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Louro T, Castelo PM, Simões C, Capela E Silva F, Luís H, Moreira P, Lamy E. Adherence to mediterranean diet and aromatic plants intake are related with gustatory function: A case-study from a Portuguese region. Appetite 2024; 201:107581. [PMID: 38945368 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The Mediterranean Diet has been recognized as one of the healthiest and most sustainable dietary patterns and is flavor rich due to the use of different seasonings, such as aromatic plants, in dish confection. Based on the hypotheses that: 1) gustatory function will affect food choices; 2) seasoning flavors may be differently accepted according to individuals' gustatory functions; the aim of the present study was to assess the association between taste sensitivity and/or preference with Mediterranean Diet adherence and seasoning consumption. A total of 383 adults (18-59 years old; 198 female, 185 male) from North Alentejo region of Portugal were enrolled in this study, with 291 (145 female and 146 male) also evaluated for gustatory function. Recognition thresholds were obtained for four tastes (sweet, sour, salty, and bitter) and astringency, as well as preference level for the highest concentration of each stimulus tested. A validated Food Frequency Questionnaire was filled out, and MD adherence was extrapolated from the answers of the Food Frequency Questionnaire according to the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score. In total, 20.8% of the individuals presented low, 58.2% medium, and 21.0% high adherence. Adherence was higher in women than men and in older individuals than younger adults. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet was positively correlated with aromatic plants consumption but not spices. Seasonings were associated with gustatory function, and the cluster with higher consumption presented higher preferences for bitter and salty tastes. Total sodium intake was also higher in this cluster, suggesting that these individuals prefer stronger oral sensations. In conclusion, this study shows that MD adherence is not high, even in regions with rural characteristics. The observed association of MD and seasoning intake with gustatory function do underline the usefulness of this information in strategies aimed at promoting healthy and sustainable eating patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Louro
- MED - Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554, Évora, Portugal
| | - Paula Midori Castelo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Diadema, 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Carla Simões
- MED - Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554, Évora, Portugal
| | - Fernando Capela E Silva
- MED - Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554, Évora, Portugal; Department of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Health and Human Development, Universidade de Évora, Rua Romão Ramalho nº 59, 7000-671, Évora, Portugal
| | - Henrique Luís
- Oral and Biomedical Sciences Research Unit (UICOB), Faculdade de Medicina Dentária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1600-277, Lisboa, Portugal; Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciThecCare), Politécnico de Leiria, 2411-901, Leiria, Portugal
| | - Pedro Moreira
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Universidade do Porto, 4150-180, Porto, Portugal
| | - Elsa Lamy
- MED - Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554, Évora, Portugal.
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2
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Pierguidi L, Spinelli S, Prescott J, Monteleone E, Dinnella C. Responsiveness to warning sensations and anxiety-related psychological traits modulate individual differences in preference for vegetable foods with varied sensory properties. Food Res Int 2023; 173:113342. [PMID: 37803693 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
The innate aversion to warning sensations is an important barrier to the acceptance of vegetable food often characterized by bitter and sour tastes, and astringency. Large individual variations exist in preference for this food category. The present study aimed at exploring differences in demographics, anthropometrics, taste responsiveness, personality traits and attitudes in consumers differing in their preference for vegetable food with varied levels of warning sensations. A panel of Italian consumers (n = 718; 53.6% women, age 18-74 years) self-reported familiarity with, preference for and choice of vegetables with high and low levels of warning sensations. Two clusters were identified: High Warning-Vegetable Consumers (HWVC, n = 464) and Low-Warning Vegetable Consumers (LWVC, n = 254). HWVC showed higher familiarity with and preference for vegetables as a whole and higher choice of vegetables characterized by warning sensations than LWVC. HWVC were more represented by older and normal weight individuals as compared to LWVC. Differences among clusters in liking for and perception of a phenol-enriched plant-based food model specifically developed to induce different levels of bitterness, sourness and astringency were found. HWVC rated bitterness, sourness, and astringency lower and liking higher than LWVC. Scores in anxiety-related psychological traits were lower while attitudes to healthy and high-quality food choice were higher in HWVC than in LWVC. The results of the present study depicted a coherent interplay among several person-related dimensions in modulating preference for vegetable foods. Higher responsiveness to warning sensations, higher level of anxiety-related traits, lower importance assigned to food healthy/quality aspects and younger age all acted as barriers to exposure and acceptance of vegetable food and call for a multidimensional approach to promote the consumption of this food category.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Pierguidi
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Italy.
