Journal Articles

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/7915

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The effect of emotional music on Just-About-Right and speeded-responses to chocolate
(Elsevier Ltd, 2026-02-01) Wagner J; Poggesi S; Maggs R; Hort J
Research has demonstrated effects of emotional music on sensory perception of food, with many findings supporting a more favourable evaluation of foods when eaten while listening to positive music over negative emotional music. As the food industry becomes more focused on testing in realistic environments, there is a greater need to investigate the effects of auditory input on consumer perception when captured with measurement tools used in consumer sensory research. Consumers attending an event in New Zealand, took part in a chocolate tasting where they consumed milk or dark chocolate in positive and negative emotional music conditions. Consumer responses included emotional and sensory associations to the samples using a speeded response task, liking and Just-About-Right evaluations. Findings showed liking of dark chocolate was significantly higher in the positive as compared with the negative emotional music condition, whereas sensory changes were restricted to milk chocolate for the sweetness attribute where it was rated as higher in the positive as compared with the negative emotional music condition. Speeded emotional and sensory associations were highly susceptible to the effects of emotional music. Furthermore, exploratory penalty analysis revealed that emotional music can impact consumer feedback on attribute importance. This study builds on current understandings of the effects emotional music can have on automatic consumer responses, specifically speeded self-reported responses and gives further clarity on how the relationship between attributes and their link with liking may change with emotional music. The findings of this study offer a new insight into how emotional music can influence consumer and sensory science study outcomes when speeded self-report and JAR are used.
Exploring the association of personal factors with affective responses to plant-based meat alternatives with consideration of their perceived similarity to meat
(Elsevier Ltd, 2025-12-01) Giezenaar C; Mehta A; Orr RE; Godfrey AJR; Foster M; Hort J
Plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) have gained popularity as perceived sustainable replacements for meat, yet consumption remains limited. Understanding how personality traits shape PBMA consumption experience is therefore essential. This study surveyed 140 New Zealand consumers, assessing behavioural traits and attitudes related to willingness to reduce meat consumption/increase PBMA consumption. Participants completed tasting sessions evaluating commercially available PBMA products, based on flavour, texture, overall liking and emotions evoked, and sample perceived similarity to meat. Participants reported their demographic information, dietary habits, and frequency of meat and PBMA consumption. Results showed that higher social status derived from PBMA consumption were linked with higher liking ratings and citation proportion of ‘hungry’ for PBMAs. However, high negative attitude towards vegetarianism/veganism was linked to higher citation proportion for ‘unhappy’ for wholefood samples, while lower citation proportion for ‘unhappy’ for somewhat meat-like samples. High meat attachment was associated with lower perceived similarity to meat in both meat-like and somewhat meat-like samples. Additionally, the high meat consumption group reported lower texture and overall liking for meat-like samples. High variety seeking consumers (VARSEEK scores) were positively associated with flavour and overall liking for wholefood samples. Based on dietary groups, meat avoiders, generally driven by environmental and animal welfare concerns, reported more negative emotions such as ‘unhappy’ when tasting wholefood PBMAs compared to omnivores and flexitarians, despite their strong ethical and environmental motivations. The research highlights the impact of consumer behavioural traits and attitudes on their PBMA perception and acceptance, providing valuable insights for improving product development.
A practical evaluation of biometric measures for understanding the consumer experience during direct product evaluation: current and future perspectives
(Elsevier Ltd, 2025-06) Wagner J; Hort J
Companies need a good understanding of consumer experiences to develop successful in-market products. To aid this goal, there has been a move toward using implicit measures alongside explicit measures to gain insight into different levels of processing important for consumer decision-making. This has involved biometric tools such as those capturing facial behaviour, electroencephalography, eye-tracking, and those capturing autonomic nervous system measures, such as electrodermal activity. Here, current literature involving direct product evaluation and adopting biometric measures in sensory and consumer studies is reviewed. Findings show that technological advances make biometric tools a more practical choice in consumer studies than previously. Further, a trend is observed in studies synchronising the capture of multiple biometric measures alongside explicit measures, offering a deeper understanding of these measures and the information they provide. However, for biometric tools to be of real value in direct product evaluation, there is a need to enhance knowledge on result interpretation.
