Nutrition Education and Sensory Evaluation Influence Preferences for Peanut and Alternative Nut/Seed Butters G.C. Carr, C.G. Galbreaith, L. Dart Department of Nutritional Sciences, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Tx
Background Sensory Evaluation Results
Peanut butter is an American staple in nine out of 10 Overall Acceptability - likert scale, valid percentage • Significant improvement in pre and post-study knowledge of households (National Peanut Board, 2014). It’s estimated that 80 nutrient content in nut/seed butters was noted (p=0.01). each U.S. youth consumes an average of 1,500 peanut butter 70 67.3 67.3 • Sensory evaluation showed that preferences for peanut sandwiches by the time he/she graduates from high school 60 57.7 butter were highest among participants, followed by (Kelton Global, 2016). 50 48.1 almond butter and cashew butter. Sunflower seed butter was least preferred (p=0.01). Although, the popularity of peanut butter alternatives such as 40 tree nut and seed butters has grown in recent years due to • 30 26.9 26.9 25 26.9 Taste, color, and texture/mouthfeel sensory rankings their nutrient content and flavor, peanut butter continues to be 19.2 correlated with overall acceptability for each sample 20 15.3 the “nut butter” of choice for most people. 13.4 (p=0.05). 10 5.7 This may be due to lack of knowledge about the health • Following sensory evaluation, preferences for consuming 0 benefits of different nut/seed butters and/or lack of exposure almond butter increased by 38% compared to pre-tasting Peanut Almond Cashew Sunflower to these products. (p=0.01). Dislike Neither like nor dislike Like
Purpose Nut and Seed Butters Pre/Post Test If price were not a factor, which nut/seed Almond Butter High in vitamin E & calcium butter would you regularly purchase? The purpose of this study was to examine if taste-testing and Sunflower Butter Highest in vitamin E education about the health benefits of tree nut and seed Cashew Butter High in copper 69.2 butters would influence preferences among university Peanut Butter Highest in potassium 67.3 students. 48.1 P=0.01 Pretest Posttest 34.6 21.2 11.5 37.05% 37.5% 5.8 5.8 PEANUT ALMOND CASHEW SUNFLOWER 62.95% 62.5% Percent Before Percent After
Nutrient Analysis: Nut & Seed Butters (2 T) Correct Incorrect Correct Incorrect Peanut Cashew Almond Sunflower Calories 190 190 190 190 Which one would you prefer overall? Protein 7g 4g 7g 5.5g 100 Fiber 1.6g 1g 3g 1.8g 76.9 80 Total fat 16g 16g 17g 18g 58.8 60 Sat Fat 2g 3g 1.5g 2g Design & Methods Vitamin E 2.9mg 1.6mg 5.8mg 7.3mg 40 29.4 19.2 Calcium 16mg 20mg 111mg 20mg • Fifty-two students enrolled in a multi-disciplinary 20 5.9 Potassium 213mg 143mg 120mg 184mg introductory nutrition course participated in this single-blind, 3.8 0 cross-sectional study. Peanut Almond Cashew Discussion & Conclusions • Participants completed a pre-study questionnaire assessing Pre-Test Post-Test knowledge, typical consumption, and preferences of peanut, • Participants who frequently consumed peanut butter were almond, cashew, and sunflower butter. more likely to adopt almond butter after sampling and • Following education about the nutrient content of peanuts education, and/or other nut/seed butters. compared to cashews, almonds, and sunflower seeds, • Participants who infrequently consumed any nut/seed participants taste-tested and evaluated a sample butter of butter were unlikely to change after sampling and each and completed a post-study questionnaire. education. • Study procedures were approved by Texas Christian • Due to the increasing prevalence of peanut allergies (CDC, University Institutional Review Board, and participants 2016), education and sensory evaluation are both important responses and sensory rankings were analyzed to meet study strategies for enhancing awareness of the health benefits objectives (SPSS; p<0.05). and acceptability of peanut butter alternatives.