Low-fat Version Research Articles

Low-fat fresh sausage from rabbit meat: An alternative to traditional rabbit consumption

The study aimed at the development of fresh sausages using rabbit exclusively as raw material. The idea was to offer an innovative product to increase rabbit consumption. Also, to meet currently consumers' requirements, a low-fat version was made. Two final formulations, a control sausage and a low-fat version using konjac gum, were developed through an iterative process and stored in a MAP under refrigeration. Sensory, microbiological and physicochemical analyses were carried out on days 1, 6, 8 and 13 after packaging. The shelf-life of the sausages was determined according to a multivariate criterion. Results showed a significant reduction in fat content and energy value. Sensory analysis showed a decrease in characteristic aroma and flavour and an increase in rancid odour, while hardness and fragility decreased in the low-fat treatment. The shelf-life was 7 days for all treatments, concluding that the multivariate method was a powerful technique as physicochemical, microbiological and sensory criteria were considered.

EVALUATION OF PERCEPTION AND PREFERENCE OF SENSORY ATTRIBUTES FOUND IN FULL-FAT AND LOW-FAT PRATO CHEESE

Prato cheese is the second most commercialized cheese in Brazil and its full-fat variety has very high fat content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of perception and preference of untrained consumers to full-fat and low-fat Prato cheese. For such, eight Prato cheese sample (four full-fat and four low-fat version) weighing 500g each, were submitted to microbiological, physical and sensorial evaluations. The microbiological evaluation consisted of determining the Most Probable Number of coliforms at 35 and 45°C as well as the presence of Salmonella sp. In the physical analyses, we found the values of pH, shear force and performed a color analysis. The sensory analysis was performed from the Preference Test. Both cheese varieties had coliform counts at 35 and 45°C within the thresholds established by current legislation; and there was absence of Salmonella sp. In addition, the physical characteristics were within the expected for the type of cheese evaluated. As for the sensory evaluation, full-fat Prato cheese was preferred for the appearance (52%) and aroma (55%) attributes, however the low-fat variety was better scored for the taste (57%), texture (57%) and overall acceptance (55%). The tasters were able to differentiate the samples, and the low-fat Prato cheese was more widely accepted.

Labneh with probiotic properties produced from kefir: development and sensory evaluation

The labneh or labaneh is a popular fermented milk in the Middle East. Another fermented product that deserves special mention is kefir since it has probiotic activity and unique sensory, nutritional, and therapeutic properties. The aim of the present study was to develop a functional probiotic labneh using kefir as a fermenting agent and to perform a sensory analysis of the obtained product. Kefir was obtained by growing grains in pasteurized milk. Samples of skimmed and whole labneh were prepared from the inoculation of 5% kefir milk (skimmed/whole) at 28 ºC for 24h, followed by cooling (12-18h) and whey drainage (12-24h), both at 4 ºC. Sensory analysis was performed with 70 untrained panelists using a 9-point scale hedonic in the acceptance tests. The paired t-test was used to compare the differences between the means of the scores obtained, with the significance level of 5%. The labneh prepared showed good acceptance by the judges, and the whole labneh samples had the highest scores in the acceptance test. Further studies on the analysis of microbiological viability, nutritional composition, and determination of shelf life, also to improve acceptability of the low-fat version of the product, are needed.

