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Publication

Effect of a health claim on the acceptance of two açaí fruit juices with a low and high a priori overall liking

Book Contribution - Book Abstract Conference Contribution

Fruit juices offering health benefits beyond basic nutrition are nowadays highly valued among European consumers. Given its nutritional value and concomitant health benefits, açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) may offer perspectives when aiming at satisfying health-related consumer needs and wants. The present study aims at examining to what extent health information changes consumer responses and acceptance of two açaí fruit juices that have a low versus a high a priori overall liking. Hedonic and sensory measures as well as health and nutritional-related attribute perceptions are rated before and after the presence of health information by consumers who are unfamiliar with açaí. Differences in information effects due to interactions with background attitudes (general health interest and food neophobia) and socio-demographic characteristics (age and gender) are investigated. Findings indicate that the effect of information on the juicesU+2019 overall acceptability, on consumersU+2019 perceptions about the juicesU+2019 healthiness and nutritional value and on their purchase intention is positive, though rather small. This implies that juices, which are perceived to be intrinsically healthy, do not benefit a lot from providing additional health information. Furthermore, results show that consumersU+2019 purchase behaviour is most notably driven by their sensory pleasure and less by the perceived health benefits: consumers in this study expressed their preference for the good-tasting açaí juice, although the least-liked one was perceived as being healthier and more nutritious in presence of the health information. Health information does not interact with consumer background attitudes. Though, this study confirms that background attitudes effectively matter in shaping consumersU+2019 overall acceptability of both açaí fruit juices: health-oriented consumers were more likely to compromise on taste for a perceived health benefit, although they still preferred the best tasting juice, and consumers with a low food neophobia level evaluated the juices better on overall liking, taste and showed a higher purchase intention. Socio-demographics have a marginal influence, with older respondents and women being more likely to accept both açaí juices in presence of the health information.
Book: International symposium on Human Health Effects of Fruits and Vegetables, 3rd, Abstracts
Pages: 51 - 51