Consumer preferences and physical evaluation of shortbread stored in different packaging

Abstract

AbstractThe work aimed to assess the quality of crackers and sponge, vanilla and butter biscuits stored for 28 days in an original packaging, plastic box (Polypropylene 0.2 mm), food film (HDPE 10 mm) and paper bag. Sensory tests did not prove influence of packaging on the product quality. The authors observed: water desorption for sponge biscuits (ca. 5%), water absorption of 0.06%–1.84% for other biscuits, hardness increase of 20% ÷ 40% for sponge biscuits, hardness decrease by 10% ÷ 23% for vanilla biscuits, hardness increase for crackers in original packaging (+46%) and paper bag (+20%), hardness decrease for samples in food film (‐ 8%) and plastic box (−26%), hardness change for butter biscuits (from +9% to −15%). Complex assessment proved that HDPE film and PP box most effectively protected the product against the environmental influence. Lengthening the biscuit lifetime requires introduction of innovations regarding the manufacturing technology and packaging design/structure. Presented tests indicate both the advantages and disadvantages of typical packaging, seen from the consumer perspective. It must be remembered that “manufacturer”—“consumer requirements” relation is one of the most important stages of product assessment and development. The authors believe that the obtained results are useful for packaging producers that are new on the market, but also for those which are experienced.