Consumer Acceptance of a Polyphenolic Coffee Beverage

The objective of this study was to determine if Chardonnay grape seed pomace (GSP), a waste stream of wine production, could be used as a functional ingredient in brewed coffee. Two consumer panels were conducted to assess the acceptance of coffee at coffee replacement (w/w) values of 0% (control), 6.25%, 12.50%, 18.75%, or 25% GSP. The 1st consumer panel (n = 80) assessed the coffee samples served “black.” The 2nd panel (n = 67) assessed the coffee samples with adjustment (that is, sweeteners, milk, and cream) options available. Consumer sensory evaluation involved evaluating the 5 treatments individually for acceptance of appearance, aroma, taste/flavor, and overall acceptance using a 9‐point hedonic scale. A check‐all‐that‐apply questionnaire surveyed the sensory attributes describing aroma, appearance, and taste/flavor of the samples. Oxygen radical absorbance capacity was used to measure the effects of antioxidant levels in GSP coffee samples. Results showed that GSP could be added at 6.25% replacement without significantly affecting the overall consumer acceptance of coffee compared to the control (0% GSP). Above 6.25% GSP supplementation, the coffee beverage was described as more tan, milky, watery/dilute, and mild, and was generally less accepted by the consumers. GSP also increased the antioxidant capacity of the coffee compared to the control (0% GSP), with no significant differences among replacement values. Therefore, 6.25% GSP replacement is recommended for creating coffee beverages acceptable to consumers. Further in vivo investigation may substantiate the free‐radical scavenging capacity of GSP coffee and its potential health benefits.     

FRANKFURTERS EXTENDED WITH WHEAT GERM PROTEIN: SENSORY PROPERTIES AND CONSUMER RESPONSE1

In this study, 103 consumers evaluated the sensory acceptance of frankfurters extended with wheat germ protein flour (WGPF). Consumers as a whole did not perceive any differences in the attributes of appearance, flavor, texture, and overall acceptance. However, samples with WGPF were scored lower for intensities of hot dog flavor and spiciness. Perception of intensities of attributes varied depending on age, frequency of consumption, and whether the consumer was male or female. WGPF did not influence the overall acceptance of the product. A trained panel found a difference in smoky flavor due to treatment and a weak difference in smoky aroma and flavor due to storage. Trends suggested an effect due to increasing levels of WGPF on aroma and flavor of frankfurters.     

Influence of Visual Masking Technique on the Assessment of 2 Red Wines by Trained and Consumer Assessors

ABSTRACT:  During sensory evaluation assessments, visual masking techniques are frequently employed to disguise color differences between samples and minimize perceptual bias. Particularly in wine, the impact of these masking techniques on panelist evaluations has not been well studied. The objective of this study was to study the influence of visual masking techniques on the aroma and flavor assessment of 2 red wines and observe the impact of these techniques on trained and consumer sensory panels. Specific masking techniques included (1) blue wine glass/white illumination; (2) clear glass/red illumination; and (3) clear glass/white illumination. Ten panelists were trained to recognize 7 aroma and flavor attributes, while consumer panelists ( n = 80) evaluated attributes and liking. For the trained panel, the visual masking technique affected only perceived spicy flavor of Syrah ( P ≤ 0.05), with the clear glass/red illumination resulting in more intense spicy flavor compared to the other 2 conditions. Principal components analysis showed that for the 2 red wines evaluated by the trained panel, red illumination resulted in higher spicy attributes and perceived astringency while wines served in blue wine glasses were higher in perceived astringency. For the consumer panel, red illumination resulted in wines higher in perceived astringency and blue wine glasses resulted in wines higher in perceived flavor liking. These results indicated that the visual masking techniques may influence both trained and consumer panel evaluation of aroma and flavor attributes of red wine. However, beyond red wine, this study makes the larger point that the choice of masking technique does impact sensory evaluations.     

PHYSICAL,CHEMICAL AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF SUGAR‐FREE JELLY*

The increase in diabetes and obesity has increased the demand for sugar‐free/low‐calorie products. Three jelly formulations were prepared using sucralose, low‐methoxyl pectin and maltodextrin with either xanthan gum or locust bean gum (LBG) used singly or in combination and stored at 4C or 43C for shelf life evaluation. Jelly treatments were evaluated for chemical, physical and sensory properties. The combination of xanthan gum and LBG significantly reduced syneresis compared with either gum used singly. The combination of xanthan gum and LBG resulted in significantly higher firmness and springiness values than using xanthan gum or LBG alone. The overall acceptability, aroma, taste, texture, spreadability and sensory attributes for no sugar‐added grape jelly averaged 5.8–6.4 in a 9‐point hedonic scale consumer acceptance study.     

