Exploring the influence of health and nutritional benefits information on sensory evaluation of edible gels in seniors

Growing awareness of the relationship between nutrition and health has increased consumer attention to food composition, especially among seniors. Aging-related issues like reduced appetite and oral health problems create a need for personalized food products. While adapted textures and clear labeling, including health and nutrition claims, can help, sensory properties remain a key priority. This study examined how the incorporation of health and nutritional benefits information influences consumers' sensory perception of gels containing arabinogalactan (AG) and beta-glucan (BG) using sensory evaluation, electroencephalography (EEGfpla), and emotional feedback. Thirty participants engaged in the two-phase trial, with the second phase offering consumers insights into the advantageous composition of the gels. The study provided valuable insights; however, the limited sample size is a drawback that may impact the statistical power and generalizability of the results. The results indicate that while sensory ratings slightly improved with health and nutritional information, the differences were not statistically significant. However, emotional response measurements showed increased arousal and engagement, particularly for AG gels, indicating that this information might be valuable in enhancing product perception.