Color of low-fat cheese influences flavor perception and consumer liking

The present study examines the effect of color on low-fat cheese flavor perception and consumer acceptability. To understand the flavor preferences of the consumer population participating in the sensory testing, 4 brands of retail full-fat Cheddar cheeses labeled as mild, medium, or sharp were obtained. These cheeses were evaluated by a trained descriptive panel to generate a flavor profile for each cheese and then by consumer sensory panels. Overall and color liking were measured using a 9-point hedonic scale, and flavor, chewiness, level of sharpness measured using a 5-point just-about-right (JAR) scale (with 1 being not enough, 3 being just about right, and 5 being too much of the attribute). Subsequently, 9 low-fat Cheddar cheeses were manufactured using 3 levels of annatto (0, 7.34, and 22g/100kg) and 3 levels of titanium dioxide (0, 7.67, and 40g/100kg) using a randomized block design in duplicate. Cheeses were then evaluated by descriptive and consumer sensory panels. Each consumer testing consisted of 120 panelists who were mainly 18 to 35 yr of age (>90% of total populace) with >60% being frequent cheese consumers. Overall liking preference of the consumer group was for mild to medium cheese. Using the JAR scale, the medium cheeses were considered closest to JAR with a mean score of 3.0, compared with 2.4 for mild cheese and 3.6 for sharp cheese. Among low-fat cheeses, color was shown to be important with consumer liking being negatively influenced when the cheese appearance was too translucent (especially when normal levels of annatto were used) or too white. Matching the level of titanium dioxide with the annatto level gave the highest liking scores and flavor perception closest to JAR. This study established a significant effect of color on overall liking of low-fat versions of Cheddar cheese.

Manipulating fat content of familiar foods at test-meals does not affect intake and liking of these foods among children

We investigated effects of manipulating fat content of familiar foods at two test-meals in 74, 4–6-year-old children. Liking, energy intake, and weight-based food intake were assessed for a meal consisting of macaroni and cheese, pudding, chocolate milk and regular milk in high-fat and low-fat versions. Liking ratings and consumption by weight did not differ between versions, but energy intake was 59% greater with the high-fat version. We conclude that manipulating fat content had little effect on liking and weight-based food intake, but markedly influenced overall energy intake, and thus might provide a means of lowering children's energy consumption.

Polyunsaturated fat in the methionine-choline-deficient diet influences hepatic inflammation but not hepatocellular injury

Methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diets that cause steatohepatitis in rodents are typically enriched in polyunsaturated fat. To determine whether the fat composition of the MCD formula influences the development of liver disease, we manufactured custom MCD formulas with fats ranging in PUFA content from 2% to 59% and tested them for their ability to induce steatohepatitis. All modified-fat MCD formulas caused identical degrees of hepatic steatosis and resulted in a similar distribution of fat within individual hepatic lipid compartments. The fatty acid composition of hepatic lipids, however, reflected the fat composition of the diet. Mice fed a PUFA-rich MCD formula showed extensive hepatic lipid peroxidation, induction of proinflammatory genes, and histologic inflammation. When PUFAs were substituted with more saturated fats, lipid peroxidation, proinflammatory gene induction, and hepatic inflammation all declined significantly. Despite the close relationship between PUFAs and hepatic inflammation in mice fed MCD formulas, dietary fat had no impact on MCD-mediated damage to hepatocytes. Indeed, histologic apoptosis and serum alanine aminotransferase levels were comparable in all MCD-fed mice regardless of dietary fat content. Together, these results indicate that dietary PUFAs promote hepatic inflammation but not hepatotoxicity in the MCD model of liver disease. These findings emphasize that individual dietary nutrients can make specific contributions to steatohepatitis.

Product/Process integration in food manufacture: Engineering sustained health

Product/Process integration in food manufacture: Engineering sustained health

Food intake in rats is unaffected by the profile of dietary essential fatty acids

Food intake may be differentially responsive to the type of fat in the diet. The present investigation sought to evaluate the energy intake of rats maintained on either a low-fat or a high-fat diet mixed with an oil rich in either linoleic (18:2; n−6; safflower oil) or linolenic (18:3; n−3; flaxseed oil) acid. In Experiment 1, rats ( n=28) consumed low-fat versions of either the safflower oil diet or the flaxseed oil diet, each at 9.28% fat (wt/wt). In Experiment 2, different rats ( n=28) consumed high-fat versions of these diets, each at 23.6% fat (wt/wt). Within each experiment, the energy intake of rats receiving the safflower oil diet was compared to the energy intake of rats receiving the flaxseed oil diet. Food intake was measured under short-term, long-term and food-deprived conditions. In Experiment 1, short-term energy intakes were not different between the groups, thus demonstrating equal acceptance of the test diets. There were no consistent differences in long-term energy intakes between the safflower group and the flaxseed group. In addition, there were no differences in energy intake under the food-deprivation condition. Results from Experiment 2 paralleled those of Experiment 1. Taken together, the present results suggest that the essential fatty acid profile of the maintenance diet does not influence food intake when nutritive oils are the predominant fatty acid source.

