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Sweetness preferences for a sports-drink among US and Asian consumers

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Abstract

As the global market expands, it is critical that researchers understand how cultural factors influence the expectations and liking for a food product. The objectives of this study were to identify the optimal sweetness level for a sports-drink for consumers originating from different countries and to investigate the factors affecting the optimal sweetness level. In the first study, respondents (n=372) originated from 5 Asian countries and US tasted and evaluated the sports-drink at 4 sweetener levels. Consumers (n=256) from 3 Asian countries and US participated in the second study. Consumers evaluated the concept and sensory expectations for the ‘lemon-lime flavored’ sports-drink and other beverages. The optimal sweetness level for the sports-drink was lower for Americans than Asians. The familiarity to the product was a key factor affecting the optimal sweetener level. The results also suggested that information can differently influence the product acceptance depending on one’s familiarity with the product.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food and Nutrition, Seoul Women’s University, Seoul, 139-774, Korea

    Seo-Jin Chung

  2. Oregon State University, 110 Kerr Administration Bldg, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA

    Mina R. McDaniel

  3. InsightsNow, Inc., 1600 SW Western Blvd, Suite 350, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA

    David S. Lundahl

Authors
  1. Seo-Jin Chung
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  2. Mina R. McDaniel
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  3. David S. Lundahl
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Correspondence to Seo-Jin Chung.

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Chung, SJ., McDaniel, M.R. & Lundahl, D.S. Sweetness preferences for a sports-drink among US and Asian consumers. Food Sci Biotechnol 19, 349–360 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-010-0050-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-010-0050-x

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