PERCEPTION OF TEXTURE AND FLAVOR IN SOUPS BY ELDERLY AND YOUNG SUBJECTS

Abstract

ABSTRACT The perception of texture and flavor and their interaction effects in white cream soups were studied in 12 young subjects (18–29 years) and 15 elderly subjects (60–84 years). Eight soup samples (2 × 2 × 2 factorial design) were prepared with or without potato starch, with or without mushroom flavor and with water or with milk. The elderly were less sensitive to changes in the flavor profile of the soups than the young, and their perception of creaminess was reduced. Solvent by flavor interaction effects were independent of age, whereas texture by flavor interaction effects were age specific. Besides the intensities of flavor and texture attributes, pleasantness was also assessed. No indication was found that the contribution of texture and flavor to food appreciation was different for the young and for the elderly in the current study. This study supports the assumption that age‐related differences in product perception exist.