Sensory Profiles for Dried Fig (Ficus carica L.) Cultivars Commercially Grown and Processed in California

A trained sensory panel evaluated the 6 fig cultivars currently sold in the California dried fig market. The main flavor and aroma attributes determined by the sensory panel were “caramel,” “honey,” “raisin,” and “fig,” with additional aroma attributes: “common date,” “dried plum,” and “molasses.” Sensory differences were observed between dried fig cultivars. All figs were processed by 2 commercial handlers. Processing included potassium sorbate as a preservative and SO₂ application as an antibrowning agent for white cultivars. As a consequence of SO₂ use during processing, high sulfite residues affected the sensory profiles of the white dried fig cultivars. Significant differences between dried fig cultivars and sources demonstrate perceived differences between processing and storage methods. The panel‐determined sensory lexicon can help with California fig marketing.     

Sucrose‐free chocolate sweetened with Stevia rebaudiana extract and containing different bulking agents – effects on physicochemical and sensory properties

Sucrose‐free milk chocolates sweetened with Stevia and containing different types of commercial inulin or polydextrose as bulking agents, were examined in relation to their physico‐chemical, rheological and sensory properties. Compared with chocolate sweetened with sucrose, noticeable differences in lightness (L* values) were observed for sucrose‐free chocolates and attributed to changes in surface roughness. Chocolate containing inulin with a higher degree of polymerisation (DP) had higher melting points, greater plastic viscosity and an increased flow behaviour index. The Herschel‐Bulkley mathematical model most closely fitted to the rheological data. Chocolate containing the highest DP inulin was found to be very similar to control in tested sensory attributes (appearance, firmness, smoothness, mouth feel, flavour/taste and overall acceptance) when assessed by a consumer panel. These data indicate that it is possible to manufacture sucrose‐free chocolate using high DP inulin without adversely affecting its important physico‐chemical properties and sensory acceptance.     

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.     

A study of the physicochemical and sensory properties of organic and conventional potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) before and after baking

The objective of this study was to investigate if there were any differences in the physicochemical and sensory properties of organic and conventional potatoes (cv. Orla). The conventional potatoes had a lower dry matter content (P ≤ 0.05) and a slightly softer texture (P ≤ 0.05) than the organic potatoes. The trained panel perceived the conventional baked potato to be slightly softer, less adhesive and wetter than the organic baked potato (P ≤ 0.05). However, the consumer panel found no significant difference between the organic and conventional baked potato samples for the sensory attributes of appearance, aroma, texture and taste acceptability.     

Optimization Analysis of Sunflower Butter

A sunflower butter product was formulated and processing conditions were varied to study their effect on the overall sensory and physical characteristics of the final product. Amounts of salt, sugar, and stabilizer as well as roast level were optimized to yield a sunflower butter that most closely resembles peanut butter, in both physical and sensory quality. To produce a wide range of flavor, aroma, color, and texture attributes, 2 roasting levels (high and low), 2 sugar levels (7% and 9%), 2 salt levels (0.9% and 1.1%), and 3 stabilizer (Dritex‐C) levels (1.6%, 1.7%, and 1.8%) were selected. Sunflower butter formulations were rated more “earthy” and less “salty” than peanut butter, but differences in the “sweet” attribute were small. Largest differences in the textural sensory attributes were denoted for the initial firmness and spreadability, with panel judging sunflower butter samples less spreadable and having a higher initial firmness. The panel rated sunflower butters more adhesive at the 1st bite; however, once chewed, sunflower butters were rated as less adhesive and higher on the “ease of swallow”. Cluster analysis on sensory data revealed the “best” formulation to have 1.8% stabilizer, 7% sugar, 1.1% salt, and a low roast level. Cluster analysis on the instrumental hardness, adhesion, oil separation, and color profile revealed the formulation closest to the controls to have the same amount of sugar and roast level, but 1.6% of stabilizer and 0.9% salt instead.