| | - S Spinelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Italy
| | - J Prescott
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Italy; TasteMatters Research & Consulting, Sydney, Australia
| | - E Monteleone
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Italy
| | - C Dinnella
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Italy
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3
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Jaeger SR, Hedderley D, Prescott J. High arousal as the source of food rejection in food neophobia. Food Res Int 2023; 168:112795. [PMID: 37120240 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.112795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Food neophobia (FN) at moderate to high levels is very common among adult populations in all cultures and is usually defined in terms of rejection of unfamiliar foods. However, food rejection in FN is only partly related to food familiarity. Experimental and survey studies have suggested that unpleasantly high arousal may be induced by food novelty, but also be produced by foods with intense or complex flavours, that are perceived as dangerous or foreign, or that have unusual ingredients. Liking for foods with these characteristics have recently been shown to be strongly negatively associated with FN. Thus, induced high arousal may underlie food rejection in FN. Here, we collected familiarity, liking and arousal ratings, and scores on the standard Food Neophobia Scale from more than 7000 consumers in four countries - Australia, United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia - for a series of food names that were manipulated to produce standard and 'high arousal' (variant) versions of the same foods. Consistent across all four countries, arousal ratings increased, and liking decreased, with decreases in food familiarity. Variant food names were always associated with ratings of higher arousal than the standard names. The variant foods were generally less familiar than the standard foods, although this was not a necessary condition for their higher arousal ratings, suggesting that the other arousal-inducing factors (e.g., flavour intensity) also played a role. Across all foods, arousal ratings increased, and liking ratings decreased, as FN increased, but these effects were accentuated for the variant foods. The consistency of these effects across multiple countries supports a view that arousal is universally a strong determinant of liking for foods and that this underlies the rejection of foods, familiar and novel, in FN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Jaeger
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, 120 Mt Albert Road Private Bag 92169, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; Vescor Research, Hellerup, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Duncan Hedderley
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, 120 Mt Albert Road Private Bag 92169, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - John Prescott
- TasteMatters Research & Consulting, PO Box Q1150, QVB Post Office, Sydney, NSW 1230, Australia; Dept DAGRI, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Italy.
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4
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Winzer E, Wallner M, Aufschnaiter AL, Grach D, Lampl C, Schätzer M, Holstein B, Wakolbinger M. Investigating the Relationships between Taste Preferences and Beverage Intake in Preadolescents. Foods 2023; 12:foods12081641. [PMID: 37107436 PMCID: PMC10137382 DOI: 10.3390/foods12081641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sugar-sweetened beverages are known promotors of adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to find a relation between taste perception, preferences for beverages, anthropometric parameters, and frequency of beverage consumption. Taste perception of sweetness was tested using an adopted sensitivity test with sucrose and different concentrations of sugar-sweetened apple juice. Furthermore, bitter-compound 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) and salty perception were tested and accompanied by a questionnaire on beverage intake. We did not find a clear relationship between taste perception, anthropometrics, and beverage intake. Nevertheless, in males, the bitter intensity perception of PROP was positively correlated with the BMI percentiles (CDC, r = 0.306, p ≤ 0.043) and the waist circumference (r = 0.326, p = 0.031). Furthermore, the liking of sweet taste (p < 0.05) and sweet intensity rating (p < 0.05) of apple juice increased with intensity, and adolescents with overweight or obesity had a higher intake of free sugars from beverages (p < 0.001). The role of taste perception on anthropometric measures and beverage intake remains unclear and requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Winzer
- Centre for Public Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marlies Wallner
- Institute of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Applied Sciences FH JOANNEUM, 8020 Graz, Austria
| | - Anna Lena Aufschnaiter
- Institute of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Applied Sciences FH JOANNEUM, 8020 Graz, Austria
| | - Daniela Grach
- Institute of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Applied Sciences FH JOANNEUM, 8020 Graz, Austria
| | - Christina Lampl