Consumer responses to smoke-impacted pinot noir wine and the influence of label concepts on perception
(Elsevier Ltd, 2025-02-01) Fryer JA; Dupas de Matos A; Hort J; Tomasino E
While wildfire's impacts on wine have been considered a defect due to the introduction of smoke-related off-flavours, limited studies have investigated consumers responses to smoke-impacted wines. The aims of this work were (i) to explore how New Zealand consumers respond to smoke-impacted wine; (ii) confirm whether clusters of consumers existed and characterise them by their liking of smoky flavours in foods/beverages and subjective wine knowledge; and (iii) explore how different label concepts influence consumer responses. Participants responded to liking, emotions, and perceived sensory attributes of five blends of smoke-impacted wine with non-impacted wine, along with a smoke-impacted wine presented with four different label concepts. Two clusters of consumers were identified, with one disliking the smoke-impacted wine (smoke-dislikers) and the other cluster liking (smoke-liker). The smoke-liker cluster indicated a greater liking of smoke flavours in foods and beverages, along with a higher level of subjective wine knowledge. For the labels, the introduction of the label concept significantly increased liking of the wine for the smoke-dislikers, as well as had the power to elicit different emotions and sensory experiences. This research provides vital information to the wine industry as they adapt to future wildfire years, along with how the distinct sensory profile may not be detrimental to consumer acceptance and can be modulated by the type of information on label. Further research is needed to explore how different populations and wine styles correlate with these findings, and the effects of varying levels of smoke exposure in Pinot noir and other grape varietals.
Determining sensory drivers of complex metadescriptors through regression modelling
(Elsevier Ltd, 2025-02-06) Fisher E; Diako C; Shingleton R; Jensen S; Hort J
In sensory science, terms such as creaminess often lack precise definitions due to their multi-modal nature. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), a regression technique known for automatic predictor selection, and partial least squares regression, which handles multicollinearity, were compared for their ability to accurately identify the underlying sensory attributes driving creaminess perception. Twenty-eight sensory attributes were selected after discussions with milk consumers. Thirty-two milk samples were chosen to represent these attributes, spanning a wide range of creaminess. Quantitative descriptive analysis, with trained panellists, and a consumer study (n = 117 New Zealand milk drinkers) assessed the sensory attributes and creaminess ratings, respectively. LASSO and PLSR were compared for their predictive ability and attributes retained using sensory attributes (trained panel) as predictors and creaminess ratings (consumers) as the response variable. LASSO identified four key sensory attributes with a good model fit (R2 = 0.951), while PLSR suggested thirteen (R2 = 0.933). LASSO is effective in uncovering pertinent attributes within a complex sensory experience enabling cost-effective research. PLSR offers a comprehensive model for extensive product development. This research provides an alternative approach for determining pertinent attributes in complex metadesciptors. Resulting models offer clearer targets for product development, thus increased commercial gains.
Do you remember? Consumer reactions to health-related information on snacks in repeated exposure
(Elsevier Ltd, 2025-05) Stickel L; Poggesi S; Grunert KG; Lähteenmäki L; Hort J
Health-related information on pre-packed food products can enhance purchase intention and healthy choices. However, retained positive influence of health-related information on product liking is necessary to help consumers make informed decisions about a healthy diet in the long term. According to information-reduction theory, consumers reduce the amount of information that is processed in repeated exposure. Hence, increasing familiarity with a product could lead to increased levels of ignoring health-related information and an increasing reliance on product experience-based associations. These effects were tested in a laboratory study, involving actual food tasting and repeated exposure across two sessions. Participants (N = 154) were invited to evaluate yoghurts with and without health-related information with a screen representation of the product packaging. Differences in product evaluations and attention paid to health-related information between the two sessions were recorded using both implicit and explicit methods. Findings reveal that, despite a decrease in visual attention to health-related information, the perceived healthiness of the products remained stable. However, consumers reported lower perceived tastiness when health-related information was present. The findings underscore the importance of compelling taste experiences, as taste beliefs, in contrast to health beliefs, consistently influenced product liking. Finally, the findings emphasised the need for a comprehensive understanding of consumer reactions to healthier food products that considers both implicit and explicit responses.
Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effects of the Daily Consumption of Ruminant Milk on Digestive Comfort and Nutrition in Older Women: The YUMMI Study.
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2024-12-06) Ong SP; Miller JC; McNabb WC; Gearry RB; Ware LM; Mullaney JA; Fraser K; Hort J; Bayer SB; Frampton CMA; Roy NC; Miranda JM
BACKGROUND: Age-related changes can lead to dietary insufficiency in older adults. The inclusion of high-quality, nutrient-dense foods such as ruminant milks can significantly improve health outcomes. However, many older adults worldwide do not meet daily milk intake recommendations because of digestive discomfort and health concerns. Ovine and caprine milks are increasingly popular for their perceived digestive and nutritional benefits. While preclinical studies suggest differences in milk digestion, human studies investigating acute postprandial responses remain inconclusive, and the impacts of sustained milk consumption remain uncertain. OBJECTIVES: Hence, we present a randomized controlled trial investigating how the sustained consumption of bovine, caprine, or ovine milk influences digestion, nutrition, and metabolism in older women. METHODS: A total of 165 healthy older women were randomized to receive bovine, caprine, or ovine milk, or no milk, twice daily for 12 weeks. The primary outcome is the impact of milk consumption on digestive comfort assessed via the Gastrointestinal Syndrome Rating Scale (GSRS). Secondary outcomes include changes in nutrient intake, plasma amino acid and lipid appearance, bowel habits, the gut microbiota, cardiometabolic health, physical function, physical activity, sleep, mood, sensory perception, and emotional response. CONCLUSIONS: The findings could inform dietary recommendations for older women and facilitate the development of targeted functional food products.
