Overcoming the Taste Stigma of Soy

Journal of Food Science, Vol. 68, Nr. 8, 2003

3 Pages Posted: 30 Jul 2014 Last revised: 29 Apr 2017

Date Written: September 1, 2003

Abstract

Can labels unknowingly influence a person’s taste perceptions? Using a "phantom ingredient" taste test, the presence or absence of a labeled ingredient (soy) was shown to influence sensory evaluations of a food. In particular, a nutrition bar wrongly purporting to contain soy generated negative ratings of taste, aftertaste, and attitude, yet generated favorable ratings of its nutritiousness. Because there was actually no soy in the product, these differences represent biases caused by ingredient labeling. Given the appropriate segment of consumers (health-oriented), ingredient labeling may have more favorable consequences. This power of suggestion might also be expanded to other ingredients or processes, such as those involving biotechnology or organic production.

Keywords: soy, labeling, taste perceptions, food acceptance, phantom ingredient testing, sensory testing

Suggested Citation

Wansink, Brian, Overcoming the Taste Stigma of Soy (September 1, 2003). Journal of Food Science, Vol. 68, Nr. 8, 2003, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2473689 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2473689

Brian Wansink (Contact Author)

Retired - Cornell University ( email )

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