- Institute of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Applied Sciences FH JOANNEUM, 8020 Graz, Austria
- Competence Center Climate and Health, Austrian National Institute of Public Health, Stubenring 6, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Manuel Schätzer
- Special Institute for Preventive Cardiology and Nutrition-SIPCAN, 5061 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Barbara Holstein
- Special Institute for Preventive Cardiology and Nutrition-SIPCAN, 5061 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Maria Wakolbinger
- Centre for Public Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Lindroos A, Nickull S, Tybur JM, Källström M, Nousiainen N, Jern P. The Associations Between Pathogen Disgust Sensitivity, Meat Liking, Plant Liking and a Lifetime Prevalence of Anorexia Nervosa Among Finnish Women. Food Qual Prefer 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2023.104822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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6
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Yousaf NY, Tepper BJ. The Effects of Cranberry Polyphenol Extract (CPE) Supplementation on Astringency and Flavor Perception as a Function of PROP Taster Status and Other Individual Factors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191911995. [PMID: 36231300 PMCID: PMC9565834 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191911995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated whether PROP (6-n-propylthiouracil) taster status and other individual factors (gender, ethnicity, BMI, and age) are markers of variation in perceptions of astringency and other flavor attributes. Participants (n = 125) evaluated cranberry juice cocktail samples (CJC) supplemented with cranberry-derived polyphenol extract (CPE, added at 0, 0.3, 0.5 and 0.75 g/L), as well as control samples, unsweetened cranberry juice (CJ) and an aqueous solution of 0.75 g/L CPE. Subjects evaluated samples for key sensory attributes and overall liking using a 15 cm line scale. The data were analyzed using ANCOVA and machine learning tools (regression trees and random forest modeling) to examine if the latter approach would extract more meaningful insights about the roles of personal factors in sensory perceptions of cranberry-derived stimuli. ANCOVA revealed robust stimulus effects, but no effect of PROP taster status on astringency perception was observed. Several effects of PROP×gender, ethnicity, and other factors were observed on other sensory attributes and liking. ANCOVA and machine learning tools yielded similar findings, but regression trees provided a more visualized framework. These data show that PROP taster status has a limited role in astringency perception in complex samples and that other personal factors deserve greater focus in future research on astringency perception.
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Braghieri A, Pacelli C, Riviezzi AM, Di Cairano M, Napolitano F. Promoting the direct sale of pasta filata cheese. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:7334-7343. [PMID: 35931479 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Small-medium dairy enterprises may verify the possibility to enhance their margins by shortening the supply chain. We propose a short sequence of marketing actions with the aim to support the inclusion of transformed goods into their productive process. These actions include the assessment of the main factors affecting consumer cheese purchase decision, evaluation of the validity of the association brand product, and identification of the preferred cheese format. Eighty-two consumers were selected. Their motives for purchasing pasta filata cheese were assessed using the food choice questionnaire. They were also asked to rate their preference for 4 different traditional pasta filata cheeses and 3 well-known local cheese brands. The frequency of consumption of 4 different Mozzarella cheese formats (standard Mozzarella, bite-size Mozzarella, cherries, knots or braids) was gathered. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the food choice questionnaire scores. Purchase intentions were subjected to ANOVA with 2 factors (brand and cheese) and their interaction. The frequencies of consumption of the 4 different Mozzarella formats was analyzed using the χ2 test for independent samples. Based on our results, the communication around pasta filata cheese should focus on intrinsic characteristics such as healthiness and sensory properties, whereas standard Mozzarella with good nutritional and eating quality should be the most produced item and marketed if the associated brand product is well received by the consumers. By shortening the supply chain an increased economic and environmental sustainability can be expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Braghieri
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
| | - Corrado Pacelli
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Amelia Maria Riviezzi
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Maria Di Cairano
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Fabio Napolitano
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
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8