Perception and acceptance of high seaweed content novel foods (Ulva spp. and Undaria pinnatifida) across New Zealand and Singaporean consumers
(Elsevier BV, amsterdam, 2024-12) Chen A; Lim AJ; Lin JWX; Oh G; Teo PS; Bowie D; Deb-Choudhury S; Samuelsson LM; Chan JCY; Ng SB; Foster M; Giezenaar C; Hort J
Edible seaweeds are gaining global popularity as nutritious and sustainable food sources, extending beyond Asian into Western diets. To investigate consumer perception and acceptance of high seaweed content foods, two novel products, seaweed dumplings and pasta, were developed using the mixture of Ulva spp. and Undaria pinnatifida as a primary ingredient. Consumer evaluations were conducted in New Zealand (NZ, n = 157) and Singapore (SG, n = 176). Results showed low overall liking and willingness to purchase for both products in each country, though NZ consumers rated them more positively in terms of liking, healthiness and sustainability than SG consumers. Willingness to purchase was positively correlated with ratings of liking, healthiness, and sustainability. Emotional responses differed by country and product, with more NZ participants reporting positive emotions (e.g., pleased, happy, hopeful and loving) and dumplings evoking more activate emotions (e.g., energetic, shocked and amazed). Umami taste enhanced overall liking in both countries, while slimy texture (NZ) and fish-like flavour (SG) decreased overall liking. These results underscore the current challenges in consumer acceptance of high seaweed content novel foods, but also highlight cross-cultural differences that can guide the development of seaweed-based foods in global markets.
Taking a Consumer-Led Approach to Identify Key Characteristics of an Effective Ecolabelling Scheme
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2024-07-01) Hay C; Meyer K; Rutherford-Carr G; Hill JP; Hort J; Johnson L
A gap exists between consumer adoption of sustainable purchasing habits and the behavioural changes required to significantly decrease planetary environmental impact. Current ecolabels do not enable purchasing based on environmental impact, and an effective labelling scheme is required to change purchasing priorities. Using focus groups, ecolabels with components varying in the depth of environmental information conveyed, visual features employed, as well as product comparability and scalability of design, were evaluated by consumers with differing levels of environmental awareness. Independent, credible information accessible to consumers of varying environmental awareness was a participant priority. In-depth data communicated through a bar or pie chart with an interpretable holistic message across all environmental factors was preferred. Colour-coded components offering product comparisons and scalable to the size of the packaging, product value, and lifetime were most likely to empower environmentally motivated purchasing. Insights can inform the development of an effective ecolabelling scheme that equips consumers to adopt more sustainable purchasing habits.
Evaluating front-of-pack voluntary well-being messaging for milk powders targeting Chinese older adults: A hedonic price model
(Elsevier Inc and Fass Inc on behalf of the American Dairy Science Association, 2023-12) Chen A; Moradi S; Hort J
This study examines the price structure of milk powders targeting Chinese older adults, with special emphasis on the assessment of front-of-pack (FOP) voluntary well-being messaging (VWM), using a hedonic price model. Data of 456 sets of product prices and attributes were collected from official stores at online shops, TMALL.com and JD.com, in China. Prices were recorded 10 d before, during, and 10 d after a major online promotion event (November 11, 2021). A hedonic price model was employed to decompose explicit market prices into individual product attributes implicit prices, including essential attributes, such as milk source, brand origin, package material, and nutritional composition, and nonessential attributes conveyed by FOP VWM, regarding nutrition, ingredients, health, sensory qualities, and certification. Results showed that above and beyond essential attributes, nonessential attributes conveyed by FOP VWM were significantly associated with price. Specifically, significant price premiums were associated with dietary fiber claims (+12.7%), no added sugar (+19.0%) and potential health benefits (+19.3%), as nutrition-, ingredient-, and health-related FOP VWM respectively. However, nutrition claims regarding calcium and fat were negatively associated with price (-21.2% and -8.0%, respectively, when they were presented). Additionally, nutrition claims for protein and vitamin D, introducing farm environment, referring to imported ingredients, declaring specific ingredients added, describing sensory characterizes and providing certificates on FOP were not significantly associated with price in this market. These findings provide manufacturers with information to better differentiate their products by producing and advertising attributes most valued by consumers.

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