Sensory analysis of full-, reduced- and low-fat cheese elaborated with raw goat milk

Abstract

The market for goat milk cheese has grown due to the new tendencies to consume innovative products, and the fact that it has provided a profitable alternative to cow milk cheese due to its inherent health-promoting attributes. The trends toward healthier eating have increased the interest in low-fat cheese (LFC). The objective of this study is to enable an understanding and provides a baseline of the effect of fat reduction on sensory analyses and consumer acceptability of cheeses made from raw goat milk with three different fat contents and ripened for 28 days using an artisanal method. Odour and flavour intensity was lower as fat decreased in cheese, and LFC and reduced-fat cheese (RFC) were firmer, friable, grainier, drier, acidic and less adhesive and sweet than full-fat cheese (FFC). Both judges and consumers preferred the FFC, mainly because of the greater intensity and the combination of this with excessive hardness and high masticability was likely the main cause of non-acceptance.