Sensory Differences Between Beet and Cane Sugars By
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SENSORY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BEET AND CANE SUGARS BY BRITTANY URBANUS THESIS Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition with a concentration in Food Science in the Graduate College of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2014 Urbana, Illinois Master’s Committee: Professor Shelly J. Schmidt, Chair, Co-Director of Research Associate Professor Soo-Yeun Lee, Director of Research Professor Keith R. Cadwallader Teaching Associate Dawn M. Bohn Abstract Sucrose, commonly referred to as sugar, is a worldwide commodity used in a wide variety of food applications. Beet and cane sugars, the primary sources of sucrose, have a nearly identical chemical composition (>99%), though some differences in their analytically determined volatile profiles, thermal behavior, and minor chemical compositions have been noted. However, the sensory differences between beet and cane sugars are not well defined or documented in the literature. The objectives of this research were to: 1) determine whether a sensory difference was perceivable between beet and cane sugar sources in regard to their aroma-only, taste and aroma without nose clips, and taste-only with nose clips, 2) characterize the difference between the sugar sources using descriptive analysis, 3) determine whether panelists could identify a sensory difference between beet and cane sugars and product matrices made with beet and cane sugars using the R-index by ranking method, and 4) relate the impact of information labels that specified the sugar source in an orange flavored drink to overall liking of that drink. Data from this research indicated that panelists could discern a sensory difference between beet and cane sugars, specifically in terms of their aromas. The differences are attributed to the aroma profiles, which were characterized using descriptive analysis. The sensory profile of beet sugars was characterized by off-aromas, including off-dairy, oxidized, earthy, and barnyard aromas and by a burnt sugar aroma-by-mouth and aftertaste, while cane sugar was associated with sweet and fruity attributes. R-index by ranking found that panelists could perceive a difference between beet and cane sugars when incorporated into some products. Masking due to the flavor and complexity of the product matrix, the quantity of sugar in the products, and variation due to processing may be influential factors in their ability to differentiate between the sugar sources when used in a product. Results from a five-phase consumer study indicated that providing consumers with information regarding the sugar source used in orange flavored drink products has no influence on their liking of the product, though the liking scores of the sugars themselves were ii significantly influenced by information conditions (blind and informed). Although the presence of information about sugar source in a product is not influential to the general public, it may have shown an effect if consumers who favor one type of sugar source were targeted for this study. This research is significant because it documents the sensory differences between beet and cane sugars, something that is not yet defined in the literature. The studies recognized the sensory modalities in which beet and cane sugars can be differentiated and characterized their sensory profile to explain these differences. The results can also be used to make suggestions to food manufacturers as to which factors should be considered when formulating foods with beet or cane sugar sources. iii Acknowledgements The work presented in this thesis would not have been possible without the help of my advisors, committee members, peers, and family. I would like to extend my gratitude by acknowledging the people who helped to complete this journey. I would like to express the deepest appreciation to my advisors, Dr. Soo-Yeun Lee and Dr. Shelly Schmidt. Their support, guidance, and insight have been invaluable. I am extremely appreciative for all that they have done to encourage my academic growth and achievements at the University of Illinois. They constantly challenged me, preparing me for my next journey ahead. I would also like to thank my other committee members, Dr. Keith Cadwallader and Dr. Dawn Bohn. Their constructive feedback and suggestions have been extremely valuable. I am grateful for their time and commitment. I am beyond thankful to all of my lab mates. I appreciate their help, advice, and guidance. I am extremely privileged to have had the opportunity to work with such knowledgeable, fun, and kind people during the course of my graduate career. Finally, thank you to my friends and family, my biggest support system of all. Their unconditional love and motivating words have been an integral part of my success. I am appreciative for their confidence in me and their support as I pursued a graduate degree. They have been on the sidelines cheering me on through every step of this journey, and for that I am extremely thankful. iv Table of Contents List of Tables ........................................................................................................................................................................... viii List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................................................. x Chapter 1: Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Rationale and significance ....................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Project Objectives ........................................................................................................................................................ 2 1.3 References ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Chapter 2: Literature Review ............................................................................................................................................. 5 2.1 Sucrose............................................................................................................................................................................. 5 2.2 Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.)................................................................................................................................... 7 2.3 Sugar Cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) ........................................................................................................... 11 2.4 Differences between beet and cane sugars .................................................................................................... 14 2.5 Other Topics Related to Sugar ............................................................................................................................. 16 2.6 Sensory Methodologies ........................................................................................................................................... 19 2.7 Chapter Summary ..................................................................................................................................................... 22 2.8 References .................................................................................................................................................................... 23 Chapter 3: Sensory differences between beet and cane sugars determined by the tetrad test and characterized by descriptive analysis ........................................................................................................................... 52 3.1 Abstract ......................................................................................................................................................................... 52 3.2 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................. 53 3.3 Materials and Methods ............................................................................................................................................ 54 3.4 Results and Discussion ............................................................................................................................................ 59 3.5 Conclusion .................................................................................................................................................................... 62 3.6 Acknowledgments ..................................................................................................................................................... 63 3.7 References .................................................................................................................................................................... 64 Chapter 4: Sensory difference between product matrices made with beet and cane sugar sources ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 76 4.1 Abstract ........................................................................................................................................................................