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The who, what, where, when, why and how of measuring emotional response to food. A systematic review. Food Qual Prefer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2022.104607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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9
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Agovi H, Pierguidi L, Dinnella C, Viggiano MP, Monteleone E, Spinelli S. Attentional bias for vegetables is negatively associated with acceptability and is related to sensory properties. Food Qual Prefer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2021.104429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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10
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Aiello P, Peluso I, Villaño Valencia D. Alcohol Consumption by Italian and Spanish University Students in Relation to Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and to the Food Neophobia: A Pilot Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10020393. [PMID: 35207005 PMCID: PMC8872188 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10020393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This work aimed to relate alcohol consumption with adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and with food neophobia (FN) among Italian and Spanish university students. Volunteers (n = 194, 108 Italian and 86 Spanish), recruited at the La Sapienza University of Rome and the Catholic University of Murcia, filled in standardized questionnaires to evaluate alcohol consumption (AUDIT), FN (FN Scale: FNS), and adherence to the MD (MDS-14, MED-55, QueMD). In addition to the previously reported QueMD sub-score (aMED), a sub-score for non-typical MD foods (ntMED, carbonated and/or sugar-sweetened beverages (soft drinks), butter, margarine, or cooking cream, and manufactured sweets, pastries, and cakes) was evaluated. Italian females had higher MED-55 and FNS scores, and a lower AUDIT score than Spaniards (p < 0.01). Students who stayed with their family (resident) were more adherent to MD than those who moved away from home. Resident Italians consumed less beer, hard liquors, and cocktails than Spaniards on Saturday nights (p < 0.01). There were negative correlations between AUDIT and QueMD (R squared: 0.137, p < 0.05), and AUDIT and ntMED (R squared: 0.201, p < 0.01) in Spaniards, however, there was no relationship between AUDIT and other MD scores. In conclusion, this pilot study suggests that non-typical MD foods and Saturday night consumptions, related to being far from home, have a great impact on alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Aiello
- Health Sciences PhD Program, Universidad Católica de Murcia UCAM, Campus de los Jerónimos n°135, Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain;
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, La Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Peluso
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-329-613-1353
| | - Débora Villaño Valencia
- “Nutrición, Estrés Oxidativo y Biodisponibilidad” Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Católica de Murcia UCAM, Campus de los Jerónimos n°135, Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain;
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Jaeger SR, Chheang SL, Roigard CM, Cardello AV. Individual differences in food neophobia and private body consciousness influence product-elicited emotional valence and arousal. Food Qual Prefer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2022.104566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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12
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Yeomans MR, Vi C, Mohammed N, Armitage RM. Re-evaluating how sweet-liking and PROP-tasting are related. Physiol Behav 2022; 246:113702. [PMID: 35016967 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Past research has identified distinct phenotypic differences in responses to sweet taste, although the origins of these differences remain unclear. One possibility is that these individual differences in sweet-liking are a manifestation of the more widely known differences in sensitivity to the bitter tastant 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP), which has been related to wider differences in food liking and preference. However, previous studies exploring the relationship between sweet-liking and PROP-tasting have had mixed outcomes. This is possibly due to older studies using a more simplistic dichotic characterisation of sweet likers, whereas recent research suggests three sweet-liking phenotypes (extreme sweet likers, ESL; moderate sweet likers, MSL; and sweet dislikers, SD). To re-assess how sweet-liking and PROP tasting are inter-related, 236 volunteers evaluated their liking for 1.0 M sucrose and the intensity of three concentrations of each NaCl and PROP. Using three different methods for classifying PROP taster status, our analysis confirmed that all three sweet-liking phenotypes were represented in all three PROP taster groups (super-tasters, ST; medium tasters, MT; and non-tasters, NT), but relatively few ESL were classified as ST, or SD as NT. Overall, these data suggest that while PROP tasting and sweet-liking are not causally related, the SD phenotype may partly be explained by a broader tendency for anhedonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin R Yeomans
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QH, UK.