How covert are covertly manipulated diets?

To quantitatively assess subjects' ability to detect hedonic (palatability), sensory and nutritional differences between covertly manipulated high-fat (HF) and low-fat (LF) diets. SUBJECTS AND DIETS: This study examined the response of 16 subjects (eight men, eight women) to 20 LF and 20 HF versions of manipulated foods. Average percentage protein:fat:carbohydrate (by energy) and energy density (ED) of the two diets were 13:25:62, 371 kJ/100 g and 13:50:37, 672 kJ/100 g, respectively. Subjects were asked to simultaneously assess the HF and LF versions of each food in terms of (i) subjective pleasantness of each food, (ii) perceived differences in appearance, smell, taste and texture of the foods, and (iii) for each sample to assess whether it was high or low in energy, protein, carbohydrate, fat, fibre, sugar and salt. Perceived pleasantness of HF and LF versions of the foods was compared by analysis of variance. Comparisons used chi-squared tests of independence to assess departure from the null hypothesis of no perceived difference in remaining parameters (ii-iii). On average, subjects exhibited no significant preference for LF or HF versions of the foods (no difference 15 foods, three HF foods more pleasant, two LF foods more pleasant (P<0.03)). On average there were no general differences in comparison of sensory attributes that were consistently ascribable to the LF or HF foods, although there were numerous significant differences for individual foods. Subjects appeared unable to distinguish the HF foods as being HF (66% of estimates) and guessed correctly 33% of the time. They were better able to categorize the LF foods correctly (53% correct). On aggregate 43% of HF and LF foods were correctly identified. Subjects appeared able to detect sensory differences between foods but not to relate them to energy or nutrient content of these foods. These data suggest that subjects are on average not able to perceive large differences in the fat content of diets manipulated in this manner. In general the assumption that the manipulation of such foods is covert appears to hold, but subjects were far better at correctly identifying certain food types (dairy-based) over others.

Chemical modification of isoflavones in soyfoods during cooking and processing

The principal chemical forms of isoflavones in soybean are their 6"-O-malonyl-β-glucoside (6OMalGlc) conjugates. Experiments were carried out to determine the best conditions for extraction of isoflavones from soyfoods and the effects of commercial processing procedures and of cooking on isoflavone concentrations and composition. Hot alcohol extraction of ground soybeans deesterified 6OMalGlc conjugates. Although room temperature extraction slowed the conversion, extraction at 4°C for 2–4 h led to the highest yield of 6OMalGlc conjugates and the lowest proportion of β-glucoside conjugates. Analysis of soyfood products by reversed-phase HPLC–mass spectrometry revealed that defatted soy flour that had not been heat treated consisted mostly of 6OMalGlc conjugates; in contrast, toasted soy flour contained large amounts of 6"-O-acetyl-β-glucoside conjugates, formed by heat-induced decarboxylation of the malonate group to acetate. Soymilk and tofu consisted almost entirely of β-glucoside conjugates; low-fat versions of these products were markedly depleted in isoflavones. Alcohol-washed soy-protein concentrates contained few isoflavones. Isolated soy protein and textured vegetable protein consisted of a mixture of all 3 types of isoflavone conjugates. Baking or frying of textured vegetable protein at 190°C and baking of soy flour in cookies did not alter total isoflavone content, but there was a steady increase in b-glucoside conjugates at the expense of 6OMalGlc conjugates. The chemical form of isoflavones in foods should be taken into consideration when evaluating their availability for absorption from the diet.

