醛、丙酮、乙酸等在辣椒皮中相对含量较高,主要呈花果香、木香和辛辣气息,而辣椒籽中D-柠檬烯、2,3-丁二醇、4-甲基-1-戊醇、乙酸、二甲醚等的相对含量较高,主要贡献花果香味。研究可为复合使用不同品种干辣椒生产不同风味火锅底料提供理论参考。     

Preference Mapping of Fresh Tomatoes Across 3 Stages of Consumption

Tomatoes (Solanum lycoperiscum) are a popular produce choice and provide many bioactive compounds. Consumer choice of tomatoes is influenced by flavor and visual appearance and external texture cues including hand firmness and sliceability. The objective of this study was to determine drivers of liking for fresh tomatoes across 3 stages of consumption. Seven tomato cultivars were ripened to a 6 on the USDA color chart. Trained panelists documented appearance, flavor, and texture attributes of tomatoes in triplicate. Tomato consumers (n = 177) were provided with knives and cutting boards and evaluated tomatoes across 3 stages: appearance (stage 1), slicing (stage 2), and consumption (stage 3). Consumers evaluated overall liking at each stage. Analysis of variance and external preference mapping were conducted. Overall liking was highest during the appearance portion of the test and lowest during the consumption portion (P < 0.05). Drivers of liking at stage 1 were color intensity, even outside color, and overall aroma. Drivers of liking at stage 2 were wetness/juiciness and overall aroma. Wetness/juiciness, seed presence, ripe flavor, and sweet and umami tastes were drivers of liking for tomatoes at consumption (stage 3). Four separate clusters of tomato consumers were identified. Cluster 1 preferred tomatoes with even color, higher color intensity, and flavor intensity. Cluster 2 preferred firm tomatoes. Cluster 3 preferred tomatoes that were soft and at peak ripeness; this cluster also had the highest liking scores for all tomatoes. Cluster 4 consumers generally consumed tomatoes in sandwiches rather than as‐is and preferred tomatoes with even and intense color. Tomato growers can utilize these results to target cultivars that are well liked by consumers.     

Consumer Discrimination of Rancidity in Pork Loin Chops and Pork Sausages

ABSTRACT: To determine if consumers could discriminate samples differing in rancidity, 2 experiments were conducted with freezer-stored pork loin chops (M. longissimus dorsi ) and sausages made from pigs fed diets varying in fatty acid composition. Samples were categorized as "normal" and "rancid" using Principal Component Analysis of data from trained sensory panel evaluations. These samples were presented to 2 consumer panels (n = 206 and n = 213). Rancidity did influence consumer preference. Consumers were able to discriminate between "normal" and "rancid" sausage, and preferred "normal." No differences ( P > 0.05) in preference or flavor were detected between the chop groups.     

Consumer perception of ice cream and frozen desserts in the “better-for-you” category

The consumption of ice cream and frozen desserts in the “better-for-you” (BFY) category has grown rapidly over the past few years, even as traditional ice cream sales remain stagnant. To better understand consumer preferences within the BFY category, an online survey (n = 1,051) was conducted with ice cream and frozen dessert consumers, followed by consumer acceptance testing of commercial BFY frozen dairy desserts. Consumers of BFY frozen desserts (n = 578) completed an adaptive choice-based conjoint survey and MaxDiff exercise to identify the attributes that drive purchase of BFY frozen desserts. MaxDiff exercises were also used to determine which attributes all frozen dessert consumers (n = 1,051) perceived to make a frozen dessert BFY and which stabilizers or emulsifiers were most attractive on an ice cream or frozen dessert label. Subsequently, a consumer acceptance test (n = 186) was conducted using 4 commercial vanilla-flavored frozen dairy desserts made with different sweetening systems (sugar, sucralose + acesulfame K, monk fruit + allulose, and stevia + erythritol). Half of consumers were primed or informed with the sweeteners and basic nutritional information for the frozen desserts before tasting, and the other half of consumers evaluated samples blinded, where they were only informed that they were tasting a vanilla-flavored frozen dessert. Sweetener type and base (dairy vs. plant) were the most important attributes to BFY consumers when selecting a BFY frozen dessert (n = 578). For all ice cream and BFY dessert consumers (n = 1,051), sweetener-related claims (naturally sweetened, reduced sugar, no added sugar), along with “all natural” and a short ingredient list, were the top attributes that contributed to perception of a “healthier” frozen dessert. When BFY frozen desserts were tasted by consumers, purchase intent decreased after tasting, suggesting that frozen desserts made with natural non-nutritive sweeteners did not meet consumer expectations. Flavor of BFY frozen desserts remains more important than perceived healthiness. Consumers perceive frozen desserts, even those in the BFY category, as an indulgence. Frozen dessert manufacturers should focus on naturally sweetened, dairy-based desserts with minimal sweetener-related flavor defects when designing products for the BFY category.     