| | - Chi Vi
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QH, UK
| | - Narmeen Mohammed
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QH, UK
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Jaeger SR, Chheang SL, Prescott J. Variations in the Strength of Association between Food Neophobia and Food and Beverage Acceptability: A Data-Driven Exploratory Study of an Arousal Hypothesis. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13103657. [PMID: 34684658 PMCID: PMC8540144 DOI: 10.3390/nu13103657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The negative impact of food neophobia (FN) on food and beverage (F&B) liking extends beyond foods and beverages that are novel. In addition, F&Bs that are high in flavour intensity, perceived as dangerous, or have connections to other cultures are likely to elicit rejection by those high in FN. Each of these factors have been established as producing increased arousal, potentially to an unpleasant degree. The aim of this study was to explore the hypothesis that increased arousal underlies all causes of rejection due to FN. To do this, we analysed and interpreted existing data based on online surveys that measured FN and liking for a broad range of F&B names from 8906 adult consumers in the USA, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany and Denmark. Negative associations between FN and liking of varying strengths were evident for 90% of the F&Bs. Consistent with the arousal hypothesis, F&Bs (a) with high flavour intensity, whether produced by chilli, other spices, or flavours, (b) from other cultures, (c) often perceived as dangerous, or (d) that were novel or had novel ingredients showed the strongest negative relationships between FN and liking. Conversely, F&Bs whose liking scores were only very weakly related to FN had low arousal characteristics: high familiarity, sweetness, mild flavours, strong connections to national food cultures, or some combination of these factors. Since this study was exploratory and conducted on existing data, there was no direct measure of arousal, but this is recommended for future, stronger tests of this arousal hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R. Jaeger
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Mt Albert Research Centre, Auckland 1003, New Zealand; (S.R.J.); (S.L.C.)
| | - Sok L. Chheang
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Mt Albert Research Centre, Auckland 1003, New Zealand; (S.R.J.); (S.L.C.)
| | - John Prescott
- TasteMatters Research & Consulting, Sydney, NSW 1230, Australia
- Department DAGRI, University of Florence, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence:
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14
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Variability in the temporal perception of polyphenol-related sensations in extra virgin olive oil and impact on flavor perception. Food Qual Prefer 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2021.104249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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15
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Pagliarini E, Proserpio C, Spinelli S, Lavelli V, Laureati M, Arena E, Di Monaco R, Menghi L, Gallina Toschi T, Braghieri A, Torri L, Monteleone E, Dinnella C. The role of sour and bitter perception in liking, familiarity and choice for phenol-rich plant-based foods. Food Qual Prefer 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2021.104250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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16
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17
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Does Responsiveness to Basic Tastes Influence Preadolescents' Food Liking? Investigating Taste Responsiveness Segment on Bitter-Sour-Sweet and Salty-Umami Model Food Samples. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13082721. [PMID: 34444881 PMCID: PMC8401806 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships between taste responsiveness and food liking in preadolescents. Model food samples of grapefruit juice (GF) and vegetable broth (VB) modified with four additions of sucrose and sodium chloride, respectively, were employed. Intensity perception for sweetness, sourness, and bitterness were measured in GF while saltiness and umami were measured in VB. The children (N = 148) also completed food choice, familiarity, stated liking and neophobia questionnaires. The test was conducted at school, with instructions provided remotely via video call. Four segments were defined differing in basic taste responsiveness. Segments and sucrose concentrations significantly affected liking for GF, while no significant effect of segments and sodium chloride concentrations occurred on liking for VB. An increasing sucrose concentration was positively associated with liking for GF only in the segment with low responsiveness to bitter and sour tastes. No significant differences across segments were found for food choice, familiarity, stated liking, and neophobia. Conclusively, relationships between taste responsiveness and liking are product and basic taste-dependent in addition to being subject-dependent. Strategies to improve acceptance by using sucrose as a suppressor for warning sensations of bitterness and sourness can be more or less effective depending on individual responsiveness to the basic tastes.