Acceptability of fat-modified foods to children, adolescents and their parents: Effect of sensory properties, nutritional information and price

The effects of sensory properties, nutrition information (NI) and price (P) on the acceptability of eight fat-modified foods were investigated in 30 families with children (ages 6–10), adolescents (ages 12–15) and both parents. Liking was measured blind with a 7-point hedonic scale (DOL) and by preference ranking. Purchase intent was then measured on a 5-point scale, first with NI and then with NI and P available. DOL did not differ across fat levels for any of the products, except for the regular ice cream which was liked more by mothers. Yet, fathers preferred the regular version over the low-fat or fat-free ones for milk, cheese, mayonnaise, hot dog and ice cream. Mothers were more willing to purchase the low-fat version than the regular one for milk, mayonnaise and pastry. Fathers were not willing to pay more for the fat-free foods that were more expensive. The purchase intentions of children and adolescents were driven mainly by their liking for the foods.

Effect of Non-Fat Chocolate Pudding as a Fat Replacement in Brownies

This study investigated the effect of non-fat chocolate pudding as a fat replacement in brownies. Three fat variations were tested: a control product (C) prepared with butter and whole eggs; a reduced-fat sample (RF) containing non-fat chocolate pudding and whole eggs; and a low-fat version (LF) consisting of non-fat chocolate pudding and egg whites. The percent of calories from fat in C, RF, and LF were 72%, 39%, and 33%, respectively. Twenty university students served as taste panel judges. Chewiness, flavor intensity, and overall preference were assessed through descriptive testing. C was less chewy and more flavorful than both RF and LF; no differences were detected between RF and LF (p < .05). Sensory analysis of overall preference concluded that C and RF were equally preferred (p < .05). A universal texture analyzer (Texture Technologies, Scarsdale, NY) was used to measure penetration and withdrawal forces. Results determined C and RF were both significantly less tacky and more tender than LF (p < .05). Overall, sensory tests revealed that panelists did not prefer the C over the RF product, thus the RF brownie is an acceptable product. This modified product has potential for success in the consumer market, offering a healthier alternative to a traditionally high-fat brownie.

Frequency of consumption and nutrient composition of composite dishes commonly consumed by South Asians originating from Gujerat and the Punjab

Information regarding the most common dishes consumed by South Asians originating from the Punjab (Sikhs) or Gujerat (Hindus) and living in London, was obtained from weighed records collected as part of three separate dietary surveys. For each common dish the content of energy and selected nutrients was calculated from the ingredients and cooked weight as described in the diet records. There was considerable variation in the fat and energy contents of similar recipes both within and between groups, suggesting that reduction in fat (and hence energy) intakes could be achieved, without loss of palatability, by recommending use of the lower fat versions.

Dietary fat intake and taste responses to fat in milk by under-, normal, and overweight women

Dietary fat intake, with special emphasis on dairy products, was estimated from questionnaires for 42 underweight, 80 normal weight, and 64 overweight adult women. Frequency of consumption of fresh and processed meats, frozen dairy desserts, pastries, and snacks such as potato chips was greater for the overweight than for the underweight subjects. However, preferences between verbally-described high- and low-fat versions of 14 food pairs did not differ by body size. Overweight subjects reported that they consumed more non-fat milk and less whole milk than did the other groups. Discrimination, perceived intensity, paired preference, and hedonic rating of fat in milk and in chocolate milk did not differ significantly according to body size, fat intake, or type of milk consumed. Ad libitum mixing of non-fat milk and "half and half" (12% fat) to individual levels of liking also showed no significant variation with body size. However, subjects with higher dietary fat intakes mixed to higher fat-preference levels in milk than did the low- and medium-fat intake subjects. Those reporting consumption of regular milk (3.5% fat) mixed to higher fat levels than did those who consumed low-fat (2% fat) or non-fat milk. The ad libitum procedure gave better reproducibility and appeared to be a more realistic measure of liking than the hedonic rating or paired-preference tests.