Effect of a health claim on consumer acceptance of exotic Brazilian fruit juices: Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia), Cajá (Spondias lutea L.) and Umbu (Spondias tuberosa Arruda)

Abstract

This study evaluates the influence of information on the health benefits for acceptance of four exotic tropical fruit juices: açaí, camu-camu, cajá and umbu. One hundred and six evaluators participated in the tests and sensory acceptability of the four juices in relation to the overall impression was assessed using a hedonic scale of nine points. Testing was conducted in three stages: the first with no information, the second with the information on juice flavor and the last with the information on health benefits from consumption of such juice. Between the second and third session the evaluators were asked to fill out a questionnaire in order to obtain its socioeconomic and cultural profile. It was observed by internal preference mapping that the cajá and umbu juices showed higher sensory acceptance in all sessions. Camu-camu juice had the highest sensory rejection. It was found that the information on the taste of açaí and cajá juices positively influenced consumer acceptance. However the influence of information on health benefits can be observed for all evaluated juices, but despite this information the camu-camu juice continued in the area of sensory rejection (hedonic scores below 5). In the questionnaire it can be observed that the main factor of motivation for consumption of fruit juice is taste, and not the health benefits. It was concluded that the information of health benefits can positively influence sensory acceptance, provided there is sensory pleasure.