Determining Acceptance of Domestic Forage- or Grain-Finished Beef by Consumers from Three Southeastern U.S. States

ABSTRACT:  Twenty-six crossbred steers were finished either on ryegrass ( Lolium multiflorum Lam.) forage (FOR, n = 13) or a primarily grain diet containing 85% corn, 7.5% cotton-seed hulls, and 7.5% vitamin/mineral/urea supplement (GRAIN, n = 13) to determine the consumer acceptance of forage- and grain-finished beef in 3 southeastern states. Shear force values were not affected by finishing treatment ( P = 0.62), and both total and heat-labile collagen content means of the FOR and GRAIN steaks were similar ( P = 0.88 and 0.14, respectively). Ribeye steaks were cut from wholesale roasts after 14 d of aging and were evaluated by 1250 consumers in a retail study and 87 consumers in a take-home study across Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Retail consumers rated GRAIN steaks higher for flavor ( P = 0.001), overall palatability ( P = 0.001), and price per kg ( P = 0.001) compared to FOR steaks, but consumers in the take-home study found no differences in any of the 3 traits. Consumers that preferred FOR steaks were willing to pay an average of $2.38/kg and $5.61/kg more for FOR steaks than for GRAIN steaks in the retail and take-home studies, respectively ( P = 0.001). Among consumers surveyed across all 3 states, 34.1% of retail consumers and 54.0% of take-home consumers preferred FOR steaks. At least one-third of the consumers surveyed preferred the taste of forage-finished beef and were willing to pay a premium.     

Consumer satisfaction with dry-cured ham in five European countries

The objective is to investigate consumer satisfaction with dry-cured ham in five European countries. A logistic regression model has been fitted using data collected through a cross-sectional web-based survey carried out in Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Poland and Greece during January 2008 (n=2437 of which 2156 were dry-cured ham consumers). Satisfaction was evaluated as overall satisfaction, as well as specific satisfaction with healthfulness, price, convenience and taste. The findings show that the main determinant of overall satisfaction is taste satisfaction, hence, producers are recommended to focus on matching sensory acceptability of dry-cured ham. No significant between-country differences were found, reflecting the wide availability of this product in all countries. Consumer characteristics influenced their level of satisfaction. Men, older (age > 52 years) and frequent consumers of dry-cured ham consumption were more likely to be satisfied with dry-cured ham. Consumers trust the butcher's advice and they preferred purchasing dry-cured ham at a butcher shop rather than in a supermarket.     

CONSUMER ATTITUDES, PREFERENCES AND SHOPPING BEHAVIOR TOWARD HOT PEPPERS IMPORTED FROM TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

A survey consisting of 108 completed interviews was conducted in two locations in Toronto, Canada, to identify and describe Canadian consumer views at different retail outlets concerning quality, services offered, buying habits and preferences of hot peppers imported from Trinidad and Tobago. At both locations, more consumers preferred to buy hot peppers at supermarkets compared with roadside or farmers’ markets, respectively. Convenience, freshness and sorted and graded produce combined with lower postharvest losses experienced were major factors influencing the decision to shop at supermarket outlets. However, consumers at all retail outlets ranked pungency as the most important quality factor followed by flavor, shelf-life and color. Awareness among growers and exporters at the supply end and brokers and retailers at the receiving end of the export marketing system of this commodity could influence consumer demand for these quality characteristics to result in mutual economic benefits.     

Experimental gluten-free biscuits with underexploited flours versus commercial products: Preference pattern and sensory characterisation by Check All That Apply Questionnaire

Acceptability and the sensory profile of experimental and commercial gluten-free biscuits were evaluated using a consumer test. Experimental biscuits contained flours little employed in commercial gluten-free products (buckwheat, sorghum and lentil) and without rice and maize flours and starches. Liking scores, answers to a Check All That Apply questionnaire and responses to a dietary habits survey were collected from consumers. Consumers were clustered through Hierarchical Clustering of Principal Components and CLUSCATA. Interestingly, the cluster that, based on dietary habits survey, was more used to the consumption of wholemeal biscuits preferred experimental formulations. On the contrary, liking scores expressed by consumers that consumed less often wholemeal biscuits were below the threshold of acceptance. Different groups of consumers had a diverse perception of the products and different drivers of liking and disliking. The information achieved in this study confirms the importance of consumers’ data.     

Factors affecting consumers' preferences for and purchasing decisions regarding pasteurized and raw milk specialty cheeses

Eight hundred ninety consumers at a local food festival were surveyed about their specialty cheese purchasing behavior and asked to taste and rate, through nonforced choice preference, 1 of 4 cheese pairs (Cheddar and Gouda) made from pasteurized and raw milks. The purpose of the survey was to examine consumers’ responses to information on the safety of raw milk cheeses. The associated consumer test provided information about specialty cheese consumers’ preferences and purchasing behavior. Half of the consumers tested were provided with cheese pairs that were identified as being made from unpasteurized and pasteurized milk. The other half evaluated samples that were identified only with random 3-digit codes. Overall, more consumers preferred the raw milk cheeses than the pasteurized milk cheeses. A larger portion of consumers indicated preferences for the raw milk cheese when the cheeses were labeled and thus they knew which samples were made from raw milk. Most of the consumers tested considered the raw milk cheeses to be less safe or did not know if raw milk cheeses were less safe. After being informed that the raw milk cheeses were produced by a process approved by the FDA (i.e., 60-d ripening), most consumers with concerns stated that they believed raw milk cheeses to be safe. When marketing cheese made from raw milk, producers should inform consumers that raw milk cheese is produced by an FDA-approved process.     

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.     

长春地区消费者干酪口味调查分析报告

通过对长春地区650余名消费者干酪风味、口感和营养需求等的调查,分析了不同年龄段的消费群体对干酪口味的需求.调查结果表明,大多数消费者没有食用过真正的西式干酪,在干酪的口味方面普遍喜欢风味淡、盐分低、质地柔软的新鲜干酪、软质干酪或再制干酪.本调查的结果为开发适合国人口味的干酪提供了依据.