Consumer Acceptance and Preference for Camel Milk in Selected European and Mediterranean Countries

In this paper, we analyse consumer acceptance, preferences and attitudes to camel milk based on a cross-country study based on qualitative focus groups with consumers. Outside the main consumption countries where camel milk is a regular part of the daily diet, many consumers buy this product primarily due to its promised health benefits. Furthermore, they are willing to pay a substantial price premium for camel milk. The findings from the literature study suggest the need for further research aimed at improving the sensory quality of camel milk, camel milk fermented products (such as yoghurt, kefir, etc.) and camel milk cheese. In addition, the application of flavours could be an option to cover the perceived salty taste of camel milk. Another aspect is that more research needs to be conducted to optimize the operating parameters and standardization of the production procedures of camel milk yoghurt in the future. In general, we can state that so far only a few consumer studies exist and, in particular, for European consumers, not much is known about their attitudes, preferences and acceptance to try or to buy such a product.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Development of a Descriptive Profile and References for the Assessment of Taste and Mouthfeel Descriptors of Protected Designation of Origin Wines

Producers of PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) wines must submit to the EU authorities’ technical specifications that include the specific sensory description of each product typology, to be subsequently checked by the competent authority in each country. Unfortunately, there is no consensual and standardized approach for the development of sensory control methods for PDO wines. The aim of this work was to develop a sensory profile for the taste and mouthfeel descriptors that allows the characterization of wines from 11 existing PDOs in Catalonia (Spain), and with the purpose of advancing the process of harmonization of the official sensory analysis of wines. This paper includes the selection process of tasters, the procedure used for the definition and grouping of descriptors, and the development of references for the selected attributes. The use of this analytical tool should allow PDO/PGI product certification and control authorities to verify compliance with their specifications (descriptive and quantitative) based on objectively evaluated results.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Effect of VacuumImpregnation and High Hydrostatic Pressure Treatments on Shelf Life, Physicochemical, and Sensory Properties of Seabream Fillets

Marination is commonly used to preserve fish, which, in combination with other non-thermal technologies, such as vacuum impregnation and high hydrostatic pressure, may help to preserve freshness and extend shelf life. In addition, marination may mask changes in physicochemical properties and the sensory attributes of fish resulting from intense pressurization treatments. In this study, we evaluated the effects of vacuum impregnation (50 mbar for 5 min) alone or in combination with a moderate pressurization treatment (250 MPa for 6 min) on the physicochemical properties, microbiological and oxidative stability, and sensory properties of refrigerated seabream fillets. Compared to conventional marination, vacuum impregnation alone had no effect on the aforementioned properties, except for a higher perception of lemon aroma (0.9 vs. 1.6). However, vacuum impregnation with pressurization reduced the total viable mesophilic aerobic bacteria to counts below 4 log colony forming units (CFU)/g after 16 days of storage at ≤ 2 °C, compared to 6 log CFU/g with conventional marination. Additionally, the color and texture were affected by the pressurization treatment. However, color was more susceptible, and at the beginning of storage, lightness was higher in the pressurized samples than in the control (52 vs. 78). Regardless, this whitening effect and other minor changes in texture and sensory properties compared to conventional marination with vacuum impregnation with pressurization can be considered of little relevance considering the increase in shelf life, the lack of lipid oxidation (maintained at low and similar levels as those of the non-pressurized samples), and the intrinsic whitening effects of certain marinades.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Enhancing energy bars with microalgae: A study on nutritional, physicochemical and sensory properties

Energy bars are popular meal supplements due to their convenience and high nutritional content. Microalgae, such as Spirulina and Chlorella Vulgaris, are appealing food ingredients containing high-quality proteins and essential bioactive compounds. This study investigated the incorporation of these microalgae into a simple energy bar model at three levels of addition (0.0 %, 2.5% and 5.0%). Bars were characterized in terms of colour, water activity, moisture content, texture as well as nutritional and sensory profiles. Results showed that microalgae improved the protein and vitamin B12 content, and influenced color, flavor, and texture of the final product. Spirulina provided the most significant changes, increasing dark green colour, sea/fishy flavours and candies and grass tastes. Chlorella offered different colourways depending on the strain and brought to the sensory profile some umami/fishy notes that need to be taken into account in the formulation of commercial products.This research has been supported by the ProFuture project (H2020 Grant Agreement n°862980) and CERCA Programme (Generalitat de Catalunya).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Consumer attitudes toward consumption of meat products containing offal and offal extracts

The development of food products containing offal and offal extracts could be part of the solution to the upcoming demand for animal protein. This study aimed to determine Spanish consumers’ attitudes toward offal and the development of meat products containing offal extracts. Consumers’ perceptions were evaluated by means of focus group discussions and a survey (N = 400) to validate the focus group results in various Spanish provinces. The theory of planned behavior was used to examine consumer attitudes. Results indicated that nutritional properties, environmental sustainability, and affordability were the main drivers, while sensory attributes, low frequency consumption, and perceived higher content of undesirable compounds were the main barriers. Three segments were identified according to their beliefs: those in favor of these products, those that were health and environmentally conscious, and those who were reluctant about them. The identification of these segments and their profiles demonstrated the necessity to focus efforts on providing reliable information on sensory and health-related issues to improve acceptability. Attitude was the most important predictor of behavioral intention regarding the global model, while the social component (subjective norm) was significant for two of the identified segments, emphasizing the relevance of the social component for acceptability.This work was supported by industrial abattoirs: Patel SAU, Olot Meats S.A., Friselva S.A., Frigoríficos del Nordeste S.A., and Frigoríficos Costa Brava S.A., with financial support of Government of Catalonia (Project Ref. 56.21.031.2016 3A), the National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA) (RTA2017-00024-C04-01), and CERCA program from Generalitat de Catalunya. R. Bou was in part supported through the Ramon y Cajal Program (RYC-2013-12745) and M. Llauger was supported by the Ministry of the Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (Grant Number PRE2018-084247).Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Sostenibilidad y bienestar animal: mediación de la motivación y el conocimiento en la toma de decisiones alimentarias

Este estudio tiene como objetivo conocer las preferencias de los consumidores en relación con la sostenibilidad y el bienestar animal, y comprender mejor el proceso de toma de decisiones alimentarias. Para ello se combinaron medidas autoinformadas proporcionadas por los consumidores (explícitas) y medidas fisiológicas recogidas mediante sensores no invasivos (implícitas), utilizando como caso de estudio un producto acuícola.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Effects of Rose Hip (Rosa canina L.) Extract as a Natural Ingredient on the Nutritional Composition, Oxidative Stability and Sensory Attributes of Raw and Cooked Pork Patties from Majorcan Black Pig Breed under Retail Conditions

This research evaluated the effect of rose hip (RC, Rosa Canina L.) extract as a natural antioxidant ingredient on the nutritional composition and sensory attributes of Majorcan Black Pig patties. Patties were elaborated with 1.5 and 3.0g of RC and with or without 0.03g of ascorbic acid. The results suggested that the patties with 15% fat (lower fat, higher α -tocopherol), would be healthier than the ones with 23% fat. The patties containing RC had similar amounts of vitamins C and E, which differed significantly from control. The results indicated that RC could reduce the patty lipid oxidation together with ascorbic acid and this could be a good alternative for food industry. The rose hip. Flavour did not show significant differences and its scores were low, suggesting that rose hip extract did not influence negatively the taste of the patties as well as their texture. However, future research is needed to test different concentrations of the extract.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Fechas de marcado (consumo preferente y caducidad) y actitud de los consumidores hacia el desperdicio alimentario

La mayor parte de los consumidores no distinguen entre las diferentes fechas de marcado de los alimentos, lo que condiciona su comportamiento y favorece el desperdicio alimentario. Los valores interiorizados que constituyen la norma personal de cada individuo son el principal determinante del comportamiento final.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Conocimiento y percepción de los consumidores europeos sobre el logotipo ecológico

El logotipo ecológico de la Unión Europea (UE) ayuda a identificar de forma fácil e inequívoca los productos ecológicos. Con el fin de estimular su uso y su reconocimiento, se identificaron tres segmentos de consumidores europeos. Uno de esos segmentos mostró un escaso conocimiento y una peor percepción de dicho logotipo y es por ese motivo que debería ser el objetivo principal de las futuras campañas de comunicación y promoción.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version