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18
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Parafati L, Restuccia C, Palmeri R, Fallico B, Arena E. Impact of prickly pear extract on the quality parameters of beef burger patties after cooking. FOOD BIOSCI 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2021.101146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Abstract
Obesity is a multifactorial disease with several potential causes that remain incompletely understood. Recent changes in the environment, which has become increasingly obesogenic, have been found to interact with individual factors. Evidence of the role of taste responsiveness and food preference in obesity has been reported, pointing to a lower taste sensitivity and a higher preference and intake of fat and, to a lesser extent, sweet foods in obese people. Studies in the last decades have also suggested that individual differences in the neurophysiology of food reward may lead to overeating, contributing to obesity. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings. In fact, only a limited number of studies has been conducted on large samples, and several studies were conducted only on women. Larger balanced studies in terms of sex/gender and age are required in order to control the confounding effect of these variables. As many factors are intertwined in obesity, a multidisciplinary approach is needed. This will allow a better understanding of taste alteration and food behaviours in obese people in order to design more effective strategies to promote healthier eating and to prevent obesity and the related chronic disease risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Spinelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Erminio Monteleone
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Spinelli S, Prescott J, Pierguidi L, Dinnella C, Arena E, Braghieri A, Di Monaco R, Gallina Toschi T, Endrizzi I, Proserpio C, Torri L, Monteleone E. Phenol-Rich Food Acceptability: The Influence of Variations in Sweetness Optima and Sensory-Liking Patterns. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13030866. [PMID: 33800789 PMCID: PMC7998421 DOI: 10.3390/nu13030866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The consumption of phenol-rich foods is limited by their prominent bitterness and astringency. This issue has been addressed by adding sweet tastes, which suppress bitterness, but this is not a complete solution since individuals also differ in their preference for sweetness. In this study, we aimed at identifying groups of consumers differing in sweetness optima and sensory-liking patterns. To this end, increasing concentrations of sucrose were added to a chocolate pudding base. This allowed us to (1) investigate if individual differences in sensory responses are associated with different sweet liking optima in a product context, (2) define the psychological and oro-sensory profile of sweet liker phenotypes derived using a product context, and (3) assess if individuals differing in sweet liking optima differ also in consumption and liking of phenol-rich foods and beverages as a function of their sensory properties (e.g., sweeter vs. more bitter and astringent products). Individuals (1208; 58.4% women, 18–69 years) were characterised for demographics, responsiveness to 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP), personality traits and attitudes toward foods. Three clusters were identified based on correlations between sensory responses (sweetness, bitterness and astringency) and liking of the samples: liking was positively related to sweetness and negatively to bitterness and astringency in High and Moderate Sweet Likers, and the opposite in Inverted U-Shaped. Differences between clusters were found in age, gender and personality. Furthermore, the Inverted-U Shaped cluster was found to have overall healthier food behaviours and preferences, with higher liking and consumption of phenol-rich vegetables and beverages without added sugar. These findings point out the importance of identifying the individual sensory-liking patterns in order to develop more effective strategies to promote the acceptability of healthy phenol-rich foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Spinelli
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, via Donizetti 6, 50144 Florence, Italy; (J.P.); (L.P.); (C.D.)
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (E.M.)
| | - John Prescott
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, via Donizetti 6, 50144 Florence, Italy; (J.P.); (L.P.); (C.D.)
- TasteMatters Research & Consulting, P.O. Box Q1150, QVB Post Office, Sydney 1230, Australia
| | - Lapo Pierguidi
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, via Donizetti 6, 50144 Florence, Italy; (J.P.); (L.P.); (C.D.)
| | - Caterina Dinnella
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, via Donizetti 6, 50144 Florence, Italy; (J.P.); (L.P.); (C.D.)
| | - Elena Arena
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione e Ambiente (Di3A), University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 100, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Ada Braghieri
- School of Agricultural, Forest, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy;
| | - Rossella Di Monaco
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy;
| | - Tullia Gallina Toschi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Isabella Endrizzi
- Department of Food Quality and Nutrition, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach (FEM), Via E. Mach 1, 38010 San Michele all’Adige, Italy;
| | - Cristina Proserpio
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Luisa Torri
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 9, 12042 Pollenzo, Italy;
| | - Erminio Monteleone
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, via Donizetti 6, 50144 Florence, Italy; (J.P.); (L.P.); (C.D.)
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (E.M.)
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Piochi M, Dinnella C, Spinelli S, Monteleone E, Torri L. Individual differences in responsiveness to oral sensations and odours with chemesthetic activity: Relationships between sensory modalities and impact on the hedonic response. Food Qual Prefer 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2020.104112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Rodrigues Arruda Pinto V, Leite Milião G, Fernando Balbino D, Della Lucia SM, Cristina Teixeira Ribeiro Vidigal M, Fernandes Melo Cabral L, José Silva Soares da Rocha S, Fernandes de Carvalho A, Tuler Perrone Í. Contemporary foods – Can they become new comfort foods or simply mimic them? Int J Gastron Food Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgfs.2020.100271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Higgins MJ, Bakke AJ, Hayes JE. Personality traits and bitterness perception influence the liking and intake of pale ale style beers. Food Qual Prefer 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2020.103994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Time Course of Salivary Protein Responses to Cranberry-Derived Polyphenol Exposure as a Function of PROP Taster Status. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12092878. [PMID: 32967117 PMCID: PMC7551352 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Astringency is a complex oral sensation, commonly experienced when dietary polyphenols interact with salivary proteins. Most astringent stimuli alter protein levels, which then require time to be replenished. Although it is standard practice in astringency research to provide breaks in between stimuli, there is limited consensus over the amount of time needed to restore the oral environment to baseline levels. Here we examined salivary protein levels after exposure to 20 mL of a model stimulus (cranberry polyphenol extract, 0.75 g/L CPE) or unsweetened cranberry juice (CJ), over a 10 min period. Whole saliva from healthy subjects (n = 60) was collected at baseline and after 5 and 10 min following either stimulus. Five families of proteins: basic proline-rich proteins (bPRPs); acidic proline-rich proteins (aPRPs); histatins; statherin; and S-type cystatins, were analyzed in whole saliva via HPLC-low resolution-ESI-IT-MS, using the area of the extracted ion current (XIC) peaks. Amylase was quantified via immunoblotting. In comparison to baseline (resting), both stimuli led to a rise in levels of aPRPs (p < 0.000) at 5 min which remained elevated at 10 min after stimulation. Additionally, an interaction of PROP taster status and time was observed, wherein super-tasters had higher levels of amylase in comparison to non-tasters after stimulation with CJ at both timepoints (p = 0.014–0.000). Further, male super-tasters had higher levels of bPRPs at 5 min after stimulation with both CJ and CPE (p = 0.015–0.007) in comparison to baseline. These data provide novel findings of interindividual differences in the salivary proteome that may influence the development of astringency and that help inform the design of sensory experiments of astringency.
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Schienle A, Osmani F, Schlintl C. Disgust Propensity and the Bitter Aftertaste Response. CHEMOSENS PERCEPT 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12078-020-09283-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
A high level of disgust propensity (the general tendency to respond with the emotion of disgust to any given situation) is associated with an increased sensitivity to bitter taste. The present study examined the relationship between disgust propensity and the sensitivity to bitter aftertaste.
Methods
A total of 200 women rinsed their mouth with concentrated wormwood tea (Artemisia absinthium). The resulting aftertaste was evaluated (intensity of bitterness and disgust) every 15 s for 10 min. A multiple linear regression analysis was calculated to capture the association between aftertaste ratings and affective variables (e.g., disgust propensity, depression symptoms).
Results
Higher disgust propensity was associated with higher initial disgust ratings and faster reduction of disgust over time. Higher depression scores were associated with a slower disgust reduction.
Conclusion
We demonstrated that affective variables predict the temporal course of the wormwood aftertaste response. Having a higher disgust propensity was associated with a shortened disgust recovery.
Implications
A shortened disgust recovery may be adaptive because it enables faster processing of new disgust stimuli.
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Gender, Age, Geographical Area, Food Neophobia and Their Relationships with the Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet: New Insights from a Large Population Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12061778. [PMID: 32549267 PMCID: PMC7353239 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mediterranean diet (MD) is associated with many health benefits. The association between the MD and food neophobia (FN) is still unexplored in adults. The present cross-sectional study was aimed to explore the relationships between adherence to the MD, FN, and sociodemographic variables in a large Italian cohort. Familiarity and frequency use (FFI) of prototypical and non-prototypical Mediterranean foods were used to calculate a new adherence index: the Italian Taste Mediterranean Index (ITMI). The FFI of all Mediterranean foods increased with age, while butter, soft drinks, red/cured meat, and sweets were more common in younger people. Accordingly, ITMI increased with age (F2,2384 = 54.11; p < 0.0001). Women recorded a higher ITMI (6.70) than men (6.10). Individuals with high FN showed higher FFI for soft drinks and sweets and lower ones for most typical MD foods, than individuals with low FNs. A decrease of ITMI was recorded with the increase of the FN(F2,2384 = 22.84; p < 0.0001). With ageing, ITMI increased even in individuals with a high FN. The results suggest that FN may negatively affect adherence to the MD, lowering its potential health benefits, in the adult population. Monitoring of food habits, dietary education, and anxiety management, may be valuable tools to control FN and support the adherence to the MD.
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Hoppu U, Puputti S, Sandell M. Factors related to sensory properties and consumer acceptance of vegetables. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2020; 61:1751-1761. [PMID: 32441536 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1767034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Many consumers perceive the bitter taste or other sensory characteristic of vegetables as unpleasant, posing a challenge to dietary recommendations aiming to increase vegetable consumption. Food experience is multisensory, with complex interactions between the senses and individual differences in sensory perception. This review focuses on the factors affecting sensory properties of vegetables and sensory perception of vegetables among adults. Topical examples of sensory quality and evaluation of vegetable samples are presented. Cultivar and growing conditions are related to the internal sensory quality of vegetables. The effects of different processing methods, such as freezing and cooking, on the sensory properties of vegetables are also reviewed. Flavor modification of vegetables with seasonings may be used to improve palatability and incorporating vegetables to meals may increase the intake of vegetables. Recently, external factors (e.g. visual and odor stimuli) have been tested in multisensory research in the context of vegetable perception and choice. These options to achieve better sensory quality, more palatable meals and pleasant eating context may be used to promote vegetable intake among adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulla Hoppu
- Functional Foods Forum, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Sari Puputti
- Functional Foods Forum, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Mari Sandell
- Functional Foods Forum, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Food and Nutrition, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Abstract
The sensation of flavour reflects the complex integration of aroma, taste, texture, and chemesthetic (oral and nasal irritation cues) from a food or food component. Flavour is a major determinant of food palatability—the extent to which a food is accepted or rejected—and can profoundly influence diet selection, nutrition, and health. Despite recent progress, there are still gaps in knowledge on how taste and flavour cues are detected at the periphery, conveyed by the brainstem to higher cortical levels and then interpreted as a conscious sensation. Taste signals are also projected to central feeding centers where they can regulate hunger and fullness. Individual differences in sensory perceptions are also well known and can arise from genetic variation, environmental causes, or a variety of metabolic diseases, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cancer. Genetic taste/smell variation could predispose individuals to these same diseases. Recent findings have also opened new avenues of inquiry, suggesting that fatty acids and carbohydrates may provide nutrient-specific signals informing the gut and brain of the nature of the ingested nutrients. This special issue on “Taste, Nutrition, and Health” presents original research communications and comprehensive reviews on topics of broad interest to researchers and educators in sensory science, nutrition, physiology, public health, and health care.
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Food Neophobia in Celiac Disease and Other Gluten-Free Diet Individuals. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11081762. [PMID: 31370243 PMCID: PMC6722680 DOI: 10.3390/nu11081762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The only treatment currently available to combat celiac disease (CD) is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD), but there may be various determinants of its adherence, including food neophobia (FN), that is associated with sensory aversions, or fears of negative consequences of eating specific food products, that may be crucial for CD patients following a GFD. The aim of the present study was to analyze food neophobia levels and its determinants in CD patients in comparison with other individuals who follow a GFD based on their own decision. The study was conducted in two independent groups of individuals following a GFD: those diagnosed with CD (n = 101) and those following a GFD based on their own decision (n = 124). Each group was recruited with cooperation from the local CD and GFD societies located in Poland. The FN was assessed using the Food Neophobia Scale (FNS) and compared between groups, as well as the influence of gender, age, body mass index, educational level, place of residence and employment status was assessed. It was stated, that for the individuals following a GFD, CD was the major determinant of FN. The FNS score values were higher (indicating higher food neophobia) for CD individuals (39.4 ± 9.2), than for those following a GFD based on their own decision (33.6 ± 8.7; p < 0.0001) and it was observed both for general group and for sub-groups stratified by assessed variables. Moreover, the indicated variables did not influence the FNS in any of the analyzed groups. The influence of CD with no influence of other variables was confirmed in the regression analysis. It may be concluded that CD is a major contributor to FN, which can be attributed to fear of developing adverse reactions to gluten-contaminated food products, which is more pronounced in CD patients compared to non-CD patients following a GFD based on their own decision.
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