Probiotic Almond-Fermented Beverages Processed by Ultrasound: Vegan and Non-Vegan Consumer Perceptions through Packaging

• Published in: Foods 2024-06, Vol.13 (13), p.1975
• Main Authors: Carneiro, Gabrielly Ribeiro, Rocha, Caique Dos Santos, Fernandes, Mariana Vitória Pardim, Barão, Carlos Eduardo, Pimentel, Tatiana Colombo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acceptability; almonds; Aroma; Beverages; consumer acceptance; consumer attitudes; Consumer behavior; consumer perception; Consumers; Dipteryx alata Vogel; emerging technologies; Emojis; Emotional icons; emotional profile; Emotions; Environmental impact; Fermented food; flavor; Flavor compounds; Flavors; Food packaging; Food processing; Food products; Food science; Food technology; Information processing; Labels; Likert scale; Milk; Neophobia; non-thermal technology; Nutrition research; odors; Packaging; Pasteurization; Perception; Perceptions; Plant-based beverages; prices; probiotic non-dairy products; Probiotics; Questionnaires; Raw materials; Social networks; Technology; texture; Ultrasonic processing; ultrasonics; Ultrasound; Vegan; vegan diet; Veganism; Vegetarianism
• ISSN: 2304-8158; 2304-8158
• DOI: 10.3390/foods13131975

Consumer perception of foods processed by emerging technologies has been scarcely studied. This study aimed to evaluate the perception of vegan and non-vegan consumers regarding probiotic almond-fermented beverages processed by ultrasound using the packaging of the products (pasteurized/conventional, processed by ultrasound, and processed by ultrasound with a claim on the label). A "Check All That Apply" test with emojis and the Food Technology Neophobia scale were used. The "processed by ultrasound" information did not impact the purchase intention and the perception of healthiness, safety, nutrition, environmental impact, flavor, texture, and price of the products. The claim inclusion increased the perceived acceptability and purchase intention and improved the emotional profile. The vegan consumers showed a more positive perception of ultrasound processing, resulting in increased perceived acceptability, higher citation frequency of positive emoji, and lower sums for the neophobia scale. Vegan and non-vegan consumers agreed that the most important attributes for consumer acceptance are almond aroma, flavor, and consistency. In conclusion, the "processed by ultrasound" information did not negatively impact the acceptability and emotional profile of probiotic almond-fermented beverages, and using a claim on the label may improve consumer perception of the products.