Sensory evaluation: age and gender profiling of lite, no‐sugar‐added vanilla ice creams

Abstract

AbstractThis study is the third in a series of research studies aimed at profiling both genders and two distinct age groups for sensory preferences of no sugar added vanilla ice creams. A sample of two hundred participants tasted and rated three samples of market‐available lite, no‐sugar‐added vanilla ice creams (which contain a mixture, or formulation, of several sweetening agents) against the control version (which only includes maltitol as the sweetening agent). Participants used a nine‐point hedonic scale to indicate their preference for various attributes noted in both products. The four samples differed in their sugar content, fat content (though all were under 3 grams per half cup serving by definition of “lite”), and fiber content but had similar calorie and protein profiles. Participants were categorized into one of four groups for data compilation and interpretation: male students, female students, male adults, and female adults. They used computer software to complete questionnaires, and the results were tabulated by the physical attributes (i.e., taste, texture, and appearance) as well as by overall impressions of the sensory characteristics of the four samples as means for comparison. The results of the study concurred with past findings regarding overall consumer acceptability of the no‐sugar‐added ice cream. The results suggested that, for the student and adult population tested, a maltitol syrup with these characteristics is the ideal sweetener used in light no‐sugar‐added frozen desserts and would be an appropriate focus for future product manipulation by food manufacturers and marketers, alike.