Sensory attributes and acceptance of flavored soy nuts by college students

Abstract

The objective of the project was to determine college students’ acceptance and preference of five flavors of soy nuts. Using a 9-point hedonic scale, 575 college students (335 students between 17–20 years) and (240 students between 21–30 years) evaluated 5 flavors of soy nuts for appearance, texture, flavor and overall acceptability. Regardless of sex, candy coated soy nuts were liked very much by both age groups, while unsalted soy nuts were the least accepted. Females and older students rated the overall appearance of the nuts higher than males and younger students. Simple effects tests showed mean ratings of the nuts for texture and flavor were significantly different for the younger and the older age groups. Nut preference based on purchasing of nuts showed both age groups and gender preferred candy coated soy nuts the most. Thus it appears that college student’s acceptability of soy nuts is based on flavor, texture, appearance as well as age of the students.