Browsing by Author "Toppinen, Laura"

Global food production contributes to 25-30% of total greenhouse gas emissions and the environmental effects of the food system are estimated to even rise 50-90 % by year 2050. A shift to plant-based diets and the use of meat alternatives can address the growing health and environmental problems related to animal-based food consumption. However, off-flavors may limit the utilization of plant-based proteins in food applications by creating challenges concerning sensory quality and consumer acceptance. The aim of this study was to test if LAB fermentation can improve consumer perception of an oat and legume-based product. Furthermore, this study explores consumer perceptions of plant-based protein products, factors related to their consumption and whether flavor of these products might be a barrier to use. The consumer study included a sensory evaluation (N=135) and a web survey (N=1442). In the sensory study consumers evaluated the pleasantness of a fermented plant-based protein product and a non-fermented reference sample in addition to attributes related to odor and taste. Consumer views and attitudes towards plant-based protein products were studied in the web survey. The effects of fermentation on the sensory properties of the plant-based protein product were very small, yet statistically significant. Consumers found the fermented sample to be more pleasant overall and in smell. The odor of the fermented sample was also found less earthy, but the taste slightly more bitter compared to the reference sample. The results suggest that fermentation could be used as a method to reduce earthy flavors of plant-based protein products and thus increase consumer acceptance. Based on the results to the survey, taste, health, environmental impact, ethical reasons, price, domestic origin and easiness to prepare were the most important factors in food choices of the respondents. Characteristics of the participants show that consumers with frequent consumption of plant proteins were overrepresented in the sample so the findings cannot be extended to general population. Overall, the sensory properties of plant-based protein products were perceived as quite pleasant among the respondents and as many as 83 % (N = 1197) agreed that these products taste good. This study presents that flavor and particularly odor of plant-based protein products might act as a barrier to use especially to consumers that are not